If you’ve recently had a tree removed and are left with an unsightly stump in your yard, you might be wondering how to get rid of it. There are several ways to remove a tree stump, including manual methods, chemical treatments, and using a stump grinder machine.
In this article, we’ll focus on the latter option and provide reviews of some of the best stump grinders on the market.
How to Choose the Best Stump Grinder Machine?
If you’re considering using a stump grinder machine to remove a tree stump, there are a few things you should consider when choosing the best machine for your needs.
Renting or Tree Removal Service
One option is to rent a stump grinder machine from a local rental store or hire a professional tree removal service to do the job for you.
This can be a convenient option if you don’t have the equipment or experience to operate a stump grinder yourself. However, it can be more expensive than doing it yourself.
Buying
If you have the budget and plan on removing multiple tree stumps in the future, you may want to consider purchasing the best stump grinder machine.
There are several different types of stump grinders available, including hand-held models and larger self-propelled models.
When choosing the right one, consider the size of the stumps you’ll be removing, the horsepower of the machine, and the width of the blade or wheel.
Best Stump Grinders Reviews
At our company, we have tested and used a variety of stump grinders for both commercial and personal use. Here is what we have found from the best stump grinder brands:
Best Gas Powered Stump Grinder: DK2 Power
The DK2 Stump Grinder is a powerful and efficient machine that is capable of grinding tree stumps up to 12 inches in diameter. It features a 14 horsepower engine and a multi-position adjustable handle that makes it easy to use in a variety of different settings.
Some of the key features of this stump grinder include a durable steel frame, a 12-inch cutting wheel, and a cutting depth of up to 12 inches.
We found this stump grinder to be powerful and efficient in grinding tree stumps of various sizes. The adjustable handle made it easy to use in different positions, and the steel frame provided durability.
Pros:
- Powerful engine
- Adjustable handle for easy use in various positions
- Durable steel frame
- Large cutting wheel and depth
Cons:
- May be too heavy for some users
- More expensive than some other stump grinders
Best Commercial Stump Grinder: All Power America 12 in. 15 HP
This All Power America Stump Grinder is another high-quality option that is well-suited for commercial use. It features a 15 horsepower engine and a 12-inch cutting wheel that is capable of grinding tree stumps up to 12 inches in diameter.
Some of the key features of these large stump grinders include a durable steel frame, a spacious bag for collecting wood chips, and a cutting depth of up to 12 inches.
We found this stump grinder to be a reliable and efficient option for commercial use. The large cutting wheel and depth allowed us to grind through stumps of various sizes, and the spacious bag made it easy to collect wood chips.
Pros:
- Powerful engine
- Large cutting wheel and depth
- Spacious bag for wood chips
- Durable steel frame
Cons:
- May be too heavy for some users
- More expensive than some other options
Best Compact Stump Grinder: DOSKO 200 Series Mini
The DOSKO 200 Series Mini Stump Grinder is a smaller, more compact option that is well-suited for use in tight or confined spaces. It features a 200cc Honda GX200 engine and a 12-inch cutting wheel that is capable of grinding tree stumps up to 8 inches in diameter.
Among those primary features of this stump grinder include a durable steel frame, a cutting depth of up to 8 inches, and a compact design that is easy to maneuver.
We found this best small stump grinder to be a great option for use in tight or confined spaces. The compact design made it easy to maneuver, and the powerful engine allowed us to grind through stumps of various sizes.
Pros:
- Compact stump grinder design for use in tight spaces
- Powerful engine
- Durable steel frame
- Affordable price
Cons:
- The limited cutting depth and wheel size compared to some other stump grinders
- May not be suitable for larger stumps
Best Walk Behind Stump Grinder: Gas Powered SDI Factory Direct
The 15HP Gas Powered Walk Behind Stump Grinder by SDI Factory Direct is another high-quality option that is well-suited for commercial use. It features a 15 horsepower engine and a 14-inch cutting wheel that is capable of grinding tree stumps up to 14 inches in diameter.
Some of the features worth mentioning of this stump grinder include a durable steel frame, a spacious bag for collecting wood chips, and a cutting depth of up to 14 inches.
We found this stump grinder to be a powerful and efficient option for commercial use. The large cutting wheel and depth allowed us to grind through stumps of various sizes, and the spacious bag made it easy to collect wood chips.
Another great walk behind is the Power King stump grinder.
Pros:
- Powerful engine
- Large cutting wheel and depth
- Spacious bag for wood chips
- Durable steel frame
Cons:
- May be too heavy for some users
- More expensive than some other options
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Stump Grinder?
When choosing the best stump grinder, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get a machine that is suitable for your needs and budget. Some of the key factors to consider include the following.
Horsepower
The typical horsepower of a stump grinder can range from around 5 horsepower for a small, handheld and portable stump grinder to around 50 horsepower or more for a large, commercial-grade track stump grinder.
The exact horsepower of a particular stump grinder will depend on the size and type of the machine, as well as the power of the engine that it is equipped with.
In general, a higher horsepower engine will be able to grind larger and harder tree stumps more quickly and easily than a lower horsepower engine.
However, it is important to consider the size and type of tree stumps that you need to grind, as well as your budget and the available space for the machine, when selecting the horsepower of a stump grinder.
Power Transmission System
The power transmission system of a stump grinder is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the cutting wheel, and it is an important factor to consider when choosing a stump grinder. The typical power transmission systems for stump grinders include:
A gear-drive system uses gears to transfer power from the engine to the cutting wheel. This type of system is typically found in larger, more powerful stump grinders and is known for its durability and efficiency.
A belt-drive system uses a belt to transfer power from the engine to the cutting wheel. This kind of system is often found in smaller, less powerful stump grinders and is known for its simplicity and ease of maintenance.
A hydrostatic drive system uses a hydraulic pump and motor to transfer power from the engine to the cutting wheel. This system’s standard is generally found in self-propelled stump grinders and is known for its efficiency and smooth operation.
Size and Cutting Capacity
The size and cutting capacity of the stump grinder are important factors to consider, as they determine the size of tree stumps that the machine can handle.
A larger, more powerful stump grinder will be able to grind larger and harder tree stumps more quickly and easily than a smaller, less powerful machine.
Ease of Use
The ease of use of the tree stump grinder is important if you are a homeowner or small business owner who will be using the machine infrequently. Look for a stump grinder with intuitive controls and features that make it easy to operate and maintain.
Durability
The durability of the stump grinder determines how long the machine will last and how well it will hold up under heavy use.
Look for a stump grinder with a strong and sturdy chassis, durable cutting teeth, and other features that are designed to withstand the rigors of professional use.
Warranty
Check the warranty offered by different brands to see which one offers the most protection. Stump grinders typically come with a 3 year limited warranty.
Dealer Support
Choose a brand that has a strong dealer network in your state or the local area, as this can make it easier to get service or support if you have any issues with your machine.
Extra Features
Many stump grinders come with additional features that can make them more convenient and efficient to use. These may include features such as a self-propelled drive system, a hydraulic lift, or a telescoping handle.
Consider which features are most important to you and choose a stump grinder that offers them within the budget.
Types of Stump Grinders
There are several types of stump grinders, each of which is designed for different users and applications. The main types of stump grinders are:
Handheld Stump Grinders
Handhelds are small, portable machines that are designed to be used by homeowners and small business owners.
They are often electric-powered and are best suited for small tree stumps in easy-to-access areas.
Walk-behind Stump Grinders
Walk-behind stump grinders are larger than handheld stump grinders and are designed to be used by professionals or by homeowners with larger tree stumps.
They are typically powered by gasoline engines and have a self-propelled drive system that allows the operator to easily move the machine around the job site.
Towable Stump Grinders
Towable stump grinders are larger and more powerful than walk-behind stump grinders, and they are designed to be used by professionals or by homeowners with large tree stumps in difficult-to-access areas.
They are mainly powered by gasoline engines and have a towing hitch that allows them to be attached to a truck or other vehicle for transportation to the job site.
Track Stump Grinders
Track stump grinders are the largest and most powerful type of stump grinder. They are designed to be used by professionals and are typically used to remove large, mature tree stumps in challenging terrain.
They are powered by gasoline engines and have a track drive system that allows them to easily navigate over rough or uneven ground.
Skid Steer Stump Grinders
Skid steer stump grinders are another type of stump grinder that can be used by professionals or homeowners with large tree stumps in difficult-to-access areas.
They are designed to be attached to a skid steer loader, which is a piece of heavy equipment that is commonly used in construction and landscaping.
Skid steer stump grinders are typically more powerful and efficient than handheld or walk-behind stump grinders, and they can be used to remove even large mature tree stumps.
Like other types of stump grinders, skid steer stump grinders are powered by gasoline engines and have a cutting mechanism that grinds the stump down to ground level.
They are a useful tool for clearing land or preparing an area for landscaping or construction, and they can be an efficient and effective way to remove tree stumps in challenging terrain or hard-to-reach areas.
Bobcat Stump Grinder Attachments
Bobcat stump grinder attachments are attachments that can be used with a Bobcat skid steer loader to turn it into a stump grinder. These attachments are designed to be attached to the front of a Bobcat skid steer loader and used to remove even large mature tree stumps.
Most commonly they have a cutting mechanism that grinds the stump down to ground level, and they are powered by the skid steer loader’s engine.
Like other types of stump grinders, Bobcat stump grinder attachments are a useful tool for clearing land or preparing an area for landscaping or construction. and they can effectively remove tree stumps in challenging terrain or hard-to-reach areas.
What are the Main Components Of A Stump Grinder?
There are multiple main components of a stump grinder that is important to understand, as they may be the key to finding the best stump grinder for your specific needs.
Cutting Wheel
The cutting wheel is the most important component of a stump grinder, as it is responsible for grinding the stump into wood chips.
It is important to choose a cutting wheel that is made of durable materials, such as carbide teeth, and that is suitable for the size and type of tree stumps you will be working on.
Engine
The engine is the power source of the stump grinder, and it is important to choose an engine that is powerful enough to handle the job.
Gasoline engines are typically more powerful than electric engines, but they may be louder and produce more emissions. Electric engines are quieter and more environmentally friendly, but they may not be as powerful.
Drive system
The drive system is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the cutting wheel, and it is important to choose a drive system that is efficient and reliable.
Look for a stump grinder with a well-designed drive system that uses gears, belts, or other mechanical components to deliver power smoothly and consistently.
Cutting Teeth
The cutting teeth are the small, sharp blades that are mounted on the cutting wheel, and they are responsible for cutting through the wood of the tree stump.
Consider buying a stump grinder with cutting teeth that are made of durable materials and that are spaced and angled properly to maximize cutting efficiency.
Blade Guard
The blade guard is a protective cover that is placed over the cutting wheel to prevent debris from flying out and to protect the operator from the moving parts of the machine.
Choose a stump grinder with a blade guard that is effective at containing debris and that is easy to attach and remove.
Controls
The controls are used to operate the stump grinder, and it is important to choose a stump grinder with controls that are easy to use and that
FAQs
How Much Does a Stump Grinder Cost?
The cost of a stump grinder will depend on the size and power of the machine, as well as any additional features it may have. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $400 per day to rent a stump grinder or around $2,000 to $5,000 to purchase one outright.
However, prices can vary widely, and you may be able to find a more affordable option depending on your location and the specific features you are looking for.
How Deep Does a Stump Grinder Grind Tree Stump?
The depth to which a stump grinder can grind a tree stump depends on the size and power of the machine, as well as the type and condition of the stump.
In general, most stump grinders are able to grind stumps down to a depth of about 12 inches below ground level, although some more powerful models may be able to grind deeper. The width of the cut also varies, with some stump grinders able to make cuts up to several inches wide.
It’s important to keep in mind that the goal of stump grinding is not to completely remove the stump, but rather to grind it down to a level that is even with the surrounding ground, making it easier to cover or remove.
Can I Use a Stump Grinder to Remove Tree Stumps that are Partially Underground?
Yes, you can use a stump grinder to remove tree stumps that are partially underground. In fact, most stump grinders are designed specifically for this purpose, as tree stumps are often partially buried when they are removed.
To use a stump grinder to remove a partially underground tree stump, you will need to first clear away any dirt, grass, or other debris that is covering the stump.
What to Do with the Debris and Wood Shavings Produced by the Stump Grinder?
There are several options for disposing of the debris and wood shavings produced by a stump grinder, including:
- Composting: If the wood shavings are free of any chemical treatments or contaminants, you can add them to a compost pile where they will break down over time and enrich the soil.
- Mulching: You can use wood shavings as mulch for your garden or landscape beds, which will help to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Landscaping: The debris and wood shavings produced by a stump grinder can also be used to create low-lying features in your landscape, such as a border around a flower bed or a path through a wooded area.
- Disposal: If you are unable to reuse the debris and wood shavings produced by the stump grinder, you can dispose of them in a landfill or wood recycling center.
It’s important to follow local regulations and guidelines when disposing of debris and wood shavings, as these can vary depending on your location.
Best Stump Grinders – Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re looking to remove a tree stump from your yard, a stump grinder machine is a great option.
Be sure to consider factors such as size and type of tree stumps, cutting capacity, engine power, cutting wheel size, weight, and price when choosing the best stump grinder machine for your needs.
Whether you choose to rent or buy a stump grinder, be sure to follow all safety precautions and use the machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Wear protective gear, such as gloves, eye protection, and a hard hat, and make sure the area around the stump is clear of debris and other objects. Keep a safe distance from the machine while it is in operation and never leave it unattended while it is running.
Consider other ways to kill pine trees in our definite article.
With the right equipment and caution, you can successfully remove tree stumps and enjoy a beautiful, clear yard.
