Get FinancingHow To Choose The Right Stump Grinder
Posted On: December 31, 2020
Choosing the right stump grinder can be a challenge, as there are several types available and they are sometimes confused with other, similar types of equipment. Unlike tub grinders and horizontal grinders used to process a wide range of green waste, including logs, branches, and tree brush, stump grinders are specifically designed to remove stubborn stumps still rooted to the ground. Due to this specialization and the various grinder types’ power ratings and transportation requirements, it’s important to get a handle on your specific needs in order to find the machine that’s best-suited for the task. Read on to learn about some considerations you should keep in mind when you’re planning a stump grinder purchase.
Stump Grinder Types
There are two main categories of stump grinders: track and wheel. However, within those categories are a wide range of configurations, including self-propelled, towable, and walk-behind models. Wheel stump grinders are typically easier to transport, especially in the case of tow-behind models that can attach to a standard truck hitch. Stump grinders with rubber or metal tracks, on the other hand, perform better on difficult terrain but require the use of a trailer for transport.
As for stump grinder variants, self-propelled models are quite popular and may feature side-mounted controls or a rear platform from which the operator can control the machine. There are also remote-controlled models available, which add an extra layer of safety for the operator. Self-propelled and tow-behind track and wheel stump grinders are larger and more powerful than walk-behind variants, which are generally better-suited to occasional small stump removal in a backyard, for example. Some walk-behind models are also self-propelled for easier operation.
Outside of the more common stump grinder types, there are handheld models that are often referred to as stump planers or simply grinders. Another option is to purchase a stump grinder attachment, which would need to be coupled with a piece of agriculture or construction equipment for operation. Within the attachment category are vertical stump grinders, which use a rotating auger to drill down and destroy not only the main stump, but also any roots underneath that may otherwise continue to grow.
Another consideration is choosing between diesel- and gas-powered engines. Stump grinders with gas engines are typically less powerful than diesel alternatives, but they also tend to be less expensive. If you have a small operation where you only need to cut a few stumps at a time, then a gas-powered walk-behind stump grinder might be right for you. For a larger operation where you need to get through dozens or even hundreds of stumps quickly, however, a larger, diesel-powered self-propelled or tow-behind stump grinder might be a better fit.
Weight, Power & Cutting Capabilities
While most stump grinders use a similar cutting method, they can be differentiated in size and horsepower, as well as cutting depth, height, and width. Digging height indicates how high above ground the grinder can cut, while cutting depth dictates how far below ground it can cut. These figures determine what applications the machines are most adept at, the size of stumps they can handle, and how quickly they can get the job done. The number of teeth on the cutter wheel will also vary, with the smallest models having as few as 12 teeth and the largest having as many as 132.
Most track stump grinders weigh between 1,800 and 6,000 pounds (816 and 2,721 kilograms) and have engines ranging from 35 to 250 horsepower (26 to 186 kilowatts). However, some track-mounted stump grinders, such as Carlton’s Hurricane TRX series, can weigh as much as 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg). Track models also have cutting depths of between 10 and 30 inches (254 and 762 millimeters), cutting heights of between 20 and 50 in (508 and 1,270 mm), and cutting widths of between 45 and 80 in (1,143 and 2,032 mm).
Wheel stump grinders typically weigh between 1,200 and 6,000 lbs (544 and 2,721 kg) with engines ranging from 25 to 90 hp (19 to 67 kW). They’re similar to track models in that they share the same cutting depth and cutting height ranges, but they have a slightly wider cutting width range of between 45 and 100 in (1,143 and 2,540 mm).
Walk-behind stump grinders are the smallest of the lot and most often range from 100 to 600 lbs (45 to 272 kg), although there are some larger models that weigh as much as 1,550 lbs (703 kg). Engines range from 6 to 30 hp (4.5 to 22 kW), cutting depths range from 5 to 25 in (1,270 to 6,350 mm), and cutting heights range from 10 to 30 in (254 to 762 mm). One of the smallest stump grinders on the market is the Toro SGR-6, which has a 6.5-hp (4.8-kW) engine, weighs only 110 lbs (50 kg), and has a cutting height of 10 in and cutting depth of 6 in (152 mm).
Other Features & Technologies
Safety is key with stump grinders, which is why many of them come equipped with automatic stop features, LED lighting, swing-out control stations, and remote start, as well as operator presence systems on the handlebars of walk-behind models. Durability and stability are also important, which is where ruggedized remote control systems, heavy-duty chassis, four-wheel drive, and dual wheels in the front, rear, or both come into play. Other common features include hydraulic backfill blades on larger stump grinders and adjustable handlebars and self-propelled capabilities on walk-behind models.
Condition & Price
When it comes to condition, you will pay more for a new stump grinder, but the upside is the fact that you will be the sole owner of the machine and it typically comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. Used stump grinders, on the other hand, are often less expensive and, as long as you perform a proper inspection and request information about its operating life, you’ll still end up with a quality machine.
TreeTrader.com has hundreds of new and used stump grinders for sale from such popular manufacturers as Bandit, Carlton, Rayco, Toro, and Vermeer. They range in price from about $2,000 up to $375,000 or more with model years ranging from the late 1980s to today, so operations of all sizes will be able to find the right stump grinder for their needs.