Overview of Stump Grinders
A commercial stump grinder is a large, powerful machine used to remove tree stumps. Most are around 60 inches wide and mounted on skid steers or tractors. They have a large cutting wheel to grind stumps down to ground level, leaving the roots in place. The resulting wood chips can be used as mulch. Smaller stump grinders for home use may only be 12 inches wide. The size of stump grinder needed depends on the job.
Cost and Maintenance
Buying a commercial stump grinder costs $5,000 to $10,000 or more. Key features to consider are power, width, weight, and price. Renting a stump grinder for a day costs $75 to $400. Professional stump grinding service averages $100 to $400 per stump, or $3 per inch of diameter. The grinding process takes 15 minutes to 2 hours per stump depending on size and site conditions.
Stump Grinder Features and Maintenance
- Morbark pioneered stump grinders in 1957.
- Other top brands are Vermeer, Bandit, Barreto, and Toro.
- Self-propelled stump cutters provide power to hard-to-reach areas.
- Electric start models offer convenience, especially in cold weather.
- Stump grinder teeth wear down from grinding and need occasional replacement.
- Following manufacturers’ maintenance guidelines extends equipment life.
Can a Stump Grinder Fit Through a Gate?
A stump grinder is a machine to remove tree stumps. Most are 60 inches wide and mounted on tractors. They grind stumps to ground level, leaving roots. The wood chips can be mulch. Smaller home models may be 12 inches wide. The size needed depends on the job. It takes 45 minutes to grind a 20 inch stump.
Buying a commercial stump grinder costs $5,000 to $10,000. Key features are power, width, weight and price. Renting costs $75 to $400 daily. Professional service averages $100 to $400 per stump, or $3 per inch diameter. Grinding takes 15 minutes to 2 hours per stump depending on size and site.
Access and Efficiency
- The stump grinder can fit through standard gates.
- Some older or narrow gates may not accommodate it.
- The machine’s weight may prevent reaching some areas without damaging walkways or ground cover.
- While the grinding blade is maneuverable, at least seven feet clearance on one side is required.
Duration and Process of Stump Removal
- Removing a stump involves ensuring safety, positioning correctly, and startup protocols.
- Most stumps can be ground in under 20 to 40 minutes.
- Jobs are often completed in an hour or less.
- Our grinder fits through any 36-inch gate.
- We completely remove the root collar, grinding no more than 14 inches deep.
- The cost depends on the size, location, and depth.
- The grinder’s rounded tip chips away wood as it moves across.
- It accumulates in a mound that decomposes into nitrate-rich soil to regrow grass.
- Our narrow tracked grinder fits most gates.
- Call for a free quote.