Owens Corning

How to Operate a Stump Grinder

Removing even a small stump involves an unbelievable amount of grunt work and that's why most landscapers use a stump grinder instead of doing it by hand. You'll find most rental centers offer a small gas-powered stump grinder for rent for about $60 for a half-day or $100 all day. Since the grinding process goes quickly, you may want to canvas your neighborhood to see if you can split the rental cost with several neighbors.

Don't let the term small machine fool you because these grinders are only small when compared to the commercial version. It's a brute of a machine to transport and handle and unless you have a truck, you will need to rent a trailer to get it to the jobsite.

The machine uses a gas engine that turns a 12 to 18 inch carbide-toothed cutter head. There are several designs on the market; some mount the cutter on the front while others are in the rear, but they all operate in basically the same way. The unit measures approximately 24 inches wide so it fits through most fence gates.

Before starting the motor, position grinder so that the cutter head is over the stump, but not touching the stump or ground. On large stumps start grinding near the side of the stump. When grinder is in position pull out the choke and turn the key to start the motor. Push in the choke when engine runs smoothly. Lower the cutter head onto the stump and gradually grind it by moving the head left to right over it. Reposition the grinder as needed so the cutter reaches all parts of the stump.

To operate, position the cutter over the stump and apply the break to lock one wheel. If the stump is larger than 12 inches, position the cutter head so it grinds the near side of the stump. Once grinder is in position, lock the wheel by applying the break. Only one wheel is locked so the grinder can pivot around it allowing the cutter head to move over the stump. Keep the cutter head moving, but don't try to chip away too much with one pass or the cutter head will dig a groove and begin to chatter when you try to move it sideways. If this happens, lift the cutter head up, move it to the other side of the stump and begin again moving in the other direction.

If the ground is soft, position the wheels of the grinder on plywood so it doesn't create ruts. You have to reposition the machine several times if you are grinding a large stump. Turn the motor off and wait for the cutter to stop rotation whenever you move it.

To transport the unit most rental outlets have a small flat bed trailer that hitches to a standard ball hitch. Some trailers have a tilt bed making loading and unloading easier. Use a garden rake to remove the wood chips from the area and shovel the soil back into the hole. You will have to add dirt to level the area since the stump is gone. To grind a two-foot diameter hard wood stump takes about one half hour. It takes about ten minutes to grind a 10-inch diameter pine tree stump.

Think Safety

1. The unit can kick back stones, dirt and any debris in the soil so wear eye protection i.e. safety goggles, glasses or a face shield and wear long pants, heavy work shoes or boots.

2. The motor is loud so protect ears with ear plugs.

3. Before starting the engine make sure that the cutter head is not in contact with the tree stump or the ground. The machine is direct drive so as soon as the motor starts, the cutter head turns.

4. Check the ground surrounding the stump for loose debris that the cutter head may throw back at you.

5. When operating the grinder, make sure that no one is standing close behind it because the cutter head throws debris to the rear.

6. When the engine is turned off, wait until it completely stops before resting the cutter head on the ground because as long as the engine is rotating, the cutter head is still moving.

7. The handle of the grinder rises as the cutter head eats away at the stump. Reposition the adjustable handle so the handle maintains at a comfortable working angle so you keep a comfortable grip and have best control over the unit. Always maintain a two-handed grip on the handle, the locked wheel prevents the unit from kicking back, but it can kick sideways.

8. When the cutter head chatters or the motor begins to bog down or if the cutter will not move sideways, raise the cutter off the stump, move it a few inches in the direction you want to go and then lower the cutter onto the stump and continue chipping.

written by Katie and Gene Hamilton

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