Stump grinder hire
A stump grinder (or stump cutter) is a gardening machine used to remove tree stumps by turning them into small chips or mulch with a cutting wheel.
The price for hiring a stump grinder depends on its engine power and cutting capacity above and below ground.
Stump grinder hire guide
Why hire a stump grinder? What is a stump grinder?
A stump grinder (or stump cutter) is a gardening machine used to remove tree stumps by turning stumps into small chips or mulch, typically accomplished by the use of a rotating disc with teeth. With a stump grinder, tree stumps can be reduced to ground level and below, without having to dig them out or treat them with chemicals. Removing tree stumps has several advantages, e.g. it improves aesthetics and safety, and ensures the rest of your gardens is not infected by fungi and mould that might accumulate on stumps.
Which stump grinder should I hire?
The key characteristics of a stump grinder are:
- Cutting capacity above ground: determines how far above ground level the stump can be when starting grinding
- Cutting capacity below ground: determines how deep below ground level the stump can be maximally grinded
- Adjustable handlebars: can improve operator comfort
- Engine power: determines the power of your stump grinder, typically related with its cutting capacity
How to use / operate a stump grinder?
- First ensure you take appropriate safety measures and prepare everything for safe use of the stump grinder. Wear appropriate safety clothing. Remove rocks and sticks around the base of the stump.
- Next, cut the stump as low as you can with a chainsaw so you have less work with the stump grinder. However make sure not to use the chainsaw too close to the ground because this can be dangerous
- Start at one side of the stump and position the grinder wheel a bit above the stump, start spinning the wheel and lower it into the stump. Move the wheel from side to side to remove the wood. After a while, raise the wheel and advance the machine a bit. Continue until the stump is grinded away enough below ground level
- Fill the resulting hole for aesthetics and safety.
For more information, check the video below:
How to remove a stump without grinder?
If hiring a stump grinder is not an option, there are several methods to remove a stump without grinder:
- Manual: requires a lot of intense labour, and only possible for smaller stumps
- Chemical: speed up the natural stump removal process by digging a few holes and adding water and nitrogen (typically a high-nitrogen fertiliser)
- Burn: apply a product which makes the wood porous, add kerosene and burn the stump
What is the recommended safety equipment when hiring a stump cutter?
When using a stump grinder it is recommended to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Recommended safety equipment for a stump grinder consists of the following: protection goggles, safety shoes, ear protection and hand protection.
Image source: Husqvarna
