How to Remove Tree Stumps With Grinders
Tree stumps are the leftover part of the tree after you have cut down the trunk. Removing or trying to remove stumps with a chain saw is not safe, but the stump grinder is meant for removing tree stumps safely. Local equipment stores have stump grinders for rent, so you can remove the stump yourself. Before you start, you need to know how to start and complete the job. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Trailer hitch
- Stump grinder
- Shovel
- Gloves
- Ear plugs
- Safety goggles
- Chain saw
- Hard hat
Instructions
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1
Acquaint yourself with the controls on the stump grinder. Local rental stores will show you how to start, brake and operate the grinder. If you have any questions about the grinder or pinch points, ask the dealer before leaving the store. You will need a trailer hitch on your vehicle to haul the grinder, which is transported on a trailer. If you don't have a trailer hitch, some companies might deliver the stump grinder for a fee above the cost of the rental fee.
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2
Remove any rocks and debris from around the stump. Use a chain saw to get the stump as close to the ground as you safely can if you haven't done so already when removing the trunk. The grinder should never be in an upright position at more than a 25-degree angle.
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3
Put on your safety gear. You should wear goggles to protect your eyes, ear plugs to block the loud noise and a hard hat to protect your head from flying wood chunks.
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4
Raise the stump grinder wheel 2 inches above the height of the stump. Move the grinder so the grinding wheel is at the edge of the stump. Start the grinding wheel spinning.
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Lower the grinding wheel slowly into the tree trunk until it touches the stump. Start moving the grinding wheel back and forth slowly over the stump. As you are grinding away at the stump, you will continue to lower the wheel while moving back and forth until you have ground away the stump 3 to 4 inches below ground level.
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Advance the wheel forward to the next section of the stump. Keep repeating this process until the entire stump is ground down. At that time, raise the wheel and back the stump grinder away from the stump hole. Turn off the stump grinder.
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Use the shovel to move the wood chunks and sawdust away from the hole. Inspect the stump. If you are satisfied that you have removed enough of the stump, you are done. If you see an area that needs a little more work, start the stump grinder and move it to the area. Lower the grinding wheel and grind away the stump in that area by moving the grinding wheel back and forth until you're done.
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Tips & Warnings
Never operate the stump grinder under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Never operate the grinder if you don't have total control of the equipment.
Keep all children and pets away from the area when grinding the stump.
