One question we’re often asked is what machinery we use for professional stump grinding and removal jobs, so we’ll try to answer it here.
Stump Removal Equipment
The short answer is that the type of equipment we use will vary according to the part of the country where we are doing the job. We tend to use brands offering the best backup and support in the area in which we operate. Luckily, there are a number of different ones to choose from.
We should also stress that our StumpBusters up and down the country are all owner-operators, so don’t hire machinery. That means we know and understand our kit inside out, including the strengths, weaknesses and capabilities of each machine.
This allows us to be highly reliable and effective in everything we do. It is no secret that stump grinders can be temperamental pieces of equipment at times, given the heavy-duty nature of the work they do and the rigours they are put through.
So, stump grinders are prone to breaking down and machine fatigue. But, as dedicated stump removal specialists, we know all about this and work to minimise issues as part of our daily processes and operations.
This sets us apart from, for example, tree surgeons and gardeners, who routinely use potentially substandard rental machines that may not have been maintained correctly. Taking more time which in turn increases costs for everyone, and often not completing the ‘grind’ sufficiently enough to use the area afterwards.
How does Stump Grinding Machinery typically work?
Most stump grinders use a rotating cutting wheel with durable teeth to chip away at the timber, to remove the stump and its roots below ground level.
But we will make use of several types of machines depending on the job. Some machines are compact and operated by hand which can access areas through houses or businesses, some you walk behind and are operated via hydraulics, others are remote controlled and far larger.
Some stump grinders are on tracks, like a tank, and you operate them from behind or via a remote. These are ideal for rough terrain or bigger stumps and are easily manoeuvreable.
Finally, some grinders are attached to excavators or similar earth-moving equipment. These generally are not as versatile and cannot be used in many situations due to the machines physical size and weight.
What affects our choice of Stump Removal Equipment?
The stump’s size, age, height, diameter, and its complexity, plus the terrain, will help determine the selection of the stump grinder we use. Condition matters, too – an older stump, which has started to rot, for example, will be softer and therefore easier to grind. We will also consider whether we are grinding one stump or several.
Equally, we will base our choice on ease of access. Thanks to our extensive line-up of kit, we can grind within millimetres of a wall or similar obstruction, without causing any damage, while challenges like narrow passageways or awkward angles pose no problems for us.
Our wide range of equipment means we can clear any stump, no matter its size or access.
Get in touch
At StumpBusters, we’ve been providing professional tree stump removal and grinding services to domestic and commercial customers for 30+ years nationally. Not only are we fully insured and qualified, but we also provide free quotes over the phone if we know the stump’s diameter and height above ground level and access.
We have a network of StumpBusters across the UK. Find your nearest local operator and get in touch.