Stump Grinding out tree stumps provides a white canvas for something new. Typically the stump is still in the ground, but stumps that are already dug up and simply lying around are great candidates for stump grinding as well. Grinding stumps that are not in the ground should only be carried out by experienced operators.
The stump grinding project can be undertaken by many different types of stump grinding equipment. The largest stump grinders must be towed by a truck. A truck is necessary to back a big tow behind machine right up to the stump before grinding can start. There are many stump grinding attachments for farm implements and tractors. But tractors require alot of room to maneuver.
Portable stump grinding equipment is much smaller, but modern day versions pack most of the power of their larger, clumsy brothers. These machines are designed to pass through a three foot access. Once in position, portable stump grinders can easily work around existing plants without harming the foliage or root infrastructure. I am assuming an experienced operator.
Older portable grinders lacked sufficient power to tackle the larger stumps. Most newer portables have adequate power. It is not uncommon for a newer machine to have 37 horsepower or more. With that kind of power, rapid work can be made of even a larger project.
Most stump grinders have a cutter wheel connected to a boom. The teeth are typically tungsten carbide tips connected to very durable tool steel. The teeth are attached to the cutter wheel with pockets and bolts. There are many after market options for cutter wheels and stump grinding teeth as well.
Hydraulics power the boom and are controlled by the operator. When the machine is mobilized on a stump, the cutter wheel is engaged and begins to spin. The cutter wheel is passed across the outer edge of the stump. When the entire pass is completed, the cutter wheel is lowered a little. The operator sweeps the cutter wheel across the stump again.
This sweeping and lowering and sweeping and lowering process is methodical and redundant. The stump is quickly being reduced to mulch. Ultimately the cutter wheel arrives at the objective depth. Now the operator raises it up and sweeps it all the way to one end. Before a new cut can begin, the stump grinder must be driven ahead a little bit. The machine is now in position for the sweeping and lowering function to continue. As before, when the desired depth is attained, the machine will be advanced so that a new cut can begin and sweeping, lowering can continue.
The Stump Grinding project is concluded when all that remains is the mulch. A little cleanup is ordinarily in order. Typically a little raking then a quick shot with the blower. And that wraps up another job.
Robert Loeder is the owner/operator of Sno-King Stump Grinding, a local Stump Grinding Service Provider serving Kirkland, Washington and surrounding areas. His website is at http://Stump Grinding1.com. There are really cool Stump Grinding Videos posted in the Blog at http://stumpgrinding1.com/blog. Robert\’s direct email is: stumpgrinding1@yahoo.com.. This article, Stump Grinding Overview is available for free reprint.