Investing in a stump grinder may not make sense for homeowners who just have a stump or two they need to remove after taking out a tree in the yard. But those with larger properties in wooded areas who may need to remove a few stumps a year can benefit from owning a grinder as opposed to paying for stump removal, which can cost as much as $500 per stump.
Most stump grinders use 14 horsepower (hp) engines to power a grinder that can grind live or dead stumps up to 20 inches high as deep as 12 inches into the ground. This guide will explore what factors one should consider when shopping for a machine that will remove those unsightly tree stumps from the yard while reviewing some of the best stump grinders on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: DK2 12-In. 14 HP Gas-Powered Commercial Stump Grinder
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Power King Kohler Gas-Powered Stump Grinder
- BEST RESIDENTIAL: Bluebird Honda Stump Grinder
- BEST COMMERCIAL: DK2 14 -In. 14 HP Gas Powered Commercial Stump Grinder
- BEST COMPACT: DR Stump Grinder Premier
How We Chose the Best Stump Grinders
In reviewing more than a dozen stump grinders, we used a variety of criteria to narrow the field to produce our list of the top options. Grinding live or dead stumps requires a significant amount of torque, so we limited our search to those grinders with powerful engines of at least 14 horsepower. This engine size allows grinders to reach depths of at least 8 inches and as much as 16 inches, which is enough to handle small to medium-size tree stumps.
Stump grinders are heavy by nature, but they shouldn’t be so heavy that a single person can’t safely operate the machine. With that in mind, we stuck with stump grinders with manageable weights as well as models that feature hitch options that allow them to be towed to and from the jobsite. Finally, durability was a key factor in our selection process. Grinding out tree stumps puts tremendous strain on machinery, so we stuck with models made from heavy-gauge steel that can endure repeated use without falling apart.
Our Top Picks
The list below narrows the field to some of the best stump grinders for mostly residential use and landscaping as well as one of the best professional stump grinders. These stump grinders have durable heavy-gauge steel construction, can grind stumps at least 6 inches below ground level, and have features that make them easier to use. Read on to find out the best stump grinder to buy regardless of your needs.
Photo: homedepot.com
A sturdy build coupled with a powerful engine make this model from DK2 one of the best walk-behind stump grinder options for removing small- to medium-size stumps. Its 14-hp engine drives a 12-inch cutting wheel that’s capable of cutting to depths of 9 inches and heights of 12 inches. A wheel brake locks the grinder into position, giving it a sturdy base from which to operate.
Durability is crucial when it comes to walk-behind stump grinders, and the DK2 is one of the sturdiest thanks to a 16-gauge steel frame that adds durability. Though this stump grinder is not self-propelled, its rugged 14-inch tires and relatively light weight make it manageable for moving around the yard. To cover larger distances, the DK2 is fitted with a 1 7/8 ball hitch that allows it to be towed behind a vehicle.
Product Specs
- Engine: 14 horsepower
- Cutting wheel: 12 inches
- Type: Manual handlebar
Pros
- Sturdy 16-gauge steel construction provides ample durability for long-term use
- Tow-bar attachment included with purchase in case transporting is required
- The powerful 14-hp engine is suitable for heavy-duty tasks
Cons
- Not self-propelled; may require a lot of elbow grease while in operation
Get the DK2 12-inch walk-behind stump grinder at The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Tractor Supply Co.
Photo: homedepot.com
Despite being more affordable than other stump grinders, this Power King isn’t lacking in power, thanks to a 14-horsepower engine. That engine powers a 12-inch blade that can dig 9 inches below the surface or reach heights up to 20 inches, putting it on par with other higher-priced stump grinders.
The Power King stump grinder’s controls include a lockable throttle set close to the handlebar, making it easy to adjust blade speed. With its heavy-gauge steel construction, the Power King is built like a tank. It’s also as heavy as one at nearly 400 pounds, making the Power King a more difficult stump grinder to maneuver around the yard. With that in mind, it makes sense to spring for the tow-bar accessory that allows the Power King to be hitched to a truck.
Product Specs
- Engine: 14 horsepower
- Cutting wheel: 12 inches
- Type: Manual handlebar
Pros
- Capable of grinding tall stumps with a max height of 20 inches
- Easy to operate the throttle; enhances both control and safety
- The 12-inch blade can dig 9 inches below the surface or reach heights up to 20 inches
Cons
- Heavier and harder to maneuver than other stump grinders; caution advised
Get the Power King stump grinder at The Home Depot or ChippersDirect.
Photo: homedepot.com
Honda is well-known for its efficient, durable, and powerful small engines, which can be found on lawnmowers, snowblowers, generators, and also stump grinders. The Bluebird’s 13-horsepower Honda engine produces excellent torque while being easier to start and more fuel efficient than other stump grinders.
Whereas most handlebar stump grinders have a 12-inch blade, the Bluebird boasts a 14-inch grinder, which is capable of chewing through stumps up to 12 inches deep. The Bluebird’s powerful engine sits atop a heavy-gauge steel frame and two sets of 12-inch knobby pneumatic tires. The Bluebird weighs just 250 pounds; despite its large engine, it’s markedly lighter than other handlebar grinders, which can weigh upward of 400 pounds. That light weight coupled with an adjustable handlebar makes maneuvering the Bluebird around the yard a more manageable task.
Product Specs
- Engine: 13 horsepower
- Cutting wheel: 14 inches
- Type: Manual handlebar
Pros
- Capable of grinding to depths of up to 12 inches
- The lightweight design and adjustable handlebar make it easier to maneuver than other grinders
- Powerful Honda engine can take on tough residential grinding tasks
Cons
- Not meant for commercial use or applications; not as durable as some comparable options
Get the Bluebird stump grinder at Chippers Direct.
Photo: homedepot.com
With its large detachable tow bar, the DK2 is a great choice for those looking to grind stumps in remote locations.It rests on two heavy-duty 14-inch ATV wheels that make it easier to tow or push over off-road terrain.The DK2 stump grinder comes equipped with a 14-inch blade that cuts to heights of up to 14 inches and depths of 10 inches.
Unlike other stump grinders that have pull-start engines, the DK2’s 14-horsepower engine is easier to start thanks to a push-button electric start. With its wide 4-inch cutting width and a wheel brake system that allows for pivot grinding, this grinder is well-suited for handling wider trunks. Like DK2’s other stump grinders, this model is durably constructed with a heavy-gauge steel frame.
Product Specs
- Engine: 14 horsepower
- Cutting wheel: 14 inches
- Type: Manual handlebar
Pros
- Portable model; includes detachable tow bar for transporting if required
- Large ATV-style wheels can withstand turbulence and heavy-duty use
- Push-button electric start for added ease of operation; no tough pull start
Cons
- Heavyweight construction may make it difficult to move this unit around
Get the DK2 14-inch stump grinder at The Home Depot, Lowe’s or Tractor Supply Co.
Photo: drpower.com
Stump grinders are difficult machines to operate due to their weight, with some manual push models tipping the scales at 400 pounds. A compact size and smaller 6.6-horsepower engine give this grinder a weight of just 124 pounds, making it one of the best small stump grinder choices on the market. This compact size coupled with large 15-inch tires makes this stump grinder much easier to maneuver around the yard.
Despite its light weight, the DR Stump Grinder is surprisingly durable, thanks to the 12-gauge steel construction of its frame. Of course, a small stump grinder doesn’t come without trade-offs. The DR Stump grinder can reach a maximum height of 12 inches and dig up to 8 inches below ground, which is less range than larger grinders.
Product Specs
- Engine: 14 horsepower
- Cutting wheel: 14 inches
- Type: Manual handlebar
Pros
- Its small size and light weight make it easy to maneuver
- Large pneumatic tires can withstand frequent maneuvering or towing if required
- Frame constructed from heavy-gauge steel for heavy-duty applications
Cons
- Shallower digging depth than some other comparable stump grinders; may not suit some users’ preferences
Get the DR stump grinder at DR Power.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Stump Grinder
The horsepower of a stump grinder’s engine, along with the height and depth it can grind, are key considerations when shopping for the best stump grinder. Ahead, learn more about these and other important attributes of stump grinders.
Types of Stump Grinders
Stump grinders come in three types: handlebar, track, and riding. Handlebar stump grinders, also called walk-behind stump grinders, consist of a large handlebar from which the operator controls the grinder, two wheels that support the motor, and a large spinning blade that grinds the stump. The operator tilts the grinder backward to maneuver it into place then lowers it to begin grinding. Handlebar stump grinders are best suited for smaller stumps.
A track stump grinder sits on two large tracks, not unlike a tank. The operator maneuvers the grinder via a wired remote control or controls mounted to the rear of the machine. Riding stump grinders have a cockpit in which the operator sits to control the grinder. Riding and track stump grinders can cost tens of thousands of dollars, making them more suitable for commercial use.
Horsepower
Most engines on a handlebar stump grinder range between 10 and 15 horsepower. Stump grinders with more horsepower can power larger cutting disks, giving them the ability to cut through larger stumps faster. Stump grinders that have more horsepower are typically large track stump grinders designed for commercial use.
Power Transmission System
When considering stump grinders, you’ll find self-propelled models as well as walk-behind grinders. Smaller handlebar stump grinders require the user to manually push the machine while larger track models are self-propelled, allowing the operator to drive the grinder into place via remote control or side-mounted controls.
Size and Cutting Capacity
The size of the grinder’s cutting wheel determines how quickly it can remove a stump as well as how deep it can cut. Grinders can generally have a cutting capacity that reaches depths of a few inches less than the size of the blade. For example, a 12-inch grinder can reach a maximum depth of 9 inches. There are some models with designs that allow them to cut to depths equal to the size of the blade.
Track stump grinders and riding stump grinders, the largest of the three types, can cut to depths ranging from 10 to 30 inches, heights of 20 to 50 inches, and widths of between 45 and 80 inches.
Walk-behind stump grinders have a smaller cutting capacity with cutting depths ranging from 5 to 16 inches and heights of 10 to 20 inches, making them suitable for smaller stumps.
Frame Durability
Stump grinders generate a significant amount of torque to power the cutting wheel that grinds out stumps. This force places a significant amount of stress on the machine. The best walk-behind stump grinders have heavy-gauge steel frames that can endure repeated use without falling apart.
Ease of Use
Stump grinders are considered heavy machinery, with most weighing well over 100 pounds. Weight is vital to consider as most stump grinders for residential use are not power-assisted and require the operator to push them into position. Weights for handlebar grinders range from as little as 125 pounds to more than 400 pounds. Stump grinders have features designed to make them easier to move, including large pneumatic tires and adjustable handlebars.
Additional Features
Stump grinders come with features that make them safer and easier to use, including auto-stop safety bars that operate similarly to safety bars on a walk-behind lawn mower, shutting off the engine to prevent injury when the operator removes pressure from the bar. Track stump grinders have swing-out control stations and remote controls that allow the user to operate the grinder from a safe distance.
Heavier stump grinders are equipped with tow bars and large wheels that allow the user to hitch the machine to a truck for transport to the jobsite.
Tips for Using a Stump Grinder
A stump grinder can make quick work of that ugly stump in the middle of the yard, but only if it’s operated correctly. Stump grinders are dangerous machines. First and foremost, take the necessary safety precautions by wearing safety goggles, ear protection, and clothing that covers exposed skin. While the machine has safeguards to protect the operator, such as guards that block debris and auto-shutoff bars, they won’t prevent harm to bystanders. Cordon off the area around the stump removal area to prevent people or pets from getting too close. Stump grinders are made to grind a few stumps, not rocks. Remove any stones, rocks, or debris from around the stump that may damage the grinder’s blades. A stump grinder may do the job of grinding up the stump, but you’ll need other tools to assist, including a rake, shovel, and chainsaw.
- Wear the appropriate safety gear
- Put boundaries around the area to keep people and pets at a safe distance
- Remove rocks and debris from around the stump
- Have a rake, shove, and chainsaw handy
FAQs
If you’re wondering why stump grinders cost so much or just how deep into the earth you need to grind that dead stump, read on for answers to these and other questions about this heavy machinery.
Q. How far down do you grind a stump?
Generally speaking, you should grind a stump down 4 to 6 inches below ground level. This depth is deep enough to remove the stump from view while allowing for fill to be applied on top of it and, if desired, grass to grow.
Q. Why are stump grinders so expensive?
Stump grinders are heavy machinery that requires large blades and powerful engines to drive that blade. Larger engines and the hard metals required for stump grinder blades drive the price of the grinder up.
Q. Does stump grinding attract termites?
Not really. While stump grinding does create material termites like to feed on, grinding the stump doesn’t release any scents or create an environment that would necessarily attract termites.
Q. What can I do with shavings from stump grinding?
The best use for stump shavings is as mulch in surrounding landscaping. Stump shavings, like the mulch you buy at the store, help the soil retain moisture while serving as an excellent weed barrier.
Q. Can I use a stump grinder in the rain?
You can use a stump grinder in the rain—just keep in mind that the weight of the grinder can make it difficult to push in soft soil. The grinder can become stuck or may sink into the ground if it’s too wet.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
