Pulverize Unsightly Tree Stumps With Our Favorite Stump Grinder

Tree stump grinders pulverize stumps, ridding them from a yard. Their high cost may not make sense for homeowners needing to remove only a stump or two. However, those with larger properties in wooded areas who need to kill a few stumps a year may benefit from owning a grinder instead of paying stump removal costs, 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 and as deep as 12 inches into the ground. After reviewing many models, our favorite is the DK2 OPG777 12-Inch Gas Power Stump Grinder thanks to its 14-horsepower engine, 12-inch cutting wheel, 16-gauge steel construction, and maneuverable wheeled design.

We also interviewed lawn care experts experienced in stump removal for custom advice on the best types of stump grinders for different needs and what features to look for. This guide will explore what factors to consider when shopping for a machine to remove unsightly tree stumps from the yard and list the best stump grinders on the market.  

1. BEST OVERALL: DK2 OPG777 12-Inch Gas Power Stump Grinder
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Power King PK0803-H Commercial Kohler Stump Grinder 
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3. BEST RESIDENTIAL: DR Power Premier Stump Grinder
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4. BEST TOWABLE: Power King PK0803-EH1 Kohler Gas Stump Grinder
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5. BEST DEPTH: NorthStar Stump Grinder
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6. BEST COMPACT: Dosko Mini Silver Cyclone Stump Grinder 
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Stump Grinders Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

The list below narrows the field to some of the top stump grinders for mostly residential or landscaping use.

These varying types of 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 based on your needs.

Best Overall

DK2 OPG777 12-Inch Gas Power Stump Grinder

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What We Like

• Features long-lasting, sturdy 16-gauge steel construction
• Tow-bar attachment included with purchase
• 14-hp engine is suitable for larger stump removal

What We Don’t Like

• Not a self-propelled model

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Specs

• Engine 14 horsepower
• Cutting wheel 12 inches
• Type Manual handlebar

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. We like that 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 grinders, and the DK2 is one of the sturdiest thanks to a 16-gauge steel frame that adds durability. Though this is not a self-propelled stump grinder, 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. 

Get the DK2 OPG777 stump grinder at Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., or The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

Power King PK0803-H Commercial Kohler Stump Grinder

See It

What We Like

• Can grind stumps 11 inches above ground
• Features a dual safety shutoff
• Easy to operate the throttle
• Can dig 9 inches below the surface

What We Don’t Like

• Heavier and harder to maneuver than other models

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Specs

• Engine 14 horsepower
• Cutting wheel 11 inches
• Type Manual handlebar

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 an 11-inch blade that can dig 9 inches below the surface or reach heights up to 11 inches, putting it on par with other higher-priced tree 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. 

Get the Power King PK0803-H stump grinder at The Home Depot.

Best Residential

DR Power Premier Stump Grinder

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What We Like

• Made with a 3-point stump grinder head
• Cuts 8 inches deep and 12 inches high
• Easy to maneuver in tight spaces
• Features large, high-flotation tires
• Frame constructed from heavy-gauge steel

What We Don’t Like

• Shallower digging depth than other comparable stump grinders

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Specs

• Engine 6.6 horsepower
• Cutting wheel Unlisted
• Type Manual handlebar

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 stump removal tools for residential use and tight spaces. We like that the compact size coupled with large 15-inch tires makes this stump grinder much easier to maneuver around the yard, which is ideal for beginners as well as seasoned users.

Despite its lightweight design, the DR three-point 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. 

Get the DR stump grinder at Northern Tool + Equipment, Tractor Supply Co., or DR Power.

Best Towable

Power King PK0803-EH1 Kohler Gas Stump Grinder

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What We Like

• 14-horsepower engine has excellent cutting capacity
• Can be transported with the included tow bar
• Comes with many built-in and additional accessories
• Large wheels assist in lugging the unit around

What We Don’t Like

• Some users have reported limited durability

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Specs

• Engine 14 horsepower
• Cutting wheel 11 inches
• Type Manual handlebar

Towing a stump grinder can help when transporting it to the jobsite and when covering large areas that have had tree removal or landscaping. The Power King stump removal machine comes with a tow bar, an extra set of teeth, and plenty of power. Made with a 14-horsepower engine with V-belts that rotate the nine carbide-tipped cutting teeth, this grinder can take on big jobs. It also has an electric start for ease of use. Plus, there is an hour meter built in. 

As for its bells and whistles, this Power King towable stump grinder has an adjustable handle, a drum brake, an easy-to-reach throttle, a centrifugal clutch, a front stand, debris guards, and a palm switch for emergency shutoff. Finally, this model has large wheels for taking on tough terrain.

Get the Power King PK08030-EH1 stump grinder at The Home Depot.

Best Depth

NorthStar Stump Grinder

See It

What We Like

• Can cut to a height of 20 inches
• Cuts 16 inches deep for root grinding
• Features large wheels and a long tow bar
• Banded belt drive reduces vibrations
• Honda engine can provide long-term durability

What We Don’t Like

• Some user complaints of the cutting tooth’s design

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Specs

• Engine 14 horsepower
• Cutting wheel 14 inches
• Type Manual handlebar

A professional stump grinding machine must be able to reach greater depths and heights to handle larger stump removal projects. With its powerful Honda engine, the NorthStar is worthy of such jobs. It boasts a 14-inch cutting wheel that can reach heights of 20 inches or dig up to 16 inches below ground, making it one of the best commercial stump grinder options. The NorthStar’s great grinding range is the result of a centrifugal clutch that provides greater torque and a side discharge that gets cuttings out of the way to prevent clogs when digging deep. 

Other features include a banded drive belt that reduces vibration while preventing potential rollovers during operation. Tow bars are a must for a commercial grinder, and this model is well equipped for travel thanks to large wheels and a long tow bar.

Get the NorthStar stump grinder at Amazon or Northern Tool + Equipment.

Best Compact

Dosko Mini Silver Cyclone Stump Grinder

See It

What We Like

• Features a Honda GX engine
• Includes automatic oil shutdown
• Teeth can be rotated 120 degrees if required
• 5 position handlebar provides comfort

What We Don’t Like

• Might be too small for big stump-grinding jobs

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Specs

• Engine 6.5 horsepower
• Cutting wheel N/A
• Type Manual handlebar

Those who need the best small tree grinding machine for tackling stumps can rely on the Dosko Mini Silver Cyclone stump grinder. This model may be small, but it has a Honda GX engine with 9.1 torque for tackling jobs around the yard or jobsite. With a 1.5-gallon gas capacity, this little grinder can run for quite a while before requiring a refill. 

This small portable stump grinder comes with an automatic oil shutdown, a direct belt drive, a side discharge frame, a 5-position handlebar, 500 series teeth that can be rotated 120 degrees, and a concave dish cutting edge that shears materials for ease of cleanup. Need more? This model also has a compact and portable handlebar that folds over the unit for storing. 

Get the Dosko stump grinder at Lowe’s.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Stump Grinders

In reviewing more than a dozen popular stump grinders on the market, 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 grinders with larger engines of at least 14 horsepower, aside from the two compact models on our list. This engine size allows tree root grinders to reach depths of at least 8 inches and as much as 16 inches, which is enough to handle small to medium-sized 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 stump removal tools, so we stuck with models made from heavy-gauge steel that can endure repeated use without falling apart. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Stump Grinder

The horsepower of a stump grinder’s engine, along with the height and depth it can grind, are key considerations. Ahead, learn more about these and other important attributes of the best stump grinders for your landscaping needs.

Types of Stump Grinders

There are three types of stump grinders: handlebar, track, and riding. A handlebar grinder, also known as a walk-behind stump grinder, consists 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 stumps. 

According to Ward Dilmore, founder and head landscape designer at Petrus Landscaping, handlebar grinders are the best type for homeowners with small stumps to grind. “A handlebar stump grinder should be sufficient for most homeowners. They are geared for more light duty use and are more maneuverable,” he says.

A track stump grinder, sometimes called a remote control 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.

“Track grinders or ride-on stump grinders are built more for professional, regular use. They can handle larger stump grinding projects with ease, though they are also the most expensive option,” says Dilmore. 

Horsepower

Most engines on a handlebar stump grinder range between 10 and 15 horsepower. Models with more horsepower can power larger cutting disks, giving them the ability to cut through larger stumps faster. Grinders that have more horsepower are typically a type of commercial stump grinder such as large track stump grinders. 

Power Transmission System

When considering stump grinders, you’ll find self-propelled models as well as walk-behind grinders. Smaller handlebar 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 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 and landscaping around trees.

Frame Durability

Stump grinders generate a significant amount of torque, much like angle grinders, to power the cutting wheel that grinds out stumps. This force places a significant amount of stress on the machine. The best walk-behind 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 models for residential use are not power-assisted and require the operator to push them into position. Weights for handlebar stump grinders range from as little as 125 pounds to more than 400 pounds. Stump grinders, much like some bench grinders, have features designed to make them easier to move, including large pneumatic tires and adjustable handlebars. 

Additional Features

Stump grinding machines 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 or track 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 grinding machine can make quick work of that ugly stump in the middle of the yard, especially if previous applications of stump killer didn’t work. However, it must be 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. Block off the area around the stump to prevent people or pets from getting too close. 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, shovel, and chainsaw handy 

FAQs

If you’re wondering why stump grinders and tree removal 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. What are the cons of stump grinding? 

While stump grinders are effective tools, they do not remove or kill tree roots. Stump grinding can lead to pest problems, and stump removal involves a lot of labor and cleanup. The process can be messy and damage the lawn, which can take some time to repair. 

Q. How do I know what size stump grinder I need? 

The maximum height and depth of the stump grinder’s cutting wheel must coincide with the stump’s overall size to effectively remove all wood materials. Measure the stump before choosing a stump grinder. 

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, larger 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 tree 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. How long do roots take to decompose after stump grinding? 

If roots are not disposed of after stump removal, they will rot and decay over 5 to 10 years. But, softwoods decompose quicker than hardwood varieties.

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.

 

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