Homeowner Grade Stump Grinder

Spencer · Nov 9, 2015

I've dug out dozens of stumps with my tractor, but I'm getting to the point where some of the stumps I need to take out are near underground utilities and others are in areas that I don't care if the base of the stump stays below ground.

So, I've been thinking harder and harder about getting a stump grinder. I've been watching Craigslist for a couple of years and haven't seen any used commercial grade units come up for sale locally. I have seen a few used DR Power stump grinders, but they've been the lower-end models and the sellers have been asking close to retail, so I haven't jumped on any of them. Someone must be buying them though, as the listings don't seem to stay up very long.

I am considering a new unit from DR Power. Their most powerful unit, the Pro-XL, has been on sale for a while now for $2,399. I realize their stuff is fairy light-duty, so the Pro-XL is their only unit I would consider. With free shipping this price looks very attractive.

The next step up from the DR Power unit in a name brand that I recognize is the SG13 from Husqvarna for $4,099. I realize this is a beefier machine and it would maintain a much better resale value, but I generally hang on to my equipment, so resale is really not a factor. While I'm sure it is a much better machine and probably worth the 40% increase in price over the DR unit, I'm not sure I really need much more than the DR.

Other than welcoming your input on these two units, I'd appreciate any advice on other homeowner grade stump grinders that I should be considering.

Thanks, Spence

KiotiKowboy · Nov 9, 2015

Tractor? PTO? Why not something like this?

Shaver | StumpBuster

Spencer · Nov 10, 2015

KiotiKowboy said:
Tractor? PTO? Why not something like this?

Shaver | StumpBuster

It looks like those are over $6K, which is more than I care to spend on this.

KiotiKowboy · Nov 10, 2015

Spencer said:
It looks like those are over $6K, which is more than I care to spend on this.

I've seen them closer to $4K, but have no idea of their quality at that price. True, they are not cheap.

From my experience grinding stumps - a bunch - bigger, beefier, is almost always better. I want the machine doing the work - not me.

Bill Stecik · Nov 10, 2015

Don’t want to spend for a grinder ? Get a hydraulic auger with about a 30 inch auger , sharpen it and drill through the stump centre . Works pretty good .

Duwop · Nov 10, 2015

Maybe rent one from a tool company, just a thought.

Code54 · Nov 10, 2015

We rented a commercial self propelled one for about $125 for a weekend (Friday afternoon until Monday morning). Ground so many stumps that the teeth were dull when I returned it. They said don't worry about the Hr's, the meter don't work so use it all you want. Cleaned up the property real well that weekend - well worth the rental rate.

Sawyer Rob · Nov 11, 2015

I dig around the stumps a few inches down with a shovel, then wash them off and cut them off below ground level with a chainsaw...

You may have to sharpen the chain when you are done, but that's not a big deal at all...

SR

LouieJunior · Nov 15, 2015

I have a Shaver model SC25 and it was over $5K new. The link below is a Woods grinder sold by Cabelas. It is slightly smaller -- but that just means a few more swipes are required on most stumps. These units also need two hydraulic supplies and 540 PTO.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/CABELAS-LM-TRACTOR-ATTACHMENTS-STUMP-GRINDER/1699988.uts

kthompson · Nov 23, 2015

Have you priced someone doing the grinding for you? We had a lot to grind when clearing our home site and no way buying would better value than hiring them ground. But that would vary depending o the local market.