Best way to get rid of stumps?

[normde2001]

"Get about a pound of saltpeter (Sodium nitrate), per stump, drill a 1" hole down through the center of the stump about a foot deep."


Sounds interesting...What does the potassium/sodium nitrate do for you? I have used a more low-tech method by cutting the bottom out of a 5 gal. steel can or a galvanized wash tub, depending on the size of the stump. Place the can/tub, (upside-down) over the stump, soak the stump with diesel/kerosene, fill the can/tub with bar-b-q briquettes, light it and replace the cutout piece. It will smolder for 4-5 days,... no more stump.

 

[BillyP]

Saltpeter is potassium nitrate. Potassium nitrate is an oxidizer, so I guess it would make the diesel burn hotter?

 

[StoneHeartFarm]

Seems to me it would make nitro cellulose. "Gun cotton" I think it's called.

Steve

 

[jimgerken]

I have hired stumps ground, the guy had a great big machine, trailer-built unit behind his 4x4 pickup. It had hydraulic powered every axis controls. He could actually steer it around forward and back without moving the pickup 'cause the hitch lengthed and shorted hydraulically, and the hitch swung from side to side. Great big cutter wheel on it, must've been 40 inches diameter. It was a Vermeer brand. Even with the size, it worked very hard at removal of the maple and elm roots. It shook the snot out of itself and the pickup. chunks of wood, rocks, and dirt flew everywhere, although mostly blocked by a rubber flap. Bolts loosened accasionally during the day and required tightening. The operator was covered in dust and dirt in an hour or so, and had six hours work to go yet. I vowed then I would never own one or worse yet put one on my tractor. I imagine it to be one of the most abusive PTO attachments there is.
People have told me they have built a couple charcoal fires over stumps and the second one takes the stump well below ground. I will try that on a couple next time.

 

[B7500]

jimgerken,
Did they use simple charcoal brickets that you would cook a steak over? After reading your post I may just do the same.
-Terry

 

[jimg]

Steve,
Got quotes today to have it done and around here it looks like the going price is $20-25/stump. Most oufits could have the enitre job done in a 1/2 day. So you can figure the cost I have 30+ stumps.
Does your $6/ guy traval???

 

[GregH]

Slamfire,
Where do you buy the sodium nitrate? Can't find a source here in Ga.
Thanks
GregH

 

[bgott]

"Get about a pound of saltpeter (Sodium nitrate), per stump, drill a 1" hole down through the center of the stump about a foot deep."

Add some ground up charcoal briquets and a little sulfer, mix well and then add a fuse and that stump will be out of there in no time! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif