Scoring stumps when grinding

[Leo182]

I just ordered a Woodland Mills WG24 stump grinder. I'll have a few months wait before it's here so to kill some time I was watching a few videos on it. On one video, I noticed the stump appeared to have been scored in maybe a cross hatch type pattern with a chainsaw. I have not seen this before so it got me thinking. Is there any benefit or drawback to this? I may be completely wrong, but in my mind it seems that it could chip off bigger chunks, making the job quicker. But then I figure if it really was beneficial others would have tried it and it would be more commonly seen. What's the real answer from any experienced operators?

 

[oldballs]

I'd say that scoring trunks without dulling the saw chain could only hurry up the grinding process, especially on a larger trunk. I can't think of any disadvantage.

Cheers,
Mike

 

[4570Man]

I wouldn’t do it. I’ve seen grinders break off the chunks and either launch them or jam up the grinder. Cut the stump as short as possible and start grinding.

 

[bill9068]

Having owned a couple of stand alone stump grinders I always had the tree company cut as low as they could. The less stump exposed the better. Not familiar with the one you mentioned, what kind of teeth do you run on them?

 

[Captain Dirty]

Back in the 70's I recall seeing an ad for a chainsaw "stump grinder" consisting of a tripod from which a chainsaw was suspended on a chain. The operator grasped the saw in the conventional manner and proceeded to carve away at the stump. Although the saw was tethered by the chain, I suspect that safe control was problematic. Those were the days of big radius bar noses with high kickback potential. Once the stump was down to grade it must have been very easy to dull the chain by hitting rock, dirt, etc. further reducing efficacy.

 

[bcp]

I groove stumps with a chainsaw to speed decay. Maybe the one in the video was done before someone decided to use a grinder.

Bruce

 

[Leo182]

I groove stumps with a chainsaw to speed decay. Maybe the one in the video was done before someone decided to use a grinder.

Bruce

Bcp, that makes sense. I wasn't even thinking about that. I got stuck on the idea that it was for grinding purposes and then couldn't figure out if it was a good idea or not. I kinda overlooked the obvious here.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I groove stumps with a chainsaw to speed decay. Maybe the one in the video was done before someone decided to use a grinder.

Bruce

I do the same thing but instead of a chain saw I use a skill saw with cheap carbide tipped blades. It takes about a year for cross hatched stumps to rot in our climate.

 

[Diggin It]

That was my question as I was scrolling down and reading. Was that done for the grinder operation or sometime in the past.

I've used a chainsaw, circular saw and drill with varying results. I'm thinking of trying a Forstner bit.

 

[Big Barn]

Not certain what they did about the stump from this spruce...

on the highway near me, enroute to Port Alberni for processing.

 

[bill9068]

I’ve got a few stumps myself.

 

[oosik]

I've never had a stump grinder. I've never been that concerned about my big 'ol pine stumps. They are all out and well beyond my yard, on my 80 acres.

Ten years ago I tried boring holes in many stumps. Did this seem to hasten decay. It was an interesting project. 1" x 24" auger. My 1" Milwaukee Hole Hog and generator. Put about a dozen holes about a foot deep in the big old stumps. Did this to a dozen stumps.

Bottom line - it didn't really seem to hasten decay one little bit. It still takes 10 to 12 years for them to rot and fall apart.

 

[oldballs]

I too let them rot (my 3 acres) if they aren't in the way. Otherwise they get the Stump Grinder treatment.
Cheers,
Mike

 

[Leo182]

I too let them rot (my 3 acres) if they aren't in the way. Otherwise they get the Stump Grinder treatment.
Cheers,
Mike

Mike,
If that grinder took care of your problem, I should be in pretty good shape (whenever it gets here). Those are some pretty big stumps you grew. I'll have one maple about that size then a bunch of poplar around 16 inches.

 

[oldballs]

I've done eight Lombardy Poplar. They were piece of cake. Also have done some
Redbud. Russian Olive, a couple Apple and several species of Pine. ... around 40 total in all over the past 4-5 years....IIRC

Never did the scoring as mentioned in the title. I'd have to agree with 4570 Man on that....now that I think about it.

Cheers,
Mike

BTW...Leo....your tractor has more PTO HP than mine. But if you use a Quick Hitch, be sure to use some bushings for a snug fit on the 3 point. It is less likely to jerk around back there.... for a newby.

 

[IndyJay]

Big Barn: they probably put a table and chairs on it and called it a "deck".