Stumpgrinder direction

[SpringHollow]

I am not sure running the saw backwards analogy applies to how I run it. I reversed my stump grinder. PT recommends that you start on the far side of the stump and backup as you are swinging side to side. Since I reversed mine, I attack the stump from the close side. I think the cutting action is identical if done that way. If you still attack the back side then you are cutting down instead of up.

Ken

 

[sandman2234]

Agreed.
David from jax

 

[MossRoad]

Yes, there is a different stress load on the PT lift arms when the blade and rotation is reversed.

In the stock configuration, with the chips being thrown from the bottom towards the tractor, if the blade grabs something, it will want to pull the tractor forward and the lift arms up and over the object.

With the blade and rotation reversed, with chips being thrown from the bottom away from the tractor, if the blade grabs something, it will want to push the tractor backwards and the lift arms down and the rear end up in the air.

Of course, all that can change depending on wether you grab the object with the front or back of the blade.

 

[SpringHollow]

Yep, you are right. I was just thinking about the cutting action but the forces on the tractor itself are different - just as you describe. If there is a weak link, the tractor would be better of being pulled forward and up than backward and down I would think (tension versus compression). Having said that, I did not notice any problems. I am going to a friends house tomorrow to grind 5 stumps so I get to play a little more.

Ken

 

[Rara Avis]

Late to this issue...started reading the threads from the beginning to now...whew...

If you were to get a sheet of lexan cut it to fit the front ROPS
then cut several slots in the lexan to match up with the ROPS
finally slip some velcro straps thru the slots and around the ROPS

You cut stump grind with impunity...
(You could even be a mouth-breather and not swallow any debris... )

 

[sawdust_maker]

Even with our lawsuit-happy populace, I can't imagine a suit against PT for damage caused by their equipment flinging debris.

Yes, you might not imagine it. We had a death in this area recently due to electrocution. A hot wire got into the water somehow, and an individual was working in the water. There was actually talk that the family of the dead guy was planning on suing the local electric utility company that supplied the electricity. While I don't know how this ended, the fact is there were people who apparently considered doing so.

Those who are looking to make some money will look for the deepest pockets. A company like PT has relatively deep pockets.

John

 

[BobRip]

Late to this issue...started reading the threads from the beginning to now...whew...

If you were to get a sheet of lexan cut it to fit the front ROPS
then cut several slots in the lexan to match up with the ROPS
finally slip some velcro straps thru the slots and around the ROPS

You cut stump grind with impunity...
(You could even be a mouth-breather and not swallow any debris... )

I did something like this. I spaced the plexglas away from the ROPS with wood because if against the ROPS it interferred with the steering wheel and control lever, if my memory serves me right. It did work, just too much trouble to get out and put on. I don't really use it anymore, I just keep the tilt of the quick attach plate at an angle that keeps most of the stuff off me. I also wear safety glasses.

 

[FOURTEEN]

Late to this issue...started reading the threads from the beginning to now...whew...

If you were to get a sheet of lexan cut it to fit the front ROPS
then cut several slots in the lexan to match up with the ROPS
finally slip some velcro straps thru the slots and around the ROPS

You cut stump grind with impunity...
(You could even be a mouth-breather and not swallow any debris... )

I addressed the stump grinder rotation issue on 6/14/4 at http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/34740-pt-425-pros-cons-9.html !

The lexan solution is an expensive one that does NOT work! In short order the lexan is covered with mud, scratched by chips and stones, and soon is worthless!
"The first stump I ground resulted in chips and dirt flying back at the PT and me in a shower that filled the entire front area, the seat, the foot wells, and even the canopy! My clothes and face were pelted and covered with dirt and chips!! I used a 12 x 18 piece of Plexiglas to partially hide behind long enough to complete that stump. It took longer to clean the PT and myself afterward than it had taken to grind the stump! Grinding the front of the stump or rear made little difference!"

When the grinder is reversed, both the blade and the rotation are reversed, so it is NOT like reversing the blade on a Skil saw!!

If the grinder is tipped up so that just a little bit of the blade is visible from the operator's seat, nearly all the dirt, stones, and chips are thrown forward or upward. I used a piece of old tire to make a shield over the top and front. Also a sheet of plywood can be positioned on the far side of the stump to catch the debris.

The torque of the spinning blade is so low that which direction it is turning has no negative effect on the PT! The most difficult part of using the stump grinder is just keeping the blade from stopping!! Gentle movements are required!

The bottom line is that as delivered by PT the Stump Grinder is nearly unusable and is seriously dangerous to the operator!! Safety glasses and face shields are just about worthless!!

Since changing rotation I have cut dozens of stumps and hundreds of feet of trench in clean comfort and safety!!

 

[tlb]

Fourteen,
Glad you are back and OK.

I have been debating whether to get a stump grinder or wheeled trencher or both. I would prefer not to spend money for both but I need to grind stumps and do some trenching. My question is, how well does the stump grinder trench? How deep? I am wanting to lay outdoor romex and water lines 4"-8" below grade over several hundred feet.

Was it difficult to reverse the blade?

Thanks,
-Tim

 

[J_J]

Fourteen,
Glad you are back and OK.

I have been debating whether to get a stump grinder or wheeled trencher or both. I would prefer not to spend money for both but I need to grind stumps and do some trenching. My question is, how well does the stump grinder trench? How deep? I am wanting to lay outdoor romex and water lines 4"-8" below grade over several hundred feet.

Was it difficult to reverse the blade?

Thanks,
-Tim

Tim.

Maybe I can answer your question. I have an older PT and old implements. The unit that I use for both trenching and stump grinding, was called a trencher/stump grinder. Mine has a 26 in wheel with about 20 carbide teeth. It is not a serious stump grinder, but will get the job done. Used as a trencher, it does an outstanding job. If it hits some roots, it slows a little, and then continues on. With the trencher, you can trench down to the bottom of the frame about a 12 in trench. Some of the smaller stump grinders will trench maybe 8 in, but that is good for sprinkler or wire.

If your soil is not to tough, you can use a cutting shank like this to pull pvc or wire. A potato digger or a middle buster also works . Right now, I have about 5 different ways to lay sprinkler or wire.
I Just come across some good deals that were to good to pass up.