7 BEST Stump Grinders: Small, Compact, Large, Cheap, Professional, And Residential…

BEST Stump Grinders: Small, Compact, Large, Cheap, Professional, And Residential

Stump grinders are among the fastest and most efficient tools for getting rid of stumps and certain other types of wood in yards. Whether you’re looking for a handheld stump grinder or the best stump grinder for commercial needs, these stump grinders are the best options currently on the market.

Before we get into the stump grinder reviews, there’s one thing to consider: You can buy or rent these tools, even if you’re a commercial user. We’ll discuss this in more detail later because each option has its benefits, but you don’t need to feel like you’re limited to just one option.

Tree Stump Grinder Reviews

DK2 Stump Grinder

  • A 14 horsepower unit that’s very portable
  • Great for home and farm use
  • 12-inch cutting head

Power King Stump Grinder

  • Also 14 HP but has 11 inch cutting teeth
  • Best seller on Home Depot
  • Another good choice for residential use

DOSKO Stump Grinder

  • A range of buying options
  • Mini stump grinder, self propelled, swivel grinder
  • Professional commercial stump grinding

If you’re looking for the best stump grinder for the money, these are the ones to look at.

For more information before buying, check out our stump grinding guide.

best, stump, grinders, small, compact

DK2 Power Adjustable Stump Grinder – Best For Residential Use

Detail K2’s 14 horsepower grinder is a heavy but powerful portable stump grinder.

The key feature is its direct belt drive system, which avoids the clutch and powers a 3600 RPM system for its 12-inch cutting head. The gas engine provides excellent performance in practically all environments, while the sturdy frame helps absorb shocks.

This is a great choice for most home and farm needs because it offers precision, reliability, and simplicity. It’s also beginner-friendly because Detail K2 ships it with ear, eye, and hand protection. Stump grinders come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, but the attention to user safety here is a major positive.

This grinder works well on fresh and old stumps alike and comes with a dual locking wheel system to make it safer and easier to use on rough terrain. In total, this grinder works for up to 12 inches above ground level and nine inches below, which is a comfortable range for any grinder.

Although not the absolute best model on the market, the Detail K2’s excellent balance of price, reliability, and performance make it a great option for regular home and farm owners looking for the best stump grinder for the money.

See our complete DK2 Stump Grinder review for much more information.

  • The best option for most personal needs
  • Excellent cutting range
  • Reasonably affordable

Generac Pro Walk Behind Stump Grinder – Cheap Option

Generac’s Pro Stump Grinder is a good runner-up when you’re looking for the best stump grinders.

Although not as large as some other residential stump grinders, its 12 gauge steel gives it a comparatively light and durable design. The detachable tow bar is a nice touch that can help you attach it to various other devices.

The engine is surprisingly powerful for this machine’s size, allowing it to cut cleanly and with good fuel efficiency. However, as a lighter machine, this works best in prepared areas that are free of grass, weeds, and other items that can tangle around the cutting head. It’s not as good in wilder areas.

Similarly, this stump grinder isn’t very good for hills. That’s a common concern among buyers, so it’s worth being aware of. None of this means that Generac’s stump grinder is a bad choice, but it is a little harder to use than our top choice.

This is a good machine if you’re looking for something relatively simple and affordable. It’s not strong enough for commercial purposes, but if you want to clear just one or two properties, it usually gets the job done.

Bear Cat SG340 Stump Grinder – Best Small

Bear Cat isn’t as well-known as some other brands, but this surprisingly powerful unit can still get the cost done.

Note that cheap, in this context, is entirely relative. This grinder is still almost 2500 because you’re not going to find a unit that’s both good and extremely cheap.

The SG340 uses a Honda engine to power a seven-inch cutting head.

While the head itself is smaller than you’ll see with some of the competition, its horizontal placement on a 23-inch wide unit means it’s easy to maneuver this grinder through almost any environment. Meanwhile, the single-wheel brake system makes it easy to turn and pivot once you’re in place.

For convenience, the front part of the unit has a screen-covered opening. This helps reduce the number of wood chips flying towards your face while still allowing a good look at the grinding so you can see what you’re doing.

The cutter head spins at an industry-respectable 3600 RPM, which is the same as some other models on this list. Oversized tires make transport rather easier, while the ending choice provides added reassurance. Overall, this is an outstanding choice for budget-conscious buyers.

  • affordable than other stump grinders
  • Easy to maneuver through almost any area
  • Pivots well
  • The smaller cutting head takes longer to grind through big stumps
  • The pneumatic tires are a little vulnerable to punctures

Power King Stump Grinder – Best Compact Stump Grinder

Electric start stump grinders have a noticeable advantage over traditional models. They are simple for anyone to use and don’t require yanking on a cord for several minutes.

The Power King Stump Grinder is also surprisingly affordable, beating out some of the other low-cost options on this list in price.

The main features of this unit are the 14 horsepower motor, 11-inch cutting teeth, and dual V-belts for rotating the cutting head.

Power King’s grinder is also beginner-friendly because it has an adjustable handle for control, a drum brake for rotating, and even a usage meter to help you know when it’s time to do maintenance.

That last feature is especially useful for both homeowners and commercial buyers, This isn’t a top-of-the-line grinder, but its accessibility makes it a good choice for mild to moderate use scenarios.

Power King delivers this grinder with a weatherproof cover, a full set of replacement cutting teeth, and a removable tow bar.

The cutting range here is twenty inches, eleven above the ground and nine below. The grinder itself has a one-year warranty, while the engine has a three-year warranty. For advanced buyers, this unit is compatible with Greenteeth. These are professional-grade cutting teeth with additional surfaces for longer cutting life.

  • Extremely affordable
  • Easier to start than traditional engines
  • Comes with a cover
  • Supports Greenteeth

Dosko 200-6HC – Best Mini Stump Grinder

Size matters for stump grinders, especially if you’re working in tight areas and need the most compact unit you can find.

That’s where Dosko’s 200-6HC model comes into the picture. This compact unit uses a Honda GX engine and Greenteeth 500 series cutting for outstanding performance.

The 200-6HC also comes with several other useful features, including an oil shutdown sensor that will automatically turn the unit off if it’s getting too low on its lubrication. A cyclone air cleaner and an unusual side discharge frame provided added help and protection. Even storage is simple, thanks to the handlebar folding over the front when it’s not in use.

Size is the most important attribute here, so that’s the factor that determines if you should get this or not. However, even outside of its size, this grinder has a few interesting qualities.

The most notable is its use of a concave cutting area. This helps sheer wood off instead of completely shredding it, making for easier disposal later.

The 200-6HC has a slightly smaller cutting grade than most competitors, going about 10 inches above ground and 9 below it. It’s comparatively light for a stump grinder at roughly 134 pounds, but it’s still heavy enough that you should be careful around hills.

It is self-propelled, however, so it can help you get it up hills while the engine is on.

  • The best small stump grinder available
  • Particularly good as a portable stump grinder
  • Comes with Greenteeth
  • Comparatively small cutting range
  • Not a great choice unless you need the smallest walk behind stump grinder you can get

Husqvarna SG13 – Best Husqvarna Stump Grinder

Husqvarna is a solid brand with a FOCUS on high-performance products, most well known for their chainsaws.

That shows with the Husqvarna SG13, which you can immediately tell is larger and heavier than many competing products. That weight supports its quality, though, including the extra-large 14-inch cutting head.

This unit weighs about 252 pounds total, with a bright orange color scheme that makes it easy to spot in any environment. The most notable feature here is its adjustable handlebar, though. Plenty of other stump grinders let you fold the handlebar forward, but the SG13’s bar is adjustable so you can reposition it for comfort while using the machine.

Heavy-duty shields cover the front of this unit to minimize the number of wood chips that fly around, supported by permanently lubricated and self-adjusting bearings that provide an outstanding lifespan.

While this isn’t the absolute top of the market, it’s still a significant step up from most of the other products on this list.

Husqvarna’s gear is much closer to commercial than residential, so this is a great choice if you need to cut a lot of stumps or want to buy something for your business.

  • The best stump grinder to buy for serious use
  • Adjustable handle for a comfortable stance
  • Comes with lift handles on each side

Barreto Tracked Stump Grinder – Best Commercial

The word “premium” barely begins to do justice to this product.

All of the other options on this list are hand-pushed units, and this Barreto sit-down machine is no different. It is easily the best stump grinder in terms of power and performance.

The unit itself rests on wide tracks that can take you forward at almost three hundred feet per minute. That’s not particularly fast, but it gets the job done once you’re on-site. A 14-gallon hydraulic reservoir provides additional power for engaging the arm, while simple controls provide outstanding cutting precision in practically any environment.

At 1700 lbs, this unit is too heavy to pick up with anything short of professional equipment. Fortunately, its ability to drive itself up ramps largely eliminates that issue, while its immensely powerful head will chew through practically any stump.

If you want to buy stump grinder equipment for heavy commercial needs, this is the one to look at. It’s also a good choice for, especially large or rough farms. This is far too much for casual home use, though, and most people will do better renting one of these instead of buying them.

  • Better cutting power than anything else on this list
  • Comes with a comfortable seat
  • Capable of maneuvering itself up hills and over rough terrain
  • Unquestionably the best option on this list

Buying Vs Renting Stump Grinders

Stump grinders fall into a relatively common category for yard tools: they’re extremely important when you need them, but not everyone needs to buy them.

That’s where the rental market comes in, allowing you to get a machine and use it for as long as you need it before returning it.

There are a ton of places you can rent a stump grinder from, including here on Home Depot (Bluebird and Toro Stump Grinder).

The main consideration here is how many stumps you need to grind and how often.

If you find yourself removing dozens of stumps a year, or running a stump-removal business, then it’s usually better to buy your own and reduce costs that way. If you only need to remove a few stumps, renting a machine or hiring a crew makes more sense.

Best Stump Grinder Brands

Thankfully there are plenty of models to choose from, meaning we’re spoiled for choice.

Some of the best brands for stump grinders include:

Husqvarna is another good brand people will look at – see all the top brands here.

It’s right at the top of residential grinders, and anything better will probably be commercially focused and far more expensive.

Types Of Stump Grinders

There are several types of stump grinders on the market, but most of them follow a vertical blade configuration on two wheels.

Occasionally, you may see a horizontal cutting blade that lets you chew through things from above.

Commercial grinders usually have seats, treads, and movable arms that offer maximum precision.

The main features to look for on a stump grinder are:

  • the engine’s horsepower
  • power transmission system
  • quality of the cutting teeth.

Professional-grade teeth are especially useful because they’ll cut through wood with less wear and tear on the systems.

Main Components Of A Stump Grinder

All stump grinders have three primary components.

The engine is the main power source.

This is usually a gas engine, with smaller units running on regular gas and bigger units occasionally using diesel motors instead. Any grinder that uses diesel is probably a commercial design with better quality than residential units, but they’re also more expensive in general.

Gas engines are significantly more common than electric engines, although you’ll occasionally see electric start systems for ease of use.

Most stump grinders have engines offering 10-15 horsepower, with 14 being a common choice. Anything above this range is either commercial or unusually good for the industry.

The Drive System

is what connects the engine to the cutting wheel. Most stump grinders use a drive belt system where strong rubber connects and turns the parts. These belts wear down over time, but they’re quite cheap and easy to replace.

Premium stump grinders will usually have a long hydraulic pump system instead. These drive a secondary hydraulic motor that turns the cutting wheel. Hydraulic motors are almost universally better than drive belts, both in lifespan and real performance.

The Cutting Wheel

The cutting wheel is the component most people truly care about.

These are usually tungsten teeth set on a steel disc, designed to cut through wood and rocks.

Higher-quality teeth like Greenteeth allow rotating, but they all need to be replaced regularly to maintain quality.

What Makes Stump Grinding Equipment Good?

The main things that separate stump grinders are their engine power and overall frame durability.

Replacing cutting teeth and heads is easy, but a weak engine will always be a weak engine. Similarly, a bad frame will shake apart under the force, often within just a few jobs.

Most stump grinders are easy to use, but they often require pushing and pulling them into position unless you’re using a hydraulic arm system. If you’re worried about this, look for self-propelled grinders that can help you get over the terrain.

Alternatives For Stump Removal

There are several ways to get rid of tree stumps if you don’t want to get a tree grinder:

  • Dig around the stump and its roots, then pulling it out piece by piece- however, this is time-consuming and difficult
  • Drill holes and pour in removal chemicals that rapidly accelerate rotting – once that’s done, a simple ax can pull it apart

In some cases, you might be able to wrap a chain around the trunk and use a truck to pull it directly out of the ground. This doesn’t work on every stump, though.

Best Stump Grinder

From massive commercial grinders to compact cutters, there are plenty of options for high-quality grinders.

Price matters here, with premium tools being far more durable and reliable than budget models.

The Power King Grinder from Home Depot is probably the most popular model for residential, home, and hobby farm use. The higher-priced alternatives on Acme Tools are better for commercial and residential use.

Stump grinders are an area where it’s better to get the best unit you can afford. If you want to save money, there are some cheap removal options, but a high-quality grinder can help you remove many tree stumps faster than any other method.

Lastly, check out the Dr Stump Grinder range for more options, or check out this MTD log splitter I’ve been trying out.

FREE SHIPPING!

The fastest, easiest-to-use, most portable, one-man stump grinders on the market today! All Dosko portable tree stump grinders are designed with safety in mind. Our front-mounted cutter wheel provides maximum operator safety at all times. The five-position handlebar adjustment gives the operator a comfortable working position and at the same time complete control of the machine while grinding.

Features:

  • Honda GX630 Engine
  • Electric start
  • Oil shutdown sensor
  • Direct belt drive
  • 1.375″ diameter bearings
  • Unique side discharge frame
  • Comfortable to use
  • Handlebar has five different positions
  • Greenteeth 700 Series Teeth
  • Features concave “dish” cutting edge that sheers rather than shreds
  • Teeth can be rotated in three 120º increments for fresh cutting edge
  • Easily attach and detach
  • Part # 620-TP

NOTE: Due to potential shipping restrictions along with battery safety, units with electric start are not sold with batteries.

Specifications:

Engine 620-20HE. 688cc Honda GX630 Engine
Fuel Type Gasoline
Teeth Greenteeth 700 Series Teeth (8)
Cutter Wheel 14″ Dia. x 3/8″ Thick
Disc RPM 2500 RPM
Drive Direct Belt Drive; 4 Groove Power Band with Idler Bearing Belt Tensioners
Tires 4.80/4.00-8″ Adjustable Brake Band
Weight 400 lbs.
Dimensions 58″L x 32″W x 51″H
Cutting Capacity 20″ Above Grade, 16″ Below Grade
Towable Optional Tow Package Available (620-TP)

LIFT GATE DELIVERY

This item will ship via truck freight. The driver will not be responsible for helping you unload the freight. If you do not have a means to unload a heavy crate from the back of a tractor trailer (loader, fork lift, etc), please choose the lift gate delivery option above.

SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED.

If you have any questions give us a call during business hours and one of our friendly associates will be happy to assist you. 410-692-5170

Electric stump grinder

We have noticed you have items in your cart. Before signing out, save your cart.

The current items in the cart will be saved as:

Saved carts are expired and removed after 60 days.

You have exceeded the number of times to successfully sign into your profile. For your security, access to your myUFA profile is locked. In order to access your myUFA profile please contact Customer Support @1-877-258-4500.

Login failed, please check Username and Password and try again. Please ensure you are using your MyUFA login credentials.

Shop Online

Find the tools, supplies, and equipment you need and order online for in-store pick up.

myUFA Profile

Go to profile and get access to statements and invoices, along with other account information.

Cardlink

Manage your fuel cards and access reporting and other Cardlink tools.

Delivery times vary by location. Most marketplace items leave vendor’s locations within 5 business days.

14 IN 12 CUTTER COMMERCIAL PERFORMANCE STUMP GRINDER. 14 HP ELECTRIC START Kohler CH440 Command PRO engine. Performs 4 IN wide cuts with 12 carbide high speed direct drive teeth. HD under carriage, ATV wheels. Removable FLIPBAR for towing or easy trolley to and from the worksite. NEW Operator controlled POSI-LOK Wheel Brake for pivot grinding. Comfort bow handle with CE safety approved Hands off shutdown. Demolishes any diameter stump upto 14 IN above and 10 IN below ground. Kohler 3 yr commercial warranty. 12 v Battery included. DK2Power manufactures commercial performance.

Error during subscribing, please check your email address!

STUMP GRINDER / GARDEN TRENCHER

ONLINE SHOP FOR ROOT CUTTERS. STUB CUTTERS. CHANNEL CUTTERS. TRENCH CUTTERS. CABLE CUTTERS WITH 15 HP MOTOR DRIVE. BUY NOW!

Of all Victory power tools, the trench cutters and root cutters are probably the most versatile tools in our product range. Our hand-held GSF-1500 root grinder and stump grinder is equipped with a very powerful motor. It can remove unwanted roots and tree stumps up to a depth of 25 cm.

The machine is extremely compact, because the root cutter can be used from a passage width of 80 cm. This makes it easy to avoid major damage to your garden or to paved areas.

BUY GSF-1500 ROOT MILL ONLINE

The GSF-1500 is a powerful root grinder, canal grinder and stump grinder and cleanly peels out smaller and larger tree stumps. Even inappropriately positioned roots are removed quickly and efficiently without damaging the property. Thanks to its low weight, the stump grinder is ideal for flexible, independent work, even in rough terrain. The Victory stump grinder removes tree stumps and roots from 60 cm above ground level to about 25 cm below ground level.

The milling disc of the stump grinder has a diameter of 30 cm and a width of 9 cm. The hardened milling teeth of the Victory GSF-1500 root cutter enable excellent results.

ORDER GGF-1500 CABLE ROUTER AND CHANNEL ROUTER ONLINE

The GGF-1500 is a trench milling machine and cable milling machine that can create trenches with a width of 10 cm and a depth of up to 60 cm quickly and efficiently. Instead of an expensive small excavator for laying electrical cables for garden lighting

To use gate control or the introduction of drainage pipes to drain areas, you can use the trencher as a powerful cable cutter without causing major damage to the garden. The trenches can be either 20 cm, 40 cm or 60 cm deep.

In addition, roots that are not in a good position can be milled out with the root cutter. The trench cutting machine and cable cutting machine can be used flexibly and independently because of their relatively low weight. It is a must when laying underground cables, installing drainage pipes and working in the irrigation industry.

Thanks to its compact design, the cable router can be used from a passage width of 80 cm. The grave chain has a width of 10 cm and a sword length of 60 cm, has 27 hardened, individually replaceable teeth so that the trench cutter achieves excellent results.

The excavation of the Victory sewer or trench cutter is moved to the side by a conveyor screw, so that you can work comfortably on the finished trench.

You can order spare and wear parts for the Victory root cutter, stump cutter, trench cutter and cable cutter directly in the spare parts area of ​​the online shop. If you order before 2 p.m., we can usually ship on the same day.

A stump grinder usually has a hydraulic drive for the milling arm and milling disc. They are usually remotely controlled by cable or radio so that the operator can monitor the use of the device more precisely or move further away from the danger area. Root cutters without their own drive are intended as attachments for tractors, wheel loaders or excavators.

Small devices are uniaxial, have a rigid milling arm and are guided manually by the operator. They are only suitable for removing small wood stumps, but due to their size and weight they can be used in cramped conditions.

The milling disc usually consists of a solid wear plate, provided with replaceable carbide-coated milling teeth. With the help of this device, the tree stumps are crushed into wood chips that can be left on site as mulch. It is no longer necessary to dig out the stumps.

Benefit now from unbeatable and outstanding performance. You will certainly not find a comparable product in any other online shop with these conditions.

The Best Stump Grinder, According to 1,000 Customer Reviews

Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best stump grinders 2023. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Tree stumps are usually left behind following the felling of a tree and can make an outside space look unsightly but, more importantly, it can be hazardous to have them scattered around. A stump grinder is a heavy-duty power tool used mainly by professional arborists for the purposes of tree stump removal.

In addition to a felling axe, chainsaw, and ladder, a professional tree specialist will rely on a good stump grinder to complete the job. Unsightly stumps can be removed quickly and safely by using a reliable stump grinder.

Commercial grinders are heavy and powerful, and as with most heavy-duty equipment, DIYers should take care and ensure the appropriate safety gear is used. DIYers may prefer to use a small stump grinder in a residential setting for managing their land.

Here is a list of the best stump grinders, followed by a buying guide to help you select the best stump grinder.

Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best Stump Grinders 2023

Source a great stump grinder from some of the best stump grinder brands in our list of top picks below.

Best 14in Stump Grinder: DK2 14-in Stump Grinder | Buy Now

Best Track Stump Grinder: Barreto Tracked Stump Grinder | Buy Now

Scroll down to read more about these top picks for the best stump grinders, according to many happy buyers and stump grinder reviews.

listed in this article were as shown in US on amazon.com (USA), northerntool.com, homedepot.com, and lowes.com as of November 2022

Best Walk-Behind Stump Grinder—Power King 11-in Stump Grinder

Capable of turning tree stumps that are up to 11 inches above ground and nine inches below into wood chips with ease, the Power King stump grinder relies on a powerful 14HP Kohler engine and nine tungsten blades to get the job done.

This grinder features an adjustable handlebar for a comfortable grip, a manual brake system to assist pivoting, and, in case of emergencies, it has a palm switch and safety pull.

“This thing is brutal on stumps,” wrote one happy reviewer. “My stump was 24 inches or so and it ate through it like butter. The machine creates a nice wood mash that will be good for the soil too. Assembly is simple and I didn’t have a problem with putting it together.”

Specifications

Gas or Electric: Gas

Horsepower (HP): 14 HP

Max grinding height: 11 inches

Engine: Kohler Engine

Grinding Speed: 3600 RPM

Best Alternative Stump Grinder—Power King Stump Grinder with Tow Bar

Power King’s PK0803-EH model is slightly more advanced than the PK0803-H model as it comes with a detachable tow bar, has an easier start-up since it is electric, and also features an hour meter for handy maintenance reminders.

The cutting wheel is compatible with Green Teeth cutting teeth, and it has a 20-inch cutting range—11 inches above ground and nine inches below.

“This is probably the best stump grinder for the amount of money that is out there on the market,” wrote one reviewer. “The engine choice is outstanding, runs great, plenty of power and gets the job done.”

Specifications

Gas or Electric: Electric

Horsepower (HP): 14HP

Max grinding height: 11 inches

Engine: Kohler engine

Grinding Speed: 3600 RPM

Best Commercial Grinder—DK2 12-inch Stump Grinder

The DK2 14HP stump grinder has a slightly bigger cutting range when compared to other stump grinders of similar size.

Capable of cutting up to 12 inches of tree stump, the cutting wheel makes this possible by using extremely powerful blades. The heavy-duty sturdy frame is made to last and built for some of the toughest applications.

“Nice compact stump grinder,” wrote one reviewer. “Started right up after minor assembly, along with adding oil and gas. It turned out easier to use than I thought, although it can provide a bit of an upper-body workout. Shipped with a whole extra set of cutters.”

Specifications

Gas or Electric: Gas

Horsepower (HP): 14HP

Max grinding height: 12 inches

Engine: Kohler Engine

Grinding Speed: 3600 RPM

Best 14-in Stump Grinder—DK2 14-inch Stump Grinder

The DK2 14-inch stump grinder goes a little further than the DK2 12-inch above, with a maximum stump grinding height of up to 14 inches. Powered by a 14 HP commercial engine with electric start, this stump grinder delivers a solid performance when it comes to eliminating tree stumps.

The direct belt drive helps to avoid clutch slippage which adds to the efficiency when using this machine, and the deck belt tension system can be accessed easily, ultimately saving time. The detachable tow bar has a mounted trolley wheel which is also very convenient for transporting it from A to B.

“I was skeptical but as long as you know how to grind a stump, this thing is actually really good and fast, fast depending on how hard you want to work,” wrote one happy reviewer. “It does make you work a bit but I like a little work. So far, it’s much better than the rentals I’ve used many times.”

Specifications

Gas or Electric: Gas

Horsepower (HP): 14HP

Max grinding height: 14 inches

Engine: Kohler Engine

Grinding Speed: 3600 RPM

Best Compact Stump Grinder—All Power America Stump Grinder

For a compact option, great for getting in tight spaces, with great cutting power, the All Power America stump grinder is another good choice.

This smaller stump grinder has impressive cutting power for its size and comes with a tow bar making transporting a lot smoother.

One happy customer described the machine as a “beast” and added, “To my surprise, I felt the picture of this equipment doesn’t do it justice! It was more heavy-duty than I anticipated.”

Specifications

Gas or Electric: Gas

Horsepower (HP): 15HP

Max grinding height: 12 inches

Engine make: JD Engine

Grinding Speed: 2200 RPM

Best Residential Stump Grinder—Dosko Stump Grinder

Although the Dosko stump grinder has a slightly smaller cutting grade when compared to other stump grinders, the lightweight design and adjustable handlebar that folds over the unit for portability, make it one of the easiest to use, compact, and comfortable stump grinders available to buy.

best, stump, grinders, small, compact

This small stump grinder is built with a Honda engine and Green Teeth cutting teeth, which can be rotated for a fresh cutting edge, this stump grinder will get the job done with ease.

“Good little grinder,” wrote one satisfied customer. “I’ve had it over a month and have ground up probably 15 stumps. The Honda motor starts every time and the Green Teeth are tough. I’ve hit plenty of rocks. They can be sharpened with a diamond or carbide tip grinder wheel.”

Specifications

Gas or Electric: Gas

Horsepower (HP): 6.5 HP

Max grinding height: 10 inches

Engine make: Honda gx engine

Grinding Speed: 4700 RPM

Best Stump Grinder For The Toughest Stumps—NorthStar Stump Grinder

Engineered to be one of the safest and fastest stump grinders available on the market today, the NorthStar stump grinder will pulverize tree stumps with little hassle.

The thick cutting wheel comes with eight carbide-tipped teeth which can grind stumps of up to 20 inches above ground level. It also features a uniquely designed discharge frame that conveniently disposes of wood chips away from the machine.

“[It] took out over 100 stumps and [I] could not be more pleased,” explained one satisfied shopper who purchased this stump grinder a month ago and used it for a week on a piece of property their family has been clearing. “Most of the trees are cedar mixed with a few oak and the stumps ranged in size from 5–6 inches to 24 inches,” they added.

Specifications

Gas or Electric: Recoil

Horsepower (HP): 13HP

best, stump, grinders, small, compact

Max grinding height: 20 inches

Engine make: Honda gx engine

Grinding Speed: 3600 RPM

Best Track Stump Grinder—Barreto Tracked Stump Grinder

Larger grinders like the Barreto tracked stump grinder are ideal for use in commercial settings, but could also be used residentially for landowners. This machine is a lot more heavy-duty and designed differently than some of the smaller stump grinders mentioned. For starters the engine is a lot more powerful, delivering a horsepower of 31HP.

The cutter wheel is hydraulically driven and is raised and lowered into the stump, and is then moved from side to side to cut it away. Featuring 16 carbide teeth and an engine that is joined to two gear pumps that drive the cutter wheel, this machine makes light work of stump grinding even on the toughest stumps, with a cutting depth of 11 inches below ground and up to 31 inches above ground.

One happy buyer was so impressed with this machine after renting it for a day that they want to buy one for themselves. “Ground eight new cut oak from eight inches diameter to 36 inches in diameter,” they wrote, “and five old oak and sweetgum stumps plus some very small stuff in seven hours.”

Specifications

Gas or Electric: Gas

Horsepower (HP): 31

Max grinding height: 31 inches

Engine make: Briggs and Stratton Vanguard

Grinding Speed: 290 ft per minute

The Best Stump Grinders—Summary

In summary, if you’re looking for one of the top stump grinders to tackle small stumps, perhaps in a residential setting, the Power King 11-inch stump grinder (US1,949, The Home Depot) will serve you well. Alternatively, for a machine that will withstand rough terrains and bigger stumps, opting for the NorthStar stump grinder (US4,529.99, Northern Tool) is a great idea.

Choosing the Best Stump Grinder—Buying Guide

Choosing the best stump grinder may be a little tricky if it is your first time buying one as there are a few different and quite particular features to consider. This brief buying guide will look a little more in detail at the different types of stump grinders, and some of the main features to look out for when it comes to choosing one.

Types of Stump Grinders

There are different types of stump grinders available on the market today differing in design and size. Stump grinders can be categorized in two main categories: walk-behind stump grinders, and track stump grinders.

Walk-Behind Stump Grinders

Walk-behind stump grinders, also known as handlebar stump grinders, are more lightweight in design and are great for transporting from one job site to another due to their weight and size.

Since walk-behind stump grinders are slightly more compact, they are ideal for use in tight spaces or in areas where there are a lot of trees. They are mainly used for smaller stump removal due to their lower horsepower and cutting capacity.

Track Stump Grinders

Track stump grinders, or self-propelled grinders, on the other hand, are much larger and heavier items of machinery, and are a lot better suited for complex jobs like larger stumps and bigger jobs on rough terrain, for example.

These types of stump grinders are a lot more expensive than walk-behind grinders as they are much more powerful due to their higher horsepower and cutting capacity. These stump grinders are more appropriate for professionals in the trade and would not be suitable for residential use.

Horsepower

A stump grinders’ horsepower refers to how rapidly the engine works. This determines how fast the grinding speed is. Most stump grinders that are designed more for residential use, like the walk-behind stump grinder, have a horsepower ranging from 10–15 HP, with 14 being the optimum choice.

This is a sufficient amount of power for the removal of a few stumps especially if they are smaller in size. Track stump grinders, on the other hand, have a much larger engine that can range from 35 to 250 HP.

Cutting Capacity

The cutting capacity of a stump grinder refers to the cut that the cutting wheel can achieve both above and below ground.

Large stump grinders can usually handle larger tree stumps with a larger cutting depth, whereas handlebar stump grinders will be limited to smaller stumps.

We hope our review of the best stump grinders has been helpful, whether you were looking for premium stump grinders, or the best small stump grinder. For more suppliers of related products, including chainsaws, felling axes, handsaws, harnesses, and cranes, consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.

Other Best Product Articles

  • The Best Air Compressors
  • The Best Gas Air Compressors
  • The Best Woodworking Vise
  • The Best Automotive Paint Strippers
  • The Best Car Spray Paints
  • The Best Automotive Touch Up Paint
  • The Best Drywall Dust Vacuum
  • The Best Drywall Repair Kits
  • The Best Quiet Air Compressors
  • The Best Bullet Puller Hammer
  • The Best Masonry Hammer
  • The Best Electrician Hammer
  • The Best Ball Peen Hammer
  • The Best Jackhammer
  • The Best Roofing Hammer
  • The Best Paint For Furniture
  • The Best Drywall Hammer
  • The Best DeWALT Prime Day Deals
  • The Best Prime Day Appliance Deals
  • The Best Air Purifier Prime Day Deals
  • The Best Prime Day Tools Deals
  • The Best Paint For Metal
  • The Best Paint For Plastic
  • The Best Spray Paint For Metal
  • The Best Spray Paint For Vinyl
  • The Best Wood Filler
  • The Best Sandpaper