Angle grinder 

Harbor freight stump grinder. Harbor freight stump grinder

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How to Assemble 4x8ft Harbor Freight Folding Trailer

When I bought a new car three years ago, we had a hitch installed with the idea that at some point we’d buy a utility trailer to tow. That way, we could easily bring home sheets of plywood and lumber.

Steph happened to see a folding utility trailer in her friend’s garage and was instantly interested. A folding trailer would solve the storage problem associated with trailers.

She did the research and off to Harbor Freight we went to buy the trailer and accessories.

I would suggest watching the video of the build as this tutorial will only touch on the highlights.

Materials/Tools:

  • HAUL-MASTER 1195 Lb. Capacity 48 In. X 96 In. Heavy Duty Folding Trailer (Harbor Freight)
  • PITTSBURGH AUTOMOTIVE Foldable Metal Wheel Chocks, 2 Pc. (Harbor Freight)
  • HAUL-MASTER 1000 Lb. Swing-Back Bolt-On Trailer Jack (Harbor Freight)
  • HAUL-MASTER Trailer Jack Wheel Dock (Harbor Freight)
  • HAUL-MASTER 600 Lb. Trailer Dolly (Harbor Freight)
  • HAUL-MASTER Four-Way Trailer Light Tester (Harbor Freight)
  • HAUL-MASTER 1200 Lb. Capacity 30-1/4 In. X 72 In. Convertible Aluminum Loading Ramp (Harbor Freight)
  • STOREHOUSE Self-Drilling Screw Assortment, 200 Pc. (Harbor Freight)
  • CHICAGO ELECTRIC 1/4 In. X 14 Ft. Protective Wire Wrap (Harbor Freight)
  • STOREHOUSE Terminal And Connector Set, 150 Pc. (Harbor Freight)

So. Many. Pieces! That’s a trailer ramp on the far right that we also purchased to help move things on and off the trailer.

With so many parts, it is important to get organized. Steph sorted all the parts and was mindful to put these taller bolts into their own pile.

Another tip to keeping organized is to label all the parts. The parts are labeled in the manual so she put those same numbers on the corresponding pieces

Make sure you have a framing square and check that everything is staying square as the frame is assembled.

When adding the tongue assembly, be sure the writing on this label is up. That way, you know you’ve assembled it correctly.

This is the hardware that is used to attach the tongue assembly to the front of the frame. Those L-Latches will be removed every time the trailer is folded.

Once the front bed rail was finished it was time to lay out the parts to assemble the rear bed rail of the Harbor Freight trailer.

These two bolts holding the bed frames together will need to be removed each time the trailer is folded for storage.

Time to flip the trailer over and start working on the wheels. The hub assembly is removed. Steph didn’t have the proper mm sockets but was able to get a 13/16 socket to work.

So, once the lug nuts are in place, they have to be torqued to 85 to 90 feet pounds. What? Steph sought the advice of her friend who explained what needed to be done and even let her borrow the tool she needed!

Steph will go over adding the plywood and wiring as well as how to go about getting a tag in additional videos in this series. But, in the meantime, enjoy this view of the trailer all hitched up and ready to roll!

After the trailer was finished, we went back to Harbor Freight and picked up this Haul-Master Trailer Dolly. It makes moving the trailer much easier.

After Steph finished the trailer, we took a practice run to Home Depot to test it out and to figure out how and where to park once we arrived.

Our test run was successful (with the exception of getting stuck behind a stalled truck at a light! Thankfully, the driver got it moving before we were forced to try to change lanes!)

We took it out for real to pick up a stump grinder from the Tool Rental Department this week. The ramp made it super easy to load the tool and our Husky ratcheting tie downs kept it in place.

Look for the related videos in this series covering wiring, folding, putting the plywood on the bed, and what your car needs before you can tow.

Please note: This is not a sponsored post.

FYI: We are not professionals, and we don’t claim to be. This is what we found worked for our project. Yours may need a little different approach. Safety first!

FYI: Affiliate links are being used on this page. Purchasing via these links help support MDP!

Related Projects

Hi, 20 years ago I bought a Harbor Freight trailer. I got the small one because at the time was an issue but I wanted some way to haul my camping gear and my son comfortably with my little Honda Civic Hatchback. I built the trailer and hauled it with no problems. I have had only one repair since and glad I bought it. I am wondering how come you didn’t think to use the silver slots on the sides of the frame to insert lumber to fit.? You will find that making these frames will be helpful when hauling things that may slide on the wooden bed of the trailer. I would like to suggest that you treat the plywood deck and upright posts ( if you decide to use ) with a Thompsons type sealer to prevent wood rot if you decide to leave outside with a cover. I also have the same trailer dolly, Dontcha just love HF ? LOL On parking, If you are not used to parking a trailer especially a smaller one the best thing is to drive into a parking space and to use two spaces. A friend of mine used to haul house trailers and he told me that it is a lot easier to back one of the houses into a tight spot than a small trailer. I can testify that because we used to haul our race horses and the double wide trailer was so much easier to park than my tiny HF trailer. Good luck with your new toy. OH VERY IMPORTANT Have the wheel bearings grease checked and packed yearly. I learned the hard way. You can Google this but if you feel better having your mechanic check it out this is very important.

Hi Leslie- Thanks for all the tips! I do plan to make sides for the trailer, just have not decided on the design I want yet. We also have some outdoor deck paint we are going to use to protect the bed as soon as the pressure treated wood dries out. I’ve seen a few videos on repacking the wheel bearings, so I think we will do a follow up in a year and try to repack them.

How many hours did it take you to assemble?

To assemble probably two days

Lovely work on the trailer project and God bless the mother and daughter priceless quality time together. I have been building these Harbor Freight trailers for 10 years (50 trailers). I am very impressed with your build, when I started my first trailer was a nightmare. Good luck, have fun together and keep smiling. 😉

Hi ladies. Congrats on your Mother and daughter trailer build. Sounds like you had fun building the trailer. I have been thinking about the same trailer for some time, and may purchase the same one and build it with my granddaughter who’s going to be going off to college in the fall. Good luck in the finishing touches to your build. Quality time is most important as we get older. Safe travels

PowerKing Stump Grinder with Electric Starter and Hour Meter- PK0803-EH

PowerKing Stump Grinder with Electric Starter and Hour Meter- PK0803-EH

4 reviews 4 total reviews

Quantity Decrease quantity for PowerKing Stump Grinder with Electric Starter and Hour Meter- PK0803-EH

Increase quantity for PowerKing Stump Grinder with Electric Starter and Hour Meter- PK0803-EH

Includes:1) Custom-fit, all-weather cover2) Tow bar3) An extra set of PowerKing teeth

This version of the PowerKing Stump Grinder has an electric starter and an hour meter to save time and energy getting started and tracking the usage to ensure you keep up on maintenance.

The PowerKing Stump Grinder is an aggressive and powerful machine. The Kohler 14HP engine drives dual V-belts to 9 tungsten tough blades. There is a 12-inch diameter cutting wheel that is 3.5 inches thick and it pulverizes stumps 20 inches above the ground and 9 inches below ground. No need to work to get it low then grind. Start grinding at the height you cut it.

Dual safety shutoffs, machine slap stop palm button and shut off pull latch helps to keep the operator in control and safe!

The adjustable bow handle is made of large piping to help you keep the grinder stable and securely under your control.

NEW PowerKing Stump Grinders are now Green Teeth 500 Series compatible. That means you can replace the teeth on the wheel with either PowerKings teeth or the Green Teeth. Green Teeth are Made in the USA, have 4 cutting sides on each tooth, easily replaceable, and low cost. This gives you replacement options for long-term ease of use at a price point to fit any situation.

Here’s a video of it in action:

The premium locking throttle, disk drum brake for pivot cutting, and dual bolt cutting tools keep tight and strong, unlike single bolt designs. Power King manufactures high-quality feature enriched equipment that will last through the years with a warranty to support that quality!

”DO YOUR THING WITH POWERKING”.

Full Specifications

  • 14 HP Kohler Engine
  • Palm button safety shut off
  • Ripcord safety shut off
  • Electric starter
  • Hour meter
  • Dual V belt drive
  • Quick-adjust bow handle
  • Welded dual lift handles
  • 9 tungsten cutting blades
  • Footpegs
  • Green Teeth 500 Series Compatible NEW
  • CE Certified
  • Weight: 286 lbs
  • Crated Dimensions: 41.5″ x 31.5″ x 25″
  • Warranty: 1-year commercial warranty on manufacturer defects, 3 years on Kohler Engine, engine by the manufacturer
  • SKU: PK0803-EH
  • PowerKing

Shipping Policies

Order Confirmation

As soon as you place your order, you will receive an order confirmation e-mail. This means that we have received your order in our system and pre-authorized your credit card for the purchase. As soon as we receive your order, we automatically reach out to our suppliers to confirm that it is in stock and available for immediate shipment. If your item is on backorder or unavailable, we will void the pre-authorization and reach out to you via e-mail. If your item(s) are available for immediate shipment (within 5 business days), we will process the charges and submit the order for shipment.

Order Shipment

If your order is stock and we process the charges to your credit card, it will ship within five business days from the date of your order. We will send you tracking information within 24 hours of your order leaving the warehouse to the e-mail address you provide when checking out. If you do not receive tracking information from us within six business days of your order, feel free to follow up with us at support@woodsplitteroutlet.com

All shipments not shipped via small parcel service (anything over 120 lbs) will need to include liftgate truck delivery, a 75 additional charge (actual cost can vary higher and lower), if we are not delivering to an address with a shipping dock or a forklift. To facilitate a smooth delivery we require liftgate truck delivery for 75 on top of standard shipping costs for the splitter selected. If you have a situation where we would deliver to a place with a dock or you have access to a forklift we can skip the liftgate truck delivery and charges.

Tracking numbers will be sent to you via email as soon as that information becomes available to Wood Splitter Outlet. We reserve the right to use the carrier of our choosing. NOTE: If you live in an area that is considered by carriers to be “remote”, “rural,” or there is a challenge where the carrier or Wood Splitter Outlet cannot get a shipment to you, we will then contact you to advise and discuss available options and additional costs of transportation due to these circumstances, if any exist.

Shipping Costs

From time-to-time Wood Splitter Outlet offers free shipping promotions. If free shipping is available and used there are some considerations we have.

  • Free shipping includes only the lower 48 states of the United States.
  • We do not ship to Alaska, Hawaii or US territories. If you have any questions, please contact us to discuss.
  • Example: If you live on top of a mountain or an island (honestly, this one gets rough and expensive), on a ranch 100 miles from the nearest town, etc (You likely know this to be the case) then there will very likely be extra cost involved. We may not be able to deliver to you at all, but we’ll work hard to figure it out with our forwarders and carriers.
  • We do not ship internationally at this time.

Please inspect the packaging of your item(s) when they arrive, if you notice any damage you should make note of it when signing for delivery. If your item(s) do arrive damaged, please send photos support@woodsplitteroutlet.com and we will process an insurance claim on your behalf. If you sign for the delivery and take delivery, you are then responsible for the item(s) and accepting the condition of the shipment.

If there is any damage during transit IT MUST BE NOTED ON THE BILL OF LADING for us to be able to file a claim, or the shipment MUST BE REFUSED. If you accept the shipment then you are accepting the condition of the items(s).

If there is perceived damage and you do not keep the packaging and note the damage on the bill of lading or with the courier we cannot file a claim and you waive all rights to recover losses.

Cancellations Refunds:

Harbor Freight’s HAUL-MASTER 1500LB Trailer Jack On A Stump Grinder!

All orders canceled after 48 hours are subject to an administration fee of 15% of purchase price, whether or not your order has shipped. If you order has shipped, you (the buyer) will also be responsible for actual return shipping charges and a 25% restocking fee. Refunds will only be issued to the original credit card that you use when placing your order. ( details can be found below)

Tree Stump Removal With Angle Grinder

Liftgate Truck Delivery Information

Wood Splitter Outlet uses freight services when shipments are 120LBS or higher or oversized. If the address of delivery does not have a shipping dock or access to a forklift the delivery will need to be on a liftgate truck. Wood Splitter Outlet strives to create the easiest experience for our customers and we also want to be transparent as to what it takes to successfully deliver a splitter and complete our business transaction. We do offer standard curb-side if the splitter is being delivered to a business with a dock or a residence or business with a forklift. Please contact us prior to order to discuss if you have any questions.

When your splitter is ready for delivery, the shipping company will contact you to schedule a delivery appointment for residential customers. This call will typically come 1-2 days prior to the date of delivery and you will be given a window of time for the delivery (typically 3-4 hours).

The truck will arrive at the curb and if you have a forklift the truck will not have a lift gate. At this point, it is your responsibility to get your splitter off the truck. The driver will move the splitter to the rear for easy access, but you’ll need to remove the item from the trailer.

If you are at a residence and we have coordinated our standard lift gate delivery, it is a hydraulic lift that is connected to the delivery vehicle. The driver will position the splitter on the liftgate and will then lower it to the ground. Once on the ground, it is your responsibility to move the crate.

Note: The drivers are not obligated to help you beyond the above. They may assist if you ask and it never hurts to ask.

Freight deliveries without liftgate delivery (and even sometimes with liftgate delivery) will be made with a full sized, 20 to 53 feet semi-truck. Do not expect delivery to a small parcel delivery vehicle or box truck (eg. like UPS or FedEx). Wood Splitter Outlet cannot request a certain length of the truck for final delivery. We suggest you assume it will be a long semi-truck and remember, the driver is only obligated to deliver to the end of your driveway (aka. curb-side and even with the liftgate), it will be your responsibility to move it from there.

Note: Most drivers and delivery companies will work with you to accommodate you and possibly up your driveway, but this will be left to driver discretion and will only happen IF they can easily drive up and turnaround. If you live on a road that may not be accessible for a large freight truck you will need to work with the delivery company and driver to coordinate the closest possible point of delivery. AGAIN, you are responsible for the movement of the crate after the driver has delivered.

Delivery companies expect that residential customers pay for liftgate truck delivery. They do not typically concern themselves with the logistics of your property and final movement beyond for what’s been paid. Understandably, they do this not only for economic, but liability reasons. This is why we FOCUS so much on liftgate truck delivery on all splitters sent to a residential address. It’s better for all parties involved and yields the best customer experience by setting proper expectations with everyone and working to be as transparent as possible.

Note: If you advise that you do not need liftgate truck delivery to save the money, but when your splitter arrives, you cannot remove it from the back of the truck, the carrier will charge you a re-delivery fee as well as the full retail fee for liftgate delivery (100 or greater). Be Smart and ensure you use our discounted liftgate rates for a seamless and easy delivery of your new splitter.

Note: If the delivery driver shows up and the truck does have a liftgate even though you did not order, DO NOT USE THE LIFTGATE SERVICE even if the driver obliges. The delivery company will more than likely bill you the full retail fee for the liftgate delivery (100 or greater) even though you didn’t need it. Just use your forklift as planned.

Please ask any questions you may have with regard to liftgate delivery, or freight deliveries in general, prior to ordering by contacting us. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

RETURNS EXCHANGES

Wood Splitter Outlet is not a manufacturer, but a retailer of manufactured goods. We are not responsible for items that may need warranty work. The manufacturer is the responsible for this work and you must contact them directly for assistance per the literature included with your item(s). If you need any help in contacting the manufacturer, we are happy to assist. Please email us at support@woodsplitteroutlet.com.

All warranty issues you will deal directly with the manufactures of your log splitter. It is up to the manufacturer how the warranty will be handled. It will be the customer’s responsibility for the transportation of your item to repair shops if needed. If you need assistance locating information to the individual manufactures please contact us.

No items (splitters or accessories) may be returned prior to receiving a return authorization from Wood Splitter Outlet. If you do return an item prior to authorization it may be refused and returned to you at your expense, or subject to a restocking charge if we accept it. Any new or unused item that is authorized for return returned will be subject to up to a 25% restocking charge and you will be responsible for all freight charges associated with the return, as well as any freight that was considered “free shipping” to initially send you the item(s). All funds will only be credited to the initial credit card used. Any refunds will be issued upon the return of the item(s) to ensure all products and contents are included and evaluated. We do not accept the return on any used products.

If for some reason other than damage you refuse a shipment, you will only be refunded money less a 25% restocking charge and minus any and all shipping costs involved, this including any outbound freight charges that may have initially been considered “free shipping.” All funds will only be credited to the initial credit card used. Refunds will only be issued after all products and contents are included and evaluated.

Here are a few examples of how we handle some situations:

  • You decided to didn’t want to purchase your splitter or accessories within 48 hours of order. If those goods have not yet been shipped, we can cancel the order and issue you a refund with no penalty. If you do not cancel within 48 hours and those goods have not yet been shipped we can cancel the order buy charge a 15% administrative fee. If you cancel your order, but the goods have been shipped, you would we handle in one of the ways below:
  • You’ve taken delivery of your splitter or accessory but it is not working properly, may be missing parts, or is possibly damaged or deformed in some way, and it doesn’t appear that these issues occurred via shipping. You’ll want to take a look at the paperwork that came with your items(s) for direction and instruction on how to file a warranty claim with the manufacturer. The manufacturer is responsible for any manufacturing defects or deficiencies with its products.
  • If you’ve received an item that appears to have been damaged during shipping (Note: If a package appears to have been damaged, the item is often safe and okay within. That’s the purpose of a box or crate, to take the damage that may come with transit). If the packaging for your item is damaged, be sure to keep all the original packaging until we’ve decided and determined whether or not an insurance claim needs to be submitted. If you sign for your item you must note any visible damage in the bill of lading. If any packaging is thrown away, we will not be able to file an insurance claim. By discarding any damaged shipping materials or box contents you wave your right to get your product replaced or repaired.
  • Before contacting Wood Splitter Outlet (for shipping damages) or the manufacturer (for warranty purposes), please test the item(s) to ensure it is not functioning. If the item works properly, there is no reason to contact us, nor to file a damage claim with the shipping company or carrier.
  • If your item is not working properly due to the damages that you believe occurred during shipping, and you have kept the original shipping materials, please contact us so that we may submit an insurance claim. Once we have confirmed that you still have the original shipping materials and that the item was damaged during shipping, and after we have officially filed the shipping insurance claim forms, we will coordinate replacement or repair of your item(s).

If you receive an item and decide to return it, you can do so if and only if all of the following requirements are met:

  • The item must be unopened, unused, and all original packaging still intact.
  • You must contact us to notify us that you’d like to return the item within 15 calendar days of signing for the item(s).
  • You MUST contact us to get a return authorization number and so we can give you return instructions PRIOR to returning the item.
  • If you return an item without all of the above requirements being met, we will refuse the shipment and it will return to you, at your expense, and no refund will be issued.
  • If you meet all of the above requirements, your refund will be issued in the following manner:
  • You will receive the full amount to the original credit card used that you paid for the returned item minus a 25% restocking fee and less our actual cost for shipping including what may have been free outbound shipping expenses) as a refund. You may also receive as store credit if you wish.
  • You are responsible for all shipping costs and expenses, door-to-door, to return the item(s) to us.

Change of delivery address after the shipment has shipped:

We can assist you with a change of address after your item(s) have been shipped, but there will be fees associated with that change from the shipping company, we will only charge you the actual fees charged by the freight or shipping company.

If you cancel while the shipment is in transit or refuse shipment:

If you refuse an item and it was not due to visible damage, and it comes back to us, you will be issued a refund less a 25% restocking fee and minus all actual costs for all shipping including outbound shipping on anything that was considered free shipping.

If you’d like to cancel or change your order after you order ships you are responsible for any and all shipping costs to get the shipment back to us including any outbound costs that were considered free shipping, as well as a 25% restocking fee. If the item is damaged at any point during the transit process where you refused delivery, we will not issue any refund until the insurance claim process is completed. Once the claim process is completed, we will issue a refund in the amount reimbursed by the shipping company less minus all freight and shipping charges inbound and outbound even if it was free outbound shipping. If the shipping company does not approve the claim, we will not be able to provide a refund.

If you have any questions about shipping and delivery please contact us prior to purchase.

We work very hard to ensure that we offer the some of the best online. If you find another online store that offers a lower price than Wood Splitter Outlet within fifteen (15) days of your purchase date please let us know and we’ll refund your original payment for the difference. We want you to feel confident that you are getting the absolute best price for the product you are ordering. If you find that our own website has a lower price for the same item you have ordered within fifteen (15) days of your purchase date, we will refund the difference as well.

To request your partial refund simply e-mail us a link to the same product on our competitor’s website within fifteen (15) days from the date of your order and we will process the credit accordingly. It’s that easy!

Our 100% Price Guarantee has some limitations:

  • You must purchase the item from our website before requesting your Price Match Guarantee
  • Promotions such as rebates, coupon codes and/or buy one, get one (BOGO) free offers are not eligible
  • The item must be in stock on the competitor’s website
  • The competitor must be an online store, they may not have a retail location
  • The website cannot be a members only site, discounter or auction website (ie; eBay, overstock, etc.)
  • The competitor must be an Authorized Retailer for the product in question
  • The Price Guarantee includes the item price, the shipping charges, and any possible sales tax.
  • Does not include items that are on closeout or clearance items, nor does it apply to obvious pricing errors.
  • The product must be the identical model number

We reserve the right to refuse an order in which we would incur a loss. Refunds are limited to the amount of gross profit we recognized on the sale (purchase price less our cost for the product).

We reserve the right to verify another online company’s product availability and price before issuing a price match or refund.

Stump Grinder

Freight costs for heavy bulky items may differ to the online freight calculator. Some items require a drop tail delivery service where a fork lift is not available to unload.

To order, checkout online and a customer service representative will then contact you to discuss the delivery options.

You can also contact us for a freight quote prior to ordering.

For orders outside of Australia contact us for a quote. Scintex can ship worldwide.

Description

Combine the reliability of a USA made, genuine Briggs and Stratton engine with the toughest engineering specifications and you have Australia’s most heavy duty, petrol powered stump grinder. Stump grinding is an application where only quality equipment stands the test of time. The Paddock stump grinder, is simple in design yet rugged and reliable. A great option when considering Redroo stump grinders, at a more affordable price.

Paddock Stump Grinder. Powered by Briggs Stratton

  • Genuine Briggs and Stratton 4 stroke petrol commercial engine
  • Dura-Bore cylinder sleeves for extended Briggs Stratton commercial warranty
  • Twin belt drive
  • Centrifugal safety clutch
  • Professional trade quality construction
  • Reliable and simple pull start. Magnetron Electronic Ignition System
  • Extra heavy duty tungsten teeth for longer wear
  • Adjustable handle position

Beware of imitation units offering inferior Chinese engines and fake Honda engines.

Suitable for a large spectrum of stump sizes. With the ability to chip down to 300mm deep the stumps and roots can be virtually removed and then filled in with top soil. Paddock has designed the stump grinder with simplicity in mind. Easy to operate and lends itself to DIY or home use as well as commercial use for landscapers and tradesmen. The heavy duty tungsten teeth are purpose designed and make light work of old and hardened stumps. While extremely hard wearing new tungsten teeth are available and easy to install.

Safety is paramount when performing a cutting and smashing application such as stump removal. While PPE is essential, the comprehensive deflection flaps drastically reduce flying wood chips. An internal clutch mechanism prevents feed back from the blades to the user. A deadman fail safe switch is present on the handle which cuts the engine as soon as the user releases their grip from the handle. A protective guard covers the muffler and the exhaust gas is directed sideways away from the user.

Designed to be low maintenance. The direct drive belts are easily tensioned. There are two grease nipples on the cutting head which are easily accessed and can be greased periodically. The Briggs Stratton engine can be serviced at home with basic engine oil changes required and the occasional air filter replacement. Alternatively, the engines can be serviced at any small motor mechanic or Briggs and Stratton dealer.

All replacement and spare parts for this stump grinder are available through our parts department in Brisbane.

Low oil level cut-off protection

Dura-Bore cast iron cylinder sleeve

DuraLube gear-driven splash lubrication system

NOTE:Engines are stored and transported with only enough oil to keep the unit lubricated and additional oil will need to be added before starting. Minor assembly of the unit is necessary.

SHIPPING INFORMATION:

This item can be shipped Australia wide and is also available for pick up from our Brisbane warehouse. This item has a shipping weight of 125kg. We advise contacting us for a freight quote to your location.

Why Fall is the Perfect Time of Year for Stump Grinding Services in Washington DC (And Surrounding Areas)

If your property is cluttered with old tree stumps, now is a great time to get them out of there.

But how? (Hint: don’t try it yourself.)

Looking for stump grinding services in Washington DC? What does it entail? Is grinding a stump the same thing as removing it?

Paul Weaver, construction branch manager at Level Green Landscaping, fills us in.

Why Are Tree Stumps A Problem?

“They can be dangerous,” Weaver says. “People can fall over them, so they’re a trip hazard. Maintenance crews cutting grass can hit a stump, throwing bits of wood that can hurt people.”

Get them out of there, he advises.

“It’s a very easy process,” he says, “and it’s relatively inexpensive.”

Stump Grinding Vs. Stump Removal

Yes, there’s a difference. Weaver explains:

Stump Grinding

Sometimes a tree stump just needs to be ground up to below ground level.

That’s when you need a stump grinder, a professional machine that uses a huge wheel covered with sharp metal teeth — spinning very fast — to grind the stump down, inch by inch.

It takes about 30 minutes to remove an average sized stump, Weaver says, although certain conditions can extend that time. If the stump is near cars or people, extra safety precautions are taken. Or if it’s in a tricky spot, like on a slope, it takes longer.

The machine grinds the stump down to 12 to 18 inches below the ground surface.

That’s enough room to cover the top with soil and plant grass seed, or even to plant a small tree on top.

Crews remove the shredded wood and chips, rake out the area, then add soil and plant seed or install sod.

Stump Removal

Sometimes the whole thing needs to go, Weaver says, including the roots.

“A mini excavator can yank the whole thing right out,” Weaver says.

“We prefer removing a stump instead of grinding it if we’re doing a landscape installation,” he says. “Then there aren’t any roots to get in the way.”

Crews have to look out for any utilities buried near the tree roots. Electric, plumbing or gas lines can be involved.

“You never know what the roots will be attached to,” Weaver says. “An irrigation line might run right through them.”

Can’t I Do This Myself?

Well, you shouldn’t.

“I can’t tell you how many men I’ve seen who went to pull a stump out and injured their back or pulled a muscle,” Weaver says. “Everybody has a story. It usually starts with, ‘Man, that took me three days.’”

It’s tougher than it looks, he says.

“Tree roots can spread 20 to 30 feet underground,” Weaver says. “And there’s a huge risk for injury. I’ve seen people with trucks and chains try to do it. The chain can snap, and somebody can get hurt. Or the stump can end up going through a window.”

That adds up to a huge liability issue, he says.

“There’s a lot of ways it can go wrong,” Weaver says, “and only one way to do it right.”

Why Do This Now?

“Stump grinding and removal go perfectly hand in hand with fall clean-up,” Weaver says. “Our crews are on your property now anyway, picking up leaves and sticks.”

And fall, with its cool temperatures and autumn rain, is a great time for the grass seed to take root over the spot where the stumps used to be.

“We’ll clean the area up, add soil and seed, cover it with straw,” Weaver says. “It will overwinter, and come back nice and strong in the spring.”

Who’s The Ideal Customer?

“We do this for all of our customers,” he says. “We get so many calls this time of year about trees that fell earlier in the summer that left stumps that need to be taken out. Apartment complexes, condos, business parks that don’t want liability issues, shopping centers doing parking lot island renovations.”

Need Stump Grinding Services ? Call Level Green

Looking for stump grinding services in Washington DC? There are lots of reasons to let the pros at Level Green handle this important chore.

“We’re insured,” Weaver says. “We have the proper equipment. We own our own stump grinder, and it’s a really nice one. We’re trained, and we’ve had extra training on the stump grinder, which is a huge piece of machinery. And we know exactly what to look out for.”

If you’re not already a Level Green Landscaping client, we’d love to add you to our growing list of happy customers. Our FOCUS is on commercial properties like offices, mixed-use sites, HOAs, municipalities and institutions in Maryland, Washington DC and parts of Virginia.

Contact us at 202-544-0968. You can also request a free consultation online to meet with us one-on-one.

We’d love to hear from you.

harbor, freight, stump, grinder