Stump Grinder Buying Guide
Choosing a Stump Grinder
Country Home Products offers DR Stump Grinders, and all DR models do the basic job—grinding stumps—in exactly the same way. By sweeping the cutting head across the stump surface, you will shave away about an inch with each pass and gradually eliminate the stump completely. All models will do the job equally well but there are some differences to be aware of.
Choosing the right model DR Stump Grinder boils down to 4 considerations: 1) power, 2) starting, 3) transportation method, and 4) budget.
Power
Power translates into working efficiency. An increase in engine power will give you more rotational inertia to grind more smoothly, with less likelihood of bogging down. These performance differences will be relatively subtle for easier stump grinding (softer woods) but the harder the stumps you need to remove are, the more likely you are to benefit from extra horsepower. The DR line starts at 6.6 HP (PREMIER model) and goes up to 11.7 HP (PRO XL and PRO XLSP).
Starting
Electric-starting is the most convenient but, with the latest advances in compression release, all DR Stump Grinder engines are easy to pull-start as well. That makes a manual-starting model a no-hassle choice. If you prefer the ease of key-turn starting, choose an electric-starting model (which includes recoil backup for any time the starter’s battery becomes depleted).
Transportation Mode
How will you get your Stump Grinder to the jobsite? Many customers use a trailer or UTV which is an excellent solution. If you want to use an ATV or lawn tractor, the optional Tow Kit can be used to pull the Stump Grinder behind you. The Tow Kit either comes standard or is an optional accessory, depending on the model you choose. We also offer a Self-Propelled model. If you don’t have far to travel, you can simply drive it to the site—and from stump to stump—without trailering or towing. Self-propulsion is a really good idea if your property is hilly or has a lot of uneven terrain. The self-propulsion has no bearing on stump grinding itself—only on how you transport the machine.
Budget
Naturally, budget is always a consideration. Compare the options on each model, and rate the importance of power, starting, and transportation for your own situation. And consider pragmatic solutions that may help you keep the cost lower. For example, if you have a lot of stumps on a hillside, can you get it to the top and work your way downhill? With gravity on your side, self-propulsion may not be so important.
Value Consideration
If you only have one or two stumps to eliminate you might consider renting a stump grinder or even hiring the work out (if that is within your budget). But owning a stump grinder is an excellent investment for those who live on wooded properties and expect to have a continuing need for the equipment. It will allow you to do the work on your own schedule and that can be a relief compared with racing through the work to avoid extra days of rental costs. Look through the DR Stump Grinder lineup and, while you're at it, see our selection of products for logging and woodlot maintenance. We will continue to expand our collection of product and how-to articles so visit us again soon! You can sign up for email alerts to ensure that you get all the latest product and content here at CHP delivered to your door!
Last updated: 8/25/2022