About Stump Grinders
A stump grinder, sometimes referred to as a “stump cutter,” is a machine used in the forestry and landscaping industries to remove tree stumps from the ground following the removal of the trunk. Most often, a stump grinder employs a rotating disk with sharp metal teeth (often made of tungsten carbide) to grind or saw the stump into small particles or chips.

Rayco RG27 Wheel Stump Grinder
The disk of this type of machine is capable of rotating side-to-side to shave down the stump a few inches at a time, then lowering to make subsequent passes until the stump is no longer protruding from the ground. Vertical stump grinders employ a rotating auger that effectively drills deep into the stump. This method of stump removal is highly effective at ensuring the stump’s roots do not continue to grow.
All Shapes & Sizes
Stump grinders range from units the size of a handheld power tool up to those as large as a full-size excavator. Self-propelled stump grinders travel on wheels equipped with rubber tyres or tracks. Larger wheel stump grinder units are typically self-propelled, while smaller units exist that are two-wheeled, towable models with a hitch for pulling behind another vehicle.
Self-propelled mini stump grinders on rubber tracks are a popular option, and many of these are stand-on machines with an operator platform on the rear of the machine. Other units feature side-mounted, fold-out, or remote controls. Track stump grinders tend to be easier to manoeuvre in rough terrain, but must be trailered for transport over paved public roads. Stump grinding attachments are also available for a variety of forestry, construction, and agriculture equipment such as skid steers.
Find The Right Stump Grinder
Popular manufacturers of new and used stump grinders available on ForestryTrader.ca include Bandit, Carlton, Morbark and its Rayco division, Toro, and Vermeer.