You may not own a stump grinder, and this will mean that you have to rent one. But what are the costs and what else does renting a grinder entail?
I’ll be giving you all the answers you need in this stump grinder rental article.
So, you have cut your tree down and you have an unattractive stump left in your yard. There are many ways to get rid of the stump, but you have chosen the fast way, which is grinding.
Keep reading!
How To Rent A Stump Grinder
There is no universal amount for stump grinder rental. The amount you will be charged depends on where you are renting from, and how long you’ll be using it for. This adds up to the cost of stump grinding as a whole.
Some rentals can offer you discounts if you’re renting the grinder for a few days.
Generally, the average cost of renting a stump grinder falls between $100 to $400 per day.
Below are a few tips that can help you make the best decision as far as stump grinder rental is concerned.
Ask For Discounts
If you have a good number of stumps to grind and you need more than a day with the grinder, then you can ask the rental store for a discount, that is if they aren’t offering you one already.
If you are successful, you may get as much as a 10% off for rental that exceeds a day.
So let’s say you are renting a stump grinder at $200 per day, 2 days should cost you $400. But with a 10% discount, you’ll be paying only $360.
Get More Than One Quote
Before you rent a stump grinder, it would be wise to get at least 4 quotes. Don’t just rush into the first quote you come across, as that may not be the most favorable option.
Request quotes from different rental services to see who offers the best terms and prices.
Grinding The Stump Yourself
If you have rentals in mind, then I assume you have already planned to grind the stump yourself. Why not? It’s going to save you money anyway, especially if it’s just a day’s job.
Have it in mind that stump grinding is dangerous work. Then grinders are powerful tools with very sharp blades that are powered by hydraulics. These blades chew up wood easily, and if used wrongly, it can cause serious injuries to a person.
Always put your safety first when using stump grinders.
What To Consider When Renting A Stump Grinder
Renting a stump grinder isn’t quite the same as renting other pieces of domestic equipment, so you have to ask yourself some serious questions before you rent.
These set questions and the right answers will help you get the best out of your stump grinder rental experience.
How Big Of A Stump Grinder Do You Need?
If the stump you plan to grind is above 12 inches in diameter, then you should consider using a large grinder.
Such grinders have to be towed in by another vehicle, or carried by a big trailer.
A large grinder will make the job faster and more effective, as it will chop up the stump into grain-like particles.
How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Stump Grinder?
On average, you will spend between $100 to $200 to rent a stump grinder for a day. Although as I have mentioned before, this depends on where you are renting.
You will also have to pay for the stump grinder to be moved from the rental store to your yard, as well as gas. Some rentals include these extra services in their rental package, so you’ll be lucky to find one that gives you such an offer.
Can I Operate A Stump Grinder Safely?
The answer to this is yes, you can operate a stump grinder safely. However, you have to follow all safety measures to ensure you won’t be harmed when using the machine.
As I have also mentioned before, a stump grinder can cause serious injuries to a person. It could even kill the operator if proper care isn’t taken.
Remember, the grinder will cut through pretty much anything it comes in contact with, this includes utility wires. This is a dangerous situation, as you will be at risk of electrocution or an explosion.
Before you begin, be sure to clear out all utility wires in the way to avoid such a tragedy.
What Kind Of Mess Will Be Left When I’m Done?
When the grinder is done with the wood, you’d be shocked at the volume of the heap.
Groundwood will expand, thanks to the introduction of air. This will keep it from being compact and hard.
You can find a stump that’s 5 inches in diameter leave a heap of wood debris that’s half the size of a small car.
You can call on a professional tree company to come over and excavate the soil and grindings when you’re done. A Bobcat machine can handle this.
What Happens If Something Breaks?
Most rental companies will charge you any damages you cause to their grinder. Such an instance is when the grinder’s teeth strike a rock which you can’t see.
That being said, keep in mind that a stump grinder is a complicated machine, so it isn’t cheap to repair.
Different sizes of grinders carry a different amount of teeth. The cost per tooth ranges from $10 to $30.
With this in mind, be sure to know every detail regarding damage before you rent the stump grinder.
Is DIY Worth My Time And Effort?
This depends on what you are trying to achieve and the time you have to spare for the sake of the job. If you plan to grind one small stump and plan to save money, then renting a grinder and doing it yourself isn’t a bad option, as you will spend less money.
On the flip side, if you have more than one stump to grind, and you don’t have the expertise to do so, then hiring professionals would be the wise step to take.
Remember, a stump grinder costs a lot to repair, so if you’re not used to the basics of the machine, you may end up damaging it and paying for repairs.
If you have these fears then you should allow the pros to do it, as they will be less prone to making mistakes.
How To Use A Tree Stump Grinder
Since you’re going to rent, you might as well get the hang of using the machine first.
Knowing the size and other specifications of the stump grinder you need are the very first step to using it
Renting
The stump grinder you will find in most rental shops has a 25 horsepower engine and a 16-inch diameter cutting wheel with a set of 16 forged steel teeth.
A grinder of this caliber will be suitable for most stump grinding tasks. All the same, ask the rental store to give you all the necessary information you will need before you rent.
As for moving such a heavy-duty machine, you will need a vehicle that can load up to 1,000 pounds in weight. If you don’t have one, then the rental store can provide one for you. Although this will attract an extra cost.
Preparation
Now that you are certain of the nature of the stump grinder you are renting, the second step would be to prepare yourself for its use.
This involves putting on the right safety gear. These include goggles and earbuds.
Remain aware of the people around your yard and ask them to stay clear of the work area. Always turn off or unplug the Mac when not in use.
Remember to clear out all debris in the area, since to can dull the wheel. They could also shoot out and strike a person, causing injuries.
An extra tip is to take a chainsaw and cut the stump as low to the ground as possible before you begin grinding. This will give the machine less work to do.
Grinding a Stump
- Using the lever, place the wheel a couple of inches above the stump
- Position the machine so the wheel is right above the front of the stump
- Turn on the wheel then lower it in a position 3 inches into the stump
- Using the lever again, move the wheel from side to side. This movement will grind up the stump. Stop when you have gone about 4 inches into the ground
- Do not put physical pressure on the stump, allow it to grind away slowly from the top of the stump, all the way down
- Move the machine into a forward position and repeat the 2 previously mentioned steps
- Continue the process until the stump is completely gone
Conclusion
I hope this stump grinder rental article was helpful. Always consider your best options before you rent. Also, make sure you study the use of the grinder before using it.
Stay safe!