A stump grinder, also known as a stump cutter, is a piece of machinery used to grind down a stump to beneath ground level.

Contents 1 History 1.1 Stump Grinder Alternatives 1.2 Vermeer’s Innovation 2 How it Works 3 Types 4 Common Manufacturers 5 References

[edit] History

[edit] Stump Grinder Alternatives

When a tree is cut-down, the stubborn stump and root system remains. Before the invention of the stump grinder, workers used a mattock to dig out the stump and its root system, and then had to excavate it by hand. This was very difficult work and a time consuming process.^[1]

Another old method of stump removal is to burn the stump by injecting it with kerosene. However this method isn’t very effective. The fire rarely gets hot enough due to a lack of available oxygen in the stump. There is also a legitimate risk of forest fires.^[2]

A modern alternative for stump removal is to use nitrogen based fertilizers to decompose the stump. This method works fine, and is environmentally friendly, but takes quite a long time such that it is unsuitable for industry.^[3]

[edit] Vermeer’s Innovation

In 1956, Gary Vermeer of Vermeer Manufacturing Co. invented the modern stump grinder. This innovative machine could be operated by just one person, instead of a group of people like was required by previous versions. Vermeer’s machine was the first to use a horizontally moving rotor.^[4]

[edit] How it Works

A stump grinder operates by moving a rotating blade horizontally, back-and-forth, while chipping away at the top of a stump. As the stump is reduced in height, the operator moves the grinder downwards using a hydraulic lever. The job is complete once the stump is 4-8 inches beneath the ground.

[edit] Types

Handlebar stump grinder: Similar in design to a push lawn mower, these grinders require the operator to control the unit by manning the handlebars and walking behind the unit.

Self-propelled stump grinder: Self-propelled models are useful for areas where vehicles have trouble accessing. These grinders are meant for more heavy duty usage than the handlebar variety.

Tow-behind stump grinder: Like the self-propelled stump grinders, this variety is also meant for heavy duty usage, except they are towed behind a piece of machinery such as a pick-up truck, tractor, or skid steer.

[edit] Common Manufacturers

• Bobcat
• Carlton
• Champion
• Dosko
• Erskine
• Husqvarna
• Miller Machine Works
• Rayco
• Slash buster
• Vermeer
• Worksaver

[edit] References

1. ↑ Traditional Tree Stump Removal VS Tree Stump Grinder. TorrentTechnical.com [September 15, 2009].
2. ↑ Traditional Tree Stump Removal VS Tree Stump Grinder. TorrentTechnical.com [September 15, 2009].
3. ↑ Traditional Tree Stump Removal VS Tree Stump Grinder. TorrentTechnical.com [September 15, 2009].
4. ↑ Vermeer. Funding Universe. 2008-09-09.