11 · Lawn & Garden

Stump Grinder

Also called Stump cutter · Tree stump grinder

A spinning carbide wheel that chews a tree stump down below ground level so the area can be turfed or paved over.

Petrol engine
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Overview

A stump grinder removes what is left after a tree is cut down. A wheel set with carbide teeth sweeps side to side, taking the stump down in layers until it is below ground level.

The result is a pile of chips and a hole, which is backfilled with soil. Nothing is dug out, so the surrounding ground stays intact.

Expect it to be slow on hardwood and on stumps that have been in the ground long enough to collect stones in the bark.

Grinding depth matters: 6 inches below grade is enough for turf, more for paving or building over.

Best uses

  • Removing stumps after tree work
  • Clearing ground for turf or paving
  • Getting rid of a trip hazard
  • Work where digging the root ball out is not practical

Not suited for

  • Stumps surrounded by buried services, walls or paving
  • Stumps full of grit or wire — they destroy teeth

Troubleshooting

It barely cuts

Checks to try, in order

  1. Check the teeth. Worn or chipped carbide polishes the wood instead of cutting.
  2. Take smaller bites and let the wheel reach full speed between passes.
  3. Hardwood and dried-out stumps are simply slow — allow more time.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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The wheel stops turning but the engine runs

Checks to try, in order

  1. Stop the engine and check the drive belt for slack or glazing.
  2. A belt that slips under load needs tensioning or replacing at the workshop.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Engine won't startShared · Petrol engine

Likely causes

  • Fuel valve or switch off
  • Stale fuel
  • Low oil sensor
  • Choke position
  • Spark plug cap loose

Checks to try, in order

  1. Turn the fuel valve ON and the engine switch to ON.
  2. Cold engine: close the choke. Warm engine: leave the choke open.
  3. Check there is fresh petrol in the tank — stale or water-contaminated fuel is the most common cause.
  4. Check the engine oil. Many engines have a low-oil shutdown that stops them starting when oil is low or the machine is on a slope — top up and set the machine on level ground.
  5. Make sure the spark plug cap is pushed fully onto the plug.
  6. Pull the starter rope with a smooth, firm pull — don't let it snap back.

If the starter rope is locked or unusually hard to pull, stop — don't force it. Tag the unit and return it to the workshop.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Starts, then stalls or runs roughShared · Petrol engine

Likely causes

  • Choke left on
  • Blocked air filter
  • Low fuel
  • Low-oil shutdown

Checks to try, in order

  1. Open the choke gradually once the engine has warmed up.
  2. Check the fuel level and that the fuel cap vent isn't blocked.
  3. Check the air filter — a dusty filter chokes the engine. Tap it out or swap it.
  4. Check the oil level again; the low-oil sensor can cut the engine on uneven ground.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Smell of fuel or a visible leakShared · Petrol engine

Checks to try, in order

  1. Switch the engine off immediately and move away any ignition sources.
  2. Turn the fuel valve OFF.
  3. Check the fuel cap is seated and look for a wet fuel line or carburettor bowl.

Don't run a machine that is leaking fuel. Tag it out and report it.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Safety

  • Wheel guards stay on. Chips and stones come off this machine hard and fast.
  • Full face protection, not just glasses, and keep bystanders well back.
  • Check for buried services, irrigation and cables before starting — stumps sit next to them more often than people expect.

For petrol engine

  • Refuel only with the engine off and cool. No smoking or open flames nearby.
  • Exhaust contains carbon monoxide — never run it indoors, in trenches or in enclosed spaces without ventilation.
  • Wear hearing protection, safety glasses and safety boots.

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