The Best Stump Grinders for Residential Properties

These stump grinders offer the best bang for your buck, able to turn even larger stumps to mulch for a great price

If you want to do your own stump grinding then there are sturdy, reliable tools available which can help clear your yard and free up space from stumps.

Landowners often search for the best stump grinders for residential use by comparing features, prices, and reviews to find the most suitable option. 

Whether you have a few stumps littered around your lawn or you're dealing with larger stumps across your land that are more difficult to tackle, these machines can help clean up your property. These are great options if you own a residential property and a compact tractor so you can easily maintain your land and keep its footprint clean, no matter its size.

So let’s get into our list of top stump grinders for residential properties. After reviewing the list, you’ll be ready to buy the right stump grinder for your needs.

How do stump grinders work?

Stump grinders use a spinning fly wheel with tungsten carbide grinding teeth, which when it spins makes contact with a stump and shaves off a small amount of material. With each pass you take off a few inches of the stump, lowering it each time until you've ground away not only the stump above ground, but the roots underneath.

PTO-driven stump grinders are powered by your tractor's PTO, so you first need to pick a stump grinder that's compatible with the PTO horsepower of your tractor.

What should I think about before buying a stump grinder?

Before purchasing a stump grinder to cleanup your property you should consider the following factors:

• • The horsepower of your tractor: Start by checking the horsepower at your tractor’s PTO and the lift capacity, then match it up with the compatible stump grinder models. We usually recommend going with the biggest stump grinder your tractor can handle.

  • Grinding flywheel size: Stump grinders dig underground to get out stubborn roots, so the deeper you can go the more roots you can grind away. Larger stump grinders can dig deeper and get more done faster, though a smaller machine will also get the job done, it will just take more time.

  • Additional features: Woodland Mills base models are a no-frills, entry-level option, giving you solid, reliable stump grinding at a great price. Simple, tough, and ready to get the job done.

    Woodland Mills PRO Series models come with extra features to make grinding smoother and more efficient. That includes our patent-pending shock absorption system, which keeps steady and consistent pressure to deliver smoother, more controlled stump grinding. We’ve also added a go/no-go visual indicator to help you manage your tractor speed while you grind. It’s technology you won’t find anywhere else, and we think it’s a big step forward in making stump grinding easier, more efficient and with performance in mind.

If you’re just a property maintenance beginner and are hesitating because you aren’t sure which model is best for you, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice. Check your tractor’s PTO output and start by confirming which models work with your tractor, then filter down which features you want from there.

What stump grinders are best for residential properties?

When it comes to smaller properties where you might only have a subcompact tractor, and a few acres, here are our suggestions for which stump grinders will be best for you.

1. The WG24 Stump Grinder

This is a great affordable stump grinder. It's simple to use, easy to attach to your tractor via its 3-point hitch and will continue to serve your stump grinding needs for years to come.

Features:

• • Compatible with tractors with a PTO horsepower range of 15-45 HP

  • 6" maximum grinding depth

  • 34 tungsten carbide teeth

2. The WG24 PRO Stump Grinder

An upgrade from the base model, the WG24 PRO adds patent pending shock absorption technology to make for a smoother stump grinding experience, as well as deflection chains to reduce mess and cleanup. It also features a Go/No Go visual indicator so you can easily see the angle of the stump grinder from your tractor seat, helping you set the optimal working range for tractor speed.

Features:

• • Compatible with tractors with a PTO horsepower range of 15-45 HP

  • 6" maximum grinding depth

  • 34 tungsten carbide teeth

  • Shock absorption system

  • Chain-equipped chip deflector

  • Go/No Go visual indicator

3. The WG28 Stump Grinder

This larger model of stump grinder is a great option when it comes to optimal grinding depth and capacity, going deeper than other models while having a greater PTO range to make use of larger, higher horsepower tractors. It can turn even eliminate large stumps in just minutes, giving you more time to maintain your land and your home.

Features:

• • Compatible with tractors with a PTO horsepower range of 35-80 HP

  • 8.5" maximum grinding depth

  • 44 tungsten carbide teeth

4. The WG28 PRO

This enhanced, PRO version of the WG28 has all the bells and whistles. Not only does it feature superior grinding depth for getting rid of pesky roots, but it also has all the additional features of Woodland Mills PRO models. If you select this model then you'll have one of the best tools for grinding your stumps away to nothing.

Features:

• • Compatible with tractors with a PTO horsepower range of 35-80 HP

  • 8.5" maximum grinding depth

  • 44 tungsten carbide teeth

  • Shock absorption system

  • Chain-equipped chip deflector

  • Go/No Go visual indicator

What should I do before I start stump grinding?

Safety should always come first when operating a stump grinder. Before you start grinding, make sure you’re wearing the right protective gear: safety glasses to shield your eyes, ear protection to guard against loud noise and sturdy gloves to protect your hands. Long pants and long sleeves are also recommended to prevent injuries from flying wood chips.

Clear the area around the stump of any rocks, sticks, or other debris that could damage your machine or become dangerous projectiles. Always keep children and pets well away from the work area, and never leave the grinder running unattended.

Regularly inspect your stump grinder for signs of wear or damage, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and repairs. By taking these precautions, you’ll protect yourself and others, and ensure a safe and successful stump grinding experience every time.

What type of maintenance do stump grinders require?

One of Woodland Mills' goals when engineering stump grinders is to make them easy to maintain. There are bearings which will need routine greasing, as detailed in the step-by-step maintenance guide in the manual. The carbide teeth are designed so that they can be resharpened, and replacement teeth are available if needed. Many customers find comfort in purchasing spare teeth with their stump grinder so they always have spares on hands.