How to Grind a Stump
If you have a stump in your yard, you understand that it is a hazard and an eyesore. You can get rid of it with a stump grinding machine, but you need to know how. This video shows how to safely operate a stump grinding machine.
The first thing you need to do is make sure you have on the right clothing. Shorts and tank tops are not safe to wear while you are stump grinding. Get a long sleeve shirt, thick pants, heavy-duty boots, work gloves, ear protection, and a face shield. You don’t want to have to deal with wood chips flying into your skin or eyes.
Next, remove any obstacles. Leaves, branches, and especially stones need to be moved out of the way. If they’re embedded in the soil, use a pick ax and shovel to get them out of the way. Rocks are a hazard to you and the machine. It’s also a good idea to cut off the top parts of the stump with a chainsaw to get it closer to the ground.
Shovel away dirt so you have a clear look at the entire stump. Then you can get to work with the stump grinder. Raise the stump wheel above the front of the stump and gently nibble away at the stump with a side-to-side motion. Work slowly and diligently to avoid any accidents.
If you don’t feel up to the task, remember that you can always hire a stump grinding company to handle it for you!