There is more than one way to grind a stump. And if you’ve been looking for stump grinding attachments to add to your rental center fleet, you can likely attest to that. There are numerous products on the market that basically do the same task — remove stumps. But your job is to determine which is the most productive, and easiest-to-use, tool with the best return on investment. Here are seven pieces of advice to help set up your rental center for success with stump grinder attachments.
1. Durability
As with any piece of rental equipment, durability is key. Sometimes, a person can get a good idea of how heavy an attachment is just by looking at it. For instance, the mounting on a stump grinder is a good indicator of how robust the product is overall. If it’s heavy-duty, then the attachment is likely built to withstand abuse.
The next place to look is the hydraulic motor. The most reliable and highest-performance option for powering a stump grinder is a radial piston motor, which provides better efficiency and torque than other styles. Additionally, check to see if the motor has bearing support. If not, the pressure of the grinding wheel is placed solely on the motor, which could lead to premature failure.
2. Flexibility
Operating a stump grinder requires a lot of repositioning. And there are two main styles of attachments that take different approaches to it. The first is a rigid-mounted attachment, which requires the operator to move the skid steer or excavator when taking different angles at a stump. The other style is an articulating attachment, which allows the operator to hydraulically swing the grinding wheel without moving the power unit.
Despite the advantage of being able to adjust a stump grinder hydraulically, many rental center owners prefer the simplicity of a rigid-mounted attachment. Not only is it more cost-effective, but there are also fewer components at risk for problems. Additionally, some operators feel they can remove stumps faster by repositioning the power unit instead of the attachment itself. Perhaps the greatest advantage of articulating stump grinders is that less damage is done to the turf, since the power unit isn’t being moved as frequently. 
Consider depth to help figure out which grinder to use. Smaller grinders may match better for smaller stumps that need grinding only a few inches below grade.Loftness Specialized Equipment
3. Visibility
Because of the need to constantly reposition stump grinders to cut at different angles, having good visibility helps get the job done better, especially when it comes to inexperienced operators. Some manufacturers have improved visibility through a forward-reaching boom, which positions the grinding wheel farther away from the cab. This generally provides a better view of the job than when the wheel is close to the cab. Additionally, a forward-reaching boom design helps prevent the power unit from running into or driving onto larger diameter stumps during the grinding process.
Another way to enhance visibility on the job is to use a grinding wheel with cutouts. Unlike solid wheels, the cutouts help create a see-through effect for even greater visibility when working. If a stump grinder doesn’t come with this style of grinding wheel, an aftermarket one can usually be purchased.
4. Power
Like many other types of attachments, the model of stump grinder that can be used depends on the hydraulic horsepower of the power unit. Equipment dealers can help ensure the right match.
Fortunately, there are attachment options for skid steers and excavators with a wide range of hydraulic outputs. However, lower-flow models will have smaller-diameter grinding wheels and won’t work as quickly as higher-flow units.
5. Safety Precautions
Stump grinders, like most types of vegetation management equipment, require safety precautions to protect against flying debris. For starters, the power unit must have impact-resistant shielding to protect the operator from flying wood chips or other objects. People and animals should not be allowed within 300 feet of the work area when grinding stumps, and the operator should be mindful of all surroundings due to the risk of flying debris.
Because of the nature of the work, operators must also be aware of underground utility lines, dwellings and other equipment in the area. Consult the owner’s manual for more information on these and other safety precautions. 
Remind renters: safety first. Have renters consider the slope (if any) and to keep the cutting wheel uphill at all times.Loftness Specialized Equipment
6. Operational Advice
When it comes to operation, the owner’s manual will offer some best practices for efficient stump removal. Perhaps one of the biggest pieces of advice is not to engage a stump too quickly, which could stop the grinding wheel. Not only does this slow the job down, but it also generates excess heat in the power unit’s hydraulic system.
Instead, advise renters to find an ideal travel speed that allows the wheel to work at full RPM. This will vary depending on the type of tree, the stump, and the condition of the cutting teeth. On wet stumps, for instance, the operator will need to work slower, while periodically inspecting the wheel for caking or clogging.
Renters should also be informed to check the condition of the jobsite before they get to work. The area around the stump and roots should be clear of any rocks, stones, or other debris. Understand that the service life of the cutting teeth will be significantly reduced if they consistently come in contact with dirt, sand, or rocks.
7. Support
As with many other pieces of rental equipment, manufacturer support is important. This is especially the case with an attachment like a stump grinder, due to the added safety precautions related to flying debris and the high-RPM grinding wheel. A reputable manufacturer will provide plenty of training and resources to set up a rental center for success.
Despite the number of stump grinder attachments on the market, the process of procuring one for your rental fleet doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply follow these seven steps to start removing your customers’ stump problems, while adding to your bottom line.
