Stump Grinding Teeth and Stump Grinder Parts

Buying guide

Types of stump grinder teeth

Most grinders use one of a few tooth systems. Standard bolt-on teeth mount in pairs with a pocket or holder on each side of the wheel. Pocket-style systems hold a tooth in a pocket that bolts to the wheel. Some systems use an Allen-head bolt. Each system needs its own teeth, pockets and hardware, so match the system already on your wheel.

Carbide-tipped teeth hold an edge much longer than plain steel, but carbide chips if it hits rock or metal. That is why checking a stump for buried stones, wire and nails before you start is worth the time.

Stump grinder teeth wear unevenly across a wheel. The outer teeth that do most of the cutting on the sweep wear faster than inner ones. Many operators move teeth around the wheel at rotation time to spread wear and get more life out of a set.

When to rotate or replace

Many teeth can be rotated to present a fresh edge before they need replacing. Rotate when grinding slows or the machine starts working harder. Replace teeth that are chipped, cracked or worn to the shank, and replace bolts and nuts when they are stretched or damaged.

Torque hardware to the manufacturer's spec and replace teeth in balanced sets so the wheel stays balanced. An unbalanced wheel shakes the machine and wears bearings.

Keep spare teeth, pockets, bolts and nuts in a labeled box on the truck along with the correct wrenches and a torque wrench. A broken tooth halfway through a job is a quick fix if you have the parts and a ten-minute delay if you do not. Clean the wheel and pockets before installing new teeth so they seat properly.

Shields and guards

Grinders throw chips and stones with real force. Keep the stump grinder guard and shields in place and in good shape, and replace a torn shield promptly. A ground protection mat or a portable debris screen around the stump also keeps chips off windows and cars.

Stump grinder shields and guards are wear parts too. Rubber and composite shields get chewed by debris over time and lose their effectiveness. Check them as part of your daily walkaround and order replacements before the old ones tear through, so you are never tempted to run without them on a job.

Grinding safely

Call before you dig to locate underground utilities, keep bystanders well back, wear eye, face and hearing protection, and follow the machine manufacturer's instructions. Never reach toward the wheel until it has fully stopped.

Before grinding, clear the area of rocks and debris, mark irrigation lines and plan where the chips will go. After grinding, rake out the hole, check for any roots near the surface and backfill if the customer wants the area ready for planting.