Stump Grinder Bolts

Stump grinder bolts hold the teeth and pockets on the cutter wheel, and they take a beating every time the wheel hits a stump. Replacing worn or stretched bolts when you change teeth keeps the wheel safe and the teeth tight.

Why bolts matter

A stump grinder wheel turns fast and slams into wood, soil and rock. Bolts holding teeth and pockets stretch, rust and lose clamp force over time. A loose tooth can wear the wheel, throw debris or break off. Many operators replace bolts every time they change teeth, or at least whenever a bolt shows any wear or thread damage.

Match the bolt to your tooth and pocket system by thread size, length and head style. Check the wheel or tooth maker's specifications rather than guessing.

Also check the cutter wheel itself while teeth and bolts are off. Look for cracks around the pockets, worn or elongated bolt holes, and damage to the wheel edge. A wheel with worn holes will not hold bolts at the right torque, no matter how new they are, so it needs repair or replacement before going back into service.

Fitting and safety

Torque bolts to the wheel manufacturer's specification and recheck after the first stump. Use new nuts or lock washers as specified. More stump grinding gear is in stump grinding.

Shut down the machine and lock out the wheel before working on it, and wear eye protection and gloves. Keep bystanders well clear when grinding.