Cost to Rent a Stump Grinder by Time
How much you'll pay for stump grinder rental depends heavily on the size and type of machine you need and how long you need it for. Renting by the hour or for a half day are the most expensive options on a cost-per-minute basis.
Most people choose to rent a grinder for a full day for small projects, as this gives you a full 24 hours, isn't that much more costly than the half day rate, and covers you if a stump takes longer to remove than you anticipated.
For larger projects, you may want to rent a grinder by the week or, in some cases, per month, which costs more overall but less on a cost-per-minute basis.
Cost to Rent a Stump Grinder by Length of Time
Mini Stump Grinder Rental Price
Mini or compact stump grinders typically range from $60 to $90 per day, or up to $1,000 for four weeks. They cost less than traditional grinders and weigh a lot less. You might not have to rent a trailer to move it. However, this machine only works for small stumps. Talk to a stump removal company near you to see what they recommend.
Stump Grinder Rental Cost Factors
When figuring out the cost of stump grinding, and you're contemplating taking the DIY route, there are several factors that impact the price of the stump grinder rental. How much you'll pay depends on time, grinder type, and where you hire it from.
Amount of Time
Costs start at $60 per hour, or $200 per day. A full day gives you 24 hours of use and is likely the best value, as it gives you a cushion if you're working on a tough stump to help you avoid a late fee. If you're working on clearing a large area of stumps, then you may find it more economical to rent a stump grinder by the month, which costs around $2,150.
Stump Grinder Type
Standard stump grinders cost between $200 and $400 per day. Mini grinders cost between $60 and $90 per day, but they're only suitable for small stumps under 10 inches in diameter. For particularly large grinders, you may also need to rent a trailer, which generally adds another $50 to $60 to your cost.
Brand
Cost to Buy a Stump Grinder
Buying a stump grinder costs between $1,450 and $19,800, with most models available for less than $3,000. Grinders for construction or large commercial purposes could cost well over $100,000.
DIY Stump Grinding vs. Hire a Pro
Hiring a professional for tree stump removal costs $320 on average. You could very well pay the same amount to grind a stump yourself as you could hiring a pro. It’s worth talking to a tree removal company near you for an estimate.
If you decide to DIY, keep a few risks in mind:
Safety: If you don’t have the right safety equipment, you could put yourself at great risk of personal injury.
Size: Rental stump grinders often can only handle rotten stumps or very small ones. If your stump is more than 12 inches in diameter, a rental won’t get the job done.
Cost: Renting large stump grinders with trailers attached could cost more than hiring a pro.
Labor: DIY stump grinding is very labor-intensive and takes a long time to complete.
Mess: You could end up with more of a mess than you expected, due to wood shards and dirt clods.
FAQs
Is it worth it to grind a stump?
Yes, it's worth it to grind a stump if you want to use the area for planting or for building. If the goal is to convert the area into an ornamental or edible garden, getting rid of the tree stump is necessary, as it'll simply be in the way. Plus, it'll rob the soil of nitrogen as it decomposes.
If you want to put any kind of structure over the area, the tree stump and the roots have to come out. Otherwise, as the stump and the roots decompose, they'll leave voids in the earth, which collapse in on themselves. This puts stress on a structure and can cause the foundation to shift or crack.
How long does it take to grind a stump?
It all depends on the size and type of the stump. A small, soft stump can take as little as 15 minutes to grind, while a huge, dense tree can take a full 8 hours to get rid of.
Should I grind or remove a stump?
Grinding a tree stump is usually the right option. However, it doesn't get rid of the roots, so if root removal is important for your future plans, then you'll either need to purchase a separate root removal service or hire someone for a full-service stump and root removal.
Have More Questions About Your Stump Grinder?
FAQs
Stump grinders remove tree stumps by literally chipping away at them - usually with a cutting wheel. As a result, they can be dangerous tools if used incorrectly or without adequate training.
Do you need training to use a stump grinder? ›
Stump grinders remove tree stumps by literally chipping away at them - usually with a cutting wheel. As a result, they can be dangerous tools if used incorrectly or without adequate training.
How much does it cost to rent a stump grinder near me? ›
Stump grinder rental cost
A stump grinder rental costs $100 to $400 per day, $350 to $1,000 per week, or $900 to $3,000 per month.
How do you calculate stump grinding cost? ›
Most tree services charge $2 to $4.50 per diameter inch. They'll measure each stump at its widest point and may charge you based on the average diameter of all stumps. Since smaller trees cost less to remove, most contractors also charge a minimum fee of $100 to cover their travel costs, equipment and other expenses.
How much money can you make with a stump grinder? ›
As of Jun 1, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Stump Grinder in the United States is $19.00 an hour.
Is it hard to work a stump grinder? ›
Stump grinders can be large, heavy, and awkward, making them very intimidating to use. They can be easier to handle than most people realize, however, and rental companies should provide safe, comfortable instruction for how to properly use the equipment before you rent it.
Can you make money with a stump grinding business? ›
“It's a good add-on service, but you have to have the work to justify it,” says Shawn Cressman, president of Cressman's Lawn & Tree Care, Hellertown, Pa. “If you can't operate a stump grinder three days a week, it won't pay for itself.”
How long does it take to grind a 20 inch stump? ›
For one stump, the process can take 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of the stump, the location, and more.
Why is stump grinding so expensive? ›
Hidden Obstacles: Unearthing the Impact of Roots and Rocks
Extensive root systems or hidden rocks can hinder the grinding process. As per Stump Grinding Jacksonville experts, These obstacles may require additional time or specialized techniques to remove, leading to an increase in the service price.
Is it cheaper to grind or remove a stump? ›
Stump removal is more expensive than stump grinding. Tree stump removal costs $100 to $200 more than stump grinding, as the process is a lot more involved.
You need a stump grinder because no one can perfectly cut a tree down to ground level. The nature of the stump means that supporting roots and grounded arbor anchors will forever be left behind.
How much does it cost to start a stump grinding business? ›
What was once a long and arduous process requiring hours of digging by hand has been made easier by stump grinding businesses that use specialized equipment to remove unwanted stumps. According to the Entrepreneur website, the start-up cost for a stump grinding business is between $10,000 and $50,000.
How many hours will a stump grinder last? ›
Stump grinder teeth have 3 cutting surfaces and can be indexed twice prior to sharpening or replacing. Depending on the type, age, and cleanliness of the area surrounding the stump, Stump Grinder teeth will work well for 5-15 hours before needing to be indexed.
Do you need to be trained to use a grinder? ›
The simple answer is that for dressing, truing or changing the wheels on a pedestal or bench grinder there needs to be a higher level of training than just a half day general awareness course. A poorly maintained or fitted wheel can cause significant damage to the user if it bursts.
Is it better to use a stump grinder or an excavator? ›
For most residential jobs, grinding is the best option. It's cost-effective and does not require extensive equipment, significantly damaging the landscape. Larger stumps will produce more waste, adding more to the service cost.
How messy is stump grinding? ›
Yes, grinding a tree stump is a noisy and messy process. It is a very loud machine that is literally grinding up a very hard piece of wood. The woodchips and sawdust that it creates can fly in all directions.
What is the safety checklist for stump grinder? ›
Wear eye protection and other personal protection against flying rocks and debris. Check that cutter wheel teeth are secured, sharp and not missing. Do not operate if operator presence bar fails to stop engine upon release. Make sure no children or bystanders are within 75 feet of stump grinding operation.
