A stump grinder attachment allows a mini or compact excavator to efficiently remove tree stumps by grinding them into mulch. The attachment replaces the excavator’s bucket and uses the machine’s hydraulic auxiliary circuit to drive a rotating cutting wheel fitted with tungsten-carbide teeth.
Typical Applications
Land and site clearance
Landscaping and vegetation control
Forestry and urban tree management
Utility and trenching preparation
Work in restricted or confined access areas
2. EXCAVATOR COMPATIBILITY
Specification
Typical Range (1–5 Ton Machines)
Notes
Excavator Operating Weight
1,000 – 5,000 kg
Mini and compact class
Auxiliary Hydraulic Flow
25 – 80 L/min
Determines wheel speed
Hydraulic Pressure
150 – 230 bar
Determines cutting torque
Auxiliary Circuit Type
Single or dual flow
Typically hammer or auger circuit
Return Line
Required
Must return directly to tank (<5 bar back pressure)
Electrical Supply (optional)
12V DC
For solenoid valves or hydraulic tilt systems
Coupler / Mount Type
Pin-on or quick coupler (see Section 4)
Must match excavator arm geometry
3. TYPES OF STUMP GRINDERS
Stump grinder attachments are categorized by drive mechanism and mobility features. The correct type depends on excavator size, hydraulic capacity, and application.
3.1 Direct-Drive Grinders
Description: Hydraulic motor drives wheel directly via its shaft.
Limitations: Slightly less torque for large hardwood stumps.
3.2 Gear-Drive Grinders
Description: Motor drives gearbox to increase torque.
Advantages: High torque, stable cutting under heavy load.
Ideal For: 3–5 ton excavators and forestry use.
Limitations: Heavier and requires gearbox oil maintenance.
3.3 Belt-Drive Grinders
Description: Power transmitted via V-belt or toothed belt.
Advantages: Smooth operation, protects motor from shock loads.
Ideal For: Mixed-duty applications, 2–4 ton machines.
Limitations: Requires periodic belt tensioning.
3.4 Swing-Head Grinders
Description: Cutting wheel mounted on a frame that swings hydraulically or mechanically side-to-side.
Advantages: Faster material removal, reduced excavator repositioning.
Ideal For: 3–5 ton excavators with auxiliary swing circuit.
Limitations: More hydraulic complexity and weight.
3.5 Fixed-Head Grinders
Description: The head is rigidly mounted; the operator sweeps with the excavator arm.
Advantages: Simple, light, and cost-effective.
Ideal For: Small excavators (1–3 ton).
Limitations: Slower on large stumps; requires more operator movement.
3.6 Tilt-Head Grinders
Description: Includes manual or hydraulic tilt mechanism for angled grinding.
Advantages: Ideal for uneven terrain and sloped work sites.
Ideal For: 2–5 ton excavators.
Limitations: Slightly heavier and more expensive than fixed head.
4. MOUNT TYPES
Selecting the correct mount or coupler system ensures compatibility, quick attachment changes, and safe operation. Mounts vary depending on excavator brand, size, and coupler style.
Mount Type
Description
Compatible Excavator Sizes
Notes
Pin-On Mount
Standard dual-pin connection directly to dipper arm and linkage.
1–5 ton
Simple, secure, low cost; slower to change.
S-Series (S30, S40, S45)
Scandinavian-style quick coupler with dual wedge lock.
1.5–5 ton
Common in Europe; precise, quick change.
CW05 / CW10
Caterpillar/Hitachi-type wedge-lock coupler.
2–5 ton
Durable and widely supported.
Klac System (Klac Mini/Medium)
French automatic coupler with spring latch.
1–4 ton
Compact design, easy changeover.
Wain-Roy / Manual Quick Coupler
Lever-actuated manual coupler plate.
2–5 ton
Quick, no hydraulics; requires manual engagement.
Custom Plate Mount
Welded adapter plate for unique or older machines.
1–5 ton
Used for special projects or OEM integration.
Mounting Guidelines
Always match pin diameter, pin spacing, and pin center-to-center distance to excavator specifications.
Confirm the pin offset to maintain correct grinder geometry and cutting angle.
Ensure hydraulic hoses are routed safely within the arm’s movement arc.
Use locking pins or safety clips on manual couplers to prevent accidental release.
5. DESIGN AND COMPONENTS
Component
Description
Material / Specification
Cutting Wheel
Hardened steel disk that grinds wood.
Ø350–500 mm, heat-treated
Cutting Teeth
Replaceable, carbide-tipped teeth in spiral or alternating layout.
Tungsten carbide, 12–24 per wheel
Hydraulic Motor
Converts hydraulic flow into rotation.
Gerotor, gear, or piston motor
Drive System
Transfers torque to wheel.
Direct, gear, or belt drive
Guard Housing / Shroud
Shields operator and excavator from debris.
5–8 mm steel with rubber curtain
Bearing Support
Carries radial and axial load from wheel.
Double-row sealed bearings
Mounting Frame
Connects grinder to coupler or pins.
Welded structural steel
Hydraulic Hoses
Supply and return circuits.
250+ bar rated, flat-face couplers
Optional Tilt / Swing Frame
Allows adjustable grinding angles.
Manual or hydraulic operation
6. HYDRAULIC INTEGRATION
6.1 Circuit Configuration
[Excavator AUX Pressure Port] → [Grinder IN Port]
[Grinder OUT Port] → [Excavator Return/Tank Port]
[Case Drain Port]* → [Direct Tank Return]
(Only required for high-speed or piston motors.)
6.2 Typical Hydraulic Parameters
Parameter
Range
Function
Flow
25–80 L/min
Determines wheel speed
Pressure
170–230 bar
Determines torque
Back Pressure
< 5 bar
Prevents seal/bearing failure
Oil Type
ISO VG46 or per excavator manual
Cleanliness critical (ISO 18/16/13)
⚙️ Adjust excavator’s auxiliary flow control to match grinder rating for optimal torque and cutting performance.
7. INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
Preparation
Park excavator on level ground.
Release hydraulic pressure and clean all couplers.
Mounting
Attach grinder to coupler or pin frame.
Verify secure locking of coupler pins.
Hydraulic Connection
Connect pressure and return hoses.
Ensure rotation direction matches manufacturer’s diagram.
Connect case drain (if applicable).
Testing
Engage AUX circuit at low flow.
Check for leaks and smooth rotation.
Gradually increase to full speed.
8. OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS
Parameter
Recommended Range
Notes
Max Stump Diameter
Up to 400 mm
Larger stumps require multi-pass approach
Cut Depth per Pass
25–50 mm
Avoid overloading motor
Wheel Speed
1,000–1,800 rpm
Adjust per stump density
Sub-Ground Depth
100–150 mm
Ensures full stump removal
Sweeping Motion
Side-to-side
Maintains control and efficiency
9. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Hazard
Prevention
Flying debris
Maintain 10 m exclusion zone, use deflector curtain.