skidsteer.uk

CLASS*Professional Grade
Weight 180 Kg
CLASS*Professional Grade
Weight 192 Kg

1. INTRODUCTION

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

SpecificationTypical Range (1–5 Ton Machines)Notes
Excavator Operating Weight1,000 – 5,000 kgMini and compact class
Auxiliary Hydraulic Flow25 – 80 L/minDetermines wheel speed
Hydraulic Pressure150 – 230 barDetermines cutting torque
Auxiliary Circuit TypeSingle or dual flowTypically hammer or auger circuit
Return LineRequiredMust return directly to tank (<5 bar back pressure)
Electrical Supply (optional)12V DCFor solenoid valves or hydraulic tilt systems
Coupler / Mount TypePin-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.
  • Advantages: Compact, minimal maintenance, lightweight.
  • Ideal For: 1–3 ton excavators, landscaping use.
  • 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 TypeDescriptionCompatible Excavator SizesNotes
Pin-On MountStandard dual-pin connection directly to dipper arm and linkage.1–5 tonSimple, secure, low cost; slower to change.
S-Series (S30, S40, S45)Scandinavian-style quick coupler with dual wedge lock.1.5–5 tonCommon in Europe; precise, quick change.
CW05 / CW10Caterpillar/Hitachi-type wedge-lock coupler.2–5 tonDurable and widely supported.
Klac System (Klac Mini/Medium)French automatic coupler with spring latch.1–4 tonCompact design, easy changeover.
Wain-Roy / Manual Quick CouplerLever-actuated manual coupler plate.2–5 tonQuick, no hydraulics; requires manual engagement.
Custom Plate MountWelded adapter plate for unique or older machines.1–5 tonUsed 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

ComponentDescriptionMaterial / Specification
Cutting WheelHardened steel disk that grinds wood.Ø350–500 mm, heat-treated
Cutting TeethReplaceable, carbide-tipped teeth in spiral or alternating layout.Tungsten carbide, 12–24 per wheel
Hydraulic MotorConverts hydraulic flow into rotation.Gerotor, gear, or piston motor
Drive SystemTransfers torque to wheel.Direct, gear, or belt drive
Guard Housing / ShroudShields operator and excavator from debris.5–8 mm steel with rubber curtain
Bearing SupportCarries radial and axial load from wheel.Double-row sealed bearings
Mounting FrameConnects grinder to coupler or pins.Welded structural steel
Hydraulic HosesSupply and return circuits.250+ bar rated, flat-face couplers
Optional Tilt / Swing FrameAllows 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

ParameterRangeFunction
Flow25–80 L/minDetermines wheel speed
Pressure170–230 barDetermines torque
Back Pressure< 5 barPrevents seal/bearing failure
Oil TypeISO VG46 or per excavator manualCleanliness critical (ISO 18/16/13)

⚙️ Adjust excavator’s auxiliary flow control to match grinder rating for optimal torque and cutting performance.


7. INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

  1. Preparation
    • Park excavator on level ground.
    • Release hydraulic pressure and clean all couplers.
  2. Mounting
    • Attach grinder to coupler or pin frame.
    • Verify secure locking of coupler pins.
  3. Hydraulic Connection
    • Connect pressure and return hoses.
    • Ensure rotation direction matches manufacturer’s diagram.
    • Connect case drain (if applicable).
  4. Testing
    • Engage AUX circuit at low flow.
    • Check for leaks and smooth rotation.
    • Gradually increase to full speed.

8. OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS

ParameterRecommended RangeNotes
Max Stump DiameterUp to 400 mmLarger stumps require multi-pass approach
Cut Depth per Pass25–50 mmAvoid overloading motor
Wheel Speed1,000–1,800 rpmAdjust per stump density
Sub-Ground Depth100–150 mmEnsures full stump removal
Sweeping MotionSide-to-sideMaintains control and efficiency

9. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

HazardPrevention
Flying debrisMaintain 10 m exclusion zone, use deflector curtain.
Hydraulic pressureNever disconnect under pressure; wear gloves.
NoiseUse hearing protection (>90 dB typical).
VibrationInspect teeth regularly and rebalance if needed.
Machine stabilityOperate on level surface, avoid overextension.

10. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

IntervalTaskNotes
DailyInspect teeth, hoses, and guards.Replace damaged components.
Every 10 HoursGrease bearings and pivots.Use lithium EP grease.
Every 50 HoursRetorque teeth (80–100 Nm).Use thread-lock compound.
Every 100 HoursCheck hydraulic seals and fittings.Replace if leaking.
Every 250 HoursInspect bearings and balance.Replace as required.
AnnuallyOverhaul drive system, repaint frame.Conduct in workshop.

11. TROUBLESHOOTING

SymptomCauseRemedy
Slow rotationLow flow or pressureCheck AUX circuit or restrictors
OverheatingHigh back pressureInspect return line routing
Excessive vibrationMissing or dull teethReplace and rebalance
Poor cuttingIncorrect RPMAdjust flow or pressure
Oil leakWorn sealsReplace seal kit

12. OPTIONAL FEATURES & ACCESSORIES

  • Hydraulic tilt or swing frames
  • Flow control block (for flow limitation)
  • Case drain kits (for piston-type motors)
  • Quick coupler adapters (S-series, CW, Klac, pin-on)
  • Debris deflector curtains
  • Replacement carbide tooth kits
  • Hydraulic flow and pressure test kit

13. STORAGE & TRANSPORT

  • Clean and grease exposed metal surfaces.
  • Store in a dry, covered area.
  • Fit dust caps to hydraulic couplers.
  • Rest wheel on timber block to protect teeth.
  • Secure attachment with proper tie-downs during transport.

14. SUMMARY

FeatureBenefit
Multiple drive typesSuited for various excavator sizes and workloads
Universal mount optionsCompatible with major coupler systems
Replaceable carbide teethLong service life and easy maintenance
Compact, efficient designIdeal for 1–5 ton excavators
Hydraulic drivePowerful and reliable cutting performance