Types of Stump Grinders

By the Stump Grinding Costs editorial team Reviewed by Amanda Ignash, ISA Certified Arborist® Updated Sourced price data

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Learn more.

The main types of stump grinders are walk-behind, self-propelled, tracked, tow-behind and skid-steer attachments. Homeowners usually rent compact walk-behind models for about $160 to $220 a day, while professionals use tracked and tow-behind machines for large stumps.

Stump grinders lined up for rent at an equipment rental yard

The machine a crew brings affects the price you pay. See how size drives cost on the stump grinding costs homepage.

Stump grinders lined up for rent at an equipment rental yard
Stump grinders lined up at a rental yard, from compact walk-behinds to larger units.

Walk-behind (compact) grinders

The most common rental. Light enough to steer by hand and narrow enough for most backyard gates. Best for small and medium stumps.

Self-propelled and tracked grinders

Powered wheels or tracks move the machine. They handle slopes and big stumps. See large stump grinding cost.

Operator in full safety gear running a walk-behind stump grinder
A walk-behind grinder in use with full safety gear.
Close-up of stump grinder cutting wheel teeth grinding into a tree stump
Carbide teeth on the cutting wheel do the work; rental fees often include a charge for worn teeth.

Tow-behind grinders

Towed by a truck and used for many or very large stumps where access is open.

Skid-steer attachments

A grinding head mounted on a skid steer. Popular for land clearing.

Getting a rental home

Most rental grinders need a truck or trailer.

Rental stump grinder strapped down on a trailer for transport
Strap a rental grinder down securely before driving.

Compare prices in our stump grinder rental cost guide.

Keep reading

Browse all stump guides or go back to the stump grinding costs homepage.

Frequently asked questions

What type of stump grinder should I rent?

A compact walk-behind grinder is easiest for homeowners and fits through most gates.

How much does it cost to rent each type of stump grinder?

Walk-behind grinders rent for about $160 to $220 a day, tracked grinders about $295 to $350, and skid-steer attachments about $190 plus the machine.

What is a tracked stump grinder?

A self-propelled grinder on rubber tracks. It handles slopes and large stumps and is common with professionals.

What size gate does a stump grinder need?

Compact grinders often fit through 30 to 36 inch gates. Larger machines need wider access.

Can a small stump grinder handle a big stump?

Slowly. Compact grinders work best on stumps up to about 24 inches.

Do I need a trailer for a rental stump grinder?

Usually a truck or trailer, unless the rental store delivers. Machines weigh several hundred pounds.

What horsepower stump grinder do pros use?

Professional machines often range from about 25 to over 100 horsepower, compared with about 13 to 25 horsepower for rentals.

Is a skid-steer stump grinder attachment worth it?

It is efficient for land clearing if you already have a skid steer, but overkill for one or two yard stumps.

Sources and methodology

Last updated . Prices are estimates built from published contractor rates, national cost guides and federal labor data. Read how we calculate prices.