For companies that are looking to take care of their customers’ stump removal requirements more efficiently and cost-effectively, or expand their service offerings, the most important consideration is equipment. To select the right stump cutter, you will first need to determine the types of jobs that will typically be your focus.
Will you be doing mostly residential or commerical lot clearing?
Will you be working for homeowners removing stumps in residential areas? Or will you be performing commercial lot clearing?
Generally, those seeking a stump cutter for land-clearing applications should look for a stump cutter with as much cutting performance as they can get within their budget. These machines tend to be large with powerful engines and are available as either towable or self-propelled machines. Features such as the ability to fit through a 36-inch gate is generally not important for these jobs.
When looking for a stump cutter to handle residential work, you will need to consider the area in which you will be operating. Specifically, are there more old and mature trees, which tend to have larger and harder stumps, or more ornamental trees, which tend to be smaller in size? This will inform your decision on the cutting width you want your stump cutter to have. The typical size of the yard where your services will be required should also factor into your decision. Those working in urban areas with high housing density and small yards will deal with limited access and tight spaces. In residential applications, you’re often dealing with large stumps that are difficult to reach due to obstacles such as sheds, steps, landscaping, fences, and gates. In these cases, you should consider a self-propelled machine that offers the capability of fitting through a 36-inch gate. Those working in more rural areas and larger subdivisions may have fewer challenges related to jobsite accessibility. Once you determine what your typical job will look like, you can begin to narrow your choices to the right combination of size, performance, and features to fit your needs and wallet.