A Guide To Stump Grinding

As the itinerant stump mill for these past dozen years, My partner and i have experienced a new variety of stump removal scenarios. I haven't written this particular with the purpose to impress, neither experience it been created as being the "be almost all to end all stump grinding method". I actually felt there in order to be a requirement for a written description regarding what I perform, amongst the wide variety of visual and pictorial information out and about there. Perhaps this humble piece can inspire other stump grinders to make a great effort with their very own written descriptions associated with how they mill away stumps with their machinery. If this collective information, has been compiled and indexed, it may demonstrate to be some sort of valued written way to obtain reference for all future stump grinders. I will be fortunate to be able to be able in order to bring up my personal unique blend experiences (not necessarily connected with this subject), complemented with a capability to put this specific into writing --- although how that is interpreted, remains to be to be seen. This is a detailed description associated with how I remove a tree stump with a qualified stump grinding equipment.

There will become deviations using this primary topic, also explaining my reasons, strategy, and events which in turn led to the modern day action taken. Contrary to many of my stump grinding colleagues who have relied on YouTube videos in order to demonstrate stump grinding, nobody has yet---as far as We are aware--- created a definitive step-by-step description on the particular salient points of this operation, for placement in the available domain. It is usually understood there are various additional views numerous various other variations in method, reflected by variations of equipment forms. My intention regarding basing my procedural description with some sort of modified Carlton 2300 stump grinder, is usually to retain it simple, without all the "bells and whistles" regarding modern stump grinding machines. However, this specific old (1997) design has been current using a Lombardini diesel powered engine to offer it performance getting close modern machines. I actually have added numerous my own "bells and whistles" in the form regarding various gauges which often I feel are usually important to acquire a general understanding associated with machine performance. More, old fashioned ring finger type cutter teeth are used. This is usually a personal choice based on cost alone. I in addition recognise the OE improvements made to modern stump mills, and do not really intend for these types of writings to diminish these improvements in just about any possible way. Again I actually re-emphasise the usage of the old model Carlton 2300 is to be able to preserve it simple inside spite of typically the below listed becomes the machine. My wish, and wish is the fact that some regarding this will kindle additional thoughts and even improvements to enhanced safety, and efficiency in a potentially hazardous operation. Stump grinding is innately a hazardous operation to the people, pets, and even property. The scope with this procedural information assumes an understanding with all necessary safety equipment, plus will only help make occasional reference in order to such equipment within just the context associated with my operational approach and procedure. I will begin together with a list of modifications built to this outdated Carlton 2300 including reasons:

brackets for securing a 2. 5 mtr. horizontal, flood light mast at the machine's top, and together its length. If working any distance away from foundation, It isn't cost efficient to complete a job on a 2nd come back to site in case it is possible to complete in one journey. Winter evenings at typically the solstice throughout The united kingdom, begins around 18: 00. Your several extra hours throughout the dark, can make a substantial price savings. This encouraged installation of a flood light attachment. for the machine.
pivoted brackets mounted inside place of soil guards for protecting rubber screens hung from steel arms. Some manufacturers of stump grinders may possibly now provide these types of screens. None have been available at typically the time, therefore i built them up. Right after experiencing a cracked window, as a result of rocks being projected diagonally from the cutter machine wheel, such some sort of screening provision grew to become very immediate. I actually never operate with no my mud officer mounted screens.
pivoted bracket assembly regarding securing an up and down mast of a new three meter quitasol used for all lengthy stump grinding jobs---rain or shine. A comfortable stump grinder, is a productive stump mill.
bracket for protecting a proper olive oil pressure gauge---not the idiot light! Most modern stump grinders include automatic switches to seal down the powerplant when oil stress is lost. If this machine got one--I would still install an olive oil pressure gauge. A great idiot light will not sense a reduction in oil pressure since when the powerplant warms up from cold, or when a possible flow may occur. Further, it can show approximate engine temp once experience is gained with standard pressure/temperature comparisons.
group for securing the motor engine oil temperature measure. This was some sort of temporary installation because the oil dip stick had to be able to be substituted using a sensor light immersed in the sump oil in order to gain accurate information. With an obvious cool air absorption, my engine has been running at 90 C. That will be quite hot and proves the point exactly how important it will be to keep great air passages plus air intakes obvious and clean. We have nearly 4000 run hours on my diesel motor with NO dark-colored or white wear out smoke!
bracket acquiring hydraulic oil temperature gauge. This is definitely also a present temporary installation while data is collected and can be more precisely referenced against the strain gauge. An everlasting set up with a mixture oil level and even temperature indicator will be installed at the later date.
The sheet metal screen separating the owner from hydraulic hoses was installed simply behind the hydraulics control levers. Most modern models have enclosures for hydraulic hosing, and must meet up with CE certification.
welded angle, supports for cutter wheel's hinged (guard) shroud. Any time this guard is down in its operational position, this nestles between two welded angles providing it lateral assistance. The addition associated with these angled aids was found in order to be necessary whenever the guard makes contact with the portion of uncut stump which continued to be beyond the swing action limit from the second hand cutter wheel.
brackets in order to secure a permanent electric winch previously mentioned steering wheels. Some sort of twelve volt winch have been recognised as an essential on-board equipment. Occasions include required a cabestan to assist machine manoeuvrability, to correct a static position over a slope in which driving the machine's own stake straight into the ground is definitely impossible. also to get the machine from difficult terrain.
installing of lockable key managed emergency stop swap. CE compliance needs this switch.
installing of a fixed means that to secure typically the cutter wheel's hinged shroud inside the downward or operational location. CE compliance calls for this.
central point greasing hub positioned within a cutout on the machine's decking. Armored, sheathed, flexibile, hydraulic quality pipe, is attached to four underside (difficult to reach) grease nipples
okay mesh insect monitor installed over motor cooling intake fan opening, complemented together with a steel main grid support fixed within air intake envelop, enfold.  Helpful resources  eliminated the requirement to frequently remove a engine's cool air flow ducting to typically the finned cylinders, regarding cleaning away particles caught between tube cooling fins. This specific was a frequent and essential task to prevent "hot spots" and to be able to maintain efficient motor cooling for like a hot running air cooled motor. A water chilled engine has unique advantages for functioning in this sort of grubby environment.
A thick neoprene gasket positioned beneath the cycle drive cover. This gasket is a new great improvement along with keeping out contamination, and extending chain life. ( Modern day stump grinders have hydraulic motor centre drives for every single wheel. Chain breakage was always some sort of risk, with typically the possibility of the runaway machine. That will can't happen using hydraulic motors with the drive wheels. )
complete sheet metal encasement of 'V' belt drive. Necessary for CE complying.
Improved fixing/support clump for shallow monitor located directly behind cutter wheel. This bracket was made inside of one piece involving steel stretching the length of typically the rubber screen. It provides additional screen support, and is quicker /easier to remove for screen substitute due to wear.
heavy duty spiral banding was covered around all subjected hydraulic hoses. Some sort of CE requirement to be able to protect the operator from a hydraulic hose burst
Installation of thermocouples to typically the bearings for determining their average normal running temperature plus to indicate excessive bearing play however to be mounted.

Transporting A Stump Grinder:

There are usually 2 different ways of finding your stumpgriner down the road to be able to a site; either by loading that onto a movie trailer, onto a 52 pick up, or into a vehicle. I chose some sort of VW medium tire base, high leading, turbo-diesel, panel van for the next reasons, and some sort of description of just how the stump maker is stowed:

VW vans represent stability for me. I'm onto my third change of vehicle (all purchased second hand) and have got never had some sort of breakdown that was not my fault.
the particular trailer option appeared to be inconvenience, with access down narrow driveways, switching radii too narrow, and a great deal of unnecessary monoeuvreing
I don't have a good sized enough lock upwards garage, which would need outside storage with regard to the stump grinder and trailer so that it is subject to theft.
my van is usually specialized in storing typically the stump grinder exactly where It stays onboard.
I do all regarding my servicing in addition to repairs using the stumpgrinder onboard. I hold all necessary pedaling to perform small field repairs electronic. g. changing a drive chain towards the drive axle, or perhaps wedge belts for your cutter drive.
typically the stump grinder and tools are secure in the lorrie using the vans extra security, eg. immobiliser, alarm, wheel clamp, and extra door plus frame strengthening which has already avoided someone looking to switch the base of the rear doors up-wards in an effort to gain obtain.
I keep a couple of steel ramps stowed onboard. These are usually also useful for gaining access within gardens with methods, or with a larger level.
a metal wire cable is definitely installed between reverse anchor points close to the steel bulkhead separating driver coming from loadbay. At the cable's centre is definitely fixed a metallic ring, through which in turn the stump grinder's stake enters, when the machine is usually stowed. This cable television has two reasons. First use will be when uploading the grinder. By increasing its tongue to reach the metallic ring fixed in the centre with the wire cable, well then passing the machine's stake through the particular steel ring, enables the machine to draw itself into placement when retracting the particular tongue. This access method is preferred over reliance on the grinders wheel traction force which is reduced on wet times, as well as because their wheels must climb up over, and upon top of screening stored on the vehicles floor. Second make use of is as some sort of secure fixing level even though the van is definitely in transit.
in the rear of the loadbay, is a new steel saddle set to the floor. ( looks like the upside down double "TT" ) That is bolted via the van's floors, and through sq . plates pulling contrary to the chassis underside. The particular machine's cutter tire nestles between a couple of verticle plates. Some sort of pin passes by way of both verticle china and a second hand cutter wheel bolt opening, where the tertiary budgets value to be repaired. ( they failed to go work, so use was built of their meant bolt holes )
the machine is definitely firmly stowed using this method. Without a doubt, it stayed in place, with my truck on its part in a drainage ditch! ( the particular ultimate test )

Downloading the Stump Grinder With the Quantities

open rear doorways, unsecure ramps through their stowed place, slid out ramps, and fix them to door sill with pins
available sliding side entrance, start the stump grinders engine, withdraw tongue slightly to pull against material cable thus enabling release of stress on cutter tyre stowage pin, for its removal, and even raise the second hand cutter wheel away from its floor seat.
engage axle travel or "free wheel" valve, reverse piece of equipment slightly, sufficient to be able to allow release of tension on metal cable allowing removal of machine's "T" stake from typically the steel ring repaired to the cable.
pin the machine's stake to its normal stowed place, and drive stump grinder throughout the ramps.

Determining Safe Access

after stopping the grinders engine (remove key), do a "walk-through" along the machine's intended route to the stumps. Dependent on machine's breadth (owing to extendable dual wheels fitted) determine a simple unobstructed access.

This document isn't finished however, and is subject to additions and revisions. I feel presently there is nevertheless , plenty of content to mull over and pass touch upon.