How To Use Your Stump Grinder - PowerTek 12-13 Operation & Maintenance Manual

STUMP GRINDER USAGE
BEFORE YOU CUT:
Before you start to grind the stump, remove all debris-dirt, rocks, metal, and loose wood-
from around the area of the stump before the first cut. Be sure to remove any debris that may also
be embedded in the tree stump itself. Debris can wear or damage the cutting teeth and can be a
safety hazard. If the teeth meet these foreign objects, the stump cutter can propel these objects
great distances.
Before you start the machine, become familiar with all of the controls on the stump
grinder. Locate the key switch, throttle, choke, presence handle, and brakes. Check to see if the
debris curtains and guarding are in place to help reduce flying objects. Take time to read all the
decals and warnings that are on the machine. Read the operation and maintenance manual, it will
give you information that can save you time as well as prevent serious injury.
Make sure the teeth on the cutter wheel are in good shape. Inspect them for sharpness,
freedom from nicks, and damage. Teeth can wear down quickly causing performance problems
as well as lost productivity.
When you are finished, lift the cutter wheel from the stump before shutting the engine off.
OPERATION:
The type of wood will determine how much to cut at one time. Softer woods such as
pines or firs are easier to remove than harder woods such as elm, oak, ash or maple. For harder
wood, take shallow cuts. Cutting harder woods will dull teeth faster, therefore, be prepared by
having an extra set of teeth available.
If the stump is on a hill, level the area where the stump grinder will be setting. If grinding
is attempted without leveling, the stump grinder could tip over.
Do not take large cuts. The recommendation is to take 1/2-inch deep cuts and then sweep
side to side. Cuts deeper will not only slow productivity but could cause damage to the machine
as well as personnel injury. Also, start at the front of the stump and work toward the center. If the
stump is very large, it may be necessary to work from more than one side.
When grinding you may go as low as 10 inches below ground level. Make sure to clear
away all dirt, rocks, and debris before you continue to grind.
SAFETY TIPS:
The stump grinder is a powerful machine and can throw debris. Be prepared by wearing
protective clothing such as gloves, ear protection, eye protection, long pants, and heavy boots.
Never leave the operating position while the machine is engaged in a stump.
Make sure there is no one near the machine while it is in use. Use signs and/or barricades
to restrict pedestrian traffic around the danger zone. Keep all children away from the stump
grinder and the work area.
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