How Much Does It Cost to Rent A Stump Grinder?

Removing or getting rid of a tree stump can be an intimidating and time-consuming task. On top of this, hiring a professional service can also end up costing a lot, but you can reduce this cost by renting a stump grinder and getting it done yourself. Let’s take a look at the average cost of renting a stump grinder and some of the tips while renting it.

The average cost of renting a stump grinder can be between $70-$200 for half a day and $200-$400 for a full day. Some services also give the grinder on an hourly basis. If your demands are for a really large tree, then you might have to rent a bigger grinder which can drive up the cost further.

Some Tips for Renting Stump Grinders

Before you go ahead and rent a stump grinder, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

• Make sure to ask multiple services and stores for their rental prices, this way you can have a better frame of reference for the average price in your area.

• Ask the professional tree removal services for their complete stump removal costs as well, this way you can take into account whether the professional removal service is within budget or not.

• Take into account the size of the tree stump you wish to remove. Unless you are dealing with a specifically giant stump, most rental stump grinders will get the job done for your backyard. But it is still a good practice to measure the diameter of your stump and talk to the hardware stores about the appropriate grinder size you will need.

How much does renting a stump grinder cost?

Usually, most places give the stump grinders for rent on either an hourly basis, for half a day, or for one full day.

If you have had some prior experience with handling stump grinders and if you can estimate the time it will take you to grind a stump, then the hourly rates will suit you the best. But if you have no prior experience, then it is best to either go for the half-day rentals or full-day rentals. You have to keep in mind the learning curve and some extra time if everything doesn’t go according to plan.

Rental costs for stump grinders can range between $70-$200 for half a day and $200-$400 for a full day. The cost variance will depend on the size of the grinder you rent and the company from which you rent it. The season you are renting this is in can also inflate the cost, as during the peak season the demand will be greater.

With larger stump grinders, which you might need if your stump size is greater than 12-13 inches in diameter, you might have to pay for the trailer cost as well. This can add another $50-60.

Also if you don’t have the safety equipment with you like the gloves, glasses, full-sleeved thick clothes and boots. Buying these can add another $30-40 to the cost.

Some of the Cons of Grinding the Stumps Yourself

There is a reason why a lot of people choose to hire a professional to get the job done. Although grinding the stumps yourself can be fun, economical, and challenging, it can also create some problems along the way.

For example, if you haven’t operated a stump grinder before, there can be a learning curve to the whole process, and it can also turn out to be quite a labor intensive.

You also have to keep in mind that operating heavy machinery can be dangerous. You have given the job at hand your full attention otherwise you can get hurt.

Any breakage or repairs needed on the stump grinder after the job can be traced back to you and in some cases, you will have to pay the repair costs.

One more factor is that hiring a stump grinder also involves the delivery fee and if you are renting a big grinder then the trailer cost attached with it will also increase the final cost. That’s why it is important to enquire the professional stump removal service providers.

Most rental stump grinders work well with stumps less than 13 inches in diameter. Anything greater than this might require you to rent a larger grinder.

You will also have to clean up the mess left behind after the job is done. On top of this, you also need to keep in mind the safety precautions while doing the job.

Conclusion

The average stump grinder can be rented for $70-$200 for half a day and $200-$400 for a full day. You can also rent a grinder on an hourly basis. Some places also charge transportation costs on top of this which can drive up the price. The rental costs depend on the service, the area, and the season you want to rent it in.