What This Guide Covers

• Site prep and safety gear
• Transporting and setup
• How to grind a stump using a simple method
• Troubleshooting on the job
• What to do before returning your hire

Before You Leave With Your Hire Machine

Required Safety Gear

• Safety glasses or face shield
• Hearing protection
• Heavy-duty gloves
• Long pants and sleeves
• Steel-toe boots
• Dust mask in dry conditions

Clear the Work Area

• Remove rocks, metal, wire, fencing staples and nails
• Check for underground pipes, cables and irrigation
• Avoid steep slopes and slippery or wet ground
• Keep kids and pets well away

Trim the Stump if Possible

If safe to do so, chainsaw the stump as low as possible. Less wood means faster grinding.

Before You Start Grinding

Before starting the machine, take a few minutes to inspect the stump and surrounding area.

Check for Hidden Hazards

• Rocks around the base of the stump
• Fencing wire or staples
• Star pickets
• Concrete footings
• Irrigation pipes
• Water mains
• Electrical or communication cables

Never Grind These Materials

The stump grinder is designed for timber only.

• Rocks
• Concrete
• Bricks
• Steel posts
• Star pickets
• Fencing wire
• Steel reinforcing mesh
• Sleepers containing nails or bolts

Transporting Your Stump Grinder

Our grinder fits on a ute, van or trailer. It is heavy, so always lift with help or use ramps.

• Secure with straps around the frame
• Transport upright
• Fuel tap must be OFF
• Do not transport with a full tank

Starting the Stump Grinder

1. Put on all PPE
2. Ensure no one is within 10 metres
3. Position on flat ground
4. Engage parking brake
5. Throttle to SLOW / idle
6. Choke to CLOSED for cold start
7. Raise cutting head
8. Pull recoil starter
9. Open choke gradually as engine warms

How to Grind a Stump

1. Position the Machine

Place the wheel above the front edge of the stump, set the brake and always stand behind the handlebar.

2. Bring the Wheel Up to Speed

Throttle to FAST and let the wheel reach full RPM before cutting.

3. Grind in Shallow Passes

Lower the wheel gently into the stump. Grind around 1–2 cm at a time and sweep left-to-right smoothly.

4. Reposition

Lift the wheel, idle down if needed, roll back or forward and repeat.

5. Manage Chip Build-Up

Idle down, wait for the wheel to stop, then pull back and clear chips.

Grind the Surface Roots Too

Once the main stump is below ground level, check for any large surface roots extending away from it.

• Helps prevent regrowth
• Makes mowing easier
• Leaves a cleaner finished result
• Makes it easier to level and turf the area

Pro Tips for Faster Grinding

• Let the machine do the work — don’t force it.
• Keep the cutting wheel moving.
• Take shallow passes rather than deep cuts.
• Fresh green stumps usually grind easier than old hardwood stumps.
• Work from the front edge towards the back.
• Clear wood chips regularly for better visibility.

Important Safety Reminders

• Operate only from behind the handle
• Never remove guards or shields
• Do not operate on wet, slippery or unstable ground
• Never leave the engine running unattended
• Stop immediately if the machine vibrates or sounds abnormal

Shutting Down the Grinder

1. Raise cutting wheel
2. Throttle to idle
3. Turn off engine
4. Wait for wheel to fully stop
5. Engage brake

Troubleshooting

What To Do After Grinding

1. Remove or spread the wood chips.
2. Fill the hole with clean soil if required.
3. Compact the area.
4. Top up as the ground settles.
5. Lay turf or seed once level.

Before Returning Your Hire

• Brush or hose off heavy chips and dirt
• Check for stuck debris around the wheel guard
• Fuel tap OFF
• Report any issues or unusual behaviour

A clean machine and worksite make return easier.

Need Help?

If something doesn’t seem right while operating the stump grinder:

• Stop using the machine
• Turn the engine off
• Inspect the area safely
• Contact MarKay Outdoors before continuing

We’d rather answer a quick question than see equipment damaged or someone injured.

FAQ – Common Customer Questions

Video Demonstration Coming Soon

We’ll soon be adding a short demonstration video showing safe starting, correct grinding technique, sweeping motion, repositioning and the finished result.