Easy Way to Remove Tree Stumps with Excavators

Can an excavator remove tree stumps? The answer is absolutely Yes! You might also be wondering “What size excavator do I need to remove tree stump?” We will show you all the information you need to dig out tree stumps effectively.

Excavators are incredibly versatile machines that excel in many different fields, especially stump removal. Thanks to their powerful hydraulic systems and digging capabilities, they are perfect for removing even the most stubborn tree stumps.

When considering what size of excavator to choose for stump removal, it depends on several factors. The size and hardness of the stumps, as well as the depth at which they’re rooted, all determine what size of excavator you need for the job.

Scenario 1. Removing Small Tree Stumps

If the tree stump you’re dealing with is small, a mini excavator will do the job perfectly. YUFAN offers mini excavators in various sizes, ranging from 0.8 tons to 6 tons. Each model is capable of removing stumps. Simply dig carefully around the tree stump to loosen it gradually. With this method, you can easily remove the stumps within 30 minutes.

Recommended excavators: YTF08, YFT10, YFT12, YFT15, YFT17, YFT18, YFT20, YFT25, YFT30, YFT35, YFT60.

Scenario 2. Medium Tree Stumps Removal

To remove a medium-sized stump (like the one in the image below), use a medium excavator for better efficiency. Mid-size machines weigh between 6 to 10 tons and are more powerful to pull out the stump from the ground.

Midi excavators are also useful for small demolition work and digging ponds or lakes. With their strength and flexibility, they are great for many building and gardening jobs as well.

Recommended excavators: YFT65H, YFT70H, YFT130H, YFT140H, YFT150H, YFT180H.

Scenario 3. Removing Big Tree Stumps

How to Remove a Large Tree Stump? If you’re not sure what a big tree stump looks like, check the picture below.

These sorts of tree stumps normally have thick, heavy roots that go deep into the ground. So, it takes a lot of power and effort to pull them out. That’s why big equipment is necessary to remove large tree stumps.

Large excavators are needed to remove these stubborn and tough stumps. They can be as big as 10 to 60 tons and handle weights from 10 to 50 tons.

Recommended excavators: YFT230H, YFT380H, YFT600H.

Easy Way to Remove Tree Stumps

The easy way to remove tree stumps is only two things to remember.

Number #1: Use Correct Tools.

Number #2: Follow Procedures.

1. First thing first, use the correct tools.

The excavator stump ripper is the best attachment to your excavator for removing tree stumps.

When it comes to digging out a tree stump, use an excavator ripper, also called a ripper tooth for the excavator. It’s specifically designed for ripping or breaking apart stumps and roots. Making the stump removal process much easier and more productive.

Ripper attachment is designed with a narrow end at the endpoint to increase the force to dig into the ground. The sharp endpoint helps to penetrate hard ground surfaces around the stumps. It also acts as a lever to wedge under the stump and roots, making it easier to dislodge them.

With the help of an excavator stump ripper, digging out a tree stump becomes more manageable.

2. Following procedures is the 2nd rule.

Now you have decided on which excavator to help you do the job correctly. Let’s find out exactly how to remove a tree stump using an excavator.

Step 1

>Dig a trench around the tree stump, about a meter wide, and remove the topsoil.

>If the ground is solid or the roots are embedded deeply, now it’s time to use a ripper tooth attachment. It’s specifically used for penetrating ground. Remember don’t try hard with your bucket because it could damage it.

>The ripper tooth helps to loosen stubborn roots, which can reach up to two feet deep.

>Once the roots are loosened, detach them from underneath.

Step 2

>Use the pushing and pulling method to loose the roots underneath the stump. Push and pull from different directions.

>During this process, you may need to remove soil and roots under the stump continually.

>Keep pushing, pulling, and digging under the stump until it moves easily.

>Repeat these steps as needed until the stump is completely removed.

>When the sump is completely removed, use your bucket or ripper tooth to fill and level the ground.

Gentle Reminder

If the stump breaks into pieces, if it happens, you may need to remove any remaining roots from the ground. Use your bucket or ripper tooth to loosen the soil and filter out the roots. You can then easily remove them with your excavator bucket.

Backhoe vs Excavator

When it comes to digging out tree stumps, which machine type is much better? Backhoes and excavators are both appropriate to do the job right. So how to make the right choice?

Based on our customer feedback and sales records, we suggest using excavators for stump removal. Why choose an excavator over a backhoe loader for digging out stumps?

Backhoes are versatile but do not have enough horsepower in grid-out stumps. Excavator stands out because of the following advantages.

Digging power. Excavators are expert digging machines and come with 360 rotation. Which allows them to handle stump removal very effectively.

Excavators have a longer reach. Before digging out a tree stump, first, you need to dig a circle around it and break as many connecting roots as possible. More digging power is needed for a bigger or more established stump. It takes a larger circle to take all those roots out. Their 360-degree rotation mechanism means less machine movement and adjustment. Making it easier to access and remove stumps in tight spots.

Excavators can handle all kinds of stumps. Provided with other tools, such as stump grinders or hydraulic shears. Pulling stumps with excavators is recommended due to its greater digging power, reach, and productivity.