{"id":245,"date":"2020-12-18T09:59:53","date_gmt":"2020-12-18T09:59:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/?p=245"},"modified":"2021-01-02T11:48:36","modified_gmt":"2021-01-02T11:48:36","slug":"mini-excavator-stump-removal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/mini-excavator-stump-removal","title":{"rendered":"Can a Mini Excavator Remove Stumps?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to clearing your backyard, you can use a hoe to soften the ground, a rake to clean out all the debris, a plate compactor to plain it all out, but you won\u2019t be able to remove heavier debris or dig deeper holes without working way too hard. <\/em>You can\u2019t use an excavator since it won\u2019t be able to reach the backyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s where a mini excavator comes into play. It is smaller than a full-blown excavator but gets most jobs that a DIY-er would need done rather easily. With the wide array of attachments you can use, there is very little that a mini excavator can\u2019t do. However, can the mini excavator remove stubborn stumps?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you can remove tree stumps with a mini excavator<\/a>, but of course, there is a limit to how big a tree stump it can remove. For smaller stumps, a mini excavator can simply pull it out. For larger stumps, you may need special attachments for mini excavators. We\u2019ll discuss the details below. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Is a Mini Excavator<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mini excavators are excavators that weigh between 0.7 to 8.5 tons. These excavators are also known as compact excavators. These generally include a standard backfill blade and an independent boom swing. The attachment in front can be changed depending on what you want to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The light and compact design of excavators make it suitable for use in DIY projects, but that is not to say that these excavators aren\u2019t used for larger construction projects. Ideal for tight spaces, these excavators pack a punch and are useful for underground plumbing work, electricians, and most importantly for landscapers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Three
Three diggers including a mini excavator<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Renting or buying a mini excavator is much more cost-effective than opting for a full-sized excavator. They aren\u2019t as powerful, yes, and may take a bit longer to complete the same task, but it\u2019s better than going at it with hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Use <\/strong>a<\/strong> Mini Excavator for Stump Removal?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re building a detached garage, play area, patio, or simply landscaping your backyard, a tree stump can come in the way and therefore be an inconvenience<\/strong>, to say the least. Furthermore, after you\u2019ve cut down a tree, its stumps can dry out and invite pests<\/strong> to make a home in. These can be ants, termites, beetles, or even hornets!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Removing a stump <\/strong>by<\/strong> hand can be very difficult<\/strong> since a tree\u2019s root ball can be 3 to 7 times larger than the tree itself (depending on the climate). Trees that get enough water may not need to spread far and wide compared to those in drier areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, removing them by hand can spread the decay and pests<\/strong> further as you continue to dig around the stump and its roots. The teeth at the end of its bucket help dig rather easily and reach deeper into the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before we cover how<\/em> to use a mini excavator for stump removal, it’s worth pointing out that if there’s limited access for the digger tray to work (due to a nearby wall, for example) then a mini excavator might not be the best choice – no matter how small the stump is:<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"A
A small tree stump but with limited access<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

How to Use a Mini Excavator For Stump Removal<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With a mini excavator, removal can be done either by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Digging, or by<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Grinding<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Digging<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    To remove a stump via the digging method, you don\u2019t need any fancy attachments but can use the same bucket that you got it with. This will save you a few hundred dollars in terms of rent but you\u2019ll end up disturbing the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Before you start digging to remove said stump(s), remember to call your utility providers for an inspection. If a line is running through your backyard and right around the stump<\/a>, digging with an excavator is out of the question. We\u2019ll discuss its solution in the next section.<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"Digging<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    Once you\u2019re sure there are no utility lines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n