{"id":263,"date":"2020-12-22T17:11:31","date_gmt":"2020-12-22T17:11:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/?p=263"},"modified":"2021-01-02T11:52:37","modified_gmt":"2021-01-02T11:52:37","slug":"best-mini-excavator-for-stumps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/best-mini-excavator-for-stumps","title":{"rendered":"Best Mini Excavator For Digging Stumps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We previously discussed how you can use mini excavators for stump removal<\/a> either by digging or by grinding it down. This article is a follow up of that to help you find the best mini excavator for digging stumps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some think that the best ones would be the biggest ones, while some suggest that the price tag or the brand would determine the best one. However, in our experience we have found that there are a lot of factors to consider when renting or buying a mini excavator, which will in turn reflect whether it\u2019s the best one for you or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our experience, the best mini excavator for digging stumps was the CAT 315 because of its features, reliability, and effectiveness when it comes to excavating and removing stumps. However, it might not suit all of you, so here we\u2019ll review some of the best ones we tested out so that you can make an informed decision. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Size Excavator Should be Use for Digging Stumps Out?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Different sized excavator diggers<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

It goes without saying that the size of your excavator depends on the size of stump you\u2019re trying to remove. The larger a stump is, the bigger the excavator should be. After all, you will have to dig deeper to free its root ball, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At this point, it is important to mention that there are other methods to remove stumps as well, such as grinding. When you\u2019re grinding stumps, it doesn\u2019t matter how old the tree is or how big a stump is, a mini excavator of any size should be able to get the job done.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a look at the considerations you need to make when choosing the right sized excavator for removal of stumps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. <\/strong>Know The Work You\u2019ll Have to Put In<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember, different jobs need an excavator of different size and power. The biggest consideration to make is that your excavator bucket should be able to extend far enough and second, your excavator should be heavy enough so as not to tip because of its bucket\u2019s weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Survey the site first to see what size excavator can fit into your backyard or wherever you are trying to work. For the sake of this article, we will assume that buying\/renting different attachments is out of the question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the site (and its route) is easily accessible and clear of other structures, you can afford to go big. Otherwise smaller excavators are the way to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. <\/strong>Get a Rough Idea of How Much Dirt Needs to Be Replaced<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If the dirt you\u2019re trying to remove is compacted, you will have to take out more dirt that if it is loose soil. As a rule of thumb, remember that larger excavators have, by default, a larger bucket. When surveying the site, try to dig a little with a shovel to get a rough idea of how much you need to dig. You basically need to get your bucket under the stump for removal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. <\/strong>Know Your Excavators<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a look at a chart to understand what different sized excavators do best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Size<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Tonnage<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Function(s)<\/strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Small (Mini)<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>1-20 tons<\/td>* Working in tight space
* Backyard digging\/stump removal\/pond digging
* Drilling\/backfilling
* Leveling ground for landscaping (small scale)<\/td><\/tr>
Medium<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>20-50 tons<\/td>* Light construction projects (DIY & professional)
* Digging larger ponds and pools
* Trenching
* Handling (raw) material
* Dredging
* Forestr
* Small-scale demolition
* Tree stump removal<\/td><\/tr>
Large<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>50-100 tons<\/td>* Large construction projects (mostly professional)
* Large-scale commercial landscaping
* Home demolition
* Medium-scale leveling<\/td><\/tr>
Extra Large<\/strong><\/strong><\/td><100 tons<\/td>* Mining and hyper construction projects (professional only)
* Large scale landscaping
* Home and building demolition
* Large-scale leveling<\/td><\/tr>
Bucket Wheel Excavators<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>50 to <14,200 tons<\/td>* City-scale landscaping
* Mountain carving
* Hyper-scale project use only
* Some of the largest land vehicles out there (such as the Bagger 293<\/a>)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
The types of excavators to use for different DIY functions<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Of course, going with extra large or bucket wheel excavators (or even large in most instances) is overkill when trying to remove stumps. You may actually end up digging your whole neighborhood out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mini Excavator Recommendations for Digging Stumps<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that we\u2019ve gone over the basics, let\u2019s look at some mini excavators that we found useful when digging stumps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. <\/strong>CAT 301.8<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Among the numerous next generation mini excavators, Caterpillar presents the 301.8<\/a> as a reliable mini excavator for not just DIY enthusiasts, but professionals as well. The 301.8 comes with an air conditioned compartment for the driver to ensure their comfort, while the slightly elevated compartment ensures that the driver has a good view on what they\u2019re working on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standing at just 2.2 tons, this mini excavator can go about 8.4 feet under without struggling. This is perfect for average sized tree stumps and some stubborn ones, as well. It has a tip protection rating of ISO 12117:1997, which is much better than many others out there for the same price and rent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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