Stump grinders come in a few broad classes. Picking the right one is mostly about matching horsepower and machine size to the stump and to how you'll get the machine to the stump.
Walk-behind (self-propelled)
Compact units, usually around 11–14 HP. They fit through a standard gate (roughly 30–36 inches) and are ideal for small to medium stumps in a residential yard. This is the most common rental for a homeowner.
Tow-behind
More powerful (25–40 HP), towed behind a truck or trailer. Better for larger stumps and multiple stumps in one visit, but you need a hitch and room to maneuver.
Tracked / self-propelled riders
The largest machines, with tracks for soft or uneven ground and the horsepower to chew through big trunks and root flares quickly. Usually the domain of pros rather than rentals.
Quick rule of thumb
- One small stump, tight access: walk-behind.
- Several stumps or a large trunk: tow-behind, or hire a pro with a tracked unit.
- Access matters: measure your narrowest gate before you rent — horsepower is useless if the machine can't reach the stump.