A walk-behind stump grinder carries its own gas engine, usually 420cc, which drives a 10 to 14 in cutter wheel through belts. You lock one or both wheels and swing the handle to sweep the cutter across the stump, or on some models release the chassis or head so it swings while the wheels stay put. Electric start and a tow bar make a big difference when the stumps are spread across a property.
Prices were last checked November 3, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Full ranking 17
- MechMaxx SG380 Stump Grinder#1 of 17Full review
The best equipped walk-behind for the money. It suits a homeowner with many stumps who wants to tow it and swing across each one.
Amazon $1,899$1,89910 in14 in12 - DK2 OPG888E Stump Grinder#2 of 17Full review
A well-built Kohler grinder with key start and a long warranty, for frequent use. It costs a little less than the MechMaxx SG380 Kohler but does not swing across the stump.
Amazon $2,379.99$2,379.9910 in14 in12 - MechMaxx SG380 Kohler Stump Grinder#3 of 17Full review
The SG380 for a buyer who values a name-brand engine and local service. Otherwise the Ducar version does the same work for less.
Amazon $2,699$2,69910 in14 in12 - Digmight 15HP E-Start Stump Grinder#4 of 17Full review
A low-cost way to get key start and a tow bar. Fine for a homeowner whose stumps stand tall rather than run deep.
Amazon $1,599$1,5999 in12 in9 - SuperHandy GUO151 Stump Grinder#5 of 17Full review
A strong value for a property with stumps spread out: deep cutting and a tow bar for well under $1,500 at WoodSplitterDirect.
Amazon $1,679.99$1,679.9912 in13.5 in8 - SuperHandy GUO152 Stump Grinder#6 of 17Full review
For someone who wants a sweeping head and key start without paying Dosko prices. Check the warranty with the seller before buying.
WoodSplitterDirect $2,295$2,29512 in13.5 in8 - DK2 OPG777 Stump Grinder#7 of 17Full review
For a buyer who wants a known engine and the longest machine warranty in this price range. Depth is average.
Amazon $1,799$1,7999 in12 in9 - Bilt Hard 420cc Stump Grinder#8 of 17Full review
A low-cost 420cc grinder for a homeowner with a handful of stumps. It gives big-engine power without the price of the better-equipped models.
Amazon $1,399.99$1,399.999.3 in-9 - MechMaxx SGR1500 Stump Grinder#9 of 17Full review
A good pick for a homeowner who wants a swinging chassis for less money. The SG380 adds a tow bar and key start.
Amazon $1,559$1,55910 in12 in8 - Titan Attachments PBSG420 Stump Grinder#10 of 17Full review
A solid deep-cutting grinder with a known engine brand. It suits a homeowner who can push it to each stump.
Amazon $1,587.75$1,587.7512 in-8 - PowerKing PK0803-EH Stump Grinder#11 of 17Full review
For a buyer who wants a Kohler key-start grinder with spares in the box. Its reach above and below grade is modest.
WoodSplitterDirect $2,045$2,0459 in12 in9 - Digmight 15HP Stump Grinder#12 of 17Full review
A budget 420cc grinder for tall stumps above ground. It is less suited to deep root removal, and the warranty is unclear.
Amazon $1,399$1,3998.8 in12 in9 - Brave BRSG105K Stump Grinder#13 of 17Full review
A plain Kohler grinder at a fair price. Buyers who want key start or a tow bar should look at the PowerKing or DK2.
WoodSplitterDirect $1,791$1,7919 in12 in9 - SuperHandy GUO110 Stump Grinder#14 of 17Full review
For a homeowner on a budget with a few modest stumps. It is light and cheap, but expect slow going on large ones.
WoodSplitterDirect $969$96912 in13.5 in6 - PowerKing PK0803-SP Stump Grinder#15 of 17Full review
For a buyer with hills or long walks between stumps. The drive saves effort, but cutting reach is the same as the cheaper PK0803-EH.
WoodSplitterDirect $2,524$2,5249 in-9 - Dosko 337S-13HC Swivel Stump Grinder#16 of 17Full review
A rental-grade grinder for someone with many stumps or a small tree business. Most homeowners will not get value from the price.
Amazon $6,599.95$6,599.9516 in14 in8 - Bilt Hard 212cc Stump Grinder#17 of 17Full review
For a few small or soft stumps where a rental would cost nearly as much. Pick a 420cc model for big hardwood stumps.
Amazon $1,099.99$1,099.997.3 in10 in6
