Got a tricky tree stump? It could be on a steep slope.

Perhaps the ground is wet and muddy. Hiring a track drive stump grinder could be the perfect answer.

This guide explains them and helps you decide if you need one for your job in the UK.

Track Drive vs. Wheeled Stump Grinder Hire Comparison

What is a Track Drive Stump Grinder?

Think of a small bulldozer’s tracks, but on a stump grinder.

That’s a track drive stump grinder.

It uses strong rubber tracks instead of wheels to move around.

These tracks help it work better on difficult ground.

Wheeled grinders are simpler but can struggle sometimes.

Track drives give extra stability and grip when needed most.

Tracked vs Wheeled Stump Grinder Hire: Which Do You Need?

Choosing between tracks and wheels is essential for your hire.

Wheeled grinders are often cheaper to hire.

They are usually faster on flat, hard surfaces like paths or dry lawns.

They can be lighter and easier to move or transport.

But tracked grinders shine when the job gets tough.

They handle slopes and wet ground much better.

They spread their weight, which can be gentler on lawns if you drive carefully.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose for your hire job:

Feature	Track Drive Stump Grinder Hire	Wheeled Stump Grinder Hire	Why it Matters for Hiring
Traction	Excellent on slopes, mud, wet grass	Good on flat, firm ground; can slip	Tracks let you work where wheels might fail.
Stability	Very good, less bounce during grinding	Good, but can bounce more on big stumps	More stability means efficient grinding.
Ground Pressure	Lower (spreads weight, e.g., ~4-5 PSI)	Higher (concentrated on wheels)	Tracks can be kinder to lawns if not turned sharply.
Lawn Turning Impact	High risk if pivoted sharply (tears turf)	Lower risk, but can still rut if heavy	Careful turning needed with tracks on grass.
Hire Cost	Higher per day/week	Lower per day/week	Your budget vs. job needs.
Transport	Often heavier / may need larger trailer	Often lighter / easier to transport	Check your vehicle’s towing capacity.
Site Travel Speed	Slower on flat ground	Faster on flat ground	Takes longer to move between stumps far apart.
Best Hire Use	Slopes, wet areas, rough terrain, large stumps	Flat ground, easy access, smaller stumps	Match the machine to your specific job site.

Unlock Unbeatable Advantages: Why Hire a Tracked Grinder?

Hiring a tracked grinder brings significant benefits for specific jobs.

You pay more, but you get a machine that solves problems.

Master Slopes and Uneven Ground with Better Grip

Wheeled grinders can slip and slide on hills.

This can be unsafe and stop you from working.

Track drive grinders grip much better.

Their tracks act like tank treads, holding firm on slopes.

Fact: Professionals often choose tracks for any gradient where wheels might struggle, improving safety and getting the job done.

You can confidently work on banks and bumpy ground.

Gain Great Stability for Smooth Grinding

Grinding big stumps can make machines bounce around.

This slows down the job and makes it less comfortable.

Tracked grinders have a long, wide footprint on the ground.

This makes them very stable.

They sit firmly while the cutting wheel does its work.

This extra stability helps you grind stumps faster and more easily.

Operate Effectively on Wet, Muddy, or Soft Ground

Has it been raining? Is your garden a bit boggy?

Wheeled grinders can easily get stuck in mud or soft soil.

This wastes time and makes a mess.

Tracks float over soft ground better than wheels.

They spread the machine’s weight over a bigger area.

This stops them from sinking in so easily.

User Feedback: Many landscapers and tree surgeons say tracks are essential for winter work or after wet weather.

You can keep working even when the ground is damp.

Reduce Soil Squashing on Grass (If Driven Carefully)

Heavy machines can squash the soil and leave deep marks.

Tracks help reduce this problem when driving straight.

They spread the weight out.

Statistic: Some popular tracked models like the Vermeer SC382 or Bandit SG-40 have low ground pressure, around 4.0 to 5.0 Pounds per Square Inch (PSI).

This is often less pressure than your own feet create!

But remember the turning warning (more on that below).

Understand the Trade-offs: Important Things Before Hiring

Tracked grinders are great, but they have downsides too.

It’s good to know these before you decide to hire one.

Factor in the Higher Hire Cost

Tracked machines cost more to buy.

So, they usually cost more to hire than wheeled ones.

Check the daily or weekly hire prices carefully.

Think of the extra Cost as paying for capability.

If your job needs tracks, the extra Cost is often worth it.

It saves you time and hassle compared to getting a wheeled one stuck.

Address Potential Lawn Damage: Tips to Reduce Impact

This is very important for lawn jobs.

While tracks are gentle, going straight, sharp turns are different.

Tracked grinders steer like tanks (skid steer).

Pivoting or turning sharply on grass can tear up the turf.

It can look worse than marks from wheels.

How to Protect Lawns When Hiring a Tracked Grinder:

• Make wide, gentle turns whenever possible. Avoid sharp pivots.
• Use boards or plywood under the tracks on delicate lawns, especially when turning.
• Drive slowly and carefully on grassy areas.
• Ask our hiring team for advice on how to operate it gently.

Being careful helps keep lawns looking good.

Think About Transport and Site Access Needs

Tracked stump grinders are often heavier than wheeled ones.

Check the machine’s weight in the specifications.

Make sure your car or van can legally tow it.

You might need a larger trailer.

Also, check the machine’s width.

Will it fit through garden gates or narrow paths?

Measure your access points before hiring.

You can find the details of the weight and size on our hire pages.

Or give us a call to check!

Note the Slower Travel Speed Across Sites

Wheeled grinders can zip across flat areas relatively quickly.

Tracked grinders are generally slower movers.

If you have many stumps spread far apart on a large, flat site, moving between them with tracks will take longer.

This is usually less important than getting the machine to the stump on difficult ground.

But it’s something to be aware of for large jobs.

Quick Scan: Common Problems & Tracked Grinder Solutions

Problem: The Stump is on a steep garden bank. Solution: Track drive hire – Provides the essential grip and stability.

Problem: The Ground is soft and muddy after rain. Solution: Track drive hire – Tracks float better and avoids getting stuck.

Problem: Access is over very rough, uneven ground. Solution: Track drive hire – Tracks can climb over obstacles more easily.

Problem: Worried about squashing a delicate lawn. Solution: Track drive hire (with careful use) – Low ground pressure helps, but make wide turns to avoid damage.

Problem: Need maximum stability for a vast, tough stump. Solution: Track drive hire – The wide, stable base helps manage large grinding forces.

Essential Hire Scenarios: When You Need Tracks

When should you choose to hire a tracked grinder?

Here are the most common situations:

Tackling Stumps on Steep Banks and Slopes

This is the number one reason people hire tracked grinders.

Tracks offer safety and grip if the stump is on any slope.

Don’t risk using a wheeled grinder that could slip.

Quote: “Hired a tracked grinder for a bank job. The wheeled one wouldn’t have stood a chance. The tracks made it easy and safe.” – John P., recent hirer.

Working in Wet, Muddy, or Boggy Conditions

After heavy rain or in naturally damp areas, tracks are key.

They stop the machine from sinking and getting bogged down.

This saves you time and effort trying to get it unstuck.

You can finish the job even when the ground is poor.

Getting Through Rough, Uneven Job Sites

Is the path to the stump covered in roots, rocks, or debris?

Tracks can often crawl over these obstacles better than wheels.

They provide a smoother ride for the machine over bumpy ground.

This helps you reach stumps in awkward locations.

Ensuring Stability for Very Large or Tough Stumps

Big or hard wood stumps need a lot of grinding power.

A stable machine helps apply that power effectively.

The solid platform of a tracked grinder reduces bouncing.

This makes the grinding process smoother and potentially quicker.

Analyse the Cost: Is Tracked Hire Worth It for Your Job?

You know tracked hire costs more. So, is it worth the extra money?

Think about the total Cost and effort of your job.

Hiring a tracked grinder IS worth it when:

• A wheeled grinder cannot safely access the stump (slopes).
• A wheeled grinder is likely to get stuck on wet ground.
• You waste time trying and failing with the wrong machine.
• The stability lets you grind a giant stump much faster.

Hiring a tracked grinder might NOT be worth it when:

• The stump is on flat, firm ground.
• Access is easy along paths or on dry lawns.
• Your budget is very tight for a simple job.

The Key Idea: Pay more for hire only when the tracked machine’s abilities are necessary to complete your job safely and effectively. It’s about the right tool for the specific task.

Operating Your Hired Tracked Grinder Safely

Using any stump grinder needs care. Here are simple tips for your hire machine:

Perform Basic Checks Before You Start

Our machines are checked regularly, but it’s wise to check them yourself.

• Check that the controls work smoothly.
• Look at the tracks – do they seem okay? (Not too loose, not damaged).
• Make sure safety guards are in place.
• Know where the emergency stop button is.
• Always wear your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): eye protection, ear defenders, sturdy boots, and gloves.

We provide full instructions and safety guidance when you hire.

Master Basic Moves: Protect Lawns

Remember the turning advice!

Always try to make wide, sweeping turns on grass.

Avoid spinning the grinder on the spot (pivot turns).

If you must make tight turns on delicate grass, consider using boards.

Operate the machine slowly and deliberately until you are comfortable.

Choose the Right Tracked Grinder from Our Hire Fleet

We offer different tracked grinders. How do you pick?

Match Machine Size to Your Stumps

Bigger, more powerful machines grind faster, especially on large stumps.

Smaller machines are lighter and may fit in tighter spaces.

Think about:

• How big are the stumps (diameter and height)?
• How many stumps do you need to remove?
• How hard is the wood (e.g., oak is more complex than pine)?
• What is the access width to the site?

Check each hire model’s horsepower (HP) and cutting dimensions.

If unsure, ask us! We can help you choose the best fit.

Understand Our Delivery and Collection Options

You need to get the grinder to your site.

Tracked grinders are heavy.

You might need a suitable trailer and towing vehicle.

Check the machine weight against your vehicle’s towing limit.

Alternatively, we offer a delivery and collection service.

We can bring the grinder and pick it up when you’re finished.

This often saves hassle, especially for larger machines. Ask about delivery costs.

Explore Our Range of Track Drive Stump Grinders Ready for Hire

Ready to see which tracked machines we have available?

We keep a modern fleet of reliable tracked stump grinders.

They are perfect for those challenging jobs.

Check Out Our Track Drive Stump Grinder Hire Options Here

Quick Decision Checklist: Tracked or Wheeled Hire?

Use these questions to help you decide quickly:

• Is the stump on a hill or a noticeable slope? (Yes? -> Think Tracked)
• Is the ground very soft, wet, or muddy? (Yes? -> Think Tracked)
• Do you need to cross rough, bumpy ground to reach it? (Yes? -> Think Tracked)
• Is the stump giant, and do you need maximum stability? (Yes? -> Think Tracked)
• Is the stump on a flat, firm lawn with easy access? (Yes? -> Wheeled might be fine)
• Is keeping the hire cost low the most important thing for a simple job? (Yes? -> Wheeled might be fine)

A tracked grinder hire is strongly recommended if you answer ‘Yes’ to any of the first four.

Hear From Our Customers: Tracked Grinder Hire Success

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what hirers say:

“Had several stumps on a steep bank behind the house. Hired the tracked grinder from treestumpgrinderhire.com. It climbed the slope easily and felt secure. Couldn’t have done it otherwise!” – Sarah K., Guildford

“Our garden was waterlogged after weeks of rain, but the stumps needed to go. The tracked machine hired by these guys managed it with no problem. Didn’t get stuck once, unlike the mini digger we had earlier!” – Mark T., Reading

“Worth paying the extra for the tracked hire on my tricky job. Saved me so much time and stress. The team also explained how to use it carefully on the lawn.” – David R., Slough.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tracked Stump Grinder Hire

Here are answers to common questions:

Q: How much more does a tracked grinder hire Cost?

A: Tracked models are typically 20-50% more expensive to hire per day or week than similar-sized wheeled grinders. Check our website for exact prices.

Q: Do I need a special licence to operate one?

A: No, most hire stump grinders don’t need a special licence. However, you must be competent and follow all safety instructions provided. We give a briefing before you hire.

Q: Will it damage my lawn?

A: Not necessarily. If driven straight, the low ground pressure is gentle. Damage usually happens during sharp pivot turns. Making wide turns or using boards minimises this risk. We provide guidance.

Q: What size trailer do I need to collect it?

A: This depends on the specific model’s weight and size. Check the specifications on our hire page or call us to confirm your vehicle and trailer requirements.

Q: How deep can a tracked grinder grind?

A: Most hire models can grind 10-16 inches (25-40 cm) below ground level. This is usually enough to remove the main stump body and prepare for replanting or turfing. Check the specific model’s details.

Ready to Tackle That Tough Stump? Get Your Track Drive Hire Quote!

Don’t let slopes, wet ground, or big stumps defeat you.

Hiring a track drive stump grinder gives you the power and grip you need.

Let us help you choose the perfect tracked grinder for your project today!”