What's the Best PTO Stump Grinder for My Tractor Specs?

What PTO stump grinders are compatible with your tractor? Let's find out

PTO-driven stump grinders are great tools for clearing and maintaining land, able to grind not just the stump but the roots underneath. 

But not all stump grinders are compatible with all tractors, and knowing which PTO stump grinders work with your machine is the first step to getting the best machine for clearing land.

In this tractor compatibility guide, we'll discuss how you can find out which model is the best PTO stump grinder for your tractor.

How do PTO stump grinders work?

Stump grinders are specialized machines designed to make stump removal fast and efficient, whether you’re clearing land for farming, landscaping or building projects.

A PTO stump grinder, or Power Take Off stump grinder, is engineered to connect directly to your tractor’s PTO, harnessing the tractor’s power to grind stumps down below ground level. This setup makes a PTO stump grinder a smart choice for landowners who want to maximize the utility of their existing tractor.

When choosing a PTO stump grinder, it’s important to consider the size of your tractor, the types of stumps you’ll be tackling and the features that matter most for your work. Understanding how a PTO stump grinder works and what it’s designed to do will help you select the right model for your needs, ensuring efficient operation and professional results every time.

What is the best tractor for a PTO stump grinder?

As long as your tractor has a PTO shaft and an independent/live transmission, your tractor will be stump grinder compatible, so regardless of the size tractor you have, there will be a stump grinder model that you can run with it.

Because there are multiple models of stump grinder available, you should be able to find one that has a compatible range that matches the PTO output of your tractor.

How do I find my tractor's horsepower output at the PTO?

The owner’s manual that came with your tractor will include the output of your tractor’s PTO. If not, you can check the manufacturer’s website too.

There’s also the Woodland Mills stump grinder tractor compatibility tool. Just input your model of tractor and it will not only let you know the PTO output of your tractor but also share which stump grinder models are compatible.

Before you choose the best PTO stump grinder for your tractor specs, you need to understand your tractor’s PTO horsepower output, as this is crucial for ensuring the attachment will fit and operate efficiently. It is recommended to always check the required HP for the stump grinder attachment to ensure a proper match.

What PTO stump grinder models are compatible with my tractor?

A great first step to figuring out which stump grinder models you can use with your tractor is to try the Woodland Mills stump grinder tractor compatibility tool. It checks all the most popular tractor makes and models to let you know which PTO driven stump grinders are compatible with your machine.

Another way of checking your tractor's stump grinder compatibility is to:

• • Check your tractor's PTO output: the HP output of the PTO often differs from the HP of your tractor's engine, so check the owner's manual or manufacturer's website to see what the output is directly at the PTO. Compact tractors tend to have smaller PTO outputs while larger and industrial tractors have a higher output.

  • Ensure your tractor has an independent/live transmission: There are many different types of transmissions in tractors, and PTO stump grinders work with models that have independent or live transmissions, which means the PTO can continue run even when the tractor's wheel-drive is disengaged.

  • Look for compatible stump grinders: PTO stump grinders will have a compatibility range you want to check against your tractor. For example, if your tractor has a PTO output of 20 HP, the WG24 Stump Grinder is compatible with PTO outputs between 15 and 45 HP, so this model would work with your tractor.

  • Pick your chosen stump grinder: If your tractor is compatible with multiple models, we suggest picking the largest model. That gives you the biggest grinding wheel to grind down stumps faster and get the job done quicker, so you can get back to other tasks. Also look out for additional features like chip deflectors or shock absorption systems that make for smoother grinding, such as those on Woodland Mills PRO stump grinders.

For tractors with a PTO output between 15 and 45 HP

Woodland Mills WG24 and WG24 PRO

Designed in 2018 by our co-founders and lead engineer, Michael, the WG24 has become a mainstay in our core product lineup, with thousands sold worldwide. Over the years, it’s proven itself as a tough and reliable tool for stump removal, and trusted by sawyers, landowners, and farmers alike.

Specifications:

• • 6" Maximum Grinding Depth

  • 24" Diameter Flywheel

  • 34 Tungsten Carbide Teeth

For a smoother grinding experience, take a look at the WG24 PRO, featuring a patent-pending shock absorption system and chain chip deflectors to make cleanup easier.

For tractors with a PTO output between 35 and 80 HP

Woodland Mills WG28 and WG28 PRO

Weighing in at nearly 700 lb., the WG28’s solid construction provides the mass and stability needed to power through stumps efficiently, delivering smooth, effective grinding. Engineered for simplicity, it connects easily to your tractor’s 3-point hitch and grinds stumps down to 8.5" (22 cm) below grade.

Specifications:

• • 8.5" Maximum Grinding Depth

  • 28" Diameter Flywheel

  • 44 Tungsten Carbide Teeth

To make stump grinding even easier, take a look at the WG28 PRO, featuring a patent-pending shock absorption system and chain chip deflectors to make cleanup easier.

I have a mid-size tractor, will most PTO stump grinders be compatible with it?

The good news with a well-sized tractor with a PTO output around 30 or 40 HP, you have access to larger stump grinders, even if your tractor isn't as large or fast as larger, commercial models.

But the advice for mid-size tractors is the same as other models, we recommend you always go with the largest model available to you, to give you the best opportunity to deal with stumps the fastest. Stump removal doesn't take long per stump, but if you have a lot of stumps it can add up, so having a machine that can get the job faster is best.

To sum up: what's the best PTO stump grinder for your tractor?

When looking for the best PTO driven stump removal machine for your tractor, we recommend you check:

• • Your tractor's specs, including the HP output at the PTO

  • The specs of the stump grinder, including its PTO compatibility range

  • Ensure your tractor has a PTO shaft with a live/independent transmission

  • Always get the largest stump grinder compatible with your tractor