Excavator Stump Shears - Removing Tree Stumps Efficiently

Excavator Stump Shears: Effective Tools for Removing Tree Stumps

Excavator stump shears are heavy-duty tools attached to excavator booms to remove tree stumps by shearing them just below ground level. With their powerful jaws and sharp blades, stump shears provide an efficient and cost-effective method for taking out tree stumps and clearing land for development.

Advantages of Using an Excavator Stump Shear

Excavator stump shears offer many benefits over manually digging out stumps or using other stump removal methods:

Fast removal of stumps up to 600mm in diameter or larger
Clean cutting below ground to extract the entire stump
Low ground impact since the excavator metal shear stays on tracks/wheels
Significant time and labor cost savings
Removes stumps in hard-to-reach areas
No large holes were left behind

Types of Excavator Stump Shears

Excavator stump shears come in two main styles:

Fixed shear - Attached permanently to the stick boom for stability.
Rotating shear - Rotates 360 degrees for greater versatility.

Heavy-duty shears can cut stumps up to 600mm in diameter. Mini excavator stump shears are also available.

How Excavator Stump Shears Work

Excavator stump shears use two thick, jagged blades powered by hydraulics to slice through stumps. The upper blade stays fixed while the lower blade closes the jaws. The operator positions the excavator metal shear near the base of the stump, just below ground level. Activating the shear then cuts through the stump, severing it from the roots. The excavator can remove the stump pieces and shake off excess dirt.

Operating Tips

Here are some tips for safely and effectively operating excavator stump shears:

Clear away any rocks or debris before cutting.
Make sure no people or property are nearby.
Position shear at soil line before closing jaws.
Cut stumps flush with the ground in one bite.
Shake stump to dislodge before discarding.
Occasionally sharpen blades to maintain performance.

Maintenance Best Practices

To keep stump shears in good operating condition:

Lubricate pivot points and cylinders daily.
Inspect hoses and connectors for damage.
Check for loose bolts and tighten if needed.
Replace worn or damaged blades and teeth.
Keep hydraulic system free of contaminants.

Safety Precautions

Excavator stump shear safety includes:

Wear protective equipment when operating.
Make sure no utilities run underneath stumps.
Watch out for flying debris when cutting.
Never cut stumps on steep slopes or inclines.
Avoid contact with overhead wires.

Conclusion

With their ability to quickly and efficiently remove stumps, excavator stump shears are a useful addition for any land-clearing contractor. Their speed and effectiveness can save significant time and labor costs compared to manual stump removal. Following safe operating procedures and proper maintenance will ensure excavator stump shears continue delivering excellent performance.