This machine is commonly used for: grinding tree stumps after felling; clearing surface roots before sodding or seeding; accessing tight backyards through narrow gates; eliminating tripping hazards along property lines; and clearing obstacles for new patio or fence installations. It shines on residential yards where you need 26 HP commercial grinding power and a 46-inch hydraulic swing arc but must fit through a standard 36-inch gate. For clearing multiple large hardwood stumps across open acreage, a larger towable commercial grinder will work faster, while small handlebar grinders are better for stepped terraces or hillside access.

Yes, the machine has an overall width of 34 inches, allowing it to navigate through standard 36-inch pedestrian gates and fence openings. Be sure to check for gate latches, tight corners, or narrow walkways between buildings that could restrict clearance before moving the machine to the work area.

The STX26 features a 19-inch cutter wheel that grinds up to 33 inches above grade and 12 inches below ground level, with a 46-inch side-to-side hydraulic swing arc. Grinding down to 12 inches below grade allows sufficient depth to remove main root balls and re-sod or plant new turf over the site. An 18-inch softwood stump typically takes about 45 minutes to grind from 4 inches above to 8 inches below ground.

The Toro STX26 weighs approximately 1,200 lbs and measures 78 inches long by 34 inches wide, requiring a dedicated utility trailer with loading ramps and proper tie-down anchor points. It cannot be transported inside a standard pickup truck bed due to its weight and ramp incline risks. Gap Power also offers delivery directly to your jobsite if you do not have an equipped trailer.

The machine uses intuitive joystick controls for forward and reverse ground travel, making maneuvering into position across turf effortless. Once aligned with the stump, hydraulic controls smoothly swing the 19-inch cutter head back and forth across the wood while allowing progressive height adjustments, eliminating the physical strain of manual lever-arm grinders.

Always call 811 to have underground utilities located before grinding, as the cutter wheel operates up to 12 inches beneath the surface. Remove all rocks, gravel, landscape fabric, wire, and loose soil from around the stump base before cutting, as striking hard debris will damage the carbide teeth and throw hazardous projectiles.

Operators must wear eye protection (safety glasses or a full face shield), hearing protection, heavy-duty work gloves, long pants, and sturdy steel-toe boots. The high-speed cutting wheel forcefully discharges chips and soil; maintain a clear safety zone of at least 50 feet for bystanders, pets, and vehicles, and consider placing plywood screens near fragile windows.