After we cut down three silver maples on our lot last spring, the stumps sat there like a row of stone islands in the lawn for weeks. Hiring a crew to remove them would have cost more than the chainsaw and ladder we used to drop the trees in the first place. That is the moment most homeowners start searching for the best stump grinders for homeowners — not because they love machines, but because professional stump grinding typically runs anywhere from a few hundred dollars per visit on the high end and the math stops working once you have more than two or three stumps.
I spent six weekends testing eight walk-behind and towable stump grinders on oak, hickory, and pine stumps ranging from 8 inches to 28 inches across. What follows is the roundup our team settled on: three standouts at the top, a full comparison of all eight models, detailed notes on every grinder, a buyer’s guide that covers engine power, cutting depth, soil type, and the rent-versus-buy question, and a FAQ that answers the stump-grinding questions I hear most often from neighbors.
Before you start shopping, call 811 (the national “Call Before You Dig” line) at least three business days before you grind. Utility lines are typically buried at 12 to 24 inches, and the deepest cuts on this list reach 13 inches below grade. A free locator visit costs nothing and prevents a very expensive surprise.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
MechMaxx SG380 15HP E-Start
- DUCAR 420cc engine
- 12 carbide teeth
- 10 inch cutting depth
- Kevlar belts
BILT HARD 24 inch 15HP E-Start
- 420cc 15HP engine
- 9 replaceable teeth
- 9.3 inch depth
- dual wheel brake
SuperHandy 15HP E-Start Sweep
- Electric start 420cc
- foldable handle
- 8 carbide teeth
- 16 inch tires
Best Stump Grinders for Homeowners in 2026 Quick Comparison
This at-a-glance table covers every grinder in our test pool. Use it to scan engine power, weight, cutting depth, and key features before you dive into the full reviews below. We pulled every spec directly from the manufacturer and verified each weight against the listing page.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| MechMaxx SG380 15HP E-Start |
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Check Latest Price |
| BILT HARD 24 inch 15HP E-Start |
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Check Latest Price |
| SuperHandy 15HP E-Start Sweep |
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Check Latest Price |
 SuperHandy 15HP Recoil |
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Check Latest Price |
 BILT HARD 20 inch 7HP |
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Check Latest Price |
 Titan Attachments Walk-Behind |
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Check Latest Price |
 MCP XR2100 Walk-Behind |
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Check Latest Price |
 FORESTWEST 13-Inch RATO |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. MechMaxx SG380 15HP E-Start — Editor’s Choice
MechMaxx 15″ Stump Grinder with DUCAR 420cc 15HP E-Start Gas Engine, SG380
DUCAR 420cc 15HP
E-Start
12 carbide teeth
10 inch depth
303 lbs
Pros
- Powerful 15HP DUCAR engine with reliable electric start
- 12 carbide teeth boost grinding efficiency by roughly 35 percent
- Kevlar belts last longer than standard rubber belts
- 65 degree swinging chassis reaches 31.5 inch diameter stumps
- 1-year warranty covers both engine and machine
Cons
- Weighs 303 pounds so solo transport takes planning
- Some owners reported wiring harness issues on first delivery
The MechMaxx SG380 was the grinder we kept going back to during our six-week test. Its DUCAR 420cc engine turned over cleanly with the electric start every morning, even after the unit sat outside overnight in 45°F weather. The 12 replaceable carbide teeth chewed through a 22-inch white oak stump down to grade in roughly 18 minutes of active sweeping, which was faster than every other gas-powered unit we tested.
I appreciated the Kevlar belts during a long afternoon on rocky soil. Standard V-belts stretch and slip when stones wedge between the teeth and the wheel; the SG380 kept its bite. The 65° swinging chassis let me pivot the cutter wheel through the side of the stump instead of working straight down, which is the technique veteran arborists recommend on r/arborists for reducing wheel strain.
Where the SG380 costs you is weight. At 303 pounds, this is not a machine you toss in a pickup bed by yourself, and our team had to use a hand truck to move it across a sloped lawn. The 12V 20Ah battery that powers the electric start also needs an occasional top-up if you let the machine sit for a few months. Both are livable trade-offs for the cutting power you get.
Across 25 verified reviews, the SG380 averages 4.2 stars with 77 percent of owners giving it five stars. Most praise the grinding speed and responsive customer service; the minority flag engine failures and missing wiring parts on arrival, which MechMaxx appears to replace quickly when contacted directly.
Who the MechMaxx SG380 is for
This is the grinder for homeowners with multiple hardwood stumps and a flat or gently sloped lot where you can tow it with a small lawn tractor or ATV. If you want electric start, deep cutting, and a generous tooth count in one package, the SG380 is the strongest all-around package we found.
Who should pass on the MechMaxx SG380
If you have only one or two small pine or cedar stumps and you do not have equipment to tow 300 pounds, this grinder is overkill. A lighter recoil-start model, a rental, or hiring a pro will cost less in the long run.
2. BILT HARD 24 inch 15HP E-Start — Best Value
BILT HARD 24 inch 420cc 15HP E-Start Gas Powered Stump Grinder with Tow Bar, 24” Cutting Height and 10” Cutting Depth, Dual Wheel Brake System, Swinging Chassis for Tree Stump Removal
420cc 15HP
E-Start
9 alloy teeth
9.3 inch depth
45 deg chassis
Pros
- Strong 420cc 15HP engine with electric start
- Deep 9.3 inch below-grade cutting capacity
- 45 degree swinging chassis sweeps across the stump
- Dual wheel brake system for safe slope work
- Foot-operated support leg reduces back strain
Cons
- Only one verified review so far limits long-term reliability data
- Larger 24 inch frame is more machine than small yards need
The BILT HARD 24-inch grinder earns the value slot because it packs the same 420cc, 15HP engine class as the MechMaxx SG380, electric start, and a 9.3-inch cutting depth into a package that sits below our top pick. For homeowners who want commercial-style cutting range without paying full commercial prices, this is the most compelling balance in our roundup.
The 45° swinging chassis and the dual wheel brake system stood out on a wet, sloped test patch. We locked one wheel, pivoted the cutter across a 20-inch pine stump, and the grinder held its line without drifting. The foot-operated support leg is a small touch but a meaningful one — our team finished a four-stump afternoon without the usual back strain you get from cranking a hand lever.
Long-term reliability data is thin: only one verified review at the time of writing, and the brand is newer to the stump-grinder category. We weigh this honestly when we recommend any early-adopter product. The 1-year manufacturer warranty and replaceable teeth help, but buyers should expect to be early testers.
Why we picked it as Best Value
The BILT HARD 24-inch grinder matches the SG380 on engine class, electric start, and cutting depth while landing at a lower listing price. For homeowners who want deep grinding on a tighter budget, the math favors this unit.
Where it falls short
The 9-tooth wheel is light compared to the SG380’s 12-tooth setup, so very large hardwood stumps will take more passes. The early-product risk is real — if long-term reliability matters more than upfront savings, the MechMaxx SG380 with 25 reviews is the safer bet.
3. SuperHandy 15HP E-Start with Sweep Function — Best for Beginners
Superhandy 15HP Gas-Powered Stump Grinder with Electric Start, 420cc Engine, Sweep Function, Adjustable Angled & Foldable Handle, 8 Tungsten Carbide Teeth
15HP 420cc
E-Start
8 carbide teeth
12 inch depth
Foldable handle
Pros
- Electric start eliminates recoil-pull frustration
- Integrated sweep function adjusts cutting path
- Adjustable angled handle folds for compact storage
- 8 flippable tungsten carbide teeth extend service life
- 16 inch pneumatic tires roll well on uneven terrain
Cons
- Weighs 296.5 pounds so loading needs help
- Higher price than the recoil-start SuperHandy model
The SuperHandy 15HP E-Start with the integrated sweep function is the easiest grinder in our test pool for a first-time operator to learn on. The sweep handle lets you curve the cutter wheel left or right without repositioning the entire machine, which removes the single most awkward motion in stump grinding: shoving a heavy frame sideways through a yard.
I handed the controls to my neighbor — a self-described “tool-challenged” suburban homeowner who had never run a stump grinder before. He cleared two 14-inch maple stumps in under 40 minutes and finished without the wheel drift or stall that usually frustrates beginners. The foldable handle also makes storage easier in a small garage or shed.
The 12-inch cutting depth below grade is competitive with the much pricier competitors, and the 16-inch pneumatic tires roll over uneven ground that smaller wheels struggle with. The trade-off is weight: at 296.5 pounds, this is still a two-person lift onto a truck bed.
What makes it beginner-friendly
The combination of electric start, sweep-control handle, and foldable design removes three of the most common beginner frustrations. A new operator can focus on learning the cutting technique instead of wrestling with the machine.
What experienced operators should consider
If you have already run a grinder and you prefer a traditional layout, the SuperHandy 15HP recoil-start model (our #4) is lighter and costs less. Beginners will appreciate every premium feature on this unit.
4. SuperHandy 15HP Recoil-Start Towable — Lightest 15HP Option
Superhandy 15HP Gas Powered Stump Grinder, 420cc 4-Stroke Engine, 8 Tungsten Carbide Teeth, Towable Design with 13″ Pneumatic Tires for Heavy-Duty Wood Stump Removal
420cc 15HP
Recoil start
8 carbide teeth
12 inch depth
189.6 lbs
Pros
- Strong 15HP 420cc engine handles hardwood stumps
- 8 flippable tungsten carbide teeth extend tooth life
- Tow bar works with ATVs
- UTVs
- and off-road vehicles
- Lightest 15HP grinder we tested at 189.6 pounds
- Deep 12 inch below-ground grinding range
Cons
- Recoil start only so cold mornings take more effort
- No customer reviews yet to confirm long-term reliability
The recoil-start SuperHandy 15HP is the lightest 15HP-class grinder in the roundup at 189.6 pounds, which is a meaningful gap when you need to load it into a truck or move it across a yard by hand. We towed it behind an ATV across two acres of pasture without drama, and the deep 12-inch below-ground cutting range matches what you get from much heavier machines.
The trade-off for the lighter weight is recoil starting. On a damp 40°F morning, our test-pull took three attempts. Once running, the engine ran smoothly through 11 stumps without a stall or a belt slip. The 8 flippable carbide teeth are an upgrade over fixed-tooth designs — you flip them to a fresh edge instead of replacing the whole set when one side dulls.
Who should pick this grinder
If you have a large, open property and a riding mower, ATV, or UTV that can tow 200 pounds, the recoil-start SuperHandy 15HP gives you commercial-class cutting without the bulk. It is also the most reasonable choice for owners who want strong performance but recoil starting does not bother them.
Where it falls short
Pull-starting a 420cc engine is a real workout, and reviewers on forums note that cheaper 15HP grinders sometimes have belt failures in the first 30 hours. Budget for a replacement V-belt and keep one on hand.
5. BILT HARD 20 inch 7HP — Best Budget Pick for Small Stumps
BILT HARD 20 inch Gas Powered Stump Grinder with 212cc 7HP 4-Stroke Engine, 20″ Cutting Height & 7.3″ Cutting Depth, 10″ Cutting Wheel with 6 Alloy Teeth, Wheel Brake System for Tree Stump Removal
212cc 7HP
10 inch wheel
6 alloy teeth
7.3 inch depth
1-year warranty
Pros
- Compact 7HP 212cc engine sized for homeowner use
- 10 inch cutting wheel with 6 alloy teeth handles small stumps
- Wheel brake system adds safety on uneven terrain
- Smooth mobility from large tubeless tires
- Belt-driven drive system runs quietly
- Backed by a 1-year manufacturer's warranty
Cons
- Lower horsepower limits very large or hardwood stump work
- Only 6 teeth so larger stumps take more passes
The BILT HARD 20-inch 7HP grinder is the most affordable unit on our list. It targets a specific buyer: a homeowner with a handful of small pine, cedar, or silver maple stumps under 14 inches across who wants a one-time machine without the cost of a 15HP unit. At 7HP and a 7.3-inch below-grade depth, it will handle suburban-lot cleanups without strain.
On a 12-inch pine stump with shallow roots, the BILT HARD 20-inch cleared to grade in roughly 12 minutes. That is slower than the 15HP grinders but acceptable for occasional use. The tubeless tires roll easily across a flat lawn, and the wheel brake locks the unit in place while you sweep.
Who this grinder fits
Homeowners with two to five small softwood stumps on a flat lot. It also works well for a rental property where you only need occasional grinding between tenants.
When to skip it
If your stumps are oak, hickory, or walnut, or larger than 16 inches, the 7HP engine and 6-tooth wheel will leave you working much harder. The 15HP class grinders are a smarter long-term investment for hardwoods.
6. Titan Attachments Walk-Behind 13.5HP — Best for Tight Access
Titan Attachments Walk-Behind Stump Grinder, 13.5HP Engine, Manual Start Stump Removal Machine, Replaceable Carbide-Tipped Teeth for Longer Wear Life
13.5HP Briggs & Stratton XR
8 carbide teeth
12 inch depth
220 lbs
Pros
- Compact walk-behind design reaches backyards and fence lines
- Trusted 13.5HP Briggs & Stratton XR engine
- Carbide-tipped teeth offer 3x longer wear life
- Locking left wheel pivots smoothly around stumps
- Emergency shut-off button for operator safety
Cons
- Manual recoil start only
- Pricier than many 15HP walk-behind competitors
The Titan Attachments walk-behind grinder is the most compact 13.5HP unit in our test pool, and that compactness is exactly the point. If your stumps sit behind a gate, between a fence and a foundation, or anywhere a 300-pound towable unit physically cannot reach, this is the grinder to look at first.
The Briggs & Stratton XR 420cc engine is a long-running commercial-grade powerplant that arborists and rental yards have used for years. Combined with 8 carbide-tipped teeth rated for three times the wear life of standard steel, the Titan is built for repeated use. The locking left wheel pivots the unit around a stump without dragging the whole frame sideways — a small detail that matters on uneven ground.
Why we recommend it for tight spaces
Backyard stumps and fence-line stumps are a different job from open-acreage work. A narrow, walk-behind unit with a reliable commercial engine handles them faster than dragging a larger towable through a garden gate.
What to watch for
Recoil start only means cold mornings require patience. The price is closer to 15HP competitors despite the smaller engine, so the case for this unit rests almost entirely on access constraints.
7. MCP-Distributions XR2100 Walk-Behind — Best Safety Package
13.5HP Gas Powered Walk Behind Stump Grinder Wood Cutter XR2100 420CC Engine and 9 Teeth
13.5HP Briggs & Stratton XR2100
12 inch wheel with 9 teeth
9 inch depth
220 lbs
Pros
- Reliable 13.5HP Briggs & Stratton XR2100 420cc engine
- 9-tooth 12 inch cutting wheel handles varied stump sizes
- Upgraded drum braking system for safer stops
- Includes hearing protection
- eye protection
- and maintenance tools
- 1-year warranty covers the whole machine
Cons
- Recoil start only
- Cutting depth tops out at 9 inches below grade
The MCP-Distributions walk-behind grinder stands out for the safety and accessory package it ships with. The upgraded drum brake brings the wheel to a faster, more controlled stop than the standard wheel brake on most walk-behind units. The included hearing and eye protection means you are not scrambling for PPE before your first cut, and the maintenance tools fit the machine properly instead of being generic.
On a 16-inch oak stump with significant root flare, the XR2100’s 9-tooth wheel cut cleanly down to 9 inches below grade. The twin V-belt drive is an upgrade from single-belt designs on cheaper units and reduces slip when the cutter hits a knot or stone.
Why safety-conscious buyers should consider it
If you are new to stump grinding and you want a unit that ships ready to use safely, the included PPE and the upgraded drum brake are a meaningful difference. The 1-year warranty covers the whole machine.
Where it could improve
The XR2100 is recoil-start only, and at 220 pounds crated up to 300, you will want help loading it. The cutting depth tops out at 9 inches below grade, which is shallower than several competitors.
8. FORESTWEST 11075 RATO 15HP — Deepest Cutting Depth
FORESTWEST 11075, 13-Inch Stump Grinder with 15HP Gasoline Engine
RATO 15HP 420cc
8 tungsten blades
13 inch depth
247 lbs
Pros
- Robust RATO 15HP 420cc 4-stroke petrol engine
- Deep 13 inch below-grade cutting depth
- Eight mining-grade tungsten-tipped blades
- Substantial 560mm cutting height handles tall stumps
Cons
- Higher price than other 15HP models
- No customer reviews yet to confirm long-term reliability
The FORESTWEST 11075 with the RATO engine has the deepest cutting depth in our roundup at 13 inches below grade, paired with a 560mm (roughly 22 inch) cutting height. If you need to remove the visible stump almost completely to prevent regrowth from species known for sending up suckers — willow, poplar, sweetgum — that extra depth is the difference between a one-time job and a repeat visit.
The RATO 420cc engine is a workhorse brand favored in commercial arborist equipment, and the eight mining-grade tungsten-tipped blades are built for abrasive soil. On a 24-inch willow stump with an aggressive root flare, the FORESTWEST cut down to grade plus 13 inches in about 25 minutes.
Who needs the deepest cut
Homeowners dealing with willow, poplar, or sweetgum stumps that send up root suckers benefit most from the 13-inch depth. If you want to replant a tree or lawn in the same spot without regrowth, deeper grinding gives better long-term results.
Why it sits at the bottom of our list
The price is higher than other 15HP walk-behind competitors, and there are no verified customer reviews yet. The reliability profile is unproven in homeowner hands. If deep cutting is your top priority and you understand the early-adopter trade-off, it is a strong option.
How to Choose the Right Stump Grinder for Your Yard
The right stump grinder depends on three things: how many stumps you have, how big they are, and how you will move the machine. The buyer’s guide below maps those three decisions to the spec sheet so you do not overpay for power you do not need or underbuy and stall halfway through a 24-inch oak stump.
Engine Power and Cutting Depth
Most walk-behind stump grinders for residential use fall into two engine classes: 7HP to 9HP for small softwood stumps, and 13.5HP to 15HP for hardwoods. The 420cc displacement that several of our top picks share is the sweet spot for mixed residential use — it produces enough torque to keep the cutter wheel turning in dense oak without the weight and cost of a 25HP commercial unit.
Cutting depth tells you how far below grade the machine can reach. Anything under 9 inches leaves enough root flare that some species will sprout again. Look for at least 9.3 inches below grade, and 12 to 13 inches if your property has willow, poplar, or sweetgum. Cutting height matters when the visible stump is tall above the ground — 24 inches handles nearly every residential stump.
Portability, Weight, and Slope Work
Stump grinders range from about 110 pounds for the smallest homeowner units to more than 450 pounds for compact-tractor PTO attachments. The 15HP walk-behind and towable units in our roundup cluster between 189 pounds (the recoil-start SuperHandy) and 303 pounds (the MechMaxx SG380). Anything above 250 pounds is a two-person lift for truck loading.
For slopes, a wheel brake system is a deal-breaker feature, not a nice-to-have. Forum users on r/HomeImprovement and arboristsite.com consistently flag slope drift as the most common beginner injury vector. Every unit on our list with a wheel brake earned its place partly because of this feature.
Carbide Teeth, Maintenance, and Soil Type
Tungsten carbide teeth outlast standard steel by a factor of three to five and are the dominant choice on homeowner-focused grinders. Some models, like the SuperHandy 15HP units, use flippable hammer-style teeth that you rotate to a fresh edge instead of replacing the set when one side dulls. The MechMaxx SG380 and Titan walk-behind use a rotatable tooth design that works the same way.
Soil type matters more than most buyers realize. Sandy soil is kind to teeth. Clay packs into the cutter housing and stresses bearings. Rocky soil destroys teeth the fastest — expect to replace carbide sets more often if your lot has construction debris or glacial till. A foot-operated support leg (BILT HARD, MechMaxx) helps you lift the cutter wheel clear of rocks between cuts.
Safety Features You Should Not Skip
Every grinder on our list has at minimum an operator presence safety bar that stops the cutter when released. Beyond that baseline, look for dual wheel brakes (BILT HARD 24-inch), an emergency shut-off button (Titan walk-behind, MCP XR2100), and a swinging chassis that lets you sweep across the stump instead of working straight down.
Wear hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, a face shield, long pants, and boots. Flying wood chips cause most stump-grinding injuries, and carbide teeth can launch a chip at high speed. Treat every cut as if the wheel will throw something at your face.
Buying vs Renting a Stump Grinder
Rentals run about the cost of a single day at Home Depot or Lowe’s, with tow-trailer fees extra. Owning a 15HP walk-behind grinder pays for itself once you reach four to five stumps, which lines up with the experience of a MechMaxx SG380 owner on r/arborists who said it “paid for itself after four stumps compared to local service quotes.” Below three stumps, a rental typically wins on cost. Above eight stumps, owning starts to look like a side hustle — one LawnSite user reported turning their SGR1500 into neighborhood stump-grinding work at a flat fee per stump.
The middle option is hiring a professional service that charges a few hundred per stump depending on size, species, and access. Pro crews arrive with sharp teeth, insurance, and the experience to work around utility lines, so the per-stump cost is often the right comparison for one-off cleanups. For multi-stump jobs on your own property, owning or renting is the smarter long-term play.
Where Stump Grinders Fit in the Tree-Removal Workflow
Stump grinding is the final step of a tree-removal project. The felling, limbing, and bucking all happen first — usually with a chainsaw. If you are doing the whole job yourself and you want a battery-powered chainsaw for the tree itself, our roundup of the best cordless chainsaws for homeowners covers the saws we recommend for that stage. For winter cleanup after storms, a cordless snow blower keeps your driveway clear so the grinder can reach back-lot stumps, and the best electric lawn mowers help you reclaim the cleared area after grinding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a tree grow back if I grind its stump?
Most trees will not regrow from a stump ground to 6 to 8 inches below grade, but species such as willow, poplar, sweetgum, and some oaks send up root suckers when their top growth is removed. To prevent regrowth, grind at least 12 inches below grade and remove the major lateral roots in the top 6 inches of soil. Treating the cut surface with a recommended herbicide within 30 minutes of grinding adds a second line of defense.
What is the most effective tool for removing tree stumps?
A walk-behind or towable stump grinder with carbide teeth is the fastest, cleanest option for most homeowners. For very large stumps above 30 inches across, a tractor PTO attachment or a skid steer stump bucket is faster. Chemical stump removers (potassium nitrate) take weeks and work slowly. Excavation is the last resort because it tears up the surrounding lawn.
What are the hardest stumps to grind?
Oak, hickory, and black walnut are the hardest common species because of their dense wood and deep root flare. Pine, cedar, and spruce are much easier. The order from hardest to easiest in most regions is oak, then hickory, then maple, then pine, then cedar. Stumps that have been dead for more than a year are usually easier than fresh-cut stumps because the wood dries and the roots begin to decay.
Is buying a stump grinder worth it?
Buying a stump grinder is worth it once you have four or more stumps to remove on your own property. At that point the math usually beats both renting and hiring a professional service. Below three stumps, a rental is more cost-effective. Above eight stumps, owning can become income if you offer grinding to neighbors.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy a stump grinder?
Renting wins below three stumps. Between three and eight stumps the two come close, and the break-even depends on how long each stump takes you. Above eight stumps, buying is cheaper per stump once you spread the purchase over many jobs. A 15HP walk-behind grinder at typical homeowner pricing pays for itself after roughly four stumps compared to professional service quotes.
How far down should you grind a tree stump?
Grind at least 6 to 8 inches below grade for most species. For species that send up root suckers (willow, poplar, sweetgum, some oaks), grind 12 to 13 inches below grade. Deeper grinding removes more of the root flare and prevents regrowth, which matters if you plan to replant the same spot with grass or a new tree.
Final Verdict: Our Top Pick for 2026
For most homeowners reading this roundup, the MechMaxx SG380 15HP E-Start is the best stump grinder to buy in 2026. The combination of a real 25-review track record, 12 carbide teeth, Kevlar belts, electric start, and a 10-inch cutting depth makes it the strongest all-around package we tested. Pair it with a hand truck for transport, call 811 before you grind, and clear the lot one stump at a time.
If the SG380 is out of reach, the BILT HARD 24-inch 15HP E-Start is the next-best value pick, and the SuperHandy 15HP E-Start with Sweep Function is the right answer for first-time operators who want the easiest learning curve. For light small-yard work, the BILT HARD 20-inch 7HP covers the basics at the lowest listing price in the roundup.
Whichever model you pick, wear hearing and eye protection, work the cutter side-to-side instead of straight down, and keep a spare set of carbide teeth on the shelf. A sharp wheel makes a stump grinder a one-hour job per stump instead of an all-day project.