---
title: "What Is PTO stump grinder? Stump Grinding Glossary"
description: "A PTO stump grinder is a grinder attachment that mounts on a tractor and gets its power from the tractor's power take-off shaft instead of its own engine."
url: https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/pto-stump-grinder
publisher: Cincinnati Stump Grinding
phone: +1-513-587-6772
quote: https://cincystump.multisites.ai/contact
---

Equipment

# PTO stump grinder

A PTO stump grinder is a grinder attachment that mounts on a tractor and gets its power from the tractor's power take-off shaft instead of its own engine.

A PTO stump grinder bolts to the back of a tractor, usually on the three-point hitch. PTO stands for power take-off, a spinning shaft on the tractor that sends engine power to attachments. The attachment has no engine of its own.

This kind of [stump grinder](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/stump-grinder) suits landowners who already own a tractor. It is slower and less precise than a dedicated grinder, and tractor size limits what it can handle. Woodland Mills says the most important factor in choosing a tractor attachment is tractor compatibility, specifically PTO horsepower and lifting capacity.

Most professional jobs use self-powered machines, often on [tracks or tires](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/tracked-vs-wheeled-stump-grinder). A PTO unit still uses a [cutter wheel](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/cutter-wheel) with teeth.

## Related terms

-   [Stump grinder](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/stump-grinder)
-   [Cutter wheel](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/cutter-wheel)
-   [Stump grinder rental](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/stump-grinder-rental)
-   [Tracked stump grinder](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/tracked-vs-wheeled-stump-grinder)

## Sources

1.  [Woodland Mills: Stump Grinders](https://woodlandmills.com/stump-grinders)