Chorley firm's invention is a revolution in tree removal

By Fifty21 Media

10 Mar 2023

Tree Removal Desktop

The Stump Beaver is a clever invention from engineer Graham Dewhurst, director of Geko Engineering. This is a stump grinding attachment which attaches to a mini excavator, popular in a number of markets including arborists but also landscapers, golf courses and construction firms.

As Dewhurst explains: “If you have a suitable excavator, then it makes sense to expand its use. Professional stump grinding will always be needed and arborists who can do it themselves can earn some useful extra revenue.”

The Stump Beaver is used primarily with micro and mini excavators as the 0.8t-to-2.0t class of machine. “This is where there is the highest volume of new sales in the UK. We have fitted grinders to several 3t machines where usually a flow restrictor is required to reduce hydraulic flow. But our main sales are to the 1.5t machine class, although the grinder works really well on most micro machines too,” says Dewhurst.

The Stump Beaver is supplied complete and ready to be attached with a custom-made bracket to suit the type of excavator. “We make the hitch ourselves to suit the customer’s machine. We also supply a storage/maintenance stand which holds the grinder to facilitate easy connection to the excavator. Once secured to the excavator the attachment and stand are lifted and the stand removed saving any lifting or manual handling. Once the job is complete simply refit the stand and lower the whole lot to the ground or trailer to de-couple.”

The auxiliary hydraulic circuit of the excavator supplies power to the grinder, while the grinder hydraulics prevent reverse wheel rotation, anti-cavitation and safe stopping even if the hydraulic circuit is suddenly closed preventing damage. A full guard over the wheel both limits the depth of cut and directs chips away from the excavator driver. The guard can be removed to give access for tooth changing and cleaning, again the stand allows for tooth maintenance when the grinder is removed from the excavator.

Dewhurst continues: “In use the process is simple, position the excavator close to the stump, engage the auxiliary hydraulics to spin up the wheel then use the excavator arm to lower the grinder and engage the stump then slowly move across the stump using the excavator slew function and let the chips fly.”

The grinder bracket can be rotated through 90 degrees to allow the bucket ram or dipper arm of the excavator to be used instead of the slew for those instances where room or access is tight.

Dewhurst adds that maintenance of the grinder is minimal, requiring only teeth to be kept sharp or replaced, and oil in the spindle bearing is changed each year.

Each grinder is made in-house by Geko Engineering and then delivered in person to UK mainland customers. “This allows us to meet the customer and fit the attachment to his machine to ensure everything is working correctly. During delivery we always try out the machine and grind a stump, we can then run through any operating queries answer any questions on the spot and give some tips.”

Latest news

1

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London. The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and the Rt Hon Steve Reed (L-R Front Row) David Hammond, and Daniel Knowles

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London.

30 Apr 2025

2

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield Edenfield housing development

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield

29 Apr 2025

3

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens Dovestone Gardens launch

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens

29 Apr 2025

4

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success Louise Kirby

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success

29 Apr 2025

5

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire Lidl

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire

29 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase
13421_research_knowledge_exchange_2025_600x300.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
07 May 2025 - 08 May 2025

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships
30478 Skills Bootcamp open day setting.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships

University of Central Lancashire, Preston , PR1 2HE

14:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin