Using a Stumper Rake on a John Deere 210G Excavator

[MikePhua]

The John Deere 210G and Its Role in Land Clearing
John Deere’s 210G LC excavator is a mid-size machine designed for versatility in construction, forestry, and utility work. Introduced as part of Deere’s G-series lineup, the 210G features a Tier IV Final-compliant diesel engine, advanced hydraulic controls, and a reinforced undercarriage built for demanding environments. With an operating weight of approximately 22,000 kg and a net power output of around 159 horsepower, the 210G is well-suited for tasks ranging from trenching and grading to demolition and land clearing.
John Deere, founded in 1837, has built a reputation for durable, operator-friendly equipment. The G-series excavators were developed with input from contractors and operators, emphasizing fuel efficiency, serviceability, and attachment compatibility. The 210G has become a popular choice for land management crews and forestry contractors across North America.
What Is a Stumper Rake and Why Use One
A stumper rake is a heavy-duty excavator attachment designed to remove tree stumps, roots, and embedded debris from soil. Unlike a standard bucket, the rake features long, curved tines spaced apart to allow soil to fall through while retaining organic material. It is typically constructed from high-strength steel and mounted using a pin-on or quick coupler system.
Key functions:

• Extracting stumps without excessive soil disturbance
  
• Raking through root mats and surface debris
  
• Sorting rocks and organic material from fill
  
• Preparing ground for regrading or replanting
  
• Reducing wear on buckets and hydraulic thumbs
  

In one land-clearing project in Georgia, a crew used a stumper rake on a 210G to clear a 10-acre site for a solar farm. The rake allowed them to remove stumps and root balls efficiently while preserving topsoil structure for later grading.
Terminology Notes

• Stumper Rake: A rake-style excavator attachment used for stump and root removal.
  
• Quick Coupler: A mechanism that allows fast attachment changes without manual pin removal.
  
• Root Mat: A dense network of roots near the soil surface, often found in forested areas.
  
• Thumb: A hydraulic or mechanical clamp used in conjunction with a bucket or rake for gripping material.
  
• Tines: The individual prongs or teeth of the rake, typically curved and reinforced.
  

Attachment Fitment and Hydraulic Considerations
When pairing a stumper rake with a 210G, several factors must be considered:

• Weight and size of the rake must match the excavator’s lift capacity and boom geometry
  
• Coupler compatibility (pin spacing, width, and ear configuration)
  
• Hydraulic thumb clearance and articulation range
  
• Visibility from cab during stump engagement
  
• Reinforcement of rake tines for rocky or compacted soil
  

Recommended rake dimensions for a 210G:

• Width: 60–72 inches
  
• Tine spacing: 6–8 inches
  
• Tine thickness: 1.25–1.5 inches
  
• Weight: 900–1,200 lbs
  

In one forestry fleet in Oregon, switching from a 48-inch rake to a 72-inch model improved productivity by 25% during stump removal, though it required recalibration of thumb pressure and boom lift settings.
Operational Tips and Ground Strategy
To maximize efficiency:

• Approach stumps from the side to expose root flare
  
• Use boom-down and curl-in motions to pry roots laterally
  
• Avoid excessive downward force that may bend tines
  
• Use the thumb to grip and rotate stumps for full extraction
  
• Rake debris into windrows for easier loading or burning
  

In one clearing job in Nova Scotia, operators found that alternating between rake and bucket every two hours reduced hydraulic heat buildup and improved fuel economy.
Maintenance and Wear Management
Stumper rakes endure high stress and abrasive conditions. Maintenance should include:

• Daily inspection of tine tips and welds
  
• Greasing coupler pins and thumb pivot points
  
• Checking for tine deflection or cracking
  
• Replacing worn bushings and shims
  
• Cleaning debris from rake frame and hydraulic lines
  

In one municipal fleet in Alberta, adding bolt-on tine tips extended rake life by 40% and simplified field repairs.
Final Thoughts
Pairing a stumper rake with a John Deere 210G excavator transforms the machine into a land-clearing powerhouse. With the right attachment, technique, and maintenance strategy, operators can tackle stumps, roots, and debris with precision and speed. Whether preparing land for development or restoring forest edges, the combination of hydraulic finesse and mechanical force makes the 210G and stumper rake a formidable duo. In the rhythm of reclamation, the rake doesn’t just clear—it carves a new beginning.