DR XD17 Commercial Stump Grinder: Pivot to a More Productive Design

In partnership with DR Power Equipment

Stump grinding isn’t the most glamorous job in the landscaping industry, and frankly, some of the machines only seem to make it worse. The engineers at DR Power Equipment saw an opportunity to ease the pain of both the work and the hit to your equipment budget and developed the XD17 Commercial Stump Grinder.

I hopped on a call with several members of the DR Power team to discuss where this stump grinder is positioned, what sets it apart from other commercial-grade models, and what you should expect as an operator.

Powered By Honda Quality

You can make the frame as robust as you want and choose the strongest components, but if you don’t have a true commercial-grade engine at the heart of your stump grinder, you’re starting with a serious disadvantage – not so with the XD17.

Thanks to a Honda GX390 engine, this machine has all the power you need, backed by the confidence of Honda’s legendary small engine service life. The engine produces up to 19.5 ft-lbs of stump-chewing torque delivered directly to the grinding head to power through the hardest stumps. It’s the same engine you’ll find on most quality commercial competitors in this class.

Beyond performance, this engine is also equipped with a tool-free oil drain hose. A small detail you’ll appreciate year after year when it comes to performing regular engine maintenance.

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A Pivotal Difference

With most stump grinders, you lock down one wheel and pivot the entire machine while the other remains free to allow side-to-side movement of the cutter head. The XD17 Commercial Stump Grinder is much easier to use thanks to an easy pivoting head that moves 16.5° left and right to provide 20 inches of arc swing for the cutter head.

This is a massive advantage for the operator. Stump grinders weigh hundreds of pounds, and no matter how easily the wheels may turn, you have to fight the weight to move. Plus, the pivot point is off to one side or the other, so it’s ergonomically tougher on your arms. With a centered pivot point, the balanced weight takes far less effort to move and reduces how quickly fatigue builds up during grinding jobs.

Cutting to the Chase

DR XD17 Commercial Stump Grinder Cutter Head

At the business end, the XD17 has a solid steel grinding head with 6 tungsten carbide GreenTeeth 900-series teeth that can remove up to 1 inch of material per “bite” and are tough enough to cut through the hardest tree species on the planet, thanks to their outstanding cutting edge retention. Better still, you can rotate them 180° to get even more cutting life. As added security, there’s dedicated storage under the control panel for a spare set.

GreenTeeth is a staple in the stump grinding game, and you’ll find their teeth on many models. However, most use the 500 or 700-series teeth, while DR’s decision to go with the 900-series represents a real upgrade.

As you grind, a heavy-duty rubber discharge deflector directs chips out to the side to protect you from flying debris. Since chips flow predictably to the right of the operator, it’s also easier to keep your work area clear of debris as it is channeled up and away from the stump as you work.

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Simplified Controls

DR XD17 Commercial Stump Grinder Controls

The controls are straightforward and easy to learn. Looking from left to right, there’s an engine hour meter, throttle lever, cutting head lock, and handlebar adjustment lever.

If you need a little refresher on how to get things going, there’s a handy QR code conveniently positioned on the control panel. Just point your phone’s camera at it, and it links to a full library of resources, including a video with an operational overview.

Built to Move

When it comes to moving and transporting the XD17 around the worksite, DR built in a ton of support.

It starts with 16 x 6.5-8 Turf Tred tires that make rolling over bare ground easier while protecting turf from the weight of the machine. Wide, adjustable height handlebars help you turn more easily, and independent dual disc brakes allow you to maintain control as you traverse slopes.

For landscapers and homeowners working on larger properties, adding the optional yard tow bar is a practical upgrade. It lets you tow the grinder off road with a truck, ATV, or UTV so you’re not walking it across long distances.

When it’s time to load up, there’s a lifting pocket designed for a forklift. It’s specifically placed to balance the weight, making it easier to load in the bed of a truck or onto a trailer. Once loaded, easy-access tie-down points help you secure the load without having to guess where the best places to run your straps or chains are.

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Impressive Value

Looking at other stump grinders in the same class, you can save more than $1000 over the closest competition.

DR didn’t just go after cost savings, though. A close comparison of the performance and features of those units reveals that the XD17 offers real advantages in its build and performance.

Additionally, DR offers a longer 2-year commercial warranty on the machine to go along with Honda’s 3-year engine warranty.

Is the DR XD17 Commercial Stump Grinder Right for You?

DR designed the XD17 for daily commercial use. Its size makes it a nice supplement to large grinders for stump grinding businesses, while the price makes it attractive for landscaping or tree care businesses looking to expand into stump grinding. It’s also a great fit for rental houses that need the durability of a commercial-grade machine and the ease of use found in most consumer models.

There’s something else worth noticing as well, and that’s how broad DR’s XD line is growing. Whether you’re outfitting a rental house or putting together a complete landscaping business, you’ll have fewer service reps to work with and a more professional look when your equipment comes from a single manufacturer.

Ready to buy? Click the link below to visit DR Power’s website, where you can purchase or learn more.

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