How to cut through BIG tree roots?

[ultrarunner]

The member that makes the Bro-Tek Thumb sent me some info on a new product that sounds like what you are looking for. (I looked for the info and don't know where I filed it.)

Anyway, it mounts in place of the backhoe bucket and looks like one single claw or ripper to reach into the soil and sever roots. I think the first ones are being made for Kubotas.

I'm sure someone has more info...

 

[familyman]

That's it exactly. I'll contact them to see if they have or can make one to fit my backhoe. Thanks!

 

[rickmacheske]

If you have access to water, dig around the stumps and then use a strong blast of water to clear off any dirt and rocks around the roots before cutting them.

Heck, if you have a pressure washer and a trash pump, you could keep digging and cleaning and then pump out the slurry. Pretty messy, though...

A pressure washer works great for this if the stump is on a slope. I used my 13.5 HP pressure washer and the pencil tip to cut through the feeder roots of a stump a couple years ago. It didn't take very long.

 

[SFish]

Something I haven't tried yet for roots, but will soon, is my battery powered (Bosch) reciprocating saw with a tree pruning blade on it. The set of the saw should deal with live wood and the speed of the cutting teeth is lower than a chaninsaw chain, so the abrasive action of grit in and on the wood will be less damaging. The blades are also a lot less expensive.

I am also thinking of welding up a gadget that would clamp on the backhoe bucket. It would look something like a very beefy hooked knife like that made for cutting roofing materials.

Steve

 

[JerryK]

C-4 plastic explosive, that's what we used in Vietnam. If you do it right, the stump won't even be on your property when you get done. Might have a big hole to fill, though...... Seriously, if you think ahead, and tackle the stump while the tree is still standing...you can hook a big cable up high in the tree, dig down and cut some roots on the OTHER side, and pull the tree down with a come along, and pop the stump out of the ground at the same time. Not the safest method, but can be safe if you take your time and do it right. Placing a railroad tie or large log next to the tree help pops the stump out. With the weight of the tree as a lever, the stump doesn't have a chance. Biggest I have done is about a foot in diameter, but you could do a larger one, especially if you have paid up life insurance. [Get the wifey some travel brochures before you attemp this]

 

[familyman]

Jerry,

The problem here, and a good reason we should never get together, is we think too much alike. But thanks for the suggestions, and the humor.


Steve,

The Bro-Tek ripper is exactly as you describe.

 

[Todd_C]

I've pulled out several stumps on my property with the use of my old two bottom plow to loosen up the roots and a 4 to 1 pulley system. The pulley system allowed me to pull over a 60 foot tall oak that was about 16" with my old TC 30. I've used my bottom plow (took off back plow) to rip out several roots. I was then able to break the stumps free with my FEL. I've used the pulley system when my FEL wouldn't work.

 

[cyberknight]

For some of the bigger roots I use my sawsall with a bi-metal ax blade. The blade has big teeth and cuts them pretty fast. They hold up pretty good to the dirt and stones.
Glenn

 

[GEB]

For some of the bigger roots I use my sawsall with a bi-metal ax blade. The blade has big teeth and cuts them pretty fast. They hold up pretty good to the dirt and stones.
Glenn

Glenn is 100% correct nothing beats a sawsall with a long wood blade.
I use my trailer and generator around my property with my sawsall
After I rip the the stumps out with my back-hoe the saw cuts the roots back,
the blade works will in the ground.

 

[GEB]

I might add I've thought about buying a cheap battery saw just for the back 40
Gene