Front-End Loader Trimming the hedge with the FEL

[jas67]

This is TBN! Hedge trimming with the FEL may seem overkill, but we can do better

Instead of a generator in the bucket, I'm sure with all the ingenuity here on TBN, I'm sure someone can build a hydraulic-powered hedge trimmer and mount it to the backhoe boom. Heck, make it fully articulating, and add a couple levers of control, and you could even make hedge "sculptures" from the comfort of your tractor seat.

At the very least, use a PTO-powered generator, or maybe put a higher-power alternator on the engine, and use a power inverter.

[slewisma]

This is TBN! Hedge trimming with the FEL may seem overkill, but we can do better

Instead of a generator in the bucket, I'm sure with all the ingenuity here on TBN, I'm sure someone can build a hydraulic-powered hedge trimmer and mount it to the backhoe boom. Heck, make it fully articulating, and add a couple levers of control, and you could even make hedge "sculptures" from the comfort of your tractor seat.

At the very least, use a PTO-powered generator, or maybe put a higher-power alternator on the engine, and use a power inverter.

Okay "Edward joystick hands"

[T_HedMF1533]

Okay "Edward joystick hands"

Thats funny right there.
Blagadan, I wonder how the gas powered hedge trimmer would work on overhanging tree limbs?
The drive to my property is becoming overrun.
They are maybe 3/4" thick.

[have_blue]

Today I used my FEL to trim with. First I fastened an 8 foot 2x4 to the top edge of the bucket with a pair of C-clamps.

I've been toying with the idea of doing that, and figured it might just work. Thanks for plowing the road for me!


Incidentally, I have a pair of 6v golf car batteries and a 1500w inverter. That should ride real easy in my bucket, and clip 1200ft of pond banks no sweat.

[Treemonkey1000]

The only thing that would have made this post better, other than starting with "I handed my beer to my friend and said watch this"....

Would have been PICS!!!


Be safe, the only real funny part of all of this would have been seeing your wife's expression when you said, "honey, I have an idea and need you to hold the 100' electrical cord while I am driving the tractor?"
.
.

I need a good laugh in the morning. That line "watch this!" had me laughing at work and the guys were wondering what I was laughing about.
FYI those DC to AC inverters aren't all that efficient. So you are going to run down batteries in a hurry driving a AC trimmer. If your tractors alternator is up to the job you can keep a set of batteries in the FEL with inverter topped off a little better. Me being the halfwit that I am would just ride in the FEL and trim as someone drove the tractor. Hedge trimmers won't work that well on branches hanging down. I had to trim a Laurel hedge for a guy. I used my small chainsaw on that while walking on the laurel hedge.

[LBrown59]

*Actually, the idea of the rotory mower with the case removed ..... I put that in the same box as weed trimmers with a saw blade on them. Very unsafe!!

A gas trimmer might be nice - no need for a long lead - but I already have the lead and the electric trimmer. And I am cheap as the devil.

I don't see any problem with using a hand mower if constructed and used correctly.

[LBrown59]

I have a 6 foot tall hedge that requires trimming several times a season. It is a pain to trim. I have used ladders, milk crates, etc. All of it still is tough.

Today I used my FEL to trim with. First I fastened an 8 foot 2x4 to the top edge of the bucket with a pair of C-clamps. You do not want the 2x4 to slip, so tighten it up well. Then I mounted my electric hedge trimmer to the last 12 inches of the 2x4 with a couple of large stainless hose clamps. I had to place a 3/4 inch spacer under the back of the trimmer to make it level with the 2x4. You can raise/lower and level the trimmer with the FEL control.

As my trimmer is an el-cheapo Black & Decker electric (one of my favorite tool makers) - my wife walked beside me making sure the lead kept out from under the tractor wheels. The result was the fastest and most level trim I have ever done - about 100 feet. Took about 1/2 hour - going forward and backward - cutting both ways (you must do this or you will have tails).

Kind of a lash up, but it sure did the job. If I had a small generator, I'd put it into the bucket also - then I'd be completely portable.

My next step is to make a more solid mounting system with a provision for side cuts (vertical). Probably mount with a single C-clamp and use one of the holes for my toothbar.

Been thing about building a similar deal powered with a
Walk behind mower.

[marksmu]

The samuri looks useful for the hedges and over fencelines....but under the fenceline, using one of those is just a joke.

I mean comon, its clearly slow as could be, requires turning, forward, backward, forward backward...its going to put so much unnecessary wear on your tractor.

How hard is it to walk with a weedeater and trim under your fence? Seriously?

I have an 800 acre ranch I have to trim twice a year, and while it takes ALL day two days in a row with 3 people doing it, its much more practical than wearing out your tractors. Anyone who is honestly thinking about using that to trim under the fences is just lazy or stupid, or both.

Thats just my opinion.

[IslandTractor]

WE ALL LIKE PHOTOGRAPHS RIGHT??!!

Heres how I trim my 300ft hawthorn hedge, using a cheapo gas hedge trimmer. Works a treat. Wish I didnt have a concrete post n rail fence to lean in over, would have made things a bit simpler if i planted the hedge on the near side of the fence.....

Great set up. Sure hope you don't forget to shut it off before driving into the barn!

[LBrown59]

Actually, the idea of the rotory mower with the case removed ..
... * I put that in the same box as weed trimmers with a saw blade on them.

*Why?