tree spade

[Beavis]

Hopefully the weather will allow me to move a few trees tomorrow; can't wait to see how it works.................

BC Machine, 34" spade

 

[sixdogs]

Wait a minute...we need some details on such a great looking setup. Where did you get it and what are doing first with it? Cost if you want to mention and OK if you don't. I am green with envy.

 

[Beavis]

NEW 34"TREE SPADE double hook up available - eBay (item 230468766405 end time May-30-10 12:50:15 PDT)


The only issue that I can see would be "down pressure". I think that I can put a chain between the drawbar and where the top link mounts to the spade; this should prevent it from lifting off of the ground when the spades go in. My plan is to transplant small cedar trees (2'-4' size) to create windbreaks. Even if I just use it for a year and sell it, I think it will be worth it. I'll keep you posted.

 

[beenthere]

Will look forward to hearing how it works for you.

 

[magicheater]

Looks nice but I would probably have some weight on those forks when I went to pick up a tree w/root ball. Looks to be pretty far aft.

 

[defed]

my neighbor has a similar spade (maybe a little smaller) that he digs up blue spruce every year and sells. he does alot. i had him come over and move some trees for me and it worked really well. i can't recall how he keeps it from lifting as the spades go in...might have to go in a little w/ each at a time.

ex: spade one in 6", spade 2 in 6", spade 3 in 6", then back around.

but pretty sure he doesn't have any extra weight or other devices to help hold it down. we've got some pretty good clay here too.

 

[defed]

just watched the video from the ebay link. looks like how my neighbor did it. bury one spade until it lifts the unit from the ground, back off, repeat w/ other two...and then repeat until all are fully inserted.

 

[defed]

just remembered another tip that you probably already know....tie the tree up w/ rope before you start. makes EVERYTHING so much easier.

 

[Gizmo2]

Wow cool! I was going to ask if you will be able to lift the tree ball high enough once you have it, but I watched the video and I guess so.

 

[Beavis]

I moved 4 trees yesterday morning before getting rained out. Two of the cedar trees were approximately 4' tall and you couldn't even tell they were back there; and all of the roots appeared to be within the rootball. The third tree was approximatlely 5' tall and also moved without any problem. The fourth tree was approximately 6-7' tall and again, moved without any problems, but there were roots that stuck out of the rootball. I am going to assume that if I stay with 3'-5' trees, I should have a very good survivability rate. With the rain, I wasn't able to take pictures of the spade at work; but definitely will !! I have to say that it works pretty good, but will be fine tuning my techique with each and every tree.