Front-End Loader Digging Attachment

[LouieJunior]

I am doing battle with the beavers every weekend. They are building a small dam at the end of a culvert and flooding dozens of acres. I have cleared the blockage countless times -- but they don't give up (and there are many of them). The clearing is done by hand, since my front loader can't quite reach the dam. A backhoe would be perfect, but I have no other use for one and would cost $7K or so.

I am wondering about a loader mounted front hoe. I have 3rd function ability. Searching, I only see skid steer attachments. Titan has one. I suppose it is too much stress for a loader -- but I wouldn't he digging up stumps with it. Any thoughts or ideas?

 

[smstonypoint]

I think your best option is eradication via trapping.

Steve

 

[Code54]

I really don't know much about them but you may also need to check and see if you have enough GPM to run one (no idea - just a thought). I also agree that you may need to be really careful as that would be a putting a lot of stress on the front loader. If you decide to give it a try watch craigslist and local auctions. Around here you see them fairly often. One like that (no thumb however) sold for $300ish last year at an auction I was at.

Would it be possible to rent a mini Ex for the day and clear it all out, then dig out/move dirt so you could get in there with the tractor or make it harder for the beavers? - Around here a mini Ex is under $300 for 8 hrs)

Good luck!

 

[jeff9366]

I am wondering about a loader mounted front hoe. I have 3rd function ability. I suppose it is too much stress for a loader -- but I wouldn't he digging up stumps with it.

Too much leverage working against the loader.

I second Steve; your best option is eradication via trapping.

 

[PILOON]

You'll never win.
Were it a wide dam you could breech it and lay stove pipe in bottom with multiple entry points.
The rodents then repair the dam but water continues to escape via the pipe. It works!
Other than that eradication is the only answer if laws allow it.

In Canada beaver are 'protected species' with severe fines, a law that should be rescinded as they multiply at a rapid rate.*
Back when the pelts were very profitable but Brigitte put a stop to that and decimated an entire industry. (even today the British palace guards wear 'faux fur' hats.)
*they are merely a large rodent.

 

[Apsterbobed]

Trapping is your best bet, they are relentless little bastards! Around here while they are in season you can get them removed for free. If you need them gone out of season it might cost you something. Im not sure but I think the seasons closes around now, I would check the dates and get someone over quick. If it was me I would remove them in season while the fur has value, if you need to kill them at least they won't go to waste.

 

[LouieJunior]

Here are some dam pictures!
I completely removed the blockage on Saturday morning and on Sunday morning it was back -- and even bigger!

 

[Apsterbobed]

They are monsters! It's too bad that we can't find a way to make them work for us instead of against us.

 

[Btown]

Beavers have all day everyday to make a dam. Best option for you is trapping.

 

[Spiros]

They are monsters! It's too bad that we can't find a way to make them work for us instead of against us.

This sounds like a perfect situation for the use of dynamite. Check with your county agent and find out what is required. Boom!