U-digger vs V-digger comments wanted

[dapper]

I have been looking at this attachment to do some much needed ditch cleanup and rebuild. The tool looks like it may be handy for a number of uses around the place including moving landscape items around for DW. It seems that there are 2 distinct versions of the tool. One having a rounded rear blade and the other being pointed on the rear of the blade. The difference being that when back dragging you would have a round bottom ditch, or a V bottom ditch. This may make a difference if I were to lay drainage pipe in the ditch.

I am having trouble choosing one over the other, and would appreciate your thoughts. Perhaps some of you may have used one or the other, and could comment on how it worked for you.

 

[jeffinsgf]

I have the Bobcat version, which you show as the first one (called "U" shaped). The only difference I see between the two shapes is that the second one has a point on the front and the back, where the Bobcat only has a point on the front. In use, I don't think you'll find that the point on either side will form the shape of the bottom of your ditch. When you ditch with this implement, the bottom is almost horizontal. You're basically slipping through the dirt, cutting the shape, but not removing the spoils. The spoils end up laying in the ditch and you have to come back with a FEL and dig them out. The advantage I see in the second version is that the pointed edge should cut faster and cleaner than the Bobcat version.

I like the implement a lot. When I bought it, I had both a Bobcat and my tractor. I have since sold my Bobcat. The Digger works fine on the tractor, but it worked even better with the Bobcat.

 

[HarleyBob]

What type digger would you use if you wanted the soil moved out of the ditch in
the same pass with the tractor?

 

[jeffinsgf]

What type digger would you use if you wanted the soil moved out of the ditch in
the same pass with the tractor?

One a lot more expensive.

I have seen a PTO driven ditcher/trencher. Looks sort of like the business end of a twist drill or a reamer. It spins and cuts and throws the dirt out of the ditch. 16 inches wide and up to 20 deep. Used they're priced in the 2 - 3K range. Don't know what they would cost new. 16 seems a little narrow, to me, too -- or maybe that is "sour grapes".

 

[dapper]

Thanks Jeff, this is just what I needed to know. In use it will be more level than tilted down then? I was thinking that it would be more useful by dragging backwards and this would make the ditch v-shaped. No? This would also clean out, or at least cause the spoils to be dragged out of the ditch? Doesn't work this way? I intend to clean up and soften the sides of the ditch with a box blade set at an angle to finish off the ditch to a level that I can bushhog through ditch. Do you think this would work? Also how is the blade for moving small shrubs, and trees? Have you ever tried it for that?
Thanks.

 

[HarleyBob]

Dapper,
Where are you getting information on these diggers. I am interested in
looking at one too.
Hbob

 

[jeffinsgf]

Thanks Jeff, this is just what I needed to know. In use it will be more level than tilted down then? I was thinking that it would be more useful by dragging backwards and this would make the ditch v-shaped. No? This would also clean out, or at least cause the spoils to be dragged out of the ditch? Doesn't work this way?

No, if you tilt it back, the spoils just pile up in the frame, and you have to stop and dump them, but since it has no back, they don't dump where you want them to. You can slip cut your whole ditch in a couple minutes, then drag the spoils out and spread them with your FEL or box blade. You're right on track on coming back and smoothing out the ditch with the box blade. That is what I have done -- and what I have a bunch more to do in the coming weeks.

..... Also how is the blade for moving small shrubs, and trees? Have you ever tried it for that?
Thanks.

That is what is was originally designed for. It was designed for nurseries to root prune and move their trees. I have done a bunch of that. I am thinning out the brush in my woods, and for the 1-1/2 inch saplings, I can usually scoop them out in one pass. Then I hang the root ball over the hole, bounce the loader a couple times to shake as much dirt as possible back in the hole, and lay the tree in the burn pile. I have successfully moved a couple of redbuds from the woods to our yard, too.

Overall, it is a great tool. If I didn't have a backhoe, I would use it twice as much as I already do.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Dapper,
Where are you getting information on these diggers. I am interested in
looking at one too.
Hbob

http://www.bobcat.com/attachments/digger

Too bad Bobcat updated their website. They used to have a really neat streaming video of the Digger in action.

 

[HarleyBob]

So is the u digger and v digger pictured in the first message Bobcat products or others. I am interested in a 3 pt attachement.
Thanks,'
HBob

 

[jeffinsgf]

The first one ("U" digger) is a Bobcat product. Not sure about the other one. They're both designed for skid steer mount, which many FEL's have. It wouldn't work on a 3 point. It needs more movement and angle adjustment than a 3 point has.