gladehound
Veteran Member
I think I've read every thread on stump buckets at TBN. Some people really like them, some think they are worthless. I'm starting this thread to have a discussion about what features in a stump bucket make it a good one versus not so good AND what to consider about your tractor before buying a stump bucket.
I finally pulled the trigger and bought at Spartin Profesisonal Series Stump bucket. I really love it! I think it is more versatile than my standard bucket. In the week I've had it I've removed a stump much easier than I could with a full size bucket, transplanted two raspberry bushes, and moved some huge logs around that never would have fit in my regular bucket.
The features that I think make this stump bucket good is the even width bucket bottom (I can easily sink it in the ground to the mounting plate), the low profile tip, a fulcrum point that is 15" forward of the loader pivot point to help with prying, a length that is manageable for my curl cylinders (tip is 50" past loader pivot pin), good teeth up the side of the bucket, and curved bucket sides.
The features that I think make it useable on my tractor are a high operating platform to see over hood, a strong loader, and a decent amount of weight.
There are many stump buckets out there. Some designs make absolutely no sense to me. Some are very good. I'd consider my stump bucket to be a mid-grade bucket. There are much higher end buckets like the Spartin industrial series of the Blue Diamond stump bucket. These have curved bottoms and are much longer. I've never used either but in theory they would allow even more leverage to pry things out of the ground at the expense that you may need to be more cautious not to hurt your machine. In some applications, these longer buckets should put less stress on your machine. However, there are scenarios where they would put more stress on your machines.
That's enough for now. Interested to hear experiences with bucket / machine combos that work, ones that do not work, and why.
I finally pulled the trigger and bought at Spartin Profesisonal Series Stump bucket. I really love it! I think it is more versatile than my standard bucket. In the week I've had it I've removed a stump much easier than I could with a full size bucket, transplanted two raspberry bushes, and moved some huge logs around that never would have fit in my regular bucket.
The features that I think make this stump bucket good is the even width bucket bottom (I can easily sink it in the ground to the mounting plate), the low profile tip, a fulcrum point that is 15" forward of the loader pivot point to help with prying, a length that is manageable for my curl cylinders (tip is 50" past loader pivot pin), good teeth up the side of the bucket, and curved bucket sides.
The features that I think make it useable on my tractor are a high operating platform to see over hood, a strong loader, and a decent amount of weight.
There are many stump buckets out there. Some designs make absolutely no sense to me. Some are very good. I'd consider my stump bucket to be a mid-grade bucket. There are much higher end buckets like the Spartin industrial series of the Blue Diamond stump bucket. These have curved bottoms and are much longer. I've never used either but in theory they would allow even more leverage to pry things out of the ground at the expense that you may need to be more cautious not to hurt your machine. In some applications, these longer buckets should put less stress on your machine. However, there are scenarios where they would put more stress on your machines.
That's enough for now. Interested to hear experiences with bucket / machine combos that work, ones that do not work, and why.