Tree Puller?

[Xfaxman]

Need advice on choosing a heavy duty tree puller for my Bobcat V417. It has a SSQA, over 5,000 pound lift capacity.

Anyone have real world experience with one?

Thanks

 

[Xfaxman]

Here are two that I am looking at.



Tree Terminator - Tree and post puller for skid steers and tractors


Super Duty Tree Grapple / Post Puller - attachments for skid steers - Sidney Manufacturing Co. LLC

Has anyone used one like these?

Any recommendations?

 

[greasemonkeyok]

All I know is the manager of the local rental place said he sold the one he used to rent because it was just too easy to tear up the skid loader when using it. So if you get one, be careful. The torque on the loader can be unexpected and strong.

 

[Xfaxman]

All I know is the manager of the local rental place said he sold the one he used to rent because it was just too easy to tear up the skid loader when using it. So if you get one, be careful. The torque on the loader can be unexpected and strong.

Thanks, never thought of that. I was more concerned about tearing up the puller.

The V417 is stronger than a skid steer, so I should be OK if I am careful.

 

[greasemonkeyok]

Does your machine have a cage?

Not suggesting you shouldn't use one, just be safe. From an old thread:
NIOSH FACE Program: Iowa Case Report 01IA042 | CDC/NIOSH

 

[Xfaxman]

Does your machine have a cage?

Not suggesting you shouldn't use one, just be safe. From an old thread:
NIOSH FACE Program: Iowa Case Report 01IA042 | CDC/NIOSH

It has a cab with FOPS.

Interesting link, thanks. That is the way accidents happen, something totally unforeseen and unexpected.

I am looking for a puller for small trees, so it should be safe with the V417.

 

[Dr_Zinj]

I wrap a long logging chain around the tree, hook the other end to the hitch and just pull it out.
Make sure the chain's longer than the tree is high or you're going to need a cage and not just a ROPS to keep from getting beaten on the head and shoulders when the tree comes out of the ground. And similar problems if you like pushing them down instead. ;-)

 

[Xfaxman]

I wrap a long logging chain around the tree, hook the other end to the hitch and just pull it out.

I have done it that way, get out of the cab, hook the chain, get in the cab, pull the tree, get out of the cab, unhook the chain, get in the cab, drive to the next tree and repeat the process. How long did that take?

With a tree puller you drive up to the tree, pull it, drop it, repeat the process. How long did that take? Notice I never got out of the cab.

Make sure the chain's longer than the tree is high or you're going to need a cage and not just a ROPS to keep from getting beaten on the head and shoulders when the tree comes out of the ground. And similar problems if you like pushing them down instead. ;-)

With my V417, I push the big ones over, with the stump bucket. Sometimes I have to dig a few roots, or just pop out the root ball.

 

[6011Artist]

When pulling trees with a chain and tractor....you need a ground man to hook the chain...PITA if doing it by yourself.

 

[Xfaxman]

When pulling trees with a chain and tractor....you need a ground man to hook the chain...PITA if doing it by yourself.

Yep, that's why I want a tree puller!


A different style.

 

[nwltruck]

Ever thought of a tree sheer? They can either cut or pull. Seen one used once and worked amazing. The guy even pruned a large tree that he want to leave standing. Small stuff was pulled and the larger trees were cut then he went back with root grapple to get the ball out of the ground. The sheer had a small grapple above the blades to stack trees in to piles. Looked like a lot of fun.

 

[Xfaxman]

Ever thought of a tree sheer? They can either cut or pull. Seen one used once and worked amazing. The guy even pruned a large tree that he want to leave standing. Small stuff was pulled and the larger trees were cut then he went back with root grapple to get the ball out of the ground. The sheer had a small grapple above the blades to stack trees in to piles. Looked like a lot of fun.

I have a cedar tree cutter. I broke a blade on it, and am looking at other options.

This one is designed to reach under cedars, you can't pull trees with it. When I converted it from 3 point, I made it to sit flat at the tree, no matter what angle the V417 was on. Also used a chain top link to not put any down pressure that would bend the frame.

 

[nwltruck]

The one I seen use was very robust. 1" or 1.5" plate steal. Looked to have a 5" or 6" cylinder on it also. It was almost like the big feller buncher used for logging just smaller.

 

[greasemonkeyok]

So the base plate broke off perpendicular to the cutting edge?

Did the break look like it happened over a period of time?

 

[Xfaxman]

The one I seen use was very robust. 1" or 1.5" plate steal. Looked to have a 5" or 6" cylinder on it also. It was almost like the big feller buncher used for logging just smaller.

Yep, I have seen that type, but it wouldn't work well on cedar trees with long limbs at ground level like these.

I need the puller for small trees that will grow back if cut off.

So the base plate broke off perpendicular to the cutting edge?

Did the break look like it happened over a period of time?

The blade broke because the manufacturer didn't preheat it when they rewelded the brace where the original weld cracked.

It broke when I was cutting a big oak tree. I don't see an old crack, where it broke. The cutter is close to 25 years old.

 

[Xfaxman]

Update, tree puller was delivered yesterday.


Hydraulic shop supplied the fittings and cut a 12' hose that I had saved for many years.


First tree pulled. :thumbsup:


It works good, like I thought it would!


I bought this style, because I can see the opening where it grabs the tree, from the seat in the V417.

 

[J_J]

That is a interesting tool.

Can it be rotated for picking up logs and such?

How large a tree can it pull?

I don't see where any great torque is generated due to the position of the tree from the pivot point.

I would think the grabber part would be in close to the pivot point.

 

[Piston]

That's an interesting design. I would think you lose a lot of "power" with it so far out in front of the loader, however I know you have around 5k lb lift capacity so for you I guess it doesn't matter :laughing:

Did you come across any tree pullers that are meant to be used on a 3 point hitch?

Also, did you get a price for the Tree Terminator? I'm interested in that style, they don't list a price on their site.

 

[ovrszd]

I've never saw that design either. Wouldn't work very good on a tractor, but would be okay on a skidsteer. Even then, I think you'd get tired of getting it positioned on a tree. A couple weeks ago I pulled over 100 trees for my neighbor in 3 hours. I was tired of hitting the tree with my V design puller, can't imagine having to squirm myself onto everyone of those with this design. But if it works great for you, that's what's important!!!

 

[Xfaxman]

That is a interesting tool. Yep, just what I was looking for.

Can it be rotated for picking up logs and such? No.

How large a tree can it pull? This one is rated for 4".

I don't see where any great torque is generated due to the position of the tree from the pivot point. Not a problem on the Versahandler.

I would think the grabber part would be in close to the pivot point. Right, they make 3 models that are.

I was going to order the other style, but didn't because the gripping clamp is in a blind spot on the Versahandler. Then I saw the "Long Arm Buckthorn, Tree & Post Puller", and got it. As you can tell from the pictures, I can see the tree when I clamp on to it.

Here is the Website: Buckthorn Puller - Custom built Skid Steer attachments to fit almost any need you may have.