Stump 1 - excavator 0

[djw250]

Got a chance to work with a reasonable size excavator (16000 lb machine) yesterday, and decided to remove a stump. This was an oak stump about 2+ feet in diameter cut off near ground level. Well, I dug a while, and dug a while, and dug a while, and still couldn't budge the stump. I wound up digging a trench about 4 feet deep all the way around the stump - still couldn't budge it. As is was about to get dark, I decided I would try pulling it out with a 3/8" chain. Not. Snapped my chain like a cooked noodle and didn't budge the stump. I'm going to cover it back up this evening. How much was that stump grinder again?

 

[john_bud]

Trees are amazing things, ain't they?

I would bet that stump was from a tree that was alone and had to fight the wind it's whole life. Think about the torque the wind puts on a tree. A 2' across oak was probably 75 ft tall and had a leaf cross section 50-70ft wide. We all know what it feels like to stick your hand out the window of the car going 50, imagine what force the tree's roots had to fight being a 70x60 sail in the wind!

If you dig under the stump and get the dirt out, it will pop. But it will be a struggle!

Now a tree that grew in a thick tangle forest has piddle for roots. I've cut junk trees out around oaks and had them blow over in 20 mph winds. Yikes! Now if I want to save an oak, I leave it with some wind screen support.

 

[Richard]

Try al dente next time....




When I've fought with stumps, I've dug around them like you have. Rocked them back/forth like you probably have... I've never yet actually put a chain on one (I've got a grade 100 square link chain which is wonderful)

I have however, found the most luck trying to pry them vertical, using my bucket when sideways doesn't work.

Ultimately.... you probalby have to dig a little deeper. Think of it as therepy.

 

[dirtworksequip]

A stump of that diameter takes about a Volkswagen sized hole to get it out. I'm glad you didn't get hit with the chain when it broke...........the chain wasn't a very good idea.

Sincerely, Dirt

 

[Runner]

As much as I hate to say it, I'm sold on renting a stump grinder to get them out, unless it's going to be under a building or structure.

I recently rented a 35 HP grinder for $34/hour (with 2 hour minimum). For $156 I ground out 10 stumps in four hours. Only took about 15 minutes per stump, the rest of the time was spent moving the unit around the property, cutting down a tree and trip to/from the rental place.

It was easy, fast, kind of fun and did a great job.

Best $156 I've spent in a long time.

 

[Airic]

I find it amazing that you were not able to pull this stump. This is one of the more fun activities I like to do with my backhoe. Here is my 3500lb tractor with a 23" wallnut stump I pulled. It was a proud moment when it came loose. This took me two days to remove and it had to come out because it sat were my driveway is now. This is by far the largest I have pulled but I do have a 26" stump on the other side of the house that I maybe pulling next year.

 

[metalmeltr]

Try al dente next time....




When I've fought with stumps, I've dug around them like you have. Rocked them back/forth like you probably have... I've never yet actually put a chain on one (I've got a grade 100 square link chain which is wonderful)

I have however, found the most luck trying to pry them vertical, using my bucket when sideways doesn't work.

Ultimately.... you probalby have to dig a little deeper. Think of it as therepy.

where did you get that chain?

 

[EddieWalker]

If you dig under the stump and get the dirt out, it will pop.

John said it before I could. The stump has two things holding it in place. The roots that go off to the sides and then the suction of the ground under it. Pines are different, but on those hardwoods, there's no tap root, just the side roots. Once they are cut, then it's just a matter of loosening the soil under it to get it to break free.

With my backhoe, I just angle the edge of my teeth and bucket to get under the root ball. It usually takes a littl time, but I do this when cutting the roots, so it's all at once for me. Then I change sides and do it again. I don't usualy have to do it all the way around to get it free. Most of the time, it will just start moving on me while I'm still digging out the dirt from under it.

When it moves, it will come out real easy.

Keep at it, you are allot closer to having it out then you realize.

Eddie

 

[kthompson]

As much as I hate to say it, I'm sold on renting a stump grinder to get them out, unless it's going to be under a building or structure.

I recently rented a 35 HP grinder for $34/hour (with 2 hour minimum). For $156 I ground out 10 stumps in four hours. Only took about 15 minutes per stump, the rest of the time was spent moving the unit around the property, cutting down a tree and trip to/from the rental place.

It was easy, fast, kind of fun and did a great job.

Best $156 I've spent in a long time.

We went the way of the stump grinder for our new yard. Sad I did. Still filling in and trying to get lawn level as they rot out. It has been in grass for 8 full years and trust this will be the last time. kt

 

[asylum575]

I agree with the opinion that you have to dig under the stump. You can try to power wash some of the dirt off, since you have the hole around the stump. I'd try coming from different angle to knock out underneath the ball. It'll pop. There's no better feeling than when you see that stump move as you pull on it.