Has anyone bult a quick spade for a sub

[bx24]

here is mine

bobcat stye quick attach on my fel

spade is cut from 30" pipe and is set at an angle so my bucket level indicator still works. mount is 1/4" plate

used for tree planting and anything i would otherwise pick up a shovel to do

i love diesel and hydraulic power!!!

Jughead-

How well does your setup work for small trees? Would you build it again?

 

[Jughead3040]

I would say that the bucket is well worth the effort to build. I have not dug small trees with it yet, but expect it would work well enough, if you can get all around the tree to dig on all sides.

I used it to dig holes to plant 10' blue spruce with 40" root balls (hired a tree spade to dig up the trees)...it worked well, but it helped to have someone on a shovel to clean out the bottom of the holes.

 

[J_J]

I am look ing for any info form someone who has bult a quick spade for there sub compact. I am considering starting on one and wondering if anyone has alrady done it and what work's and what don't work.
Thanks Charlie

Here is a link to a spade that I built awhile ago. it plugs into a 2 in receiver like others have built. I built both units out of hitch parts.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/138815-bigger-than-shovel.html

 

[CFHartman]

I have deiced to pass on building the spade. I don稚 have the power or breakout to operate one in my soil conditions. I did chain my forks together and used them to dig out a 5 inch diameter tree then I dug out a large bush and planted were the tree was. By chaining the two forks together I made a spade of sorts. It worked very well but not perfect. I had to back up and take a smaller bite a lot.

 

[gotrocks]

Oops I posted on JJ shovel, sorry for the double post.

Back again, and still wanting a strong spade.
I have a 30 inch piece of square "post" "tube" whatch call it?
Side walls are 3/16 inch thick.

Here is what I've come up with so far.
Looks a lot like JJ's.
Some of my doubts,
How hard will it be to bend after I cut one side out?

What's the best way to mount onto FEL?
I'm thinking weld to piece of channel and fab so I can remove tooth bar and bolt spade in place.

Would it be better to leave the two sides vertical?
Like this |_| instead of \_/

Ok now I'll wait for some of you to comment.
Thanks for ALL who reply.
Here's a sketch of what I have in mind.

 

[J_J]

Gotrocks,

You can use any one of your ideas, which ever is easier for you to make. On flat plate, you can lay it between two pieces of wood and drive over it. If you have a shop press, you can bend it, or take it to a steel mill and they will bend it or form it for you. You can also cut the pieces out and weld things together. Below are some pictures for examples.The last or forth tree spade was built by MrJimi who passed away six months ago. It is made out of 3/8 steel. Did an excellent job.

 

[J_J]

Here are some more pictures, and maybe ideas.

If your tractor has the skidsteer hookup, they sell a blank attachment plate that all you have to do is bend the steel and weld to the plate, not a whole lot of work involved.

 

[gotrocks]

Thank you JJ, nope I don't have skidsteer hookup. B-2910 with FEL+ toothbar.
I had though about driving over but was concerned about the 10 inch width (after cutting one side out), at the first pass. Afraid it might slip and slice a tire.

When I get this project off the back burner I'll take pictures and post.

In the meantime everyone "keep on tractoring" . truck go too fast

 

[Attatood]

Have you checked this spade out?

http://tinyurl.com/cjcyxq

I am seriously looking at purchasing it because I probably can't make it cheaper.

 

[gotrocks]

Ok, here is what I ended up with.
Took the section of 10x10 3/16 thick walled steel, cut one side out.
Tried several methods of bending, ended up at shop with a BIG press.
Got it close to my desired shape. Wanted 45 degree sides.
Had the 8 inch channel and the angle iron laying around for a long time.
Pack ratting pays off sometime.
Cut the channel to length, split the cutoff to make end brackets.
Bore holes to match holes used for tooth bar (removed)

Since it is "too wet to plough" I have only tried a couple of digs.
Noticed the bucket with a slight bow so will try with the added angle when
it dries out.

I looks like it is going to do the task that is asked.

I'll let you know. If anyone is interested.