What Bends/Breaks First :) Stump pushing or pulling...

[TMR]

Geed morning...always difficult to sort though discussion and get a feel for real world results/problems that you discover when you actually own/operate machinery.

I have a "tendency" to try just a little toooo hard when I am working a task...wether it is one last turn of the screw too many or one extra crank on the leverage bar ratchet...result is something "gives"...with less than desired results.

I have read discussions regarding "old" tree stumps being pushed out with the loader or pulled out with a back blade...here is my real world application question...

Assume I end up with a 30-40 HP CUT...maybe JD 3x20, Kubota 3x40 or similar size HP and frame. I have many (maybe 100+)jack pine stumps that were originally logged more than 10 years ago...likely 15+...not large...maybe 10"-14" diameter and about 12" stump height. They land is pretty gravely and drains very well so they have not been sitting in wet dirt.

My question is...what will I likely find if I am sitting on my new CUT as described above and I go out "determined" to try to "root out" my many stumps...and what is likely to "fail" if the stumps don't want to cooperate.

1) Is the FEL box the weak point or is the FEL arm structure bending the weak point?

2) Is there a blade that you mount on the front that is either mounted on the FEL arms...or mounted on a stronger mount?

3) I am "guessing" that you could pretty easily bend 3pt hitch parts trying to pull out the stumps?

I think you get my general question...I do not want to add a backhoe due to $$$s and also I think it would take a long time to dig up stumps one at a time.

I know a bulldozer would be the best "tool" but I am hoping that a medium framed CUT would have both the HP and frame strength to push out these stumps? w/o breaking/bending expensive stuff

BTW...stump pulling and moderate land contouring are two of my desired uses...in addition to what I might call "routine" bush hogging and FEL work...maybe mowing.

Thanks All...TMR

 

[RoyJackson]

I suggest you pull them with a chain on the tractor's draw bar. That's about the strongest part of the tractor.
You can loosen the stump with the loader...just don't over do it. But when you pull it out, use the draw bar!

 

[TMR]

I suggest you pull them with a chain on the tractor's draw bar. That's about the strongest part of the tractor.
You can loosen the stump with the loader...just don't over do it. But when you pull it out, use the draw bar!

Thanks Roy...didn't think of that...I guess because I have never owned and/or operated a tractor

Just out of curiosity...how do you "link" the chain to the stump? Does this require part of the stump lifting so you can wrap under the stump?

Thanks...TMR

 

[RoyJackson]

Thanks Roy...didn't think of that...I guess because I have never owned and/or operated a tractor

Just out of curiosity...how do you "link" the chain to the stump? Does this require part of the stump lifting so you can wrap under the stump?

Thanks...TMR

I use chain wrapped about a foot or so above the base, but some guys like the chain higher up which would increase leverage. One determining factor is the type of tree and how the root system spreads.
Once the stump is out, you can drag it to where you want it (using the chain and draw bar) or the loader bucket...which ever is easiest.
Just remember, your tractor is a compact utility machine...not a bulldozer.

 

[k0ua]

I suggest you pull them with a chain on the tractor's draw bar. That's about the strongest part of the tractor.
You can loosen the stump with the loader...just don't over do it. But when you pull it out, use the draw bar!

+1 on pulling with the drawbar, But I will say this, depending on how big we are talking about here, and how high the stump is, you are not going to pull big stumps with a CUT without a lot of digging down and cutting the roots that radiate out from the stump. You can dig with the FEL to a point and then may have to get off and sever the roots with a handle tool of some kind. I use an old maul, and have to sharpen it once in a while. Of course the higher the stump, you can hook up higher with your chain for more leverage to breakover the stump. Some here have mentioned using a home made "ripper" first to go around the stump and get those roots severed in an easier manner. Good luck, and let us know how your doing with this project.

James K0UA

 

[TMR]

Some here have mentioned using a home made "ripper" first to go around the stump and get those roots severed in an easier manner. Good luck, and let us know how your doing with this project.

James K0UA

A single point "ripper" with a strong blade would seem a good tool. Is there such a thing made commercially for those of us not "skilled" enough to make our own? I assume you would have on 3 pt and set in the ground to rip on the edge roots?

Thanks...TMR

 

[TMR]

Just remember, your tractor is a compact utility machine...not a bulldozer.

Thanks Roy...just told my wife that "the guys" said I need a bulldozer! :thumbsup::thumbsup: TMR

 

[RoyJackson]

Thanks Roy...just told my wife that "the guys" said I need a bulldozer! :thumbsup::thumbsup: TMR

Actually, if the stump removal is the main task you have planned for the tractor, renting a dozer (with an experienced operator!) would be a cheaper option.

 

[TMR]

Actually, if the stump removal is the main task you have planned for the tractor, renting a dozer (with an experienced operator!) would be a cheaper option.

I guess I figured that out awhile back. However, this is not about "production" but about an "avocation". While I prefer to do it myself...I don 't want to dig out one at a time with a backhoe. What I am hoping is that with 15+ years of sitting they are "easier" to pull out than I am thinking. Maybe I need to go up to the property and dig a couple out manually to get a feel for their strength.

Thanks TMR

 

[k0ua]

I guess I figured that out awhile back. However, this is not about "production" but about an "avocation". While I prefer to do it myself...I don 't want to dig out one at a time with a backhoe. What I am hoping is that with 15+ years of sitting they are "easier" to pull out than I am thinking. Maybe I need to go up to the property and dig a couple out manually to get a feel for their strength.

Thanks TMR

Well if they are 15 years old, depending what species, they may push over like a rotten tooth with the FEL or pull easy with the drawbar, Can you rent a tractor for a day and abuse the rental to find out how much trouble they will be? Sometimes old rotten stumps are a piece of cake.

James K0UA