Tree Puller?

Xfaxman · Apr 24, 2013

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 · Apr 24, 2013

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 · Apr 24, 2013

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 · Apr 25, 2013

greasemonkeyok said:
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 · Apr 25, 2013

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 · Apr 25, 2013

greasemonkeyok said:
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 · Apr 25, 2013

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 · Apr 25, 2013

Dr_Zinj said:
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.

Dr_Zinj said:
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.