Stump huntin' with my BX25D!

[dragoneggs]

Today I finally tackled a big partially rotted fir tree stump. When I started, I wasn't sure it was possible. The challenge was that it was on a very steep grade and needed the stump to go so I could properly backfill my second retaining wall. Difficult to get to except from below and from one side. From the top it wasn't very reachable without huge risk. The joy of lifting it free and driving away was almost as good as ***... well not quite but satisfying none the less.

These first two pics from the high side. Problem was I was close to edge of firm ground if I pulled to hard, I would end up doing a face plant on the stump and smash the retaining wall



Finally pulled it free... oh what a feeling



Hauling my catch away... almost like an elk on the hood of a truck (well not quite) but had to stop to admire it :cool2:

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Lookin good.:thumbsup:

 

[kcender]

Looks like you're putting the BX to good use.Walls are looking good as well.

 

[sandyc]

Good work! Don't be surprised if you find more of those suckers hiding on your property!

 

[Deano]

Awesome job! Awesome little tractor too! You'll know when you dig a BIG stump out for the BX because the tractor won't be able to lift it with the FEL or backhoe and it will hardly be able to push or pull it! Don't ask!:confused2:

 

[Grandad4]

Well done! Nice to see you've got working on hillsides figured out.

 

[dragoneggs]

Good work! Don't be surprised if you find more of those suckers hiding on your property!

What! No! :shocked: Yeah and none decided to hide in a flat area.

Awesome job! Awesome little tractor too! You'll know when you dig a BIG stump out for the BX because the tractor won't be able to lift it with the FEL or backhoe and it will hardly be able to push or pull it! Don't ask!:confused2:

Thank you! Yeah, I was doing my best to lift my prey. Reminded me of an eagle trying to haul off a freshly snagged salmon. Love that thumb. I finally had a good reason to play around with the pin in several positions.

Well done! Nice to see you've got working on hillsides figured out.

I wouldn't go that far! I still get myself in scary spots and have to get off the tractor and think a bit and let the pucker factor lower. I normally switch out of 4WD when I put my BX to bed at night as I drive across some hard pavement. But yesterday I learned a lesson (twice) and forgot to put it back in before heading down the hill. Boy was that scary!!! It starts hopping and skidding and bouncing and there is nothing I can do about it until the slope decreases.

 

[TroyR57]

I some times fill the front end loader with dirt, to help balance out the tractor when pulling out stumps like that, you will be surprised how just a little weight in the front, will help keep the tractor on the ground, also will allow more traction with the front wheels, when using four wheel drive.

 

[dragoneggs]

I some times fill the front end loader with dirt, to help balance out the tractor when pulling out stumps like that, you will be surprised how just a little weight in the front, will help keep the tractor on the ground, also will allow more traction with the front wheels, when using four wheel drive.

Yep... thanks Troy. It seems that I am a slow learner. I discover little tricks (just common sense but not always on time) like that and then I don't make it a habit. One habit that I have developed is the seat belt. I hate them and if truck didn't make me put it on I wouldn't. That said, it seems like a real good idea, every time I board my BX!

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Yep... thanks Troy. It seems that I am a slow learner. I discover little tricks (just common sense but not always on time) like that and then I don't make it a habit. One habit that I have developed is the seat belt. I hate them and if truck didn't make me put it on I wouldn't. That said, it seems like a real good idea, every time I board my BX!

I discovered the value of the seat belt on my BX25 one day when I least expected it when the sky changed viewing direction.:confused3:

 

[CHDinCT]

Nice work. I think all of us BH owners will never forget our first one - stump removal that is.

I must say that after owning a BX for 5 years now, I've gotten very lax on wearing my seat belt. On first ownership, I wouldn't go 5' without it on. Now I've forgotten I have one. Something to work on. A few months ago, I was removing some stone from around my neighbors pool and was on a bit of a side hill. The tractor rocked over toward the downhill side and I came right out of the seat and ended up standing next to the tractor. Fortunately, it went back on all fours. Put the seat belt on right afterwards. Yes, I know I need to deploy it more, so thanks for the reminder dragoneggs.

 

[dragoneggs]

Nice work. I think all of us BH owners will never forget our first one - stump removal that is.

I must say that after owning a BX for 5 years now, I've gotten very lax on wearing my seat belt. On first ownership, I wouldn't go 5' without it on. Now I've forgotten I have one. Something to work on. A few months ago, I was removing some stone from around my neighbors pool and was on a bit of a side hill. The tractor rocked over toward the downhill side and I came right out of the seat and ended up standing next to the tractor. Fortunately, it went back on all fours. Put the seat belt on right afterwards. Yes, I know I need to deploy it more, so thanks for the reminder dragoneggs.

Hi Chris, you are quite welcome. I have been getting a little too confident after putting 80hrs on my BX in less than two months. Learning on slopes pretty much 100% of the time. The seat belt I have down. My latest lesson is just keep it in 4WD. When I forget to engage, I end up sliding and hopping down my hill first thing when I get going and it scares the crap out of me. As of yesterday... I keep it in 4WD period! For folks that are on flat or slightly sloped ground... you don't understand. :steeringwheel:

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

OK, moving on to your next lesson. Find a grass covered section of hillside that has a smooth place at the bottom, no rocks, trees or other obstacles in the way going down, put on your seat belt, engage 4wd and then wait till it rains and then go down that hill!!!!

 

[CHDinCT]

For folks that are on flat or slightly sloped ground... you don't understand. :steeringwheel:

And therein lies my nemesis - most of my usage is on flat land, but not all!

 

[Finnster]

I some times fill the front end loader with dirt, to help balance out the tractor when pulling out stumps like that, you will be surprised how just a little weight in the front, will help keep the tractor on the ground, also will allow more traction with the front wheels, when using four wheel drive.

Did my first big stump dig up and pull a couple weeks ago.

I had read this advice and it was very useful. The stump I had was ~16" trunk and a 4" root ball. Chained it up after I had as many roots cuts and dirt dug out. Read lots of stump safety/horror stories before I began, but everything went well.

The tractive power in 4wd/low impressive. Slow in low and there was no stopping it. Wish I got a movie of it.

A loaded bucket also helps when backdragging with the float valve when you go to smooth the hole back over.

Thank you! Yeah, I was doing my best to lift my prey. Reminded me of an eagle trying to haul off a freshly snagged salmon. Love that thumb. I finally had a good reason to play around with the pin in several positions.

My stump was way too heavy to lift, but digging in with the BH & thumb into the ground an ripping out long stretches of roots was awesome. BH is just a great tool. I'm glad I splurged on it.

 

[dragoneggs]

OK, moving on to your next lesson. Find a grass covered section of hillside that has a smooth place at the bottom, no rocks, trees or other obstacles in the way going down, put on your seat belt, engage 4wd and then wait till it rains and then go down that hill!!!!

Ha Ha!! Actually before the rains... I need to tear out the grass on my steep part of my new path. Most of it is already gravel but I need to finish it. Otherwise it is a ski jump if I don't recover before the turn :shocked:

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Dragoneggs: Where are you? Haven't seen any input from you in awhile. I may be missing it but concerned as to your progress and safety.