Opinions from land clearing experts please?

[tonyoz]

Gravity keeps it in place. The hardest part of it is pushing them over once you have dug a trench on all four sides. .

It's not a good idea to dig around 4 sides of a tree as it leaves little margin of error. Digging 3 sides then push the tree towards the undug side can stop the tree from coming back on you. Sure it may take a little longer. This work I did for a living at one time, never put a scratch on me or the excavator

 

[MikeInEburg]

I also use my backhoe to get tree and root ball combos. Only I first throw a long rope high in the tree and tie it off in direction of desired fall. Then I dig out the three sides, leaving a hinge in desired fall direction. Then I attach rope to tractor and pull. It's a very slow and graceful process. And, thus far, 100% successful.

 

[prichard]

Thank you all for the great info.

Y'all think I can use something like this for my FEL to dig the side trenches?

 

[MikeInEburg]

Thank you all for the great info.

Y'all think I can use something like this for my FEL to dig the side trenches?

I generally dig down three or more feet, depending on the tree in question. While you may get there with this type of device, a backhoe would be much faster.

 

[kthompson]

I have dug some trees around 2 feet in diameter using a 5 ton excavator with no issue as has been suggested. I do agree you leave the hinge side there and push it as suggested. On the size you are talking about you should be able to run bucket up under then and pop them right out and I am saying with a 5 ton excavator and probably will even a 3.5 ton one. You should find those "fun".

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Trees the size you have I push over with my BX25. I sometimes have to use the BH and loosen up the dirt around and cut off bigger roots. Your trees do not develop an extensive root system. The tree, once it starts to lean, the top weight creates more leverage than your tractor can develop.

Ron

 

[prichard]

Thank you all. Perhaps I'll try pushing on one this weekend. Otherwise I'll get to play around on an excavator down the road.

 

[CobyRupert]

Here's a good method for removing stumps. Two hits and they pop right out
https://www.facebook.com/RedneckRepairscom/videos/551974404966658/
https://www.facebook.com/RedneckRepairscom/videos/551974404966658/

 

[Citydude]

Here's a good method for removing stumps. Two hits and they pop right out
https://www.facebook.com/RedneckRepairscom/videos/551974404966658/
https://www.facebook.com/RedneckRepairscom/videos/551974404966658/

Very effective method. My wife could easily manage this task....

 

[Hollywood691]

Here's a good method for removing stumps. Two hits and they pop right out
https://www.facebook.com/RedneckRepairscom/videos/551974404966658/
https://www.facebook.com/RedneckRepairscom/videos/551974404966658/

LOL that would be a fun way of doing it....