Best way to yank out shrubs? Etc..

[Fastball]

I'm new to using a tractor seriously...have a Kubota L2900, and I'm looking to clear off a bit of property that's got a lot of shrubs and bushes growing on it. A few of them have been cut down a couple of times in the past, so there's a decent-sized stump at the base (6-8 inches around).
Is the easiest way just to wrap a chain around the base of the shrub and YANK that sucker out? I'd either wrap the chain around the hook or clevis on the drawbar...or use ome of Ken's bolt-on rab hooks on the loader.
Suggestions?
And while I have you on the line...have been reading here about loading the tires. I use the tractor for mowing, snow removal, debris removal....all on property that's got a decent slope to it. Worth getting the dealer to load 'em upthe next time he comes out to service this thing?

 

[Oldtractorfixer]

Absolutely load the rear tires. Especially if you are new to using the tractor. It will make it much safer when using the loader and give it better pull when pulling on the drawbar. The only downside is that it may mark the ground a bit more when mowing but will only be noticeable if you are doing lawn type mowing. As to the yanking our shrubs. You should always try to pull with the drawbar. You may need to lift and pull a little with the loader but this can be dangerous as you can over load the loader and if done incorrectly can tip the tractor. Slow and steady pulls no high speed yanks. If they won't come dig around a little with the loader and try again. You may even be able to get them all the way out digging with the loader.

Be careful and take it slow. Good luck.

 

[dragoneggs]

Yep low and slow, a little okay but no hard yanking. If you can sever some of the roots on the opposite side of the pull you should have much better results.

 

[Fastball]

Well, I figure to have a go at them with an axe and see if I can loosen them up a bit first.
The tractor is my Dad's...but he hasn't much of a clue about maintenance, etc. I figure to just ask the dealer if there's any maintenance records on file....or just maybe have them come out and give the tractor a good once over...and I'll ask about loading those back tires with some WW fluid.

 

[dragoneggs]

If you are going to be using the tractor you might as well get to know it. Definitely get on a maintenance schedule. Read the owners manual. Look at the hours on it and what should be done. Learn to do it yourself. Save some serious cash and earn some pride of ownership.

 

[Fastball]

Well, that's the plan. I just figured I'd get the Kubuta checked out top-to-bottom by a professional so I know I'm starting off with a (relatively) clean slate....then I can peck away with the learn-as-you-go thing.

 

[jeff9366]

I'm new to using a tractor seriously...have a Kubota L2900, and I'm looking to clear a lot of shrubs and bushes growing on it. A few of them have been cut down a couple of times in the past, so there's a decent-sized stump at the base (6-8 inches around).
Is the easiest way just to wrap a chain around the base of the shrub and YANK that sucker out? I'd either wrap the chain around the hook or clevis on the drawbar...or use ome of Ken's bolt-on rab hooks on the loader.

FELs are engineered to lift. If you attempt to pull those plants using chains and Ken's hooks on the bucket you will seriously damage the FEL.

Wait for ideal moist soil before attempting to pull out the plants using chains attached to clevis hook pinned to the rear center-drawbar. An L2900 is light for this type of brute force work ~~ but no harm in trying. Slow and steady; NO JERKING.

 

[SandburRanch]

Cut the shrub off and drop a clove hitch knot over the stump. To do, form 2 loops with a counter clockwise motion, place loop A on top of loop B and drop this over the stump and you have a clove hitch knot, or tie the knot the more difficult way shown in the scout book and on the net. With a long chain and short chains you can pull as many as desired at one setting. It just depends on how many short chains you have. If you will keep the knot's 2 loops together as you slip it off the shrub you pulled you don't have to tie it again for the next.

 

[s219]

If you have a lot of shrubs, spend $40 on a "brush grubber" attachment with jaws to aid in yanking out the stumps. For stubborn stuff, it's ideal to leave 16" or so of trunk left to act as leverage.

 

[CobyRupert]

NOT like this: