Custom CAD designed, CNC plasma cut stump bucket

npartist · May 26, 2020

I didn't feel like spending $500+ on a stump bucket so I made my own with the help of my brother (CAD support) and uncle (CNC plasma cutter). I made a timelapse video of the project and real-time video of digging up my first stump (don't copy my beginning technique....haha, learning curve). Designed for my Bobcat Toolcat 5600 but uses standard skid steer quick attach plate. I used 5/16" A572-50 steel plate from a local supplier. Bought 4x8ft sheet which is enough for two buckets (designed it to fit within 4x4ft plate). Total material cost for one bucket ended up being around $130. Turned out pretty good! Teeth certainly help to grab and rip up the roots.

npartist · May 27, 2020

Here's a CAD drawing for reference for anyone
View attachment Sumner&Sumner_StumpBucket.pdf

motoman3b · May 28, 2020

Cool build! I've often thought about one for my tractor but I found it just to be easier before taking down the tree hook up 10 ft up the trunk or so and use the tree as a lever usually stump pulls right out on its own

metalbender · May 28, 2020

Nice to have access to the cnc equipment. When the time comes to build one here, I have a piece of heavy wall pipe and will freehand the teeth. Prob have to see an orthodontist for dental work afterwards.

davedj1 · May 28, 2020

Nicely done!
I found you can buy a qa plate on Ebay with free shipping pretty reasonable. I would love to have a CNC plasma table but just don't have the room.

npartist · May 28, 2020

Yes pushing over a tree works well if you have the room to do that or if the trees haven't already been cut by the previous property owner (my case). I have a handheld plasma cutter and cut the 5/16 plate in half to transport it to my uncle's. I originally planned to freehand it but after just the simple straight line 4ft cut I am glad I went CNC. I've cut lots of intricate things out of sheet metal with the plasma but thicker plate is a new ball game. Probably would have given up if started it just freehand.

XMS · Jun 2, 2020

Great job. I see you didn't miss the critical step of taking and posting pics to Instagram during the build. Amateurs always forget that step.

Did you make the Fusion file public?

npartist · Jun 2, 2020

XMS said:
Great job. I see you didn't miss the critical step of taking and posting pics to Instagram during the build. Amateurs always forget that step.

Did you make the Fusion file public?

ha, hard to do anything these days without a few picture/text/social media breaks on the phone! :dance1:

My brother made the fusion file and has opted to keep it private.

XMS · Jun 9, 2020

Understood. There is a lot of work in making 3D CNC files that people do not appreciate. In today's world of industrial automation you can build a 'factory' in a barn that would make Henry Ford green with envy. Perhaps the two of you could rig some additional hardware and start pumping out competitive US-made stump buckets.

Just don't let the robots in the barn get uppity. I saw that movie and it didn't end well for the humans.

npartist · Jun 12, 2020

Since we built two identical ones, just sold the 2nd one to cover the costs of material plus a little extra for my brother for his efforts on CAD. Overall happy with build, now I have a free bucket (except for my labor).