Backhoes aren't just for ditches

[GregJ]

Backhoes aren\'t just for ditches

I have read a few posts lately where people were questioning the need for a BH. A few have even had salepeople try to talk them out of it. However, a few have had wives that wanted the BH and were pushing to get it. The same thing happened to me. I actually had a salesman tell me I didn't need a BH and my wife was insisting that I did. Once again..... it pays to listen to your wife. I have used my BH in a lot of different ways that I never thought of. This weekend I am dropping, bucking, splitting and palletizing 12 medium sized alder trees. Working on a downed tree can be a pain, and dangerous if you misread the stresses on the limbs. It's also a pain to cut halfway through the log and then have to roll it to finish the cut. After about the third tree I remembered that 800lb thing on the back of my tractor and started using it to lift the logs to work on. (See attached pic) Not only did this speed things up, but made the whole job safer and easier. Just thought I'd share this for any folks that are considering getting a BH. I know they are expensive, but the point I would like to make is that they can be used in a lot of ways that you don't think of, until you have one.

Greg

 

[mushrock]

Re: Backhoes aren\'t just for ditches

Looks like a great way to use the backhoe. Now, if you could replace the bucket with a wedge and stand the fire wood on end... you get the idea :grin:

 

[Rick Jay]

Re: Backhoes aren\'t just for ditches

Greg,

Great idea. I've used my backhoe mostly for transplanting shrubs and burying brush. I admit, it's a great piece of equipment. I think you've found another great use as well.

Just one precaution. Remember that anything being held by hydraulic pressure alone can release in an instant if pressure is lost anywhere in the system. I couldn't tell by your pic, but it might be a good idea to lift the log with the backhoe and then brace the log in position with some of those pieces on the ground.

Stay safe,

~Rick

 

[GregJ]

Re: Backhoes aren\'t just for ditches

Rick,
Thanks for pointing that out. However I have so much respect for those logs, I never put anything under them that I want back.... like a foot, leg or hand. I have seen some of these heavy logs make some unexpected moves and it's enough to make a real believer out of you. I just finished dropping the last tree and I learned as I went. I was pretty proficient with the hoe by the end. The biggest thing that I was worried about was the uneven load or torque on the loader bucket. I found that if I lifted the log high enough to put a block under the load just a couple of feet away from the bucket it eliminated that torque and actually made it easier cutting because it was more stable. I also found that I could lift the top of the tree and move it over to the wood pile before I cut it, so I wouldn't have to handle it twice. Now "all" I have left is splitting and stacking the 12 trees.............

Greg

 

[Rick Jay]

Re: Backhoes aren\'t just for ditches

I wish I had trees. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I usually try to avoid hard physical work where-ever possible, but one activity I enjoy (in moderation) is splitting firewood. Probably 'cause I've only had to do it in small quantities at a time. I just really enjoyed the workout.

Glad to see you found a way to use your Kubota and backhoe to help out. I bet you never thought of that as a use for the backhoe when you were trying to justify its purchase. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

~Rick

 

[B7500]

Re: Backhoes aren\'t just for ditches

Hi Greg,
I have the same setup as you. Although I've never used the BH to lift and hold logs I do use the FEL with toothbar to do that job. I may try the BH this summer and see if it works any better.
-Terry

 

[Elmendorf]

Re: Backhoes aren\'t just for ditches

Hi Greg,

My property is down near Vancouver and I have about 6 acres of 60 year old Alder that is growing quite tight together. When I cut a tree it tends to hang up in the other trees and is dificult to get down. My question is: if any of your trees hung up when you were cutting them, did you have enough power with your B7500 to pull it down (with a choker and cable). That is one of my concerns in buying a tractor. Thanks

Dick

 

[bellweather]

Re: Backhoes aren\'t just for ditches

that's great!

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: Backhoes aren\'t just for ditches

You have done exactly what I need to do here on my property. Once again I vacillate between the BX22 or an upgrade to the 7500 with BH. Do you think you could pick that tree up with the BX22?

 

[GregJ]

Re: Backhoes aren\'t just for ditches

Dick,
I have experienced the hangups you refer to several times and it can be a scary experience. This job was very easy because I had a lot of open space around the trees and I just started on one side and worked my way in. As far as the B7500 being capable of pulling out a hangup, it is difficult to answer that question because of all the variables that can happen. Basically you need weight and traction to get that job done. My B7500 w/ loader and backhoe weights a little over 3000lbs. I have loaded R4 tires. On good solid ground it is capable of a lot. In mud or soft soil, you won't get anywhere near the pull. I had one tree (24" x 80') that had a fairly good lean in the wrong direction. I tied it off high, relief and back cut it leaving about a 3" hinge with pressure on and then pulled it over easily without spinning a tire. I made sure I was on our asphalt driveway though. I was on our lawn on a few others and I didn't have anywhere near the pull and I will have a little turf repair to do this spring.
As I got a little more brave during the weekend, I ended up using the BH to move the top half of the trees over the wood pile, so I could buck it up right on top of all the other rounds. It was a little tricky, but with a good load in the loader and leaving the stabilizers down about 6" off the ground and the log balanced perfectly, I could move slowly in the direction of where I cut the bottom half and then use the BH to swing the log over the pile, set it at a comfortable height and buck it up right on top of the bottom half. (See attached pic) This saved a lot of work. I learned a lot this weekend.

Greg