Broke it again

Tymanthius · Apr 9, 2019

But I kinda expected it this time. For those that don't recall, it's the tie-rod on the front of my 3135. Just a simple steel bar with threads on the ends.

Clearing out tallow trees, some rather tall and requiring me 'climb' them to push them over in the speed I needed before the rain came down and stopped work for a week or two.

So I emailed my dealer, and while I consider no bash plate there a minor design flaw, the fact that it's only a $30 part seems a reasonable balance.

After I'm back running, I'll order a 2nd so I have one on hand.

That, and I'm going to put a steel sleeve on this one to see if it will last longer.

shooterdon · Apr 9, 2019

We can learn from mistakes....or not.

Tractors are not bulldozers.

There are ways to do the job depending on the size of the trees you are dealing with. Tree/post puller for bigger stuff.
MTL X Series Tree Fence Post Puller Skid Steer Attachment — MTL Attachments

Ratchet rake for smaller stuff.
Ratchet Rake, LLC - All Terrain Rake, Snow Edge, Tractor attachment, Bucket attachment, Loader, Skid loader, Kubota, Skid steer, Landscape rake, Brush remover, York Rake, Harley Rake, Rock Rake, Tractor rake attachment, Construction attachment, New Holland, Bobcat, Fire safety, Home fire safety, Fire prevention, John Deere, skid steer attachment, tractor implement

If only a few trees and money is tight.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200365512_200365512

I have used the grubber and it works but is slow even with one person the tractor and one hooking it up. Looking at getting the ratchet rake as I have hundreds of saplings to remove and will be working alone. If most of my stuff was larger in diameter, I would spring for the tree puller.

Tymanthius · Apr 9, 2019

Most of this is underbrush and really short trees. But there were a handful of larger ones and I was in a hurry.

Usually what I do is use the grapple to push the tree over some in one direction, then push it in another. Then wait. Then come back and work it some more. Takes time, but doesn't break things. If I have the room, once I get it low enough I'll use the grapple to grap a bit and drive around in a circle and let that action pop the tree out.

The fence puller thing is nice, but considering I can buy 28 tie rods for that price, and I'm normally more careful, I don't see it being worth the cost for me. I'm already about 1/4 of the way thru what I need cleared, and once cleared it'll be easy to keep it that way.

Also, something that can be used for trees is an old tire rim and a chain. Put the rim next to the tree, wrap the chain around it close down to the ground. Pull chain.