Clearing Trees

RobS · Apr 1, 2001

OK experts, what's the best method for clearing trees? I've got several dozen to remove in an old fencerow where we intend to put our driveway through. I've had good luck pulling sassafras out with my 790 and chain but as I get into bigger trees I'm concerned about pulling them down on me /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif I chained up to a 5 incher this afternoon and it was moving, but too tall for my length of chain. A friend suggested pushing with the loader (up high for leverage) but I'm clearing from one side and I just end up pushing into other trees. I did some digging with the loader to get out some bush type growth, but the loader doesn't have much oomph with a lot of roots. My next attempt will be to cut the trees off with my chain saw leaving enough stump to chain to (4-6 feet). On the tough ones, I'll do what digging I can with the loader and/or box blade scarifiers. The toughest one in the area looks like an 8 inch maple. I need to get the roots out as I'll be grading all the top soil away for the drive. Any other ideas? Any and all help appreciated /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Bird · Apr 1, 2001

Only "experts" to reply? Then I guess I shouldn't./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif But anyway, you'll find some other messages warning about the danger of pushing with the loader up high - there's the possibility of the tree going down and the root ball coming up under the front of your tractor. I've never had it happen, but I'll bet it's exciting./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif The only thing I've done is just what you've said; cut'em off leaving plenty of stump to chain to, or get a longer chain to start with (longer than the tree is tall).

Bird

rekees · Apr 2, 2001

Rob sounds like you need a backhoe if you want to get the roots out for trees that big. Probably be less expensive just to hire a dozer.

Chuck in IN

hess · Apr 3, 2001

RobS,
I do something that has been very effective for knocking down tree's up to 3" in diameter. First, I raise my FEL about 6' off the ground (to gain leverage) and I rest it against tree. I SLOWLY (don't into ram it) move forward, causing the tree to bend. I then lower the FEL, causing the tree to break about 6-10" off the ground. I can then use my box blade to rip up the roots.
I'm not recommending this practice necessarily, as there are many dangers, incl: personal injury, damage to the tractor or FEL, but I've been careful, and successful using this method to clear many small trees in areas too overgrown to reach on foot with a chain saw.

RobS · Apr 3, 2001

That's exactly the technique a friend recommended to me. I tried it but wasn't comfortable from a safety standpoint and I also found that I was pushing the trees into other trees (some bigger) and it just wasn't working. I think for my tractor and my own comfort level I'll be able to use that method on the smaller ones, but I've got some other ideas on the bigger ones. Thanks /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

70boss · Apr 27, 2001

Hire a dozer and for a few hundred bucks and only 1-3 hours, the trees, and roots will be gone. Most people hesitate at hiring an excavator because of expense, but you will be suprised at how cost efective it is. Watching a skilled operator is almost as fun as doing it yourself. Then you will have the urge to buy a small Cat D3 or JD350.

FarmerFrank · Jul 16, 2001

That's all I need -- The urge to buy more tractors. My wife would leave me or make me live in the barn with my equipment. Is there a tractor 12 Step program?

Bill_Ryan · Jul 17, 2001

How are you with explosives? /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif

TNT or plastic would do nicely, must place it properly tho.../w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Just joking kids. Don't try this at home.

Bill

theboman · Jul 18, 2001

We have a thing 'round here called a chainsaw! Fast, well that is if you decide to power it up. You can cut a small tree next to the ground. Keep the chain sharp and BECAREFUL since you can cut off an arm/leg etc as fast as you cut down a tree.

Bluegrass, Pick It Up!

kerr · Jul 19, 2001

Im thinking dozer too,if ya gotta go very far.I have done it both ways,getting old grown threw fence out is a double barrel bear fer sure.Cussing is allowed on this type of project!