Dirt Scoop as Tree Popper!

[Henro]

I am trying to clear the center of a couple of hillside acres of small trees, so I can plant grass around the larger trees and make the area more park like...

Since I had cut some trees last year and failed to take away the cuttings (big mistake) I had my dirt scoop on the back, as I could load it and then dump both it and the loader without getting back off the tractor at the brush pile. So anyway, I got a lot of the stuff I left laying over the winter out from amongst the weeds...and started addressing the tree issue...

I had been pushig the small trees with the loader, then grabbing them with the tooth bar and pulling backwards, while facing up slope, and popping the roots.

For some reason I decided to try getting above the trees and using the dirt scoop to push the trees over. Works really well up to about 4" diameter. Pushing that low on the base of the trunk seems to cause the roots to pull up and then a move forward, and lowering the scoop all the way makes it possible to push the root ball out completely, almost effortlessly...

I had also left a lot of 5" to 8" stumps standing over the winter. I was expecting to be doing a lot of backhoe work...but hooking the loader over the top and pulling/twisting did the trick there too...

THe dirt scoop trick is the real winner though for the smaller trees...made my day...you guys probably all know this already...but I'm impressed at how well it works!

Made my day.. and will continue to for a few more too!!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Zoomie]

I fear the coming "Dirt Scooping in Reverse" thread... otherwise good tip! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[RMAL]

Henro your small tree on the hillside project is exactly what I plan to do.How steep is that hillside?Any chance of some pictures?
Al

 

[Henro]

<font color="blue">How steep is that hillside?Any chance of some pictures?
</font>

I think the max is about 20 degrees....it's not that far from my shed...but I never seem to have the tractor and camera there at the same time...but I'll try... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

By the way...With a dip or bump here and there, that 20 degrees can feel like a lot more sometimes... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

I take it real slow and easy, and do my best to be heading up/down on the steep parts...

 

[Boondox]

Some guys have all the luck! I just finished digging out the last of a series of pine stumps with interlocking roots. Pretty much had to excavate four feet deep by twenty feet in diameter!

Pete