I'm thinking of designing and having a low-budget tree spade fabricated. Anyone done this before and want to share some ideas? The base needs to be narrower so it can fit between close small trees without destroying the one next to it. I am thinking maybe a base design like forks or even use old skid attachment for base. then I need the spades and so far all I've dreamed up is over-sized shovel spade with steel pipe handles which would slide up and down in suitable diameter pipe welded to some version of what typically holds the spades on a store-bought tree spade but, of course, less heavy duty, less costly. Something like rectangular tube steel curved with heat to get 2 almost half circles that swing horizontally to close the spades around the trees for positioning to dig the root ball plug. I have a bunch of 6 year old evergreens that are too close together and I can't dig like I did 10 years ago擁t's all down hill from 50. I also need this to be a quick attachment to use my Kubota B2320 with L304 FEL. Of course, I need to find or have fabricated a pin-on to skid steer attachment/converter/adapter or whatever terminology is correct. Anyone got any ideas? I can't afford even to pay someone to come out and do the labor, my budget is less than that. The only way I will be able to do this is because I have a lot of drops and scraps left over to save me from buying most of the steel. And I'm hoping some company has the adapter for $150-$400 ($400 would make me very poor)
DIY tree spade?
- Thread starter TerryMcQ
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CDN Farm Boy
Veteran Member
A tree spade is a pretty complicated attachment, and they are usually either 3pt mounted on a much larger tractor or skid steer mounted. Hate to burst your bubble but unless you have a ton of hydraulic stuff kicking around to go with your scrap steel pile, I can't see how you could make one for under $400. Also, considering your loader only has 660 lbs of lift, I think you are pushing your luck for it to work on your FEL.
Have you considered a stump bucket? Far more simple and cheaper to build. Kinda works the same way as you would a hand-held shovel, just mounted on your FEL instead.
Have you considered a stump bucket? Far more simple and cheaper to build. Kinda works the same way as you would a hand-held shovel, just mounted on your FEL instead.
Daves3032E
Silver Member
What about something like a tree sheer? Same operating idea, but the jaws would have scoops instead of shears.
JPRambo
Platinum Member
a little more than $400 but ready to use
tree toad https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...2tIvXw&usg=AFQjCNFLe3NEv6FMsSwlzwWNUvyh14p2Aw
tree toad https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...2tIvXw&usg=AFQjCNFLe3NEv6FMsSwlzwWNUvyh14p2Aw
CDN Farm Boy
Veteran Member
Not exactly an energetic individual is he? Neat little machine though
