Fun with Stumps

[Oldpath05]

The little tractor that could....Once the stump is dug around get some block&tackle. I was impressed with how much force they can produce, course it's gonna take some rigging skill know how to know how to hook up block&tackle.......... Big Stump, Little Tractor - YouTube

 

[Haff]

The little tractor that could....Once the stump is dug around get some block&tackle. I was impressed with how much force they can produce, course it's gonna take some rigging skill know how to know how to hook up block&tackle.......... Big Stump, Little Tractor - YouTube

That looks like a lot of expensive rigging... cool though.

 

[rScotty]

Here I was thinking I was just being too gentle with my new machine and tomorrow I could give it a little more oomph. But now I am getting a clear message that it likely isnt a good plan to try. Thanks.

It's not really a question of being gentle or not. You can work it hard; that's what it's for. But do it smart. The hoe is made to dig and lift with the forces in line with the boom and dipper. Doing that all day long won't hurt it.

What you want to avoid are off-center pulling with the hoe - like when you hook a root with one edge of the bucket or just an outside tooth and try to break the root by lifting. Also you want to consider before putting a lot of force into sideways sweeping or pulling. With roots you get in those sorts of position a lot, and can end up pulling the tractor sideways, or up on one support leg, or pulling so hard that the front of the tractor comes off the ground. Everyone does that some, but a lot of that really ages the machine. You've probably already found out that the backhoe can really throw the tractor around.

Roots are tough. Better to get off and saw them through instead of repeatedly yanking on them with the hoe expecting something to break. It is surprising how a small of a root will stall the hoe. For ripping through tough stuff you can mount a big single ripper tooth instead of a bucket. That keeps all the forces in line.
rScotty

 

[Haff]

Where can I get one of those rippers? I found a bxpanded one, but it looks a little lightweight.

 

[tshep]

If it helps...
I always leave a bucket (inverted) shaped stump 4 feet or so high.
I try to define an iso. triangle, lining up with surface looking roots split, say, at my 2 outriggers or so.
I will follow a root out as far as I can spin, dig it out, keep hunting.
Once an end is in the air, break back towards the stump.
Often I can get a stump in 2 positionings.
I set the engine for the speed I wanna' work at today, rather than ultimate force - I don't think that works anyway.
Hope that helps - I enjoy it like little else anymore!

 

[diesel85]

I'm my own stump grinder... it's called an axe.

Yes it's time consuming to get it chopped up to a little below ground level, but it's the cheapest option.

I've done some pretty large stumps, and with time, it's doable.

 

[Oldpath05]

A stump bucket would be good to have on front to. Tomahawk Attachments :: Tomahawk Stump Bucket

 

[Haff]

Looks like I suck at estimating sizes. I broke out a tape measure and its only 21 inches at ground level.

Is a loader going to take the stress of a stump bucket well?

 

[Oldpath05]

The back-hoe is great for digging around and if I had a bunch of stumps a stump bucket might help more. #28 Stump Removal. Stump Bucket. Double Maple Stump. Kubota B261 Compact Tractor. outdoor channel. - YouTube

 

[Henro]

Work within the machine's capabilities. Do what it can do easily, and don't be beating it up. Stumps aren't worth it. You'll be money ahead to dig a foot or two deep area all around the stump and then cut the stump off horizontally below ground level with a big chain saw. Then fill in the hole with high dollar $$ potting soil. Last step is to unbolt the bar and chain that are now ruined by the dirt and pitch them in the trash.....maybe pitch the saw in there too. But save the slab to make a table top.

Wipe off your hands and smile because the stump is now invisible and you probably just came out money ahead.
rScotty

This^^^

Except you do not necessarily have to trash your chain and bar if you take the time to brush off most of the dirt before using your chainsaw. And you do not really need a big chainsaw for a 30 inch stump.

After digging a good number of stumps with my small backhoe, I realized (FINALLY) it is best and easiest just to dig down a bit, cut them off, and cover them. No need for potting soil in my case.