How to cut through BIG tree roots?

[ChuckinNH]

Richard at Bro-Tek is making a ripper for the BX24 series backhoes. I know he has made versions of his thumb for other hoes, and perhaps he would do the same for a ripper. Bro-Tek: Tractor Add Ons

 

[Riptide23]

I once had a manufacturers website on my favorites list who made a sharp edged ripper attachment for backhoe buckets (the link is gone - victim of crashosis)

How about this ripper tooth?
http://bro-tek.biz/

 

[Riptide23]

Jeez Chuck, how come I didn't see your response before I posted??

I'm a moron...

 

[Kendrick]

C-4 plastic explosive, that's what we used in Vietnam. If you do it right, the stump won't even be on your property when you get done. Might have a big hole to fill, though...... Seriously, if you think ahead, and tackle the stump while the tree is still standing...you can hook a big cable up high in the tree, dig down and cut some roots on the OTHER side, and pull the tree down with a come along, and pop the stump out of the ground at the same time. Not the safest method, but can be safe if you take your time and do it right.

Depends on how long of a cable you use... ie 200' for a 30' tree

 

[JoeL4330]

consider Rhino stump pulling excavator attachment

 

[familyman]

Richard at Bro-Tek got back to me and offered to price one up if I give him dimensions for the mounting points. I'll do that this weekend and post an update.

 

[JerryK]

Depends on how long of a cable you use... ie 200' for a 30' tree

Yup, it's not an OSHA approved stump removal method, and requires a little thought before and during the operation. I usually put a chain around the tree about 25-30' up, then hook a 80' long 1/2" cable onto that, then a couple comealongs in series [gives me more 'pull' lenght], and then anchored to the base of another simular sized or bigger tree by another chain or two. After putting a little 'tug' on the tree with the comealongs, I chop a few roots on the far side with an axe, then give it a little more tug. Like falling a tree with a chainsaw, you have to prethink your path to safety when it starts to fall, etc. The cable I have is off of an overhead crane and is fairly flexible and high quality. You can get them from people who replace crane cables, which have to be inspected and replaced due to OSHA regulations. The old ones will still last you a lifetime. I've pulled smaller trees down this way with a tractor. If you build a proper 'fulcrum' at the base of the tree, the stump will pop right out of the ground.

 

[J_J]

How about somethng like this.

 

[Kendrick]

consider Rhino stump pulling excavator attachment

the 1 nice thing about the pic from there is the distance the operator would be with that excivator. i would get weary of splitting being that close to the tree. if a tree has a hidden badspot you take out the support root and it topples from the 10' high badspot. you could easily get punted with your tractor. then again same would be for powerwasher and axe. with the axe though you would be more likely to hear a precurser to the snap. i have seen a tree with a bad spot launch a round bale not pretty. The stump puller might be usable far enough a way duno though would have to see in acton. The snipper is intresting to again would have to see distances and angle of the bh. with the excivator the distance you get is a good deal better. use after the fact would take more time but would be safe.

 

[AndyMA]

Depends on how long of a cable you use... ie 200' for a 30' tree

Just remember that if the cable snaps (and I have had a couple snap) the broken ends can cut you in half like a bull whip (and so fast you 'll never even see it coming).

Andy