How well do Stump Buckets work?

[MarcusCarr]

I have a lot of small stumps (10-15in diameter tree) to remove and am considering one of these buckets. Does anyone have experience with them? Do they work well?

 

[bjcsc]

I don't know anything about that particular one, but I do have a tree spade and it works great. Small stuff pops right out, larger and you have to dig a little, but it digs them out fairly easily. Mine is from WR Long...here's a pic of it from their site:

 

[BarryinMN]

10-15" tree is fairly large. Depending on the type of tree the root system area can be as large as the canopy. A pine has a vertical tap root straight down under the trunk.

I use a root baller for smaller stuff say 3-4" one scoop and it's out. A backhoe for the larger stuff.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I have a lot of small stumps (10-15in diameter tree) to remove and am considering one of these buckets. Does anyone have experience with them? Do they work well?

The one you have pictured looks like it has a good shape, but doesnt look as sturdy as the one I have. The one I have is more like the one pictured in the 1st reply to your post. Unfortunately, the small mouth wont accept enuf dirt to let the bucket fill and the significant taper makes it extremely difficult to push very far - its like you are trying to split the earth. My tractor is much more effective using the std 6' bucket I ordered it with. Im disappointed that I will have to cut my stump bucket apart and remake it so that it will be effective. Even then, penetration will stop when the backplate hits the ground - so itll be a nibbling affair - a chore on a tractor vs skid steer. The one you pictured looks like it would nibble well. Satisfy yourself as to its strength.
Good luck.
larry

 

[Corm]

I'm with BarryinMN - 10-15" is a pretty big stump. IMHO a backhoe would definitely be the tool of choice for stumps that size.

Corm

 

[MarcusCarr]

Thank you for the responses. I may just rent a backhoe for the big stuff and do something like one of these for the small stuff.