I didn't think it would do it

[ns_in_tex]

I didn\'t think it would do it

I had a large china berry tree that was in my way for a future project. I wanted to try to uproot it, although I didn't expect for it to happen very easily.

I connected this 200' cable around the tree, about 16' above ground and connected the other end to my L4610.

 

[ns_in_tex]

Re: I didn\'t think it would do it

I never saw the tree shake. I was moving so slow, every few moments, I would take my eyes off the tree & look to the ground, to see if my tractor was still moving. Yes I am moving, why don't I see the tree moving? Finally there was no doubt, it was coming my way. I was running about 1/2 throttle and never felt the tractor load.

I did have it in 4 wheel drive, bush hog on rear, extra weight on loader and the differential locked.

 

[ns_in_tex]

Re: I didn\'t think it would do it

I thought I would just drag it a little farther to get all roots loose. Wrong! see attached.

 

[ns_in_tex]

Re: I didn\'t think it would do it

But I really didn't have much trouble getting it out of the hole without the cable.

 

[ns_in_tex]

Re: I didn\'t think it would do it

Mission accomplished, easier than expected.

Tree was about 50' tall and 16/18" diameter.

Before putting my cable back up, I did install some thimbles (or whatever they are called) for my next endevor.

 

[v8dave]

Re: I didn\'t think it would do it

Great job. Amazing what these machines can do.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I thought I would just drag it a little farther to get all roots loose. Wrong! )</font>

I wouldn't trust the remainder of that cable. It got stretched too and now its ultimate strength has also been reduced. As I'm sure you know, cables that part under load are lethal weapons.

If you choose to replace it, try to get a cable that would support the suspended weight of the tractor. It's possible, but difficult [depends on the tires], to develop traction draw bar force greater than the weight of the tractor.

 

[willfick]

Re: I didn\'t think it would do it

I couldn't quite tell; did the cable part or just pull through the clamps at the hook?
Chinaberry trees are a noxious weed in the river swamp where I play on my backhoe at the urging of the local hunt club. They're one of the most fun to push/pull/dig up - the roots don't hold anything like, for instance, a sweet gum.
Wm

 

[slowzuki]

Re: I didn\'t think it would do it

I can't see your cable but remember with those saddle clamps to keep the saddle on the live line and the u-bolt on the dead or loose end. "Never saddle a dead horse" /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[willfick]

Re: I didn\'t think it would do it

When I look again (Post #531103) I see - cable failed at the hook.
I'm guessing that the way ns_in_tex fixed it (Post #531112) would help with that.
Thanks for the pointer and mnemonic about the saddle clamps. I've never known that, I'm gonna check mine in a minute.
Wm

 

[ns_in_tex]

Re: I didn\'t think it would do it

Oh? so that's the reason I was so lucky.

I got my hopes up and was thinking about trying the same thing on 3 large pine trees by my drive. Might turn out to be a different story.