John Deere Quick Attach Frame, Tree Scoop, and FEL Forks

[Tul01]

Thomas, here are some plans I found on here and used, they may even be the op's sorry I don't remember. I used 1/4 plate just called for and have pried on it with no problems. I just used a quick attach plate for our tractor. Have moved about 20 trees 2 years ago and still have about 12 living, last year they even put some green growth on. I have been looking for a solar water pump for my pond what did you end up finding and how as it been?

Brent

 

[Scotty370]

The original thread:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/98127-built-shrub-bucket.html

Nice build Tul01

 

[Kubota Tee]

Brent,

Thanks for the plans, they will come in very handy with the local welding shop who will be doing the build for me on the tree scoop.

With reference to your question about the solar watering system, I received a few queries on this, so I decided to post an entirely new thread in the projects area of TBN that explains the whole project. In regards to the pump, it is a Shurflo 2088 (12 volt model) that I purchased from Backwoods Solar. They are a great resource for all things solar and they use the stuff they sell, so they really know what they are talking about.

Here is the link to the Solar Watering System (http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/160816-solar-powered-watering-system-tree.html)

 

[Brad_Blazer]

For reference - here are some commercially available versions.

http://www.everythingattachments.com/FFC-Tree-Spade-for-Skid-Steer-Quick-Attach-p/ffc tree spade.htm

Beaver Valley Supply Company - Baumalight Tree Spade & Tree Scoop
BaumaLight - Tree Spades

Berlon: Tree Scoop

 

[Kubota Tee]

For reference - here are some commercially available versions.

FFC Skid Steer, Skidsteer, Ball Size Tree Spade for Universal Skid Steer Quick Attach

Beaver Valley Supply Company - Baumalight Tree Spade & Tree Scoop
BaumaLight - Tree Spades

Berlon: Tree Scoop

Brad,

Thanks for the links! Those are some nice looking tree scoops! I especially like the one from EverythingAttachments, but I can't see spending that kind of money when I have a good friend in the welding business just down the road. I dropped off a few different plans and pictures to him last week based on all the input I received from TBN and he felt pretty comfortable that he could fabricate something for me. I expect to hear back from him on the costs some time this week, but he figured it would be easily less than $500. Will let you all know once I hear.

 

[Champy]

Brad,

Thanks for the links! Those are some nice looking tree scoops! I especially like the one from EverythingAttachments, but I can't see spending that kind of money when I have a good friend in the welding business just down the road. I dropped off a few different plans and pictures to him last week based on all the input I received from TBN and he felt pretty comfortable that he could fabricate something for me. I expect to hear back from him on the costs some time this week, but he figured it would be easily less than $500. Will let you all know once I hear.

Kubota Tee......When I built mine as noted above, I only paid for the 1/4" steel from a scrap yard, bought the parts from JDeere, and then the local High School Welding class did it as a project for me - for free! I "paid" them with a couple of cases of sodas / candy bars, but I spent way less than $500 for the whole thing since the labor was essentially free.........another option to consider if you really want to go low cost.

 

[Kubota Tee]

Kubota Tee......When I built mine as noted above, I only paid for the 1/4" steel from a scrap yard, bought the parts from JDeere, and then the local High School Welding class did it as a project for me - for free! I "paid" them with a couple of cases of sodas / candy bars, but I spent way less than $500 for the whole thing since the labor was essentially free.........another option to consider if you really want to go low cost.

Champy,

Thanks for the suggestion of hooking up with the local school shop/welding class - I will definitely consider that depending on how "much less than $500" the quote comes in at.

Also, you indicated that you used 1/4" steel from a scrap yard. A lot of the commercial manufacturers are advertising 3/8" T1 steel. Is that overkill for this application? Also, what do they mean by T1 steel? Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I don't really have any background in metals.

Thanks,

 

[Champy]

Also, you indicated that you used 1/4" steel from a scrap yard. A lot of the commercial manufacturers are advertising 3/8" T1 steel. Is that overkill for this application? Also, what do they mean by T1 steel? Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I don't really have any background in metals. Thanks,

I have no idea about T1 steel....I simply went by cost and strength for my own needs. I had originally consider 3/16", but decided to upgrade to 1/4". My guess is that 3/8" would be VERY heavy-duty....but if thats what you need for rocky soil; tough loads; etc... then it should be ok. Also keep in mind that structural integrity is also a function of design - so braces or gussets and overall length along with quality welding can have a greater effect on strength versus the basic material thickness alone.

Also - I considered that trying to push a bucket made of even thicker steel into the ground would tax my FEL capability.....the 1/4" steel slices nicely through soil and roots alike.....my experience.

 

[Kubota Tee]

More Pictures:

Tree Scoop:

FEL Fork mounts tacked up and used as a drill guide for mounting the scoop so everything will use the same holes and make my life easier.

Brian,

Do you happen to have a picture of your Forks mounted in place of the tree scoop? I noticed in your picture that your bottom support did not have a slot in the middle, do you slide the forks on from both ends?

A picture would be great!

Thanks,

 

[JANDG]

I do alot of digging w/ FEL on my 3032E, more than I should, stumps mostly, this little digger is really what I need for alot of things. One could bolt on a replaceable cutting edge on front & sharpen then to my likeing for cutting roots etc. I have dug over 30 fairly large stumpd FEL & 5' bucket I I know this shown unit will do much,much better. Time to drop off these plans at local steel sales/fabs place. One could also buy a bare bones JD bale spear frame for $300.00 or so & fab the scoop & weld it on that. Will have to see how much the billing is for the custom build vs prebuilt JD balespear frame & custom made scoop welded on. I would say if it can be donefor 500.00 flat that would be a very good bang for $
Joe