Looking for Tree Removal Ideas

[Britt]

I am clearing a field of 5-6 year old pine trees which were planted in a field that I recently purchased. I've been trying to get the roots with the FEL [Kubota MX5000] and mow over with the bush hog [KK SD 6']. I have some problem to always get the tree roots - sometimes the trees snap and other times they just bend over. Also the bush hog is taking a beating and the shear pins are needing replacement far too often.
I'm looking for a better way...

Option A: Chainsaw the trees near the ground, pile up and burn. With this option, how can I eliminate the stumps?


Option B: Get some device for the tractor to help with the tree uprooting. I've found some posts with big $1,000+ hydraulic grabbers which I don't like the cost. Other ideas have the homemade tree uprooter version with 'V' shaped grooves for the 3PH for wedging, then lifting the trees.

Option C: Just use a rope or chain to attach to each tree and pull from the drawbar until it uproots. This case make for a long day of on and off the tractor.

If anyone has any experience with getting out 3-5" pines in reclaiming pasture, please drop me a line with suggestions.

Thanks. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[soarkrebel]

What kind of bushhog do you have? with a mx 5000 you could pull a pretty mean hog. my uncle has a rhino medium duty and that sucker can chew some trees.
i just don't like hogs with shear bolts slip clutchs are the ticket.

5 or 6 year pines ? 3 to 4"'s trunks a good hog would chew them up and whats left will rot in time.

Personally i would look into a dozer if i couldn't chew them up . but thats just me.

 

[soarkrebel]

OOPs excuse me i just saw where you said what you had. i dropped a jack on my toe building a belly pan for my tractor and am taking some pain killers so i guess you could say i am on drugs at the moment. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Isn't a mx 5000 like a 45 to 50 hp tractor? if i had that i would sure have a hoss hog!

 

[MMM]

Sounds like you need to go shopping for a heavy duty cutter. The FEL should do, though. With small pines you should be able to engage ground about a foot away from trunk with bucket 3 or 4" deep and continue ahead until you hit root ball,(often slice thru root) then pop tree out by curling bucket back. If it doesn't pop out raise bucket a foot or so and push it over. Once you cut roots on one side, it will topple other way easily. Takes a little practice, but you'll figure out where to hit them. I've heard on this forum a toothbar makes it even easier.

 

[gabby]

I would chain saw the trees low to the ground and then chew the limbs off them on the ground with your bush hog. You can then pick up the bigger trunk pieces and burn them. Young pine stumps will rot pretty quickly and you won't disturb the ground and have to re-smooth it like you will if you uproot them.


Gabby

 

[texbaylea]

If you have the quick attach option on your FEL, go to Markham Welding and look at their grubber bucket. With its narrow front it will be easier to handle the trees and dig them out than with a 6' or greater bucket. It is reasonably priced at about $350 plus shipping.

I am taking a different track at small tree and brush clearing. I Bought a Hy-Reach Tree Shear (www.precisionmfg.com). It is a little slow to use but the reach and variable attitude make it the right implement for me.


Vernon

 

[Richard]

Hi Britt...

Want to say Hi & welcome. I use to live in Maryville (near the college) and now live in Greenback on Tellico lake!

Welcome neighbor /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

There are others here that are also local but as I'm sure you've found prior to logging in, everyone here is very nice & pretty cool!

(yes, even those who drill their ROPS or talk about politics/religon)

/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Richard]

I might ask, how large of an area?

I have a full sized loader/backhoe and would be open to the idea of having it dig some stumps out (unless it's like 50 acres /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif)

Though I have no way to transport it, if you like the idea, we can talk further and explore options.

Feel free to pm me if you want to explore options.

(but I'll tell ya... aint no fun like backhoe fun...well... uh, never mind /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif )

 

[Britt]

Hi Richard. Nice to meet neighbor. Actually my property has a Greenback, TN address. It's on Meadow road 2.6 miles from 321 on the Blount/Loudon County line. 64 acres, but I'm not clearing all - only 20-25 for cattle/horses in the future. Thanks for the backhoe option - I'm going to try some of the other suggestions first, so I'll let you know.
Thanks.
Britt /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[VAChesterfield]

Britt, all of the advice the other TBNers have given you is good. As you can see, you have lots of options. However, you do not indicate what you will be using the cleared pasture for.

If you plan to put horses on it, DO NOT let the stumps rot in the ground. Once they rot away, and they'll do that at different intervals primarliy based on their size, they will leave holes behind that are perfect horse leg beakers.

I have been using my FEL and BB to clear 1.5 ac of small pines much like yours for a horse pasture. It's slow going, and due to the unusal amount of rain we have had this year, it's time for me to call in a dozer crew and get it done so I can get it planted before the fall growing season.