Need Advice on Ag-tractor Backhoe-based Stump Removal

[AlanB]

I was thinking along the lines of what Eddie said. My wife say's I am Lazy,,, and I do not particularly disagree

If I have a choice between operating a piece of large hydrualic equipment, or getting down in the dirt with a running chainsaw,,,, No question to me.

The wife is always hard pressed to even get me to get off the tractor to hook a chain around something to help pull it out.

I would just tell you too keep digging.

And there is absolutely no good way to handle a chainsaw in the dirt.

 

[Willl]

Example.
This is the butt trim of my next (#4) stump removal project.
The stump itself was ground down to about 6" below grade but have decided to totally remove it.

I'm guessing it'll take most of a weekend.
(clickable pic)

 

[BobG_in_VA]

I assume you mean chainsaw chains and/or bars. Yes, I seem to dull and ruin them as fast as I can sharpen or buy new ones. And it doesn't matter how big or small the stump is. It's all about the dirt, mud and imbedded rocks.

Is this just a fact of life? Or do you think there may be some sense to using an electric jackhammer? Yes, I know they cost a bundle, but so do good chainsaws.

Dougster

I don't get anywhere near the dirt with my chainsaws. A. It's dangerous, and B. Can ruin the chain/sprocket/and sometimes the clutch. One question that I don't see that anyone has asked: How big is your BH bucket. I use the 12" bucket for stumps and only use the 24" for moving a bunch of dirt. You need a "thin" bucket to "cut" roots and doesn't disturb more dirt than is necessary. Mine is a 511 Bradco so you might even look into a 9" if one is even made for the 509. You'll find that it digs fast and cuts better. My $.02 worth. BobG in VA

 

[Jsheds]

I've had good success with the advice you've already gotten with the help of one other tactic. I cut the stump close to the ground to give me working room, maybe 8" to 12". Once I've got a good size hole all around the stump, back the tractor as close to the stump as possible without falling in. This allows you to drop the bucket down in the hole and dig under the stump. Take as much dirt off the bottom of the root ball as you can. You can break big roots with a small backhoe by taking little pieces at a time with the backhoe teeth. I've removed many big stumps this way. The hardest part for me is getting the stump out of the hole. Sometimes I dig a ramp out of the hole to drag the stump out.

Here's my favorite stump picture with my old 1510 Ford and Woods 7500 backhoe preparing the site for my garage.

Jim

 

[CTyler]

I've got a Woods 9000 which is very close to the 509 for reach, power etc..
You've got some good advise so far and getting leverage is important. Trying to use the boom or dipper to pull on it isn't very powerfull. Using the bucket curl is strong and using the ground as a leverage point and curling the bucket is very strong.

Try to get one tooth, I use a 12" bucket, on the root to break it loose. Use the ground as a leverage point. If it doesn't break just dig out a little farther and try again. Same idea for popping out the root ball, use the ground and curl.

 

[Dougster]

There seems to be a lot of differences in area and tree types.
The doug-firs I dug out took many hours, one a few days. Then again, these were 2'-3' across at the base, w/ roots that reach out 20' or so. 3 down, 2 more to go.

Good Lord!!! Nothing like that here. Although I do have a bunch of so-called "multi-trunk" oak trees. I haven't dug one of those stumps out yet. That will be interesting I'm sure!

Dougster

 

[Dougster]

I was thinking along the lines of what Eddie said. My wife say's I am Lazy,,, and I do not particularly disagree If I have a choice between operating a piece of large hydrualic equipment, or getting down in the dirt with a running chainsaw,,,, No question to me. The wife is always hard pressed to even get me to get off the tractor to hook a chain around something to help pull it out. I would just tell you to keep digging. And there is absolutely no good way to handle a chainsaw in the dirt.

It's occurring to me more and more as I read these posts that I have been placing far too much emphasis on speed... and knocking myself out in the process. For what? Bragging rights? Sounds like it's gonna take what it's gonna take... some longer than others... period.

And I get the message on the chainsaws: No more chainsaws spinning in the mud.

Dougster

 

[PBinWA]

A neighbor near me has one of these (and a new 100hp Kubota) it is awesome!

Suokone Ltd Meri Crusher

It looks like they make smaller ones or you could see if there is another owner in your area that would come and grind up your property for you. You could always buy one use it and re-sell it fairly quickly for a small cost.

 

[Dougster]

I don't get anywhere near the dirt with my chainsaws. A. It's dangerous, and B. Can ruin the chain/sprocket/and sometimes the clutch. One question that I don't see that anyone has asked: How big is your BH bucket. I use the 12" bucket for stumps and only use the 24" for moving a bunch of dirt. You need a "thin" bucket to "cut" roots and doesn't disturb more dirt than is necessary. Mine is a 511 Bradco so you might even look into a 9" if one is even made for the 509. You'll find that it digs fast and cuts better. My $.02 worth. BobG in VA

Makes sense Bob. While not super-wide, my 18' bucket cannot be the ideal choice for stump removal or root cutting (Hence my question about the Bosch Brute Jackhammer). It sometimes feels like I'm moving a mountain for every small stump. But the smallest bucket available for the 509 is 12" wide... same as yours. While probably an improvement over the 18", I'm not sure that the marginal difference would be worth the expense and switching hassle. Plus the thumb I want is only made to use with 18" and up.

Dougster

 

[Dougster]

I've had good success with the advice you've already gotten with the help of one other tactic. I cut the stump close to the ground to give me working room, maybe 8" to 12". Once I've got a good size hole all around the stump, back the tractor as close to the stump as possible without falling in. This allows you to drop the bucket down in the hole and dig under the stump. Take as much dirt off the bottom of the root ball as you can. You can break big roots with a small backhoe by taking little pieces at a time with the backhoe teeth. I've removed many big stumps this way. The hardest part for me is getting the stump out of the hole. Sometimes I dig a ramp out of the hole to drag the stump out.

Here's my favorite stump picture with my old 1510 Ford and Woods 7500 backhoe preparing the site for my garage.

Jim

Thanks for the advice. I think I need to get my teeth sharpened! Do they make replacement teeth for the 509 backhoes that aren't so rounded???

That is one nasty big stump! I hope to have a picture that good someday!

Dougster