Need advice on removing brush

[crackerjack222]

For you S TX guys, I am just outside Smiley. I dont have any experience with ratchet rake, I have a JD 55 track loader with 4/1 blade/bucket. I made a root plow that hangs off the blade and extends below the blade 18" and is 42" wide. The 555 can run that 42" blade under most mesquites and lift them out. On the largest mesquites I will push them over then root them out. 10 years ago I cleared 150 acres of 12' tall mesquite regrowth with this rig.
I have also used Remedy and Reclaim with good results, Remedy only at 1.5% in water with mixed results.
As for tires and thorns, I have gone with aircraft tires with good results. I tried foam filled first but the tires got beat up very quickly with the foam in them. They just did not last long at all, even with new tires.

 

[Case485Guy]

For you S TX guys, I am just outside Smiley. I dont have any experience with ratchet rake, I have a JD 55 track loader with 4/1 blade/bucket. I made a root plow that hangs off the blade and extends below the blade 18" and is 42" wide. The 555 can run that 42" blade under most mesquites and lift them out. On the largest mesquites I will push them over then root them out. 10 years ago I cleared 150 acres of 12' tall mesquite regrowth with this rig.
I have also used Remedy and Reclaim with good results, Remedy only at 1.5% in water with mixed results.
As for tires and thorns, I have gone with aircraft tires with good results. I tried foam filled first but the tires got beat up very quickly with the foam in them. They just did not last long at all, even with new tires.

Got any pics of the root plow? Where are you getting the air craft tires?
Thanks

 

[crackerjack222]

No pictures of the root plow, but it is just two inverted L's with a 42" cross bar at the bottom. The L's and crossbar are made of 3/4" by 10" steel. I put a 6" pipe crossbar near the top and welded a piece of grader blade on for a cutting edge. The arm of the L rests/hooks on top of the 4/1 blade and I chain it in place.

The aircraft tires come from Gensco in Wharton (also in Houston). Gensco website: Home

I have bought their tires mounted on their rims. On my Ford tractor, their rims worked ok but on my JD 4430 the JD lug bolts would not stay tight. I recently replaced the lug bolts with 1/2" grade 8 bolts with a lock nut on the back side. If I were to do it again, I would take my JD rims to them and have them mount their tires on my rims. I have also used their tires on our ranch in Zavala county with good results.

Also you should check out the fastline.com website and catalog if you havent already.

 

[rossco]

Crackerjack,
Thanks for the input. I used my RR today and have to say, I'm pleased with the results. I was able to take out youpon without much effort. Small quisache came out pretty easy also, along with small cedar. The only problem I had was if the quisache was very small, then the teeth were not able to grip it. What I really like about the RR is that you don't have to dig very deep and so there is minimal damage to the soil. I'm sure it will work even better once I get more seat time in my new tractor. Trying to get used to working the power reverser and trying to find the right gearing to be more efficient. Definitely money well spent!

 

[thegrouse]

Yall are talking me into one of these rakes. Crackerjack did you ever try the rubber filled tires that Omni tire in San Antonio does? I was looking at there ad in our local paper here and thought about giving them a shot.

 

[crackerjack222]

The "foam filled" I had done was done by SW Lift in SA. The foam is really a liquid rubber that is injected into the tire then hardens. It adds a good bit of weight to the tire. The problem with it is that it has little give and that tears up the tire. The aircraft tires are 20 to 28 ply. I have yet to have a thorn penetrate one.