Posthole Digger posthole digger for removing huge roots?

[Washirving]

Sorry, searched the archives and didn't see anything. It seems like an obvious question. EDIT: DUH, sorry, didn't search using PHD abbreviation. Now I see some threads!

Will the post hole diggers sold by everythingattachments or NT for compact tractors (I have a BX2350) be able to dig up some huge (4-7" caliper) roots from a maple that was cut down fall 2008? Unfortunately they seem to have undergone almost no decay in the 1.5 years since then and I want to plant in the area. (Where are termites when you need them!) It was a 40 year old tree and was huge. The other approach I'm thinking about is renting a heavy-duty ditch witch and trying to cut through them with that. Does that sound like a better approach? The tree's root zone was so huge than an area of about 30X30 ft. is totally undiggable.
My idea is that I'd be able to dig holes every yard or so, breaking up the roots and then being able to grab them more easily with the FEL. With 20 minutes of tractor-straining work I can sometimes pull up a smaller one (2-3" caliper) about 20' from the trunk, but it's not a workable approach. I don't want to pull them all up but rather be able to plant about 5 plants in that area.

 

[Washirving]

Read some threads, seems like non-reversible PTO augers are not going to be suited to task and instead of cutting/breaking will just get caught.
Probably will go for the rental trencher, I've seen those used for invisible fencing antennas and they can cut right through roots.

 

[kebo]

Yep, you don't want to use PHD for cutting roots. You will likely spend more time backing it out by hand than anything else. They are meant to dig holes, not clear out roots. You'll need a trencher or a backhoe for that task.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Bad idea to use a PHD. Liable you will break something. Best thing is an axe or chainsaw with a chain that is about at the end of it's useful service.

 

[magicheater]

I certainly would NOT use a post hole digger for that. I KNOW what I would use in that case. What other attachments do you have?

 

[Diamondpilot]

Good way to break a PTO shaft. Good job for a shovel and ax or better yet a Back Hoe.

Chris

 

[dangerdoc]

Read some threads, seems like non-reversible PTO augers are not going to be suited to task and instead of cutting/breaking will just get caught.
Probably will go for the rental trencher, I've seen those used for invisible fencing antennas and they can cut right through roots.

I can tell you from personal experience that you don't want to find roots with a PHD, I've never had breakage of equipment but it requires some very strenuous labor to get it back out of the ground.

What exactly are you trying to do? Are you trying to get a stump and visible lateral roots? are you trying to pull all of the invisible lateral roots? Are you trying to just cut them without removing them? All of this info will point to the correct method of dealing with them.

 

[jwatt51]

yes,I agree 100% not to use a PHD on roots. My BX25 w/a post hole digger,just found some roots and it took me about 4 hrs. to get the auger bit out.I didn't do any damage to the tractor,but bent the bit pretty good getting it out.