ripper for roots?

Luke'sScreenName · May 22, 2015

So I have a new Kubota MX4800 and a Bradco Jaws tree and post puller. It works amazingly well but the biggest hardwood I can pull is 6 or 7 inches in diameter. I can use my subsoiler to loosen the soil around larger trees to get them out but it tend to get hung-up on lager roots.
I have been thinking about making a pointed blade for the subsoiler to cut the roots better. But i came across a homemade ripper on Craigslist for less than i could buy the metal.
I'm going to go look at it (buy it) in the morning. I was wondering what some of the more experienced implement fabricators thought of it. Any chance it will work or will I rip it to shreds?

davrow · May 22, 2015

I think you should have fun trying it out. I've no idea if it is up to the task or not. If inexpensive enough certainly worth the try.

CalG · May 22, 2015

Plan on the resistance of the root equal to trying to split wood 'cross grain". 20 ton is just enough ;-)

Sharpen that blade, and peck away !

Luke'sScreenName · May 22, 2015

CalG said:
Plan on the resistance of the root equal to trying to split wood 'cross grain". 20 ton is just enough ;-)

Sharpen that blade, and peck away !

Do the tree sheer attachments produce that much force? Just curious where you got the 20ton number?

Xfaxman · May 23, 2015

I am interested to know how well it works.

Have been thinking about one for my machine.

truckdiagnostics · May 23, 2015

i have a piece of flat bar that has cut and sharpened notches in it. I push my pallet forks together, tack weld it to the bottom, then push the forks in around the roots using it as a saw and you can rip the roots all the way around, then push the tree over and get up under the root ball. grind weld off when done.

C4Ranch · May 24, 2015

Pics or video of your tree puller in action or it doesn't exist

. Please

Luke'sScreenName · May 24, 2015

C4Ranch said:
Pics or video of your tree puller in action or it doesn't exist . Please

Lol! Will do. Tomorrow.

IXLR8 · May 24, 2015

It will be interesting to see how it works out if you get it.
Here is what one guy did for ripping out roots with his backhoe. By all reports it seems to work well.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/185530-added-ripper-my-woods-bh90x.html

Luke'sScreenName · May 25, 2015

It work ok. A lager blade might actually be better. Haven't torn it up yet. Largest hardwood root that i know I've cut was about 3.5" diameter. Also it would be better if it were set further away from the tractor making it easier to back up to a tree and make a cut on either side of it.
I also posted a video of the tree puller in action. Did not need the ripper for those trees. Search for "tree puller" in the titles.