Stump Busters on a Kubota L5740

[tdan300]

Hi all. I have an L5740 Kubota with QA on the loader. I have been looking at the stump busters built by Markham Welding, DirtWorks, and High Rock Skid Steer Attachments.
Markham Welding - Grubber/Stump Bucket
Skid Steer Stump Bucket Attachment w/teeth - eBay (item 120359074261 end time May-04-09 17:35:28 PDT)
DirtWorks Bobcat Attachment Stump Bucket

The LA854 FEL on the tractor is supposed to be skidsteer QA compatible. My questions are: Will these work on a tractor front end loader frame? Is the La854 sturdy enough to handle the torque? And, do they actually work digging out stumps? (I have about 6 acres of hemlock and fir stumps up to 16" in diameter). I also notice that the High Rock Skid Steer Attachment is available with a claw on the top also.

I would like your thoughts before I decide whether or not to pull the trigger and purchase one.

 

[Charlesaf3]

I own one, Markham version. I like it fine (great experience with markham) and am glad I own it, but its probably my least useful tractor implement. I wouldn't really dig stumps with it - tried it on a big oak, and went back to the backhoe in short order. A grapple would do a better job.

 

[Chuck K.]

I agree with Charles. Unless you have some very shallow root balls and soft loose soil the LA854 does not have enough power to pull a stump compared to a skid steer. I know it would not have a chance down here in this Texas gumbo.

A strong backhoe would be my first choice.

 

[Redbug]

I have the Markham and like it. I use mine to dig/transplant bushes and small trees. It works well for footers, too.

 

[SPYDERLK]

All of those look slightly less incompetent for stumpwork than mine, but still retain enuf front-back and top-bottom taper to resist any reasonable attempt to push them into the ground. Imagine driving a huge wedge that expands in every direction. Not too bad for carrying a stump, but for digging a sure waste of most of the money .
larry

 

[Builder]

Hi all. I have an L5740 Kubota with QA on the loader. I have been looking at the stump busters built by Markham Welding, DirtWorks, and High Rock Skid Steer Attachments.
Markham Welding - Grubber/Stump Bucket
Skid Steer Stump Bucket Attachment w/teeth - eBay (item 120359074261 end time May-04-09 17:35:28 PDT)
DirtWorks Bobcat Attachment Stump Bucket

The LA854 FEL on the tractor is supposed to be skidsteer QA compatible. My questions are: Will these work on a tractor front end loader frame? Is the La854 sturdy enough to handle the torque? And, do they actually work digging out stumps? (I have about 6 acres of hemlock and fir stumps up to 16" in diameter). I also notice that the High Rock Skid Steer Attachment is available with a claw on the top also.

I would like your thoughts before I decide whether or not to pull the trigger and purchase one.

Might want to fill the rear tires for counterweight. Otherwise you're going to feel like your on a pogo stick more than a tractor.

 

[tdan300]

I live in SW Washington State. The stumps are Hemlock and Fir. Because of the high annual rainfall here, roots of evergreens normally are very shallow, but cover a large area. I have been able to remove a couple in the 8 to 10 inch range with just my bucket. I lived in Mississippi for a couple of years and am well familiar with oak and long leaf pine root wads. The oak especially can be a challenge.

I have my rear tires filled - 950 lbs between the two of them. I know that the job will not be a quick one. I don't have the $$ to purchase a BH, so am looking for another way to improve my digging ability. Another bonus with the grubber, it appears that it would be handy for trenching. I have about 18 to 20 inches of topsoil over mucky clay.

My main concern is the ability of the loader frame in handling the torque. My tractor weighs approximatel 6400 lbs total as set up, and I have a 1300 lb counterweight for the 3 pt.

I will have to give it some more thought. Thanks a bunch for your input