Subsoiler or Toothbar?

Koby · Aug 12, 2003

I am looking for an implement for my JD 4110 that will aid in root, stump, and rock removal. Initially I was leaning toward a toothbar, but two different JD dealers told me that it was not reccomended on the 410 FEL (by the way, I have a 61" material bucket). One of the dealers suggested a ripper, or subsoiler to rip through roots, thereby weakening the stump.
I'm sure both tools have many additional uses as well.
What are your thoughts?

slowrev · Aug 12, 2003

I would try a search on this site for stump or stump removal. It has been discussed several times. Review those messages and see if it answers your questions.

WCarlson · Aug 12, 2003

koby,
I have noticed a high correlation between what many dealers stock and what they recommend. To my knowledge not many JD dealers stock toothbars (they are custom sized for each bucket). In that they actually reinforce the bucket edge, I have my doubts about the motives of a dealer that says they aren't recommended. I have a 60" materials bucket on my JD4200 and have had a toothbar for a couple years, it is one of the best investments I have made. It's useful for breaking up soil and removing vines and saplings, it wouldn't be a whole lot of use in removing stumps larger that a couple inches in diameter.
Bill

Gary_in_Indiana · Aug 12, 2003

Koby,

With attachments it's never "either...or" at all. Get yourself a toothbar for sure. I have one that would fit your bucket perfectly and have to tell you it's probably the best $300 I've spent on anything for my tractor. A subsoiler is cheap enough it sure seems like it'd be worth trying with your roots.

Since you're thinking of ripping through your roots with the subsoiler, have you considered a box blade with the scarifiers extended all the way down? That would probably yield a similar result and would be a much more versatile tool for the future, especially if you have a gravel drive. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Good luck with whatever you decide. I hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

R_squared · Aug 13, 2003

Stump removal will probably require a backhoe. Root removal can be a big pain, especially on trees that were sawed off as opposed to pushed over with heavy equipment. It does not take a very big diameter root to stop your tractor dead in its tracks. A heavy duty box blade with scarifiers will work well on the smaller diameter roots. The larger roots can be shaved down with the scarifiers by controlling the depth of the box blade with the position control. A toothbar is essential for digging and it lessens the forces exerted on your FEL. If you complete your profile, it makes it easier to make recommendations.

cowboydoc · Aug 13, 2003

I agree with Gary go with the toothbar first. The dealer is also right. A subsoiler will be nice to tear up roots with and you will be able to get deeper and tear more roots using the subsoiler over the toothbar for depth and breaking up the roots.

Koby · Aug 14, 2003

Thanks for the feedback guys. I picked up the subsoiler today, a Workforce. I do intend to get a toothbar also, but my immediate needs are small stumps, roots, and rocks. I immediately attacked a 5" hardwood stump that I could not budge with the FEL. With just 2 rips, the subsoiler loosened it enough to pop it right out. Then I pulled up a couple of 18-24" boulders that were well buried. So far, I'm thrilled with my purchase. A backhoe sure would be nice, but a weekend with an excavator will fill that need. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Henro · Aug 14, 2003

Last year I bought a KK sub soiler...haven't used it yet...

Will have to give it a try on stumps that My tooth bar won't budge...at least when my backhoe isn't on... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Glad to hear you have had great success with the sub soiler. I was wondering when I would try mine...bought it to lay some wire easily [UF type] but then decided I would put it in conduit... look out roots, here I come! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif