The most dangerous trimming of the tree branch with a John Deere backhoe in my life..

[ruffdog]

Before youtube videos of doing chores was popular, more thought was put into being safe or getting the task finished. In this case, maybe the person video taping could have been driving the tractor so the OP didn't have to climb up and down so much.

 

[cqaigy2]

Heck, i'd have lifted up the back hoe as far as it would go, and climbed up on that. Many years ago that is, when i was younger and dumber. I'm definitely not young anymore, and slightly smarter. I remember driving a fork lift over to our apricot tree, lifted a pallet up all the way up, crawled up to it and picked a pile of cotes. Also remember a few years ago, rough cut mower attaches to my FEL, lifted it up to put some bracing under it, to work on getting blades replace, blew a hose and it came down like a shot. I'd hate to be standing in my bucket raised up and have that happen.

 

[Henro]

I am with the others that say just take the tree down.

You have an old dozer right? Why not hook some chain to the tree, put some tension on it to pull in the direction you want it to fall, make the cut, and deal with the whole tree on the ground?

Not enough chain tension to cause it to barber chair, but enough to set the direction of fall. Then cut most of the way through, or better yet, have someone else make the cut as you slightly increase tension on the chain to get the tree moving in the right direction.

Just what I would do. Maybe you have a sentimental relationship with the tree that prevents this?

Remember the expression "I shoudn't have done that..." Doesn't apply in this case, but might next time...in a different case...not fun saying that...after the fact...experience speaking here.

 

[5030]

A front loader bucket was never meant for anyone to stand in when it's elevated. Common sense should tell you that and no PPE either. Amazing, just amazing.

 

[wpala]

I have done the same thing when younger and dumber. I wouldn’t do now but still need trees cut. Know your limitations, trust your experience and get better equipment and expert help when in doubt.

We had a cat0 tornado come over us. Had some insurance and out of pocket expert tree cutters. I disposed of trees on site. Most of the remaining trees down in driveway and around would have been $40-50k if professionally done. 1.5 years later about 70% cleaned up. Some big trees were made leaning but took over a year to come down. Some still leaning.
Installing a soft ride system on the tractor helped carrying off debris.
Made a pallet platform to hold tools and me safe. Long manual and battery power polesaws. Fall protection. Wanted sturdy rails to lean or brace on.
View attachment 731745
It’s still dangerous work but not worth dying over a tree or money.

We have orchards and berry patches to maintain too.

I have an metal ICB crate that I tied down to forks frame and use that very similar not as heavy duty but works just as well and I can lean over a bit without worrying to fall out

 

[Smokeydog]

I have an metal ICB crate that I tied down to forks frame and use that very similar not as heavy duty but works just as well and I can lean over a bit without worrying to fall out

I actually got a ICB tank to consider. It’s not a bad option but would have required more work for some of the other jobs planned.

Carrying fence supplies, staging (660# helps), generator, tools, and slight bigger.

Also wanted to try safety legs. One will support the platform with me jumping up and down with no hydraulic pressure. Two gives higher safety margin. The only steel not bought as scrap were the safety legs. Do I always use them, no. 12’ is a little hard to get in and out of the tractor shed and way too tall where it is stored. M59 tractor like a lot of backhoes have loader hydraulic cylinder brace when raised also.
Using the backhoe outriggers helps to level or lean over some which is helpful for the platform position.

Still high hazard work. “When you run out of brains it’s always good to try to borrow some. Woodrow Wilson”

 

[LouNY]

Nothing unusual about triming trees from a loader bucket, we do keep an old safety harness around for when doing such things or having to do roof work. Walking around on a roof to remove snow is a lot nicer with a rope run over the otherside to a good anchor.

 

[gstrom99]

A good video of HOW NOT TO DO TREE TRIMMING. Shoulda rented a man lift or paid someone that KNEW how to do it.

 

[jkk04]

I am with the others that say just take the tree down.

You have an old dozer right? Why not hook some chain to the tree, put some tension on it to pull in the direction you want it to fall, make the cut, and deal with the whole tree on the ground?

Not enough chain tension to cause it to barber chair, but enough to set the direction of fall. Then cut most of the way through, or better yet, have someone else make the cut as you slightly increase tension on the chain to get the tree moving in the right direction.

Just what I would do. Maybe you have a sentimental relationship with the tree that prevents this?

Remember the expression "I shoudn't have done that..." Doesn't apply in this case, but might next time...in a different case...not fun saying that...after the fact...experience speaking here.

The tree is more than 100 years old and has been with me 30 years or more.

It is kind of a symbol of my ranch. That is the reason, I really want to save and make myself look better before I couldn't do it by age.

Also, the reason to upload the video is to let people know how dangerous it was.
and discuss getting better ideas to trim the trees etc.

Thank you to all who input the opinions.

 

[i7win7]

Found New Job for Root Grapple

part 1 of 3 Latest hillbilly creation Grapple Pole Prunner: Materials: 12' treated 4x4, 2 gate hanger hinge pins and straps, 2 hanger straps for rolling door track and misc. hardware. I purchased a cheap 20v pole pruner at Walmart for this project. Unit was assembled on open grapple. 1. Turn...

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