Tractor Newbie pulling stumps

[kirkkw]

Years ago, I used the backhoe to get the stumps out, guess I will continue to let them rot until they come out easily with the backhoe.

Thanks for the conversation.

 

[sixdogs]

Restating me original question: Will it damage my tractor hydraulic system by maxing out its lifting capacity using a box blade to pull upward on the stumps?

They have been rotting for the past 5-7 years so the roots still attached are relatively short.

I have pulled a few up already this way, but then began to question whether it is wise.

I ripped stumps maybe 10 years ago and was not happy with the pressure on the 3pt hitch. I know people that have done it and got away with it pulling rocks but I don't like using mechanical things so far from their intended purpose.

In thinking it out, I switched to a single shank ripper to rip stumps out of the ground. I had a lot of aged cedar stumps and they popped out and was easier on the tractor because I wasn't really using the 3 point hitch but rather just the ripping action of the single shank ripper.

It worked but left holes I had to deal with and stumps with dirt on them. This was one of the steps on my way to a stump grinder. FYI

 

[K5lwq]

Years ago, I used the backhoe to get the stumps out, guess I will continue to let them rot until they come out easily with the backhoe.

Thanks for the conversation.

The backhoe is the appropriate tool. If you can pop them with the 3pt I would have to believe they will come out with the backhoe.

 

[pmsmechanic]

My method is easy but takes a long time. I'll cut the stump off as close to the ground as I dare. I'll buy some cheap carbide blades for my skill saw and cross hatch the top of the stump into 2" squares. Then I let it sit for about 2 years while the stump rots. After 2 years I take a large hammer and break all the 2" squares off. I then spread a little dirt over what was left of the stump and let the grass grow back in over the stump. In about 5 years it's all grass but the "stump" does grow mushrooms when it rains. It's easy and cheap but does take time.

 

[Thomas]

What the dia, of the stumps?
Sometimes I use large hook into stump or big root than if needed front loader.

 

[Citydude]

Restating me original question: Will it damage my tractor hydraulic system by maxing out its lifting capacity using a box blade to pull upward on the stumps?

They have been rotting for the past 5-7 years so the roots still attached are relatively short.

I have pulled a few up already this way, but then began to question whether it is wise.

No. The hydraulics would go into bypass before you bent iron.

 

[Gordon Gould]

If you remove all of the rippers in your BB except for 1 or 2 in the center I don't see any problem at all. All the pulling and ripping force will be centered on your 3ph. The 3ph is designed to rip and pull. If you go slow and easy and and don't buck and jerk the worst that can happen the way I see it is your front end might try to lift which is not harmful just scary. Go around the perimeter first to break the side roots then go after the stump itself. Good luck - that you have already been able to remove some is a good sign. Just my 2 cents.

gg

 

[dodge man]

I’d say you won’t hurt the hydraulics but you coukd break something else on the back of the tractor.

 

[RjCorazza]

I would feel comfortable going after a small stump with a box blade ripper on the 3 point. A little common sense goes a long way, so I certainly would not be putting a significant impact load on the equipment - but I would dig and pull all day long.
FYI, I went with a stump grinder... They're way more fun to use.

 

[Richard]

If you have any left, maybe next time cut them with a 3-4' "stump" above the ground to give you something to use as a lever.