Tree Removal with a Backhoe

[AndyMA]

=
When taking out a tree with a backhoe, the tree takes out the stump for you. It's a very safe way to take out the tree. I've taken out thousands of trees with my backhoe and in every case, the tree goes over slowly and easily. No surprises!!!! With most trees, you only have to dig two sides of it and then push. This means less dirt is removed and less time burning fuel. It's a smaller hole to fill too!!!

No matter what sized tree it is, you dig less taking it out hole then you would if you had to take out the stump.

Eddie

Digging all 4 sides can be very dangerous. Getting squished in the backhoe seat is quite deadly. Did a couple of sides and push it over. so you can control it's fall. Even a couple of sides can be dangerous if the weight is on the wrong side,

Andy

 

[EddieWalker]

I wont debate the dangers of taking down a tree. It's very dangerous no matter the method used and common sense has to be used. I don't do it on windy days. There is never a rush to get one down, and if I have to wait a day or two, that's just what I do. On small trees, then cutting the roots on two sides is all it takes with my full sized loader/backhoe.

For bigger trees, I have to cut the roots all the way around and even undercut the tree some. I've taken out some pretty large trees this way. It's nerve racking, but so far, I'm still alive. Sometimes I've even had to turn my four sides of cutting into 8 sides. Those big trees are really stuck to the ground and fight you every inch of the way.

When my neighbor had a Cat 315 excavator on his land, he just pushed over most of the trees he wanted out. Rarely did they have to cut the roots, but when they did, it was only on two sides. More power, more weight.

Eddie

 

[jwhite]

Sounds like a little experiment is in order for me. I have a tree to take down in a couple weeks with some lean toward the downhill side. This will add a bit of safety from coming the wrong way. I will try cutting the back some then the sides and see what happens. I have 12 Ac. of trees, so stump removal is a frequent activity. I usually use a rope or chain with a come along for some tension if needed, I don't pull with the tractor, in case I misjudge the height.

Will try to take some pictures.

Jay

 

[Redbug]

I have never pulled a tree over using a rope. The thing that worries me...what if the tree goes the wrong way? Either the rope will break or the truck/tractor will be damaged or even be rolled. I have always used a chainsaw to take a decent sized tree down. If the fall direction is questionable, I use wedges. Especially a tree that is leaner. Any of you that have pulled trees over have a good method they can share?

 

[slewisma]

I have never pulled a tree over using a rope. The thing that worries me...what if the tree goes the wrong way? Either the rope will break or the truck/tractor will be damaged or even be rolled. I have always used a chainsaw to take a decent sized tree down. If the fall direction is questionable, I use wedges. Especially a tree that is leaner. Any of you that have pulled trees over have a good method they can share?

I faced this decision just the other day and had the same worry. "If my tractor is tied to that tree and it goes somewhere other than where I think it is going, what happens to my tractor?" I ended up wrapping the rope around the tree and then wrapping the ends around the drawbar but not tying anything. Held the end with my gloved hand. The idea was to let go and let the rope slip off the tractor if anything went awry. Nothing went wrong so I didn't have to test the theory. Worked for my situation but tree wasn't that big and I'd dug out enough that it fell easily. Handholding the rope for a really large tree or one that doesn't want to come down doesn't seem do-able so this is not the end-all answer.

 

[dirt ditch]

Doesn't matter to me how others take out their trees. I'll keep using my chainsaws. Don't remember How I got these pics. Think by an email. If someone posted them here on tbn I'm sorry, but think there relevant to this thred.

 

[Eagleview]

It would be good to see a photo of the hole he had dug . Whether it had been dug on all sides or not .

 

[irwin]

Redbug asked about pulling a tree down with a rope.. well I don't use rope, and I don't use a truck or a tractor. I only pull to help when I cut or dig.

I always use chains, cable (5/16") and a 3 ton comealong on large trees, unless it's obvious where it'll fall.
I climb or use a tall ladder and wrap a 3/8" or larger chain up high around the tree to be felled, attach that to a cable..wrap a different chain on another tree or stump (anchor) with the comealong attached near to the anchor, the anchor tree is further away then the tree is tall. The anchor is also in the best direction to put enough tension to guide the tree to be felled.
The chains, cables I use are HD enough to put a lot of tension on the tree. I stay away from the places that are in danger if the chain or cable snaps.
If I use the chainsaw, I don't put much tension on the cable until I'm making the final cut. If I'm digging the roots I don't put much tension until I make the last dig on the side away from the fall.

I'm very careful, I don't cut or dig if it doesn't feel right. Many large trees down, I'm still here and I'm fairly good at putting em' where I want to. I don't want to feel too cocky or too confident, I've seen what can happen.

If you don't feel right about it.. Don't do it!!!

 

[alltoys]

I have worked in the forest industry for many years seen lots of damage from so called experts when falling trees. People with 10 plus years falling trees never an accident using a chain saw. Then one day it happens. When falling a tree I don't think there is a full proof 100% way of success there is always a chance of something happening. I have used a chain saw with adequate results taking advice from professionals and now of course using my hoe attachment. I prefer to use the hoe with tree properly anchored of course.

Here is a question I hope someone can answer for me!!

How can we determine the height of the tree when it is standing?? This would help when using the right length of rope to tie off with.

 

[Eagleview]

Here is a question I hope someone can answer for me!!

How can we determine the height of the tree when it is standing?? This would help when using the right length of rope to tie off with.

Cut a stick/broom handle etc to your eye level height , stand away from the tree with the stick touching the ground while looking over the top of it at the tip of the tree . Then measure from the base of the stick to the base of the tree , this is the height of the tree . Add another 40' or so for safety reasons , flying branches when it hits the ground etc .