Tree Shear

mmorisoli · Aug 18, 2011

I would like to purchase a hydraulic tree shear for my Kubota L3940 but am a little concerned with the flow and pressure required by these shears might be a bit higher than my L3940 produces.

Does anybody have any actual experience running a tree shear on their Kubota and if so how did it work out for you?

I have the factory skid steer front end on the loader and a third function which I use all the time with my grapple bucket.

Thanks in advance, Mike

jmanatee2 · Aug 18, 2011

Never heard of one of these,.... Quick google search returned this site Timberline 14" HTC Tree Shears - attachments for skid steer loaders, small compact construction equipment - Sidney Manufacturing Co. LLC

Looks very cool. I would be interested in hearing from someone that has used one or seen one used.

There Brochure says it needs 2400 PSI for best performance.

mmorisoli · Aug 18, 2011

That is a great point that I forgot to ask in my post. Does anybody have info on what the pressures should be on a L3940 with the factory third function option installed?

I know I have had a lot of problems with the Kubota third function sticking when I open and close and the dealer(s) have worked on this 7 times without it truly being fixed. They have played with the pressures up and down in hopes it would help. Just wondering what the actual pressure should be for factory settings and factory third function.

Thanks, Mike

mmorisoli · Aug 18, 2011

This is one that I was looking at, but am open to all (useful) input

Power Axe Tree Shears : Quick Attach Attachments, Inc.

dusty3030 · Aug 18, 2011

Pressure would probably be fine.

Concerns I would have on using it on a tractor.
1. Have to have more than just a cab or a regular ROPS. I would want a full 4 post cage with a steel roof like a skid steer. Tree coming back on you will happen.

2. Tearing the loader up. That thing will put a lot of stress in every different direction on the loader, I would expect to break something.

ovrszd · Aug 18, 2011

My Brother purchased this shear Sweiger Shop

It can be purchased in two sizes, 8" diameter or 12" diameter. He went for the large model. It's a load to carry on his L3240. And it's very slow, not enough tractor gpm. He should have gotten the smaller model. I'm gonna guess the weight at 1100lbs. I think he gave a little over $6K.

My concern is this. It has a grapple about 4 ft above the cutter that grabs the tree as it's cut. The grapple closes first, then the cutter. When opening, the cutter opens first then the grapple. There's no way to quick release the cut tree. If he cuts a 12" tree it has the ability to be as much as 30ft tall. You better hope you are sitting on flat ground and the tree is well balanced and growing straight up!!!! Otherwise you are going on your side before you can let go of the tree!!! So far he's been very cautious but I see the day coming when the tree topples his tractor!!! :ashamed:

sandman2234 · Aug 18, 2011

Since I have some blades, I thought about building one for a 3pt, but decided that I didn't like the idea of not being able to control the tree as it falls. The one I had in mind would work great for smaller trees, but knowing me, I would probably push the limits to the max and end up messing up my tractor. I am better off with a chainsaw anyway, but that is just me.
David from jax

crazyal · Aug 18, 2011

It may be a little slow but you should be fine pressure wise. I would be a little cautious with which way the tree will fall when you cut it. I assume that they don't clamp onto the tree but just sheer it like a set of loppers. Even a 12" diameter tree still has a lot of force when it comes down.

jakell2010 · Aug 18, 2011

They look pricey,,,,,,, what do they run?

ovrszd · Aug 19, 2011

sandman2234 said:
Since I have some blades, I thought about building one for a 3pt, but decided that I didn't like the idea of not being able to control the tree as it falls. The one I had in mind would work great for smaller trees, but knowing me, I would probably push the limits to the max and end up messing up my tractor. I am better off with a chainsaw anyway, but that is just me.
David from jax

That's my concern with my Brother. He tends to push the limits a little too.

The cut bottom of the tree is just sitting on the blades so it could still kick out and the tree topple back onto the tractor.

I just look at them as extremely dangerous attachments that are better suited on a full caged skid steer which is where they began.

My Brother's unit can also be attached to his 3pt and used there. it would be awesome on a large tractor, maybe a 80-100 hp, 10,000 lb or larger tractor.