tree spade
- Thread starter Beavis
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sixdogs
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Wait a minute...we need some details on such a great looking setup. Where did you get it and what are doing first with it? Cost if you want to mention and OK if you don't. I am green with envy.
NEW 34"TREE SPADE double hook up available - eBay (item 230468766405 end time May-30-10 12:50:15 PDT)
The only issue that I can see would be "down pressure". I think that I can put a chain between the drawbar and where the top link mounts to the spade; this should prevent it from lifting off of the ground when the spades go in. My plan is to transplant small cedar trees (2'-4' size) to create windbreaks. Even if I just use it for a year and sell it, I think it will be worth it. I'll keep you posted.
The only issue that I can see would be "down pressure". I think that I can put a chain between the drawbar and where the top link mounts to the spade; this should prevent it from lifting off of the ground when the spades go in. My plan is to transplant small cedar trees (2'-4' size) to create windbreaks. Even if I just use it for a year and sell it, I think it will be worth it. I'll keep you posted.
beenthere
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Will look forward to hearing how it works for you.
magicheater
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Looks nice but I would probably have some weight on those forks when I went to pick up a tree w/root ball. Looks to be pretty far aft.
my neighbor has a similar spade (maybe a little smaller) that he digs up blue spruce every year and sells. he does alot. i had him come over and move some trees for me and it worked really well. i can't recall how he keeps it from lifting as the spades go in...might have to go in a little w/ each at a time.
ex: spade one in 6", spade 2 in 6", spade 3 in 6", then back around.
but pretty sure he doesn't have any extra weight or other devices to help hold it down. we've got some pretty good clay here too.
ex: spade one in 6", spade 2 in 6", spade 3 in 6", then back around.
but pretty sure he doesn't have any extra weight or other devices to help hold it down. we've got some pretty good clay here too.
I moved 4 trees yesterday morning before getting rained out. Two of the cedar trees were approximately 4' tall and you couldn't even tell they were back there; and all of the roots appeared to be within the rootball. The third tree was approximatlely 5' tall and also moved without any problem. The fourth tree was approximately 6-7' tall and again, moved without any problems, but there were roots that stuck out of the rootball. I am going to assume that if I stay with 3'-5' trees, I should have a very good survivability rate. With the rain, I wasn't able to take pictures of the spade at work; but definitely will !! I have to say that it works pretty good, but will be fine tuning my techique with each and every tree.
it's so easy when you have the spade for making the new hole, dig the tree, carry it to the hole and drop it right in.
i've bought trees from the guy that helped me move some of mine, and it wasn't as much fun digging my own holes.
i've bought trees from the guy that helped me move some of mine, and it wasn't as much fun digging my own holes.
kebo
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Looks like the tree spade does a good job moving the cedars but I gotta ask.... for a windbreak shouldn't you be re-planting them closer? Or do you plan to fill in the gaps with more trees? Or maybe the cedars will fill out the gaps as they grow and branch outward??
spruce Deere
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Hello beavis, Here is a few shots of the tree moving that goes on here in the spring and occasionally in the fall. A 36 inch lemar spade on a jd 322 track machine and me little 790 loadn' trees to get hauled to a customer:thumbsup:
Attachments
This is the beginning of the first row, with the trees being approximately 12' apart. There will be a second row planted behind, that will be offset (left to right) by 6' which will fill the gaps. I guess it will look like a big zig-zag if looking at it from above. As the trees grow and fill in; a pretty good windbreak should be established.
tulenutn2o
Platinum Member
Local Ag extension office is wonderful help in laying out windbreaks. Here, it is a minimum 3 rows of trees, staggered. They also recommend shorter trees in front(or rear)to give a ramp effect over the top. Some is better than nothing, anyways.
sixdogs
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Here's a mowing thought to those reading this. If you mow so close that your tractor tire brushes the edge of the trees, the impact will "prune" the tree and not allow growth to continue where the tire contacts the tree. This didn't seem to be a big issue when we lived in Maine where it was wet and cool but it sure is here in dry and warm Ohio. If anyone wants I can post photos.
A further thought to windbreaks is to plant a row of (northern white) cedars/Aborvitaes in addion to the windbreak. They grow really fast, espcially with fertilizer and add to the windbreak by the variation in height. I plant those on a four foot center and have photos of this as well.
The addition of windbreaks and trees has been the greatest addition to our land that I have done. They take time to grow but water, fertilizer and pruning speeds up the process and before you know it you have something to admire.
A further thought to windbreaks is to plant a row of (northern white) cedars/Aborvitaes in addion to the windbreak. They grow really fast, espcially with fertilizer and add to the windbreak by the variation in height. I plant those on a four foot center and have photos of this as well.
The addition of windbreaks and trees has been the greatest addition to our land that I have done. They take time to grow but water, fertilizer and pruning speeds up the process and before you know it you have something to admire.
Moved a total of 13 trees last spring and to date, all have survived. I was unable to move any last fall because of no rain and HARD SOIL. Hooked it up this past Wednesday and moved 8 more. Have got another dozen or so before I conisder the windbreak done.
sixdogs
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Having a 34" tree spade sure helps and moving in the spring is a real plus.
How close are you putting them in the row and what kind are they?
How long does it take to dig and move a tree?
they are eastern red cedars (wild pasture trees that most farmers cut down when clearing out a pasture) I've got two rows that are offset. bascially 6ft apart. It only takes about one minute to dig the hole/pull the plug and the same short time to set the tree. Time is consumed when I drive 1/2 mile to the pasture where I'm getting the trees from and also when you put dirt around the base of the tree and water....................
