3-Point Hitch use a Grading Scraper

[jim41]

Hi guys: I have a new Holland TC-40 D and just had loggers thin out 90 acres of woodland. This has left me with about 2 miles of Skidder logging trails which I want to now keep open . I was thinking of purchasing a 62 grading scraper attachment to try, ( over time), to turn the Skidder roads into something a bit more like a passable dirt road. The roads have lots of 1 ｽ to 3 diameter 6 stumps everywhere, Is this the best attachment to get a handle on this project ?? thanks for your help on this jim up in Maine

 

[oosik]

Jim - a land plane grading scraper can level out your logging trails nicely. However, this implement is not designed to remove stumps. You are going to have to remove the stumps, that are in the trails, before using the LPGS. There are a few methods for removal/pulling these stumps - look for threads here on TBN for stump removal.

You could also use a box blade but, generally speaking - the box blade will require more practice. The stumps will need to be removed first before using a box blade.

 

[94BULLITT]

You could rent a stump gridner and grind the stumps for less than what someone would want to do a couple.

 

[Rustyiron]

Renting a mini-ex for a day would be the best way to loose those small stumps, but depending on what your long term plans are for your woods, you might be busy killing all the stump "sucker" growth on those 90ac.first. Especially the Beech. If he cut them low enough (in the skid trails) to drive over, mowing the small stump sprouts in your road (that WILL come) all summer long, will eventually kill the stump and make it easier to remove and it might be possible when it is very dry out to rip them out with a grading scraper. If you had a forester involved and are concerned about the stump sprouting that never yields much but firewood and eventually will compete with better crop trees, see what he likes to spray on them. Glyphosate is easy to get (TSC), cheap and I have had good luck with it.

 

[fried1765]

Renting a mini-ex for a day would be the best way to loose those small stumps, but depending on what your long term plans are for your woods, you might be busy killing all the stump "sucker" growth on those 90ac.first. Especially the Beech. If he cut them low enough (in the skid trails) to drive over, mowing the small stump sprouts in your road (that WILL come) all summer long, will eventually kill the stump and make it easier to remove and it might be possible when it is very dry out to rip them out with a grading scraper. If you had a forester involved and are concerned about the stump sprouting that never yields much but firewood and eventually will compete with better crop trees, see what he likes to spray on them. Glyphosate is easy to get (TSC), cheap and I have had good luck with it.

TSC also sells "Gordons Brush Killer" which has 2-4D in it.
Only a little more expensive than Glyphosate, and much more effective on ALL woody plants.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

TSC also sells "Gordons Brush Killer" which has 2-4D in it.
Only a little more expensive than Glyphosate, and much more effective on ALL woody plants.

Yep. Glysosphate works better as a foliar application.

 

[jeff9366]

Hi guys: I have two miles of Skidder logging trails which I want to keep open.
The trails have 1-1/2” to 3" diameter stumps everywhere.
Is this the best attachment to get a handle on this project ??
jim in Maine

Two miles is considerable distance.

First you need to consider the potential for erosion and what grading, crowning and ditching may be necessary to prevent erosion before removing earth holding stumps. For two miles of woodland trails I would have someone with road building experience take a look at the skidding trails and give you some professional grading advice. Hopefully, grading, crowning and ditching will be limited to a few areas.CONSIDER POTENTIAL EROSION FIRST.
EROSION IS AN EVIL GENIE YOU DO NOT WANT TO LET OUT OF THE LAMP.
VIDEO: woodland trail erosion - YouTube

I would consider a tractor Three Point Hitch mounted stump grinder insufficient for the number and size of stumps you have, which could number 8,000. You need a wide forestry mulcher grinder mounted on a tracked skid steer. VIDEO: forestry mulcher skid steer - YouTube

With the limited information provided I recommend an excavator. An excavator will remove the stumps and most of the trailing roots in a few pulls but the trails will have a stump-hole wherever there was a stump, which will need filling in after the excavator passes and topping up several years later as the ground settles.
VIDEO: mini excavator removing stumps - YouTube

I have had more success killing brush with 2-4,D based products than with Roundup/Glycophospate. I would visit Tractor Supply Company and read the labels on three 2-4,D products: TSC Barrier, TSC Brush Killer and Gordon's Brush Killer.




What uses do you plan for your trails?

 

[jeff9366]

One of the first tractor attachments you will need is an FEL Ratchet Rake. Nothing better for removing brush and light grading. NOT for stump removal.

ratchet rake brush clearing - YouTube

 

[Thomas]

Give the stumps year or so you should be able to pop them out w/your front loader...will take time tho.

Small dozer will make short order of that task,than rear blade for finish touches.

 

[jim41]

Jim - a land plane grading scraper can level out your logging trails nicely. However, this implement is not designed to remove stumps. You are going to have to remove the stumps, that are in the trails, before using the LPGS. There are a few methods for removal/pulling these stumps - look for threads here on TBN for stump removal.

You could also use a box blade but, generally speaking - the box blade will require more practice. The stumps will need to be removed first before using a box blade.

(thanks for the quick reply oosik ... yes, its the stumps that are the biggest problem, and must be taken care of first... guess i will be doing this slowly over the next few years as time and workload permit... and i will do the final work with a scraper see ya ... jim