What are those transplanting shovel things called?

[jimgerken]

I once saw a skidloader with a shovel-like thing on it, that allowed the operator to scoop out a plant to move it ( I assume that's what was going on). It looked like a big curved metal scoop, like the scoop on the Raisin Bran commercial, except it was, maybe 18 inches wide and a couple feet long. It looked to be built quite well, maybe 1/4" thick. I wish to build a slightly smaller version for my CUT as a loader bucket replacement. It won't need to be too fancy, but it needs to dig about 15" deep, and grab a jumbo Hosta plant about 15 inches across. These need splitting badly and there are about fifty of them.
Can you suggest where I can see pictures of these things, and/or does anyone have any experience with them they care to share? Thanks!

 

[Golfgar4]

Is this the kind of attachment you're talking about? (see attachment)

I found this at bobcat.com. They call it a digger (very sophisticated name, huh?)

Hope this is what you were looking for! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[OkieG]

Jim,
You may be talking about a "tree spade". Here's one on eBay, <font color="red">tree spade</font>...similar to the item pictured in Garry's post. Looks like "tree shovel" and "digger" are a couple other names to search by.

Larger hydraulic versions with 3 or 4 blades are available to relocate trees. Some require a huge loader to use them. Others are trailer mounted and can be towed by lesser vehicles...like a pick-up or CUT. I would like to find an affordable trailer unit. I'm still looking.

OkieG

 

[BubbaJr]

Here's a link to Tree Toad. They have models that will hook to your 3PH, and even models that can be used by hand.

Have Fun /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[texbaylea]

You might also look at TreeToad. They make small manual up to tractor mounted units that are very sophisticated. Just FYI

 

[dmftoy1]

Wow, the treetoad stuff was exactly what I wanted but they are NOT cheap! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Can you rent stuff like this? I could probably do what I want to do in a day once a year.

Have a good one,
dave

 

[Gatorboy]

This is my tree spade. Could this be what you are thinking of?

 

[Golfgar4]

Bobcat also has the "spade" type of attachments (see attachment). I would think that they could be rented anywhere that you could rent a Bobcat or similar style tractor.

 

[jimgerken]

GOLFGAR4: What I remember is the first link you posted to the bocat attachment. Also very similar to the photo contributed by GATORBOY. Gatorboy's looks brand new, is that something you made yourself? I am wondering what the operational differences between the two designs would be (the two designs being: 1. the bobcat link type with the scoop being only 15 inches or so deep from front to back, open in the back, and 2. the type shown by GATORBOY where the scoop is closed at the back). Would the first one be able to be turned while in the ground using bucket curl to actually scoop out a hemispherical shape of soil? What happens if you try to curl the second type while it is "submerged" in the soil? Any ideas guys? Thanks for your ideas, good guesses, etc... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Gatorboy]

The Bobcat brand one is called a digger. I've never used one, but I think it is designed more for digging trenches but will dig out small trees.

The one I have is called a tree spade -- a poor man's one -- for the nice expensive ones have the 3-4 blades that dig at the same time with hydraulics. I can dig a small tree out with one scoop -- but for larger (2-3" caliper) trees, I dig down on 2 sides and scoop out the tree on the 3rd side. Hmmm, do trees have 3 sides?

I have also used mine to dig some trenches, but with the pointy end, it is hard to dig anything very deep for not alot of dirt is picked up on that skinny end.