Where do you hook your chain for pulling trees?

[lzicc]

I have a BH and FEL on my tractor. To pull roots and all out from a tree, I want to leave about 12' of the trunk, tie a chain to the top of the trunk and use the height of the tree for leverage to pull roots and all out. What is a good place to attach the chain to the tractor? I don't want to attach it to the BH or FEL bucket since that could possible damage them.

 

[JRL305]

My tractor has a bar protruding out from the frame that I call a "draw bar". Not sure if that's the proper name but it's got a couple of holes in it and sticks straight out. I have a chain shackled to it that I use to pull out trees. Get a nice long, sturdy chain with a chain hook on the other end and wrap it around the tree 2 or 3 times and lay the hook over one of the links. Slowly take out the slack and pour the coals to it. Make sure your chain is longer than the tree is tall or else you'll be wearing the tree.

EDIT: I just noticed that you have a backhoe. It might be in the way.

 

[jeff9366]

Do you have chain grab hooks installed on your FEL Bucket?

Personally I use chain grab hooks installed on the FEL and clevis grab hook installed on center drawbar as chain attachment points more or less interchangeably, but I favor the center drawbar attachment point for heavy jobs.

Your L4060 and my L3560 are both heavy frame tractor-loaders; I have optional L2296 Heavy Duty Round Back Bucket on my LA805 FEL.

Sometimes it helps to wiggle tress by curling bucket before pulling on them. Sometimes it helps to drive FORWARD, then CAUTIOUSLY lift/curl with the bucket before pulling.

A Ratchet Rake attached to bucket increases bucket purchase on tree trunks at about operator shoulder level. If you have a lot of trees to push over Ratchet Rake will save you time.

For readers WITHOUT a Backhoe, be sure to mount a counterbalance on the 3-Pt hitch before applying force via bucket chain grab hooks.


LINKS:

CountyLine® Drawbar Hook - Tractor Supply Co.

http://www.extension.org/sites/default/files/English Task Sheets Group 6.pdf

 

[JerryK]

I used to pull over trees with an old JD B tractor by leaving about an 8' high stump using the drawbar w/clevis hook/chain. Usually have to work it back and forth. All trees/root systems are different... but don't think you will routinely take out anything bigger than 6-8" tree this way. Hooking anywhere else higher on the rear, or even this using of the drawbar... can cause an instant ROPs test if/when the tires bite and she trys to flip over. So be real carefull.

 

[Chopsaw]

I hook a chain to the drawbar for pulling.

 

[sandyc]

Use your rops no matter which way u try to remove the stump

 

[sandyc]

Sorry about that, use the rops for protection not pulling. Suggest using draw bar as center of gravity is lower. Best to put old jacket or something like that over the chain in case it breaks.

 

[square1]

Hooking anywhere else higher on the rear, or even this using of the drawbar...

Please tell me you didn't...

can cause an instant ROPs test if/when the tires bite and she trys to flip over. So be real carefull.

To late...you did...

 

[lzicc]

I had to re read that.

 

[lzicc]

I can use the draw bar, but I don't know if I can put the drawbar on while the BH is still on or not. Plus the chain coming from the DB would put pressure on the bottom of the BH. I do have bucket hooks and the HD Bucket but didn't want to exert allot of pressure on the FEL. I may have to yank the tree a little.

 

[square1]

FTR...if it's a difficult pull, I pull only from the drawbar.

 

[texasjohn]

I'd recommend using only the drawbar...good strength and low center of gravity...using the FEL, I fear, would leave you with too much pressure and torque or destroy something up front.

 

[lzicc]

I'll see if the DB can stay on with the BH attached.

 

[dougtrr2]

Just curious as to how you plan on setting a chain 10-12' high in a tree?

Doug in SW IA

 

[Egon]

Backhoe on the tractor??

Use it, dig around the stump, use the boom and bucket curl to push the tree over and drag it from the drawbar.

My JD4200 has a drawbar under the backhoe that I use.

 

[Egon]

Just curious as to how you plan on setting a chain 10-12' high in a tree?

Doug in SW IA

Reaching that high to cut must also be a pain.

 

[nybirdman]

If you have a back-hoe:why don't you just dig the stump out.I wouldn't make a pull like that with the FEL.
I doubt that you can have the draw bar installed with the BH on.

 

[DelSc]

I now mostly use a chain and brush grubber attached to the drawbar, but when I had my BX, I used to pull small trees out with a tooth bar on the loader. I would push them over with the loader weakening the roots, then pull it out using the toothbar and bucket curl.

 

[Grandad4]

Egon is on to something here. The BH can loosen up the roots enough that you can knock a tree like that over with the FEL, or pull it as Gary describes. Don't try this with dead trees or ones with widow-maker branches, though. Are you cutting the tree 10-12 feet up or is that just where you're setting the chain using a ladder or something?

This is just me, but after trying many different methods, including the chain-pulling approaches mentioned here, I've found simply felling the tree and grubbing out the stump with the backhoe is generally the safest approach, even though it may take longer. If you make the felling cut a few feet up, it gives the backhoe more leverage to release the stump.

 

[Fallon]

There are 2 points on a tractor designed for pulling. The drawbar & 3point. The drawbar is the best as its solid & low. Anywhere else increases the chances of breaking something or rolling over.

And has been said, ROPS up & seatbelt on for safety.