Digging small cluster stumps with a PHD

[Timber]

I had cleared an area last fall that had some pretty mature something. They had cluster stalks 3 to 4 inches in diameter. I had to gut them with a chainsaw and push back the brush to burn. well I just picked up my box-blade today an wanted to play a bit but I had about 2 dozen cluster stumps to remove 1st. I had the PHD on the tractor from last weekend so I backed up to the cluster stumps and punched 3 to 5 holes around the cluster. Then I turned the tractor around an popped them out with no problem. My PHD is my favorite implement still to this day.

 

[Gordon Gould]

What a good idea.
I never thought of that. Stumps are usually tough without a back hoe.
Know any other stump tricks?

 

[jimainiac]

What diameter bit did you use to drill the stumps, and what model is your Landpride auger? I'm getting ready to buy a phd, trying to decide which one to get. Some people have real heavy duty ones and others seem to have good luck with the basic models. I wouldn't be using it all that often, but would want it to be rugged enough for a 12" bit and not have to worry about overdoing it.

 

[Timber]

I use a PHD-15 but match it up to your tractor though. I am using a 9 inch auger but a 12 is good too

 

[3RRL]

Good idea Charlie,
Anytime you can remove a lot of dirt around the roots makes it a lot easier to pop them out. Did you have any trouble with the auger getting hung up on roots at all?

 

[Timber]

You know it was kind of funny, the only reason it occurred to me was I had it on the tractor the weekend before to dig my sonna tubes for the deck. I went out to dig the stumps and almost took it off to put ballast on. Thats when it hit me. I had an epiphany. I couldn't believe how well it worked. I didn't really have any problem with roots. If it caught 1 I just moved it over a little. It actually cut all the smaller ones. It was pretty quick too. took longer to turn the tractor around. I didn't have to But I am a firm believer in getting of the tractor and Hitting it with a Mattock if need be, The root that is

 

[john_bud]

Just be aware with this epiphany that you may have to spend 30 minutes with a large pipe wrench / cheater bar to unscrew the auger after it finds a tough root. I've seen them screw down around a root and pull the front wheels off the ground. It's a real B--- to un-fubar from that situation!

 

[shvl73]

I've only had it happen twice so far. I'm not sure if hung up on a rock or root but, left it hooked up and disengaged the pto. Only about one full turn with the wrench and the 3pt lifted it right out.