FEL backhoe vs. Stump Bucket

[PatriotOutdoors]

Does anyone have experience with a FEL mounted backhoe (that utilizes 3rd function)?

something like this Titan attachment

I'm intrigued by the additional functionality I may get with this over a stump bucket (lifting/grabbing, deeper dig) for what seems like a reasonable price increase over a stump bucket.

I would think there would be some pros of the stump bucket? but I'm not sure what they are. less of a chance to break FEL/tractor maybe? my envisioned use is currently just trenching, but I know I would get use out of that mechanical thumb.. for a ton of things. although I'm just now realizing that might require a 4th function? is that right?

Thanks for any advice/input!!

 

[ruffdog]

The neighbor tried one on his skidsteer and it was not that handy to use. You have to skid the machine around to dump the bucket, then skid around to get in position to dig. You will have a bigger problem on the front of a tractor, not being able to see what you are doing.

 

[CalG]

Looks handy on a skid steer.

Might chew up a FEL frame in a hurry.

I wish I could offer anything from experience.

 

[M59]

Where do you put your spoil pile? This, excuse my french, useless implement forces you to continuously move your spoil pile as you dig. At some point the spoil will begin to fall back into your trench. Backhoes have a swing function allowing the operator to place spoil away from the trench being created.

Run very fast away from this idea.

 

[nyone]

Why do you need to dig the stump out? Would grinding it be good enough?

I was clearing a site for a small cabin with my 3,500lb mini ex and after the immediate cabin foundation site was cleared of stumps I decided to not dig any more up. Digging stumps is hard on machines and can actualy be very technical. Unless you have a huge machine you need to plan your dig and even where to put dirt. Even then you can be left with large tap roots under the stump that you just cant get to. The rest of the stumps I need to remove for my cabin will be ground.

I have found the best way to remove the stump of a tree is to dig it up with the tree still attached. You then have tons of leverage in your favor.

 

[PatriotOutdoors]

Where do you put your spoil pile? This, excuse my french, useless implement forces you to continuously move your spoil pile as you dig. At some point the spoil will begin to fall back into your trench. Backhoes have a swing function allowing the operator to place spoil away from the trench being created.

Run very fast away from this idea.

That's a good point actually. Thanks!

 

[404nouser]

All the loaders on tractors are weak and fragile. I won't be trying stumps with mine.
I just get a bigger machine for removing stumps, last time I didn't even cut the trees down before just scooped up the trees with stump and roots. Then smoothed out the ground. But real loaders are different than a tractor.
On a skid steer the backhoe would be tempting though
If I can't use a chain to pull it out and don't want to tear up a 9' wide chunk to use a real loader I cut and burn it, but I'd rent a grinder before a stump bucket.

 

[Tomtint]

I used one on a big skidsteer.. It sucked. While it was fairly strong, It beat the crap out of the machine. I had to continually move the skid and that made a mess of the ground. The reach of the boom wasn't enough so every time i had to move .. the pile was in the way.. Maybe for digging a trench in one direction it would be ok.. But for rocks or stumps... No

 

[mikester]

I'd use a ripper on the BH to remove larger stumps. A stump grinder would be my first choice.

Stump buckets can work on small root balls i.e. 4" tree in wet soils.

Instead of cutting down first, I'd push over small trees and then push out the exposed roots. No stump bucket required.