FEL use for brush/debris pile moving ?

Rmd8136 · Feb 9, 2013

I have some property that was partially logged. There are debris piles scattered many places naturally rotting. I know a dozer is probably best tool. Can a JD 5065e with 553 FEL be used to push these piles into burn able piles? My main question is really how much pushing can you do with a fairly heavy duty FEL (compared to a compact 300 CX) without damaging FEL? Also I plan on getting the global carrier and HD bucket. The global carrier has a horizontal structural member connecting the 2 FEL arms vs the JD 500 really relying on bucket for lateral forces between arms. I am a structural Engineer and never owned a tractor and realize nothing beats experience. So basic question is can FEL be used for pushing vs material movement like dirt, aggregate, etc. And for you guys that manage forested areas, will I regret it if I don't go ahead and get a 4 in 1 bucket or grapple up front? I need a bucket more than grapple as a grapple can't move material like dirt. But I would like thoughts on this topic. Thanks in advance

Cidertom · Feb 9, 2013

I use my 400cx fel on the 4520 to move brush piles a lot. Since I don't have a brush fork, I wind up using the pallet forks a lot with tight brush this works well and doesn't pick up extra dirt. With the 4in1 bucket I can move the stuff that is too loose to pick up with just two forks. Problem is you won't get much per bite. A brush grapple is the way to go if you have enough money.

After logging in Oregon, we are required to leave a few brush piles as "habitat", I call them fire jackpots.

tcartwri · Feb 9, 2013

A set of long pallet forks really does a quick job

Deere Dude · Feb 9, 2013

tcartwri said:
A set of long pallet forks really does a quick job

I agree,:thumbsup: but would like to add one thing. I have 48" forks and works great, but I would try to get some kind of flat sheet metal or something to help keep branches from poking through and puncturing the grill and radiator. I didn't do that to mine, and still haven't, but I dinged up the radiator from an errand branch and also broke the 1" solid tube connecting the loader arm pivots together. Just something to think about, but with my 3720 I pushed piles 10-12' high quite effortlessly.:drink:

Piston · Feb 9, 2013

Rmd8136 said:
...will I regret it if I don't go ahead and get a 4 in 1 bucket or grapple up front?

Absolutely!

Since you already have a bucket for moving dirt, I suggest a grapple on your FEL. I have moved an insane amount of brush with my tractor which is smaller than yours. You'd be absolutely amazed at how much work you can get done, and how fast, with a dedicated FEL grapple. Skip the 4 in 1.
Your tractor would be a brush piling MACHINE with a good FEL grapple. Just watch your undercarriage from logging slash.

Rmd8136 · Feb 9, 2013

Any suggestions for grapple manufacturer? Get a JD, Woods ?

Piston · Feb 9, 2013

My favorite is whats in my sig. There are many different opinions on this and it depends what your looking for, but for what you've described so far, I love my WR Long OBG-2 grapple.
OBG2

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/211635-grappling-fun-picture-thread.html