How to remove dead tree?

[chazzy]

Just got my first new tractor 30-hp Bobcat CT230 hydro dirve (same as Kioti) with a front loader, brush hog and box blade. I tried follwing method.

1. Pushed/slammed on tree trunk with FL and 4~5 mph momentum of tractor so that the tree would tilt and its root would pop up above the ground.
2. Pushed/lifted on the roots with FL.
3. Once the tree/roots are out, filled up the empty hole in the ground with FL and smoothed out with BB.
4. I kept the tractor in 4x4 mode and LO gear whenever I do such work.

Am I causing any damage to the tractor?
Is this the efficient way?

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Am I causing any damage to the tractor?

Yep.

1. Pushed/slammed on tree trunk with FL and 4~5 mph momentum of tractor so that the tree would tilt and its root would pop up above the ground.

Pushing is good. slamming: not so good. Next time if pushing isn't working, dig around the bottom of the roots a bit to loosen the tree's grip. You may not have done any damage in this one single event, but don't make a habit of ramming things.

 

[CHDinCT]

With dead trees, you run the risk if the trunk snapping up high and the top part falling backwards towards your tractor while the lower half is jolted away from your tractor. Dends on how dead and rotten it is, but the whip effect will push the lower half away from you and the upper half back towards you. A slow steady push would reduce the chances of this, but not a 100% guarantee. Stay safe.

 

[chazzy]

I did knocked down 2 small trees, 8-10 ft high, that had been dead for 1+ year using my previously mentioned method. Ooops... Initially I pushed only but would not budges so I tried ramming into the tree. I kind of knew ramming wasn't the best idea so I kept the minimum momentum as possible so it was more like bumping instead.

Digging around the tree seems like the way to go. Thanks for your help.

BTW, how about keeping the tractor in 4x4 mode whenever I do work around the ranch in loose soil? Is it bad for the tractor, or should I use it only when need to? I noticed sometimes rear wheels loose traction when using a FEL or BB when using in 2WD and that's why I just leave the tracktor in 4x4 mode.

 

[woodchuckie]

Use 4WD. That's what it's made for. If you know you won't need it such as traveling on a good road or working in a level field cutting grass etc I would take it out of 4WD.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I did knocked down 2 small trees, 8-10 ft high, that had been dead for 1+ year using my previously mentioned method. Ooops... Initially I pushed only but would not budges so I tried ramming into the tree. I kind of knew ramming wasn't the best idea so I kept the minimum momentum as possible so it was more like bumping instead.

Digging around the tree seems like the way to go. Thanks for your help.

BTW, how about keeping the tractor in 4x4 mode whenever I do work around the ranch in loose soil? Is it bad for the tractor, or should I use it only when need to? I noticed sometimes rear wheels loose traction when using a FEL or BB when using in 2WD and that's why I just leave the tracktor in 4x4 mode.

Leaving the tractor in 4X4 puts added tension on the driveline. The best bet for the longevity of the tractor is to leave it in 2 and only put it in 4 when you need to. The occasional brief slip of the rear wheels is not uncommon, and won't hurt anything. I know it's a lot easier to just leave it in 4X4, but your tractor will thank you if you don't.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Just remember if you get stuck in 4 wheel drive you will need a tractor twice its size or bigger to get it out. Been there done that. Sure we all have actually and so will you. Just part of being a guy with a toy.

Chris

 

[teg]

If you have hills with loose gravel or wet grass... I would leave it in 4x4 all the time. Once the back tires break free going down hill in 2 wheel drive - you loose control... been there... mine stays in 4x4 all the time because of it. I don't have any hard surfaces to worry about and figure it's design with 4x4 in mind.

PS... slamming is bad.

 

[bpattie]

i have had good luck pulling out smaller trees. up to maybe 4-5 inch diameter (pines) with a chain wrapped around trunk about a foot off the ground and using hook on bucket or attaching to tow bar in back. Most times it pulls the whole thing out.

 

[LBrown59]

I did knocked down 2 small trees, 8-10 ft high, that had been dead for 1+ year using my previously mentioned method. Ooops... Initially I pushed only but would not budges so I tried ramming into the tree. I kind of knew ramming wasn't the best idea so I kept the minimum momentum as possible so it was more like bumping instead.

Digging around the tree seems like the way to go. Thanks for your help.

BTW, how about keeping the tractor in 4x4 mode whenever I do work around the ranch in loose soil? Is it bad for the tractor, or should I use it only when need to? I noticed sometimes rear wheels loose traction when using a FEL or BB when using in 2WD and that's why I just leave the tracktor in 4x4 mode.

Just got my first new tractor 30-hp Bobcat CT230 hydro dirve (same as Kioti) with a front loader, brush hog and box blade. I tried follwing method.

1. Pushed/slammed on tree trunk with FL and 4~5 mph momentum of tractor so that the tree would tilt and its root would pop up above the ground.
2. Pushed/lifted on the roots with FL.
3. Once the tree/roots are out, filled up the empty hole in the ground with FL and smoothed out with BB.
4. I kept the tractor in 4x4 mode and LO gear whenever I do such work.

With dead trees, you run the risk if the trunk snapping up high and the top part falling backwards towards your tractor while the lower half is jolted away from your tractor. Dends on how dead and rotten it is, but the whip effect will push the lower half away from you and the upper half back towards you. A slow steady push would reduce the chances of this, but not a 100% guarantee. Stay safe.

If you have hills with loose gravel or wet grass... I would leave it in 4x4 all the time. Once the back tires break free going down hill in 2 wheel drive - you loose control... been there... mine stays in 4x4 all the time because of it. I don't have any hard surfaces to worry about and figure it's designed with 4x4 in mind.

PS... slamming is bad.

I couldn't have said it better. Never try taking down a dead tree with a tractor.
Leave that to a pro.