Regret not getting a backhoe for my tractor

[deezler]

That's not taking out a stump LOL. That's taking out a tree. Very dangerous.
Here in Texas they bulldozer or trackhoe them.

Yes. But taking down the whole tree using a backhoe or excavator is by far the easiest way to get the stump out! The whole weight of the tree helps lever the stump along with it. If you chainsaw the tree down first, then its at least twice as difficult to get the stump out afterwards.

I don't do this practice on windy days, but it's really not all that dangerous IMO. For any normal healthy tree on flat ground, you just take little bites at a time until you see the tree moving around, then you simply push it over exactly where you want it to go. As soon as you convince the tree to start leaning the way you want it to, it's not like it will change its mind and flip back over.

Again, see my comfortable size limits (up to ~12" diameter, but 10" or less and under 50' tall is really the only easy stuff).

 

[LowellBen]

Back when I was looking far and wide for a used tractor, I had to have a BH. Bought a Mahindra 1538 with a BH on it. Had to travel from central Colorado to western New Mexico to get it. I don't really regret the purchase, have put nearly 500 hours on it, bought it with 119 hours on the meter. I've used the BH to cut into a rocky ledge to install a solar ground mount, cut through rock/soil/scrub oak on a steep hill side putting in a UTV trail, cut in new ditches where it was too rocky to use the scraper blade, dug holes where I could not drive ground rods, buried some animals, scraped down a hill side to enlarge a parking area and did other things I think I have forgotten. When I'm plowing snow off of our steep 1/4 mile long driveway, it is nice to have the extra weight back there. The 1538 does have frame reinforcements for the BH. I have blown a few hoses that had already been abused by the previous owner. There are times when I wish I had more hydraulic power and/or more tractor weight. But the 1538 can get into places a larger machine won't fit into.

 

[In.the.Piñons]

Or a boat!

They say if it flys, fornicates or floats, it's expensive.

I say if it flys, fornicates, floats or farms, it's expensive

 

[Jstpssng]

Yes. But taking down the whole tree using a backhoe or excavator is by far the easiest way to get the stump out!

There is another, safer compromise. Cut it off about 4 feet above the ground. Then you have something for leverage, without the risk.

I agree. I don’t think many people consider the stresses transferred thru the tractor frame to the front. That’s where the subframe avoids other potential weak spots. It’s obvious is a lot of stress is directly applied to and thru the 3 pt but some of that migrates thru the tractor frame.
Without a subframe I think you’re asking for problems.

It isn't just when you are working it, either. You have a tall, ? hundred pound implement sticking out the back, swaying with every movement of the tractor.

 

[airbiscuit]

I say if it flys, fornicates, floats or farms, it's expensive

So, don't buy your mistress a float plane to keep at her horse farm?

 

[deezler]

There is another, safer compromise. Cut it off about 4 feet above the ground. Then you have something for leverage, without the risk.

Thats what I used to do, before I got comfortable taking the whole tree. It's still way, way more difficult without the majority of the tree mass helping lever the stump.

I wonder if you guys considering this practice too dangerous have actually tried it? I find it a very controlled and careful way to drop a tree directly where you want it to go. Debatably much safer than using a chainsaw to fell it, having to put your face right next to an exploding tree trunk, and hoping you chose the right way to notch and hinge, etc.

 

[dkmc]

We're just on the start of the micro-miniEx population boom. Already near new ones are for sale all over.
A few years from now, used ones (maybe with minor problems) will be selling for a few thousand. Some years
back I picked up a ARPS backhoe attachment and adapted it to my '83 Mustang SS. It's about 1 step up from a
shovel, but it's been much more handy and way faster than any pick & shovel I've ever owned. Like some said, doesn't get used much, but a $750 backhoe on a $2500 Skid Steer ain't eatin much either. With initial repairs & maintenance, it's really a $1000 backhoe on a $3500 Skid Steer. Still cheap enough.

 

[deezler]

We're just on the start of the micro-miniEx population boom. Already near new ones are for sale all over.

Good point. Tons of people are buying these new chinese 1-ton units and will likely quickly realize that they aren't very capable or practical to maintain.

 

[dkmc]

Good point. Tons of people are buying these new chinese 1-ton units and will likely quickly realize that they aren't very capable or practical to maintain.

You're probably not interested so haven't looked around. Tons of videos on Youtube proving they are indeed capable, pay off quick, and hold up. Many guys out there making money with them. From what I've seen, I completely disagree with your statement.

 

[deezler]

You're probably not interested so haven't looked around. Tons of videos on Youtube proving they are indeed capable, pay off quick, and hold up. Many guys out there making money with them. From what I've seen, I completely disagree with your statement.

Haha, ok sure. You gotta dig a narrow trench on flat ground, thats great. The videos I have seen are them tipping over when on any uneven terrain, and failing to lift heavy things because they simply aren't big enough. If you need a toy digger thats fine, but they simply don't excavate tree stumps or lift boulders effectively. And good luck sourcing obscure parts for your random chinese brand machine 10 years from now. Different strokes, all good.

Edit: just revisited this thread about chinese micro-ex's and its just a giant complaint fest about how terrible they all are. neat.

Chinese digger recommendations

They are fine - well built, everything works as it should. The Typhon XVIII is made by Hightop and has the 180MM tracks and Kubota 722 14-15HP engine. The Typhon XIX is made by Vote, and has 230 MM tracks, and a Kubota 902 16 HP or so engine. Also the XIX has a better fit and finish and has...

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