Stump Bucket Selection - L3400

[chaser012001]

Our property (250ish acres) has started to get overrun with little cedar saplings as well as some other small nuisances that I'm looking at combatting with something a little more efficient, fun, and less taxing on the body than a chainsaw.

I have a L3400 with a LA463 FEL that i'm in the process of converting over to a SSQA which opens my options. One of the first things I'm thinking of getting is a stump bucket to help with the war on cedars as well as dig a couple trenches we need for drainage.

Given the limited size and capacity of the FEL, I'm thinking I should be looking at 'mini' buckets to help keep the weight in check. I think i have it limited down to either a Spartan or a Blue Diamond mini bucket. I like the length and scoop of the Blue Diamond thinking i can get at the roots of some of the larger trees and it's really light at 200lbs. But the stockiness of the Spartan might be less wear and tear in the long run even though its heavier. Since i'm new to this style of tractoring, i figured I'd ask for you all's opinion or if there are other options I should consider. Getting a bulldozer or track hoe are both out of the cards...i have to use what I have.
If it factors in to the decision making, I have a set of pallet forks and I'll be getting a grapple later in the summer.

Specs of the options:

Spartan:
Width:45 in
Height:24 in
Lenght:36 in
Weight:300 lbs
Material Thickness:3/8 in
Cutting Edge:3/4 in x 6 in

BD Mini
42" long
3/8" Steel
Weight 185 lbs
3 replaceable cast teeth
Curved bottom for more leverage
Serrated teeth on sides
Largest in its class
Warranty: 1 year
Made in the USA


To complicate the decision some, there's a good possibility i'll be upgrading tractors in the next couple of years but future plans do not help me now. Thanks in advance!

 

[i7win7]

Really like the Intimidator, kind of a cross between stump bucket and tree puller.
Intimidator | Tree & Post Puller | Danuser

Didn't think a B2650 could handle it. I'm happy with my smaller imatation.

 

[chaser012001]

I'll have to start looking at those too. I think the B2650 is pretty comparable to the 3400. I 'think' my lift capacity is around 1200lbs.

 

[Thomas]

L3400 wider wheel base and heavier which is BIG help.I had L2800 traded foe B2650 BIG difference doing a project as such.

 

[Smokeydog]

Danuser Intimdator. Dig, rip, grab and go.

Piranha bar works pretty good too. Either one engage about 6” from ground and drive forward pulls the tree out much better than just the loader will lift.

 

[CoyPatton]

For your drainage ditch(es) look at a middle buster/potato plow/single plow. The ditch could be dug with a stump bucket, but a major time investment!

 

[jeff9366]

The length of the stump bucket is the key parameter.

L3400 hydraulics are too limited to overcome negative leverage of buckets 36" or 42" long.

Piranha bar works pretty good too. Either one engage about 6 from ground and drive forward pulls the tree out much better than just the loader will lift.

A more practical attachment for removing saplings with a light tractor.

VIDEOS: Piranha Tooth Bar - YouTube

 

[chaser012001]

Thank you all for the suggestions. Sounds like a Piranha is a good place to start. Luckily I had ordered one already last week. I had been stalking the forum for awhile and it seemed that was the go to for a tooth bar.

I'll give that a shot and see how it goes. I think the Danuser might be a tad out of the ol' budget at this moment.

As for the ditches, I have a box blade that I angle hard to break in that seems to work ok. I thought a stump bucket might be a little more effective since our Missouri soil is littered with rocks.

 

[Tomtint]

I have a L3700 which is basically the same tractor as yours. Is a backhoe out of the question ? The 463 loader is not particularly strong and pulling anything larger than 4" will be a real challenge.

 

[ehcrain]

Be prepared to wait a while for the piranha toothbar, i ordered one middle to late march and was early june recieving it. Youll be very happy once it arrives though, total game change in how well the bucket digs and cuts. My l3901 can cut 3 inch sugar gums clean and with work can go after 5 inch trees as well.