Sub soiler question

[IslandTractor]

I have a 20hp CUT (KiotiCK20) and am clearing land overgrown with softwood weed trees (mostly 4-6 inch choke cherry, a few larger). I initially cut trees with the idea of leaving the stumps at ground level but now I would like to remove the stumps. I cannot now easily pull the stumps so need to backhoe them out. It takes a while to free up the stumps with the BH so I was thinking about using a subsoiler to rip up the roots first then use the FEL with toothbar to pop the smaller ones out and use the BH on the bigger ones. Soil is sandy, not compacted and has typical New England rocks.

Spoke to an implement dealer today about a subsoiler and he was concerned that my 20hp CUT would have trouble with the task I described. He seemed to know his business and thought the tractor could pull even a 6ft box blade so it doesn't seem to be an issue of underestimating CUTs. I don't want to buy a $200 implement to find my tractor is undersized so I am wondering if others have used one of these devices successfully in a similar situation.

Thanks.

 

[Clydes]

I would be hesitent to use a subsoiler on a 20HP tractor. I had a 47 HP that a subsoiler stopped in its tracks when it caught onto a big root below the ground, and I had the weight of a FEL, plus 4WD. All depends on the condition of the root bed and how deep you are trying to go. I use my subsoiler to pull water and power lines underground. Works good if there are no roots around.

 

[Solo]

I use one of the KingKutter XB series sub-soilers on my TC 18 to remove small stumps. I use it only after the stumps have set for a couple years. I haven't had any problems by doing it this way. I wouldn't try it on newly cut stumps.

Solo

 

[KAB]

Instead of a sub-soiler how about a long tooth for the BH? Use the "tooth" to break through the roots. switch back to the bucket to remove the stump.

I with I had a long tooth for mine /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif.

Kurt

 

[IslandTractor]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Instead of a sub-soiler how about a long tooth for the BH? )</font>

I have not seen such a product but can envision what you mean. It would be useful but I don't know about the hassle of changing the bucket in the field and transporting the extra bits.