Tips on getting large stumps out of the ground?

[Pecosbill7]

I once had to dig a hole approximately 12 feet in diameter to remove one live oak stump that was only 11 inches in diameter. And it took quite a while and when I was done I had to figure out what to do with it and how to fill the hole back in. What I do now is a whole lot simpler: cut the stump off as close to the ground as I can and then grind it down below the surface with a stump grinder. Cover it with about 6-9” of soil and let nature take care of the rest. Much easier, not to mention that I can actually take care of all of the stumps I’ve had to deal with in one lifetime.

 

[olenjohn]

Pine stump. Dig deeper completely around it. Work the bucket teeth under the stump cutting all the roots possible. Place the bucket edge under the outer edge of the stump and use the bucket curl function to pop it loose. The idea is to tip the stump over rather than pulling it straight out. I have taken out much larger stumps with a 580 case using this method.

 

[Gord Baker]

I have a few stumps this size and a bit bigger. I've done completely around them but they do not budge. Any tips how I might be able to get them out? I'm running a CAT 306 which I believe is around 15,000 lb. I want to say that I pulled a stump out bigger than this with roughly the same size excavator before, but I don't remember exactly what I did.

Two sticks of 70% BlastAll and one bag of Ammonium NItrate would do it.
Try and clean enough around it to saw off the bigger roots. Elm? Bucket up tight below and Curl.

 

[Hermio]

Anfo and fill in the hole vs digging a hole.

Exploding target comp will also work. But if Ammonium Nitrate plus fuel oil is ANFO, is Ammonium Nitrate plus Aluminum ****?

 

[pmsmechanic]

Drive and parking are going in at the same location. I'm not keen on repairing sink holes as they rot away.

Unless you thoroughly compact the hole that you've excavated your going to have a divot anyways.

 

[smiley]

I have a few stumps this size and a bit bigger. I've done completely around them but they do not budge. Any tips how I might be able to get them out? I'm running a CAT 306 which I believe is around 15,000 lb. I want to say that I pulled a stump out bigger than this with roughly the same size excavator before, but I don't remember exactly what I did.

Crowbar and dynomite does it every time!!!

 

[Vinnnie]

I have a few stumps this size and a bit bigger. I've done completely around them but they do not budge. Any tips how I might be able to get them out? I'm running a CAT 306 which I believe is around 15,000 lb. I want to say that I pulled a stump out bigger than this with roughly the same size excavator before, but I don't remember exactly what I did.

Dynamite is what grandpa used back in the day. He showed me how he did it worked pretty good. It's all in placement of the charges...

 

[MMC]

Pine stump. Dig deeper completely around it. Work the bucket teeth under the stump cutting all the roots possible. Place the bucket edge under the outer edge of the stump and use the bucket curl function to pop it loose. The idea is to tip the stump over rather than pulling it straight out. I have taken out much larger stumps with a 580 case using this method.

I'll second this (and I have a Case 580C as well). Cutting the roots all the way around is key to taking down any tree/stump. If you can't cut the root and snap it close to the base, just move out a bit and cut it loose there.

I'll also add that moisture and the weight of the machine are your friend here.

I have taken down many large trees and will add if at all possible leave the tree in place and use it as a lever after the roots are cut. The boom can be used "backwards" to push high up, with your outriggers and bucket securely pressed into the ground.

But...there is some danger here doing this. If the tree is somewhat "loose" now, and your boom slips off the vertical part of the trunk, the tree now can now release it's spring energy back toward you and the machine. Or a good wind can give you assistance in pushing over a tree after the roots are cut...that you neither wanted nor expected. And a strong cab is a requirement for limbs that may come down.

But assessment of risk is implied every time one of us hits the starter on our machines...

 

[northcreek2624]

Have you tried that strap over the tire trick and then towing ? seems to work on Youtube
but, that's in YT world...

 

[Jwmankin]

I dump all my leftover cooking oil and grease on my stumps right off the skillet for a month or so, then pile my collected boxes and scrap paper around the stump, light it and within a few days the stump is mostly or entirely gone roots and all, if not repeat.