Tractor Newbie pulling stumps

[kirkkw]

I have owned my tractor for several years, but have no prior experience (or anyone to train me) so everything is a new learning experience.

During the process of clearing the cedars off my 5 acres, I cut the stump as low as possible then leave it to rot for a few years.

Recently, I got the bright idea to use the center 2 tines on the box blade to scoop under the stump and use the rear implement lift to pull/lift the stump out of the ground.

Would doing this risk damaging the hydraulic lift on the back of the tractor?

Yes, I feel silly asking such a simple question, but I would rather appear silly than damage my tractor which is a Kioti DS4510.

 

[bmaverick]

I have owned my tractor for several years, but have no prior experience (or anyone to train me) so everything is a new learning experience.

During the process of clearing the cedars off my 5 acres, I cut the stump as low as possible then leave it to rot for a few years.

Recently, I got the bright idea to use the center 2 tines on the box blade to scoop under the stump and use the rear implement lift to pull/lift the stump out of the ground.

Would doing this risk damaging the hydraulic lift on the back of the tractor?

Yes, I feel silly asking such a simple question, but I would rather appear silly than damage my tractor which is a Kioti DS4510.

Damage to the machine, very likely.

Think WHEEL. Soak ground first or after a heavy rain!

With a tractor, front or back.

And think safety first, wheels can fly.

Flying tire lands in tree!

 

[kirkkw]

The stumps are 2-4" above grade - so there is nothing to grab.

 

[AndyMA]

Backhoe time

 

[ericm979]

Backhoe time

And you will probably be doing a lot of digging. The stumps I have dug out with a backhoe took way longer than I thought they should. No way would I have been able to pull them out with the tractor.

 

[big bubba]

back hoe time as mentioned above. plus...those cedar stumps below ground will last longer than us... don't subject your machine to what it was not intended for.

 

[sixdogs]

I've done everything possible to get rid of tree stumps for over 40 years. I've burned, cut flush, backhoe, bulldozed and nothing was fully correct.

Finally, I bought a 3 pt hitch stump grinder and in my first few hours I satisfactorily ground 10 meaningful stumps below grade. And on top of that, I believe I could sell the grinder for more than I paid.

Recently, I ground a 16" softwood stump that was close to the house. Below grade maybe 5" is all that I wanted.




Then, I spaded the ground, added a little fill, seeded and strawed. I set the sprinkler on top, watered multiple times a day and six days later the grass is popping through. From annoying large stump in a bad place close to the house to a week later almost green grass and no one is the wiser. I've ground stumps in the woods as well.


Of all the ways to deal with stumps, buy a stump grinder--I have a LandPride--grind everything and save 99% percent of your time for the wife and kids.



EDIT--Here's pic of my stump grinder

EDIT--Below is the green grass growing where my sump used to be and it's only been a couple of weeks from inception to grass. I raked out most of the chips after grinding and added dirt to fill the hole. I've been stump grinding for decades and there is no better way to get rid of stumps.


That last pic belongs in the mix above

 

[LouNY]

I have owned my tractor for several years, but have no prior experience (or anyone to train me) so everything is a new learning experience.

During the process of clearing the cedars off my 5 acres, I cut the stump as low as possible then leave it to rot for a few years.

Recently, I got the bright idea to use the center 2 tines on the box blade to scoop under the stump and use the rear implement lift to pull/lift the stump out of the ground.

Would doing this risk damaging the hydraulic lift on the back of the tractor?

Yes, I feel silly asking such a simple question, but I would rather appear silly than damage my tractor which is a Kioti DS4510.

Give it a try, the rear 3 point lift has a grater capacity then a FEL. It you can get the shanks to catch and pull it may do what you need.
You could also use a couple of the shanks to break up the roots before trying to pop out the stump.

 

[kirkkw]

Restating me original question: Will it damage my tractor hydraulic system by maxing out its lifting capacity using a box blade to pull upward on the stumps?

They have been rotting for the past 5-7 years so the roots still attached are relatively short.

I have pulled a few up already this way, but then began to question whether it is wise.

 

[K5lwq]

The fact you question whether it is wise leads me to say yes you could damage something. You will save yourself a lot of heartache if you learn to listen that little voice. Especially when operating equipment.

 

[kirkkw]

Years ago, I used the backhoe to get the stumps out, guess I will continue to let them rot until they come out easily with the backhoe.

Thanks for the conversation.

 

[sixdogs]

Restating me original question: Will it damage my tractor hydraulic system by maxing out its lifting capacity using a box blade to pull upward on the stumps?

They have been rotting for the past 5-7 years so the roots still attached are relatively short.

I have pulled a few up already this way, but then began to question whether it is wise.

I ripped stumps maybe 10 years ago and was not happy with the pressure on the 3pt hitch. I know people that have done it and got away with it pulling rocks but I don't like using mechanical things so far from their intended purpose.

In thinking it out, I switched to a single shank ripper to rip stumps out of the ground. I had a lot of aged cedar stumps and they popped out and was easier on the tractor because I wasn't really using the 3 point hitch but rather just the ripping action of the single shank ripper.

It worked but left holes I had to deal with and stumps with dirt on them. This was one of the steps on my way to a stump grinder. FYI

 

[K5lwq]

Years ago, I used the backhoe to get the stumps out, guess I will continue to let them rot until they come out easily with the backhoe.

Thanks for the conversation.

The backhoe is the appropriate tool. If you can pop them with the 3pt I would have to believe they will come out with the backhoe.

 

[pmsmechanic]

My method is easy but takes a long time. I'll cut the stump off as close to the ground as I dare. I'll buy some cheap carbide blades for my skill saw and cross hatch the top of the stump into 2" squares. Then I let it sit for about 2 years while the stump rots. After 2 years I take a large hammer and break all the 2" squares off. I then spread a little dirt over what was left of the stump and let the grass grow back in over the stump. In about 5 years it's all grass but the "stump" does grow mushrooms when it rains. It's easy and cheap but does take time.

 

[Thomas]

What the dia, of the stumps?
Sometimes I use large hook into stump or big root than if needed front loader.

 

[Citydude]

Restating me original question: Will it damage my tractor hydraulic system by maxing out its lifting capacity using a box blade to pull upward on the stumps?

They have been rotting for the past 5-7 years so the roots still attached are relatively short.

I have pulled a few up already this way, but then began to question whether it is wise.

No. The hydraulics would go into bypass before you bent iron.

 

[Gordon Gould]

If you remove all of the rippers in your BB except for 1 or 2 in the center I don't see any problem at all. All the pulling and ripping force will be centered on your 3ph. The 3ph is designed to rip and pull. If you go slow and easy and and don't buck and jerk the worst that can happen the way I see it is your front end might try to lift which is not harmful just scary. Go around the perimeter first to break the side roots then go after the stump itself. Good luck - that you have already been able to remove some is a good sign. Just my 2 cents.

gg

 

[dodge man]

I’d say you won’t hurt the hydraulics but you coukd break something else on the back of the tractor.

 

[RjCorazza]

I would feel comfortable going after a small stump with a box blade ripper on the 3 point. A little common sense goes a long way, so I certainly would not be putting a significant impact load on the equipment - but I would dig and pull all day long.
FYI, I went with a stump grinder... They're way more fun to use.

 

[Richard]

If you have any left, maybe next time cut them with a 3-4' "stump" above the ground to give you something to use as a lever.