JDFANATIC
Veteran Member
Not bad Greg,
I like your backyard too! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
I like your backyard too! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Tree Removal
- Thread starter GregJ
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GregJ
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FredS,
I used the B7500 to pull them over. I used my car to keep pressure on the line while I was working. I used a 1" poly line to pull with, so I had to be real careful not to pull too hard. I have had poly line break before and it can be real nasty.
Greg
I used the B7500 to pull them over. I used my car to keep pressure on the line while I was working. I used a 1" poly line to pull with, so I had to be real careful not to pull too hard. I have had poly line break before and it can be real nasty.
Greg
I was fairly stressd out when I got on here tonight, and when I saw your first pic, I just sat there staring at the water, and started to feel better right away! That's a great place to live, and you did an excellent job on those trees.
This is something I've done an awful lot of in the last year, cleaning up my two acres that had been let go a lot when my grandmother lived here.
I know a lot of non-members are going to look at this and think, "I guess I really SHOULD get that tractor I've been thinking about." Nice work, and thanks for the refresing view! John
This is something I've done an awful lot of in the last year, cleaning up my two acres that had been let go a lot when my grandmother lived here.
I know a lot of non-members are going to look at this and think, "I guess I really SHOULD get that tractor I've been thinking about." Nice work, and thanks for the refresing view! John
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GregJ
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Highbeam,
You are gooood...wind direction... geez /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
My little B7500 has 21 HP. It is amazing what these little machines can do. For landscaping in small areas, they are great.
Greg
You are gooood...wind direction... geez /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
My little B7500 has 21 HP. It is amazing what these little machines can do. For landscaping in small areas, they are great.
Greg
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GregJ
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LarryD,
Actually I am not an islander. I look at your beautiful island from the other side. We look at Bush Pt., Mutiny Bay, Double Bluff and Useless Bay.
Greg
Actually I am not an islander. I look at your beautiful island from the other side. We look at Bush Pt., Mutiny Bay, Double Bluff and Useless Bay.
Greg
LarryD
Veteran Member
Oh, you're on the other side of the pond /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.
I used to have several friends staioned in Bremerton but they've all rotated out now. I do like to fish out of Neah Bay, excellent salmon/halibut grounds.
Nice job on the tree removal...if you're looking to replace those with somthing for the next 25 years, I'm thinning the forest on my place and would be more than happy to let you cart off a few furs /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.
I used to have several friends staioned in Bremerton but they've all rotated out now. I do like to fish out of Neah Bay, excellent salmon/halibut grounds.
Nice job on the tree removal...if you're looking to replace those with somthing for the next 25 years, I'm thinning the forest on my place and would be more than happy to let you cart off a few furs /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.
DanR67
Silver Member
</font><font color="blue" class="small">(
I know a lot of non-members are going to look at this and think, "I guess I really SHOULD get that tractor I've been thinking about." Nice work, and thanks for the refresing view! John )</font>
GregJ -
I have to agree with KiotiJohn - seeing the WORK that a CUT can do really can help focus new users' needs.
In my case last year - my wife wanted to go with a JD2210 subCUT - but you (GregJ) posted a shot of your B7500 with a pallet-load of firewood on the 3PH - I was instantly convinced that my needs required a CUT instead. Almost got a 2003 "leftover" B7500 myself - but "dug in my heels" and spent an additional $1K or so for the B7610 - I wanted the bigger LA352 FEL "just in case" - no regrets that I did!
I tried to keep "tractor at work" in mind with the pics on my homepage (link at bottom) - to hopefully help someone else make a semi-*informed* decision when they go to buy.
Here's one of my favorite "at work" shots:
Big Pic
> This shows me carting off the last of the main trunk (@ 3' diameter) of a proud old maple that had been in front of my house. Sad to see it go - probably @ 200 yrs old - center had rotted & a huge branch / trunk had come down in a windstorm.
PS - Greg: What a great yard / view! I've been to the SEA/TAC area on business a few times in the last 10 years or so & the scenery is really something - but you seem to have an especially magnificient view!
Cheers & thanks again for the pics!
Dan
I know a lot of non-members are going to look at this and think, "I guess I really SHOULD get that tractor I've been thinking about." Nice work, and thanks for the refresing view! John )</font>
GregJ -
I have to agree with KiotiJohn - seeing the WORK that a CUT can do really can help focus new users' needs.
In my case last year - my wife wanted to go with a JD2210 subCUT - but you (GregJ) posted a shot of your B7500 with a pallet-load of firewood on the 3PH - I was instantly convinced that my needs required a CUT instead. Almost got a 2003 "leftover" B7500 myself - but "dug in my heels" and spent an additional $1K or so for the B7610 - I wanted the bigger LA352 FEL "just in case" - no regrets that I did!
I tried to keep "tractor at work" in mind with the pics on my homepage (link at bottom) - to hopefully help someone else make a semi-*informed* decision when they go to buy.
Here's one of my favorite "at work" shots:
> This shows me carting off the last of the main trunk (@ 3' diameter) of a proud old maple that had been in front of my house. Sad to see it go - probably @ 200 yrs old - center had rotted & a huge branch / trunk had come down in a windstorm.
PS - Greg: What a great yard / view! I've been to the SEA/TAC area on business a few times in the last 10 years or so & the scenery is really something - but you seem to have an especially magnificient view!
Cheers & thanks again for the pics!
Dan
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GregJ
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Dan,
I'm glad things worked out the way they did for you. It looks like you have a nice fit for your use. The 7610 is a real workhorse. That is an impressive shot of your tractor lifting that maple stump. I don't think my B7500 would be able to get that one off the ground. I hope more people will continue to share their projects like this.
A while back I made a post showing what rocks my tractor would lift and which it wouldn't. I think it is equally important to show the limitations as well as the capabilities. Now, I know that my tractor is not at your place, lifting side by side, but I do have some experience with Maple. It is HEAVY! I don't think that my tractor could dead lift that stump. However, I could easily handle that stump using leverage and basic physics.
I know that I, as well as others, have posted pictures showing huge accomplishments with these little tractors. I think it is important to point out to prospective buyers that most of these projects were accomplished using leverage and the "laws of physics" to assist in the process. Very few of these big projects were accomplished with brute force. I am travelling right now, so I don't have all of my pictures with me, but I know that if I showed some of the stumps I have removed and then showed a picture of a rock that my FEL couldn't lift, it would show a very confusing story /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif... However, I think that it would show the true capabilities and accurately represent these machines.
So, I guess this is a very longwinded way of saying that this may be a very good example of the difference between a 302 and a 352 FEL. I could move that stump, but I don't think that I would be dead lifting it.
I know that there are a lot of new (and prospective) tractor owners here and I think it would be important to point out one thing in your picture Dan. I don't know if that was a picture of your tractor in action or if it was just posing for the camera /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif, but there is a very important rule for new tractor users that should be pointed out. I learned this early on (came close to a rollover /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif). The need to keep your load low. I think if I were moving that stump, I would try to get a corner of the bucket underneath it and chain it tightly across the top. (I do have a toothbar, so that might make it a little easier). Then when moving the stump, it's important to keep the bucket a few inches off the ground. Equally important is to work on the "dump the load" reflex. The only thing that saved me from a rollover when I was starting out was dumb luck. I hit the FEL control in the right direction to dump my load quickly as my tractor went up on two wheels. Ever since then, I definitely have the "dump reflex", and I slowly chant "Low and Slow.... Low and Slow" when moving heavy loads.
Dan, I didn't mean to jump on your picture, but I think it showed two opportunities for discussion. The difference between the 2 FEL's and a safety observation. Trust me, I don't want to be considered a safety cop /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif, but I saw an opportunity to share a close call that I had.
Greg
I'm glad things worked out the way they did for you. It looks like you have a nice fit for your use. The 7610 is a real workhorse. That is an impressive shot of your tractor lifting that maple stump. I don't think my B7500 would be able to get that one off the ground. I hope more people will continue to share their projects like this.
A while back I made a post showing what rocks my tractor would lift and which it wouldn't. I think it is equally important to show the limitations as well as the capabilities. Now, I know that my tractor is not at your place, lifting side by side, but I do have some experience with Maple. It is HEAVY! I don't think that my tractor could dead lift that stump. However, I could easily handle that stump using leverage and basic physics.
I know that I, as well as others, have posted pictures showing huge accomplishments with these little tractors. I think it is important to point out to prospective buyers that most of these projects were accomplished using leverage and the "laws of physics" to assist in the process. Very few of these big projects were accomplished with brute force. I am travelling right now, so I don't have all of my pictures with me, but I know that if I showed some of the stumps I have removed and then showed a picture of a rock that my FEL couldn't lift, it would show a very confusing story /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif... However, I think that it would show the true capabilities and accurately represent these machines.
So, I guess this is a very longwinded way of saying that this may be a very good example of the difference between a 302 and a 352 FEL. I could move that stump, but I don't think that I would be dead lifting it.
I know that there are a lot of new (and prospective) tractor owners here and I think it would be important to point out one thing in your picture Dan. I don't know if that was a picture of your tractor in action or if it was just posing for the camera /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif, but there is a very important rule for new tractor users that should be pointed out. I learned this early on (came close to a rollover /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif). The need to keep your load low. I think if I were moving that stump, I would try to get a corner of the bucket underneath it and chain it tightly across the top. (I do have a toothbar, so that might make it a little easier). Then when moving the stump, it's important to keep the bucket a few inches off the ground. Equally important is to work on the "dump the load" reflex. The only thing that saved me from a rollover when I was starting out was dumb luck. I hit the FEL control in the right direction to dump my load quickly as my tractor went up on two wheels. Ever since then, I definitely have the "dump reflex", and I slowly chant "Low and Slow.... Low and Slow" when moving heavy loads.
Dan, I didn't mean to jump on your picture, but I think it showed two opportunities for discussion. The difference between the 2 FEL's and a safety observation. Trust me, I don't want to be considered a safety cop /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif, but I saw an opportunity to share a close call that I had.
Greg
Freds
Veteran Member
It looks to me like the actual load is low... it's the bucket that is high. Lifting it his way allows the stump to partially swing under the bucket, which may be better than having the load in and partially in front of the bucket, therefore reducing the effects of the rear ballast.
Just thought I would throw out my observation for comments.
Just thought I would throw out my observation for comments.
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GregJ
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Good point Fred. I am no expert here, but my experience has been that the reference point is where it attaches to the tractor. In other words, the chain attaches to the FEL about 8' in the air. That connection point is what provides the leverage that could tip the tractor. If that stump would start to swing, it's momentum could create a "religious moment".... Obviously this is no where near as dangerous as having the stump in the bucket and raised that high. I just like to keep everything really low....Maybe I am just suffering from a bad case of pucker factor.... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Good discussion.... Thanks Fred
Greg
Good discussion.... Thanks Fred
Greg
DanR67
Silver Member
Greg & co -
Glad you mention the "religious experience" / "pucker factor" - I guess I wanted to show what "could be accomplished" - but that doesn't mean it necessarily "should be attempted"!
"Low & slow" is exactly what was going on - believe me I had my hand on the FEL control stick to "dump the load" the entire time I crept (in low range) to the "final resting place" of the stumps - @ 200' away from where the tree stood.
Although I also like to have the load "snugly attached" when carrying something in / on / attached to the FEL - if this puppy had decided to slip / let go - I didn't want to be "part of it"! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif So that's why it had a fair amount of chain. This also helps when you set the load down - so the chain doesn't get pinned under the weight of the load - you can sort of "toss" it onto the ground - and it "half-rolled" / settled by itself in a way that they chain could be removed.
So my picture / comment was basically just to add to "what these little CUTs can do" - but I wholeheartedly agree: this is NOT a toy! Use your head at all times & make sure to keep the load as low as possible. This picture was taken last fall - so I had a whole summer of "getting used to" using the FEL - perhaps 60 - 70 hours on the clock at this point.
Almost wish there was a "tractor school" for new users - kinda like a "motorcycle driver training" - it's just a whole new way of thinking (& always thinking "ahead") compared, for example - with driving a car. You have to think "where's the front of the FEL when I take this turn" etc. etc.
Cheers,
Dan
Glad you mention the "religious experience" / "pucker factor" - I guess I wanted to show what "could be accomplished" - but that doesn't mean it necessarily "should be attempted"!
"Low & slow" is exactly what was going on - believe me I had my hand on the FEL control stick to "dump the load" the entire time I crept (in low range) to the "final resting place" of the stumps - @ 200' away from where the tree stood.
Although I also like to have the load "snugly attached" when carrying something in / on / attached to the FEL - if this puppy had decided to slip / let go - I didn't want to be "part of it"! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif So that's why it had a fair amount of chain. This also helps when you set the load down - so the chain doesn't get pinned under the weight of the load - you can sort of "toss" it onto the ground - and it "half-rolled" / settled by itself in a way that they chain could be removed.
So my picture / comment was basically just to add to "what these little CUTs can do" - but I wholeheartedly agree: this is NOT a toy! Use your head at all times & make sure to keep the load as low as possible. This picture was taken last fall - so I had a whole summer of "getting used to" using the FEL - perhaps 60 - 70 hours on the clock at this point.
Almost wish there was a "tractor school" for new users - kinda like a "motorcycle driver training" - it's just a whole new way of thinking (& always thinking "ahead") compared, for example - with driving a car. You have to think "where's the front of the FEL when I take this turn" etc. etc.
Cheers,
Dan
BX23Seattle
Member
Thanks for the pics Greg, this is exactly what I am considering next weekend. I was wondering how fast/hard the tree's fell with part of the rootball still intact? It appears in the photo the very top part of the tree remained a good 8 ft off the ground after it was down. The tree I need to take down might be tall enough to barely reach a fence, tough to know. If it does it will only catch it with the small part of the tree, hoping they don't fall to aggressivly to limit the amount of potential fence damage. Nice to see all the fellow WA tractor lovers. I live in Marysville but grew up playing on Double Bluff beach that you look at /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
Bx23 Seattle,
I have used the same technique as Greg in removing trees with my bx. The ones that I did came over only as fast as I pulled them over. What kind of trees are you taking down. The root structures will be the deciding factor in how fast they come down. Our cedars will roll over real slow because of all the surface roots. Firs tend to go slow until the tap root gives up and then they come over alot quicker. If you need a hand I would be happy to help sometime. I'm in Granite falls. Send me a PM if you like.
I have used the same technique as Greg in removing trees with my bx. The ones that I did came over only as fast as I pulled them over. What kind of trees are you taking down. The root structures will be the deciding factor in how fast they come down. Our cedars will roll over real slow because of all the surface roots. Firs tend to go slow until the tap root gives up and then they come over alot quicker. If you need a hand I would be happy to help sometime. I'm in Granite falls. Send me a PM if you like.
BoneheadNW
Gold Member
Thanks everyone for this great thread. Good pictures, sound advice.
Greg- Looks like we're neighbors. As a matter of fact, we are dispatched to your area when all of your fire units are out on other calls (and vice-versa). Something to keep in mind if the tractor rolls! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Bonehead
Greg- Looks like we're neighbors. As a matter of fact, we are dispatched to your area when all of your fire units are out on other calls (and vice-versa). Something to keep in mind if the tractor rolls! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Bonehead
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GregJ
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BX23Seattle,
These trees did come down slower than a typical hinge cut. The biggest challenge I had was to determine how much to dig before I pulled them over. The wind had me a little nervous because it was blowing a steady 15MPH directly toward my house. As I was digging I was more nervous about weakening the roots to the point where the wind would take the tree down. So, I was fairly cautious and left all of the roots on the windward side intact. I also had the tree tied off to my car with pressure in the direction that I wanted the tree to fall.
It will be different for different species of trees. The pine had a fairly good sized tap root and took a bit to pull over. The spruce had all surface roots and once I broke through those, they came down very easily. In fact, after seeing how easy they came down, I am glad they are all gone because they could have fallen on our house with a strong NW wind.
My only caution would be to tie off the tree while you are digging, so you wont have any surprises. It really didn't take much digging to make it very easy to pull them over.
Hope this helps,
Greg
These trees did come down slower than a typical hinge cut. The biggest challenge I had was to determine how much to dig before I pulled them over. The wind had me a little nervous because it was blowing a steady 15MPH directly toward my house. As I was digging I was more nervous about weakening the roots to the point where the wind would take the tree down. So, I was fairly cautious and left all of the roots on the windward side intact. I also had the tree tied off to my car with pressure in the direction that I wanted the tree to fall.
It will be different for different species of trees. The pine had a fairly good sized tap root and took a bit to pull over. The spruce had all surface roots and once I broke through those, they came down very easily. In fact, after seeing how easy they came down, I am glad they are all gone because they could have fallen on our house with a strong NW wind.
My only caution would be to tie off the tree while you are digging, so you wont have any surprises. It really didn't take much digging to make it very easy to pull them over.
Hope this helps,
Greg
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GregJ
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Bonehead..... The last thing I want to see is you in your bunker gear in my front yard! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
No offense, but the Fire Department is kinda like a dentist or the body shop. The less you see of them, the better!
How are you doing on your tractor shopping?
Greg
No offense, but the Fire Department is kinda like a dentist or the body shop. The less you see of them, the better!
How are you doing on your tractor shopping?
Greg
BX23Seattle
Member
I think the tree I will be removing is a pine or douglas fir, would you recomend digging around 3/4 the tree and leave the front alone which is the direction I want to pull the tree towards and have it fall? I guess it wouldn't hurt to try this and if it doesn't budge I could dig some more.
Thanks for your post and great info Greg and thanks for the kind offer Steve, I think it should go pretty smooth....hopefully you won't see me posting next week --tree takes out new bota /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Thanks for your post and great info Greg and thanks for the kind offer Steve, I think it should go pretty smooth....hopefully you won't see me posting next week --tree takes out new bota /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
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GregJ
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BX23Seattle,
The front ditch is probably the most important. The root ball needs room to move, to start the leverage that pulls the tree over. My approach was to dig two parallel trenches (one on each side of the tree) perpendicular to the fall line. I dug these as close to the trunk as possible and about 3 feet down. On the pine I tried pulling it over and it didn't want to come down easily, so I dug on the leeward side of the tree to break up a few more roots. I am using 1" poly rope, so I don't put too much pressure on it. That poly line can make a great slingshot if you're not careful. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif If I was using steel cable I am sure that I could have pulled it over. After that, it came down easily.
Hope this helps,
Greg
The front ditch is probably the most important. The root ball needs room to move, to start the leverage that pulls the tree over. My approach was to dig two parallel trenches (one on each side of the tree) perpendicular to the fall line. I dug these as close to the trunk as possible and about 3 feet down. On the pine I tried pulling it over and it didn't want to come down easily, so I dug on the leeward side of the tree to break up a few more roots. I am using 1" poly rope, so I don't put too much pressure on it. That poly line can make a great slingshot if you're not careful. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif If I was using steel cable I am sure that I could have pulled it over. After that, it came down easily.
Hope this helps,
Greg
penokee
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Greg
Nice project, tractor and view. Want to add my small bit to the rope pulling part. I took down a large dying elm about 30 years ago. tieing up high and pulling with a 1 1/2" hemp rope and my 3/4 ton Dodge PU. I had made a wedge cut and partial back cut.
The rope snapped, tree came down just missing my house and neighbors. Parked the truck and went inside to change my underwear. That Good Guardian Angel has taken care of me many times. Almost ashamed to tell this story, but maybe someone can avoid mistake I made.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Nice project, tractor and view. Want to add my small bit to the rope pulling part. I took down a large dying elm about 30 years ago. tieing up high and pulling with a 1 1/2" hemp rope and my 3/4 ton Dodge PU. I had made a wedge cut and partial back cut.
The rope snapped, tree came down just missing my house and neighbors. Parked the truck and went inside to change my underwear. That Good Guardian Angel has taken care of me many times. Almost ashamed to tell this story, but maybe someone can avoid mistake I made.
penokee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
