Forks Using pallet forks as a root bucket?

[gwisejr]

I'm looking to possibly buy a root bucket to help me get rid of a bunch of roots from 1-6" trees that I mowed down last year. I was trying to pull them out with a chain but the stump left over on most has already started to rot and does not provide a good grip. I have some 4k lbs pallet forks and was thinking to slide them together and possibly clamp them together and use them to dig in around the stumps to cut the roots. I'd really like to buy a actual root bucket but if the pallet forks will work, I'd rather save the $600-$900..

Any suggestions or cautions about using the pallet forks this way for small stumps?

Thanks.

 

[jeff9366]

I recently acquired a 165 pound Stump Bucket with serrated leading edges for my Kubota L3560. The ground here is hard so I have had only one opportunity to trial it for 4" stump removal.

My first impression is the a Stump Bucket/Root Bucket in the ground is too much for my tractor FEL hydraulics, which have a lift capacity of 1,775 pounds. When I lift with the bucket in the ground hydraulic fluid sprays from the FEL hose fittings. A Stump Bucket shorter than 36" might be better for a tractor but I could not find a shorter one with serrated leading edges.

After a soaking rain, when the ground is soft, I will trial the Stump Bucket more.


SUPPLIER LINK: Rylee Root Ripper | Haala Industries

 

[dusty3030]

For what you describe this is what I've used and it worked great! Back dragging with the ratchet rake will pull up the small stumps and roots well plus it's fast.

Ratchet Rake, LLC - All Terrain Rake, Snow Edge, Tractor attachment, Bucket attachment, Loader, Skid loader, Kubota, Skid steer, Landscape rake, Brush remover, York Rake, Harley Rake, Rock Rake, Tractor rake attachment, Construction attachment, New Holland, Bobcat, Fire safety, Home fire safety, Fire prevention, John Deere, skid steer attachment, tractor implement

 

[DMax82]

I have done exactly what you have mentioned and it works great! Slide forks together and stab down under the roots. Works great on fresh stumps up to about eight inches. Like you, I would like a real stump bucket, but would prefer not to spend the money.

 

[jmc]

Years ago there was a TBN guy who removed stumps by pushing the forks completely under them and then lifting the loader. (Class 2 lever)

 

[Citydude]

I recently acquired a 165 pound Stump Bucket with serrated leading edges for my Kubota L3560. The ground here is hard so I have had only one opportunity to trial it for 4" stump removal.

My first impression is the a Stump Bucket/Root Bucket in the ground is too much for my tractor FEL hydraulics, which have a lift capacity of 1,775 pounds. When I lift with the bucket in the ground hydraulic fluid sprays from the FEL hose fittings. A Stump Bucket shorter than 36" might be better for a tractor but I could not find a shorter one with serrated leading edges.

After a soaking rain, when the ground is soft, I will trial the Stump Bucket more.


SUPPLIER LINK: Rylee Root Ripper | Haala Industries

Hopefully you tightened up the fittings that are spraying fluid....

 

[Smokeydog]

See a lot of bent forks at the scrapyard. Suspect skidsteers and larger tractors trying the same thing.
Do use my forks to dig sweet potatoes that works very well.
Quick-Spade works well for small trees. Good to cut trees and multi floral rose growing under fence lines.
Piranha toothbar is an amazing brush and tree clearing tool. Grabbing trees with the V-teeth and driving forward pulls much harder than loaders can lift.
Danuser Intimidator is hard to beat especially for larger trees, carrying debris and been useful keeping property maintained.

 

[gwisejr]

Well, I tried using the pallet forks pushed together on a ~6" stump. one of the forks popped off. My forks hook on a rail so any upward force on them will dislodge them from the back attachment plate. Dmax82, Any suggestions? I'm basically looking at having to use two c-clamps to keep them from popping off. Mu concern is that if they do, the force might be enough to damage them or possibly shoot one backwards into the tractor grill.

Thanks all.

 

[DMax82]

Well, I tried using the pallet forks pushed together on a ~6" stump. one of the forks popped off. My forks hook on a rail so any upward force on them will dislodge them from the back attachment plate. Dmax82, Any suggestions? I'm basically looking at having to use two c-clamps to keep them from popping off. Mu concern is that if they do, the force might be enough to damage them or possibly shoot one backwards into the tractor grill.

Thanks all.

I try to get the forks as far forward under the roots as I can before pushing upwards. Also the curling motion seems to help as well.

 

[CobyRupert]

See a lot of bent forks at the scrapyard. Suspect skidsteers and larger tractors trying the same thing.

Yeah, I'm sure this method works great ....until it doesn't.
Then you end up with bent forks or broken mounts, etc...

Knowing where the limit is the tricky part.

When you start putting giant levers on something designed for a short bucket....