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....

 

[11B2620]

Hilo forks are a spring type steel. They will bend a bit then go back. Plus they are mounted on a rail. Those will work without a problem with the forks. The bolt on the bucket type is normal steel and once bent your done haha. I bought hilo forks and made a quick attach mount and allowing them to adjust side to side. I beat them up pretty bad towing giant logs or ripping roots. Watching them bend is horrifying to watch but they always spring back... The bobcat quick attach system has to be the best thing I have done yet to my tractors. If you haven't, you are truly missing out!

 

[mikester]

Im guilty of using forks to pull large rocks out of the ground that dont fit the bucket. Be aware that forks are made for lifting, not pushing. Its easy to bend your fork rack. Remember the lever principle- you are applying a lot of force on the end of a long lever and you can easily overload your forks, fork rack, loader arms and tractor while pushing.

 

[Stomper]

I haven't used my forks for digging stumps or rocks for fear of bending them. I searched for a smaller narrow stump buck simply because of the size of my tractor, Kubota L2501. Most of the stump buckets I found were designed for the power and weight of a skid steer and were too big and heavey for my little tractor, so I built my own. It is only 9" wide and 30" long and I installed two bucket teeth on it as well as a grapple. I couldn't be happier. It's small enough to where I can almost drive the whole bucket into the ground for digging out rocks and the roots of stumps. The two teeth on it are great for ripping and digging. I smile everytime I install it on my FEL because I know it's going to be a fun time.

 

[fruitcakesa]

I finally got around to seriously using the grapple fork as a rock/root remover.
Pried out 4 very large embedded stones and 2 stumps/bushes that I have mowed around for years
The M is strong and heavy enough and I don't pry much since the forks allow for
a steep angle to get under and wiggle things a little before grappling and lifting the rock out.

 

[hks003]

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

This. I couldn't be happier with my ratchet rake. From raking pinestraw, limbs, and leaves to smoothing out ruts from driving my tractor over wet ground, to ripping roots and small bushes/trees right out of the ground, it's an all around good tool. I opted for the turnbuckle and chains over the ratchet strap because I've experienced ratchets that are left tightened for a long time and rust up, and that was on smaller buckles. I figured if I left the rake on for months at a time, those ratchets would be a booger to get loose. Plus, chains and turnbuckles just seem sturdier and I'm hard on stuff...

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Im guilty of using forks to pull large rocks out of the ground that dont fit the bucket. Be aware that forks are made for lifting, not pushing. Its easy to bend your fork rack. Remember the lever principle- you are applying a lot of force on the end of a long lever and you can easily overload your forks, fork rack, loader arms and tractor while pushing.

GOOD forks will take some abuse.....but "cheapo" forks won't!

I drive my forks under rocks like this,

grapple them and pop or pull them out of the ground, loading them on my wagon,

I've done it lot's and LOT'S of times, clearing rocks out of hay fields...

It's another thing that pallet forks/grapple will do that a dedicated grapple won't.

SR

 

[fruitcakesa]

GOOD forks will take some abuse.....but "cheapo" forks won't!

I drive my forks under rocks like this,

grapple them and pop or pull them out of the ground, loading them on my wagon,

I've done it lot's and LOT'S of times, clearing rocks out of hay fields...

It's another thing that pallet forks/grapple will do that a dedicated grapple won't.

SR

I have been learning this too. It is a great combo.

 

[Stomper]

I have looked at pallet fork grapples over and over. For some reason I just keep getting drawn back to them. I think they would be extremely handy