using the loader to dig Holes for trees = EASY!

[DuaneW]

This was my first attempt at actual digging with my new (now has 85 hrs ) 1428 massey. All in all I think it did an excellent job and was impressed. The ground was so hard it was difficult to get a shovel into. Trees are Autum (sp?) Blaze maple. need shade in the front of the house in summer, hope they grow as quick as labled with out getting roots into everything like silver maple. Need to get a pic of both my tractors together.

Duane W.

 

[flusher]

This was my first attempt at actual digging with my new (now has 85 hrs ) 1428 massey. All in all I think it did an excellent job and was impressed. The ground was so hard it was difficult to get a shovel into. Trees are Autum (sp?) Blaze maple. need shade in the front of the house in summer, hope they grow as quick as labled with out getting roots into everything like silver maple. Need to get a pic of both my tractors together.

Duane W.

A toothbar helps a lot with this type of FEL use.

However, you risk bending the FEL bucket and/or frame by digging in sun-baked soil.

My approach would be to break up the ground with a middle buster plow or a subsoiler and scoop out the loose dirt with the FEL.

 

[RoyJackson]

This was my first attempt at actual digging with my new (now has 85 hrs ) 1428 massey. All in all I think it did an excellent job and was impressed. The ground was so hard it was difficult to get a shovel into. Trees are Autum (sp?) Blaze maple. need shade in the front of the house in summer, hope they grow as quick as labled with out getting roots into everything like silver maple. Need to get a pic of both my tractors together.

Duane W.

Wow!!! Nice job!

Actually, I reckon that ground was pretty soft...you wouldn't have dug that well (especially with no toothbar), if it wasn't. Of course, that tractor weighs more then you do...so what's tough with a shovel is easier with a 2000 lb tractor.
Looks like you came in from all four directions to get that hole as squared up as you did. Looks right good, Duane!

 

[jbrumberg]

DuaneW:

Nice pictures and good job on the hole ! I agree with flusher as to the wear and tear on your FEL. A toothbar in this application would really increase the efficiency of the operation. Keep watering your tree ! Jay

 

[Beavis]

Nice photos, thank you for sharing.

 

[DuaneW]

A skilled patient operator can overcome alot of obsticals without damaging his equipment. Have been running loader tractors for over 30yrs, this is the first one I have ever operated with Hydrostatic drive. Much easier than slipping a hand/foot clutch while trying to operate hyd's . If you take small bites, use slow speeds and operate the tilt function as designed you will NOT bend a loader. Wish I had a video of me doing this, not bragging, but I can operate equipment, not just use it.

How I dug the hole.
The hole was only dug from two sides, reducing the wear and tare on my yard. 1st you get a decent bite with the bucket, apply slight psi from drive wheel (slooowly spinning wheels) then begin slowly working the tilt back and fouth, you will create a very uneven bottom, then you attack it from 90 deg and you can shave 1" to 2" off with very little effort, then from same direction create the uneven bottom again and move 90 deg again. NEVER do you use momentum with a loader, that is what will bend them. And YES, it was very hard ground, white compressed clay that actually developed black marks on it from spinning the tires, you cant use a hand post hole digger without spud bar. ( guess you can squeel tires on dirt, always wondered how the Duke boys did that.. LOL)

DuaneW.

 

[johnnylight]

nice job.

Nice grass too.

 

[RoyJackson]

A skilled patient operator can overcome alot of obsticals without damaging his equipment.
DuaneW.

Great response and great directions!

 

[Rara Avis]

Great response and great directions!

Here's the real easy way with a FEL...but a different bucket...

http://www.wrlonginc.com/photogallery/DSCF1972.JPG

 

[SPYDERLK]

Here's the real easy way with a FEL...but a different bucket...

http://www.wrlonginc.com/photogallery/DSCF1972.JPG

Those dont work well. All you can make is a small divot before the wedge shape stops you. The small mouth prevents dirt from entering easily.
larry