Tree spade question

Rick Kr · Jun 17, 2009

I have been thinking of upgrading to a skid-steer tree spade. Currently running a 3 pt. I like the 3 pt when working alone, since I get get on and off the tractor to adjust the basket or burlap if need be.

Anyone run a skid-steer tree spade? If so how do you make little adjustments by yourself? Can't see an easy way to crawl out of the machine and around the spade w/a tree in it if something needed adjusted.

Any advice?

Thanks,
Rick

John - OH · Jun 17, 2009

Just my opinion, but from the little experience I have (just bought our spade last fall) digging with a skid steer mount spade is a 2 man operation. With our setup a John Deere 250 and a 32" Caretree spade, once it's lifted it makes it very difficult to get out of the cab. For one man digging, the 3 point might be the easier way to go. Just my 2 cents.

Rick Kr · Jun 18, 2009

John,

Thanks for the reply. That was kind of what I was thinking. Needed confirmation though.

Sounds like I"ll stay with the 3 pt, being a "part-timer" and usually working alone.

I have another question, do you use tree balling frames when burlapping your trees? I burlap mine on the ground, since I have not figured a way to get the ball out of the balling frame without some sort of "jaws".

Any ideas? It would be a lot easier if the tree was at waist height when burlapping instead of on the ground. Im running a 30" caretree.

Thanks in advance.
Rick

TreeFarmer1414 · Jun 18, 2009

Rick: I own and have used both a 42" and a 30" on a 3-point for both B&B'ing and direct transplanting. IMHO, any B&B work is a 2-man job. It seems to work best to hold the basket with burlap up to the blades and then set the ball on the ground so it is just resting; then pull the blades up. Getting the ball centered in the basket will help with its standability, as well as its final look. Basket selection can affect their 'standability'. The larger baskets will have a larger bottom and stand better.
As far as 3-pt. vs. skid steer you will gain much in manuverability in close quarters, if your rows or trees are close together, etc. with the skid steer. My unit is about 25 feet long with a water tank on the front for counter-weight. The main drawback with the skid steer will be in digging in wet conditions. The tractor tires will give much better flotation than any skid steer. If you want to keep your sod, you will need rubber tracks on the skid steer. Plain tires and/or steel tracks will rip up faster sod than you can fix it. Don't ask me how I know.

Rick Kr · Jun 19, 2009

Thanks for the info. You are right, I spend a little time off the tractor lining up the basket with the rootball. The controls for the spade swing around, so I can run them from the tractor seat or from the ground. That does help a lot.

But I do agree, a second person is a huge help. Most of the time I haven"t had that option.

Thanks,
Rick

Tree spade question

Rick Kr

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John - OH

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Rick Kr

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TreeFarmer1414

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Rick Kr

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