Wintertime provides a great opportunity to pick out trees, bushes, and fence posts that need to go. But frozen ground means those jobs have to wait for another day. For those of you waiting for the ground to thaw, patiently or not, these tips will prepare you to get the most out of your skid steer tree puller.
Additionally, we recommend using a skid loader that has a door on its cab. The door will help keep tree limbs and roots from coming into the cab.
Marking your work area with flags indicating where any underground utilities run is a good habit to build. Next, check for overhead obstructions and place orange warning signs under overhead electrical power lines to indicate any potential dangers above.
If you’re working in a tighter space or residential area, ensure you have enough physical space to transport the root systems of the trees you’re pulling. Remember, a 15-foot tree can easily have a 10-foot root system.
The maximum size of tree or post that can be pulled by a tree puller attachment will vary depending on soil condition, diameter and species of the tree, and operating capacity of the skid steer you’re using.
Sandy soils are going to release root systems more easily than tougher, clay-like soils. Drier ground typically leads to deeper roots as trees are reaching farther to get the moisture they need. Individual tree species have different root systems as well. For example, white oaks, hickories, and walnuts are all known to have strong and deep taproots. Knowing the species can be helpful when it comes time to start removing unwanted trees.
First, lower tree puller and level jaws until parallel with the ground and know that the strongest point of the tree is closer to the ground. Pull as low on the base as you can to prevent breaking or snapping. Open the jaw and drive forward until the item to be removed is between the jaws, as close to jaw hinge as possible. Close jaw and begin pulling.
When pulling posts, position the stationary jaw as close to the post as possible, and close the second jaw to the post (this method will help you to avoid bending small posts).
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As the item being pulled starts to loosen from the ground, reduce pulling force to avoid the item popping from the ground, which can cause instability.
Once the tree is free, shake it in place to remove excess dirt. The excess dirt will fall back into the hole, leaving behind a cleaner finished product and less work for whoever is tasked with filling in the holes.
Do not use a tree puller on items that need to remain unmarred. Tree pullers will, at a minimum, leave marks on the items they remove. For instance, if you have decorative posts you’re hoping to reuse, a tree puller might not be the best choice. Wooden posts will become dented, and metal ones may bend.
As conditions allow, clear several small trees in one go by accumulating them inside the jaws of the attachment. This will help you complete a large clearing job more quickly and efficiently.
Always use caution when transporting items in the tree puller. The load causes greater instability. Transport items as low as possible. Tilt the tree puller forward slighting so that the top of the item you’re transporting is leaning away from the loader. This will help keep branches and debris out of your way while increasing overall visibility. Also, as mentioned above, be aware of overhead power lines!
With proper attention to service and maintenance, you can extend the life of any attachment. When it comes to tree puller maintenance, follow these guidelines:
When they’re used properly, tree puller attachments can make quick work out of an otherwise difficult job. By using these tips, your next job will take less time and effort. Plus, these tips will keep you and your equipment safer.