Root cutter

[Chanceywd]

So I had this idea to make a root cutter for when I am digging a stump or the tripping ones on the trails in my woods. I figured a hydraulic cylinder and some kind of weld up with a cutting edge.
Then I had a flash back to my vol fireman days and our Lucas tool.
So I thought maybe look them up to see how they are built.
Well I ran across this on ebay for $235 to my door so I bought it. About the price of a cylinder.
I flushed it out using the system on the 8n which I have filled with kubota fluid running into a jug both ways a couple times.
A couple hose adapters from Napa and spare hose and couplings I had and I took it for a test drive with a piece about 2-1/2" ash.
I think running it on the L2501 would work best if I could use a 12 volt remote of some sort to switch the 3rd function. it only needs to switch one way as the tool has a defined P port and a T port.
I tested it on the 8n using a string to my loader valve that is used for my power angle on the plow.

I think it might be one of my better ideas rather than loppers and axe method.

Bill

 

[PoTreeBoy]

So I had this idea to make a root cutter for when I am digging a stump or the tripping ones on the trails in my woods. I figured a hydraulic cylinder and some kind of weld up with a cutting edge.
Then I had a flash back to my vol fireman days and our Lucas tool.
So I thought maybe look them up to see how they are built.
Well I ran across this on ebay for $235 to my door so I bought it. About the price of a cylinder.
I flushed it out using the system on the 8n which I have filled with kubota fluid running into a jug both ways a couple times.
A couple hose adapters from Napa and spare hose and couplings I had and I took it for a test drive with a piece about 2-1/2" ash.
I think running it on the L2501 would work best if I could use a 12 volt remote of some sort to switch the 3rd function. it only needs to switch one way as the tool has a defined P port and a T port.
I tested it on the 8n using a string to my loader valve that is used for my power angle on the plow.

I think it might be one of my better ideas rather than loppers and axe method.

Bill

My first thought for trimming limbs was to mount something like that on the loader. For that price I would have jumped on it!

 

[Runs With Scissors]

That thing is pretty cool looking.

Looks like a “jaws of life” set up to me.

Also looks heavy though.

 

[Chanceywd]

It is the Hurst jaws of life cutter. From late 70's or there about. It weighed in the 40's for shipping.
The fire department I was in had a different brand made by Lucas.

I am working on a method of using it with a hand truck so it is upright vertical and will cut the exposed roots on my dog walking trails.
Using the root ripper I made for my BH77 works on bigger stuff but makes a mess.. I may try to make a mount for the backhoe to just dangle and move around while standing on the ground. I ordered one of those wireless remotes so I can trip the third function which is the circuit I want to run it on. I already have that plumbed to my backhoe with 2 extra hoses for my thumb and push buttons
on the levers.
I also have a hook on the backhoe in the bucket linkage I can dangle it from with the bucket off.
Maybe a spring might work or just unhook. use then hood again to move.
Time will tell. Probably want to check my hydraulic pressure too.

Bill

 

[jaxs]

Aye-grannies I think you might be on to something. Having done some root trimming a couple times, here's what I found. Once cut the roots will sprout saplings which grow at an alarming rate. Heavy duty string trimmer will clip new growth if done soon enough and repeated often. From a practical standpoint mowing is better. Don't even think about herbicides, the tree will be killed.

 

[Chanceywd]

Aye-grannies I think you might be on to something. Having done some root trimming a couple times, here's what I found. Once cut the roots will sprout saplings which grow at an alarming rate. Heavy duty string trimmer will clip new growth if done soon enough and repeated often. From a practical standpoint mowing is better. Don't even think about herbicides, the tree will be killed.

I have found what you say when I cut a maple sapling off close to the ground, it has a crown of those little suckers!
I do run a mower thru the trails but those cut saplings are to be avoided. That is part of my plan to cut loose or lower those somehow so no mower damage and not having to get the chainsaw into the dirt and dulling that.

I wish I could sprout seedlings like that on top of this 72yo bald head!

If it works as I hope it will be great, if not I figure I can sell it for what I will have in it.

I agree, no chemicals to be used here.

Bill

 

[Hugo Habicht]

I also have a hook on the backhoe in the bucket linkage I can dangle it from with the bucket off.

Why not attach it instead of the bucket? This way you could cut the roots by having the tractor doing the hard work.

Mighty cutter, by the way

 

[Chanceywd]

Why not attach it instead of the bucket? This way you could cut the roots by having the tractor doing the hard work.

Mighty cutter, by the way

Your idea is bouncing around in my head too!
The cutter has a built in spring loaded thumb operated valve which is designed to run with the source flow in one direction and continually bypasses the flow when that is in the center like any valve.

I want to see if I can just hold the operating valve say in the close cutter position and just reverse flow
from where I am feeding it from.
If that will work OK i could then mount it as you say and work from the backhoe seat.
If the valve was removed and just replaced with a plate and in and out fittings it would work remotely but it would make it so I couldn't use manually if a need was different.

Bill