Practical Tips on Using Tree and Post Puller Attachment
Table of Contents:
1. Tips on Using Skid Steer Tree Puller Attachments
2. Time to Practice!
3. Ensure Proper Maintenance of Your Tree Puller Skid Steer Attachment
Among many skid steer attachments available on the market, there is a unique attachment that helps prepare the ground for further work - a tree and a post puller. As the name indicates, a tree puller helps to pull all small trees that may grow on the land you plan to work on. Operating such a piece of equipment is not an easy task at first but with appropriate instruction, it will become effortless. Let us have a look at a few practical tips on the topic of the proper use of tree and post puller attachments.
Tips on Using Skid Steer Tree Puller Attachments
Examine Your Equipment
One of the most important initial tasks you need to consider, not only before preparing to use a tree puller but also before you decide which tree puller to choose, is to examine your skid steer. The particularly important factor is the operating capacity of skid steer loaders. This is because not all trees can be removed by skid steer tree pullers. Small trees are not a problem for any skid steer loader, but large objects such as trees with 4 inches or more in diameter may be problematic for skid steers with lower operating capacity. If you have not yet purchased your attachment, make sure you check what the hydraulic cylinder guards are built from. A thick plate protects cylinders when digging or pulling. It is also good to choose attachments with thick vertical jaw braces and frame cross tubes. Such attachments will last significantly longer.
Prepare the Site
No matter if you use a tree puller skid steer attachment to pull trees, tree roots, or fence posts, remember about marking the area of your work. Remember to place warning signs under electrical power lines that might be above the place of your work. Tree roots can be very wide so remember to have enough space to transport such wide trees.
Consider Soil Condition
It sometimes happens that even though the trees are small, it will be impossible to pull them just because of the type of soil they grow in. Sandy soils will release trees a lot easier than clay soils and the dry ground almost always indicates that the tree roots grew longer in search of the moisture they need to nourish the tree.
Examine the Object
If the item you wish to pull is delicate, it is not the best idea to use post puller to remove it. Such attachments leave marks on the items and bend or dent them making it impossible to reuse them.
Time to Practice!
There is no other way to become good at something than to practice. Let’s start pulling!
- Lower tree pullers, place jaws parallel with the ground (jaws closed). The closer to the ground the stronger the tree is. We do not want to break the tree, so we are going to start pulling in the strongest point - low on the base.
- Drive forward (jaws open) until the tree is between the jaws. Place it as close to the jaw hinge as possible.
- Close jaws and start pulling!
In the case of pulling posts, place the stationary jaw close to the post and close the other jaw. In this way, you will avoid breaking or bending small posts.
May the Force Be with You!
A skid steer is a powerful machine. Use it to rock the trees and loosen roots before pulling. Thanks to that movement, you increase the chances of removing the whole of the root system. It is important to remember about reducing force before pulling to avoid instability.
Shake It Off
To save yourself additional work connected with cleaning the tree (or carrying extra dirt) removes the dirt from the pulled-out tree by shaking it. It will also help in filling the remaining empty hole.
Be Efficient
If many trees grow next to each other, you can remove them all at once. Remember to check whether your skid steer operating capacity allows it. After all, you want to finish the job as quickly as possible.
Use Caution While Transporting
Pulling the item is not the end of the job. Now comes the time to transport the object and this may become the real challenge if you don't follow the steps below:
- Keep the item as low as possible.
- Tilt the tree puller forward so the top of the transported item is leaning away from the skid steer loader. This is the best way to keep branches out of your way and guarantee the best visibility.
- Be aware of what is above you. Remember that you are moving so if there was nothing above at the time of pulling the tree, it does not mean it will be the case along the way.
Ensure Proper Maintenance of Your Tree Puller Skid Steer Attachment
The last important tip I will leave you with, is to take care of your attachment maintenance. Follow the below tips to make sure your tree puller is ready to use at all times:
- Keep hinge and cylinder pins greased.
- Regularly check the cylinder, hydraulic fittings, and hoses for any leaks, damage.
- Do not use your hands to check high-pressure hydraulic cylinder leaks.
After 50 hours of use, it is also advised to check if all pins are secure and if there are no loose, worn, or missing parts.
After reading this article, pulling trees is no longer a mystery to you. If you are looking for a skid steer puller, skidsteer.com has a wide range of products to choose from.