Hi, Folks.
Early in this discussion, there was a suggestion made that maybe someone with a little experience might step in and give a few pointers on the gentlemanly art of tree 'extraction'. I probably have as little experience as anyone here - and maybe an ego to match - so I'll take a shot at it.

Approach the tree ONLY after inspecting it for dead or weak looking branches, especially on the side from which you want to push. It is also a good idea to assess the tree for 'balance', how much of the tree is leaning or weighted toward the direction from which you want to push as opposed to the opposite side and how the loading of the branches to one side or the other of your line of push might affect the way the tree might fall.

As you approach the tree have your blade a little - repeat, a little - less than right up. This will allow you to raise the blade a little once you have firm contact with the tree, both to get some weight on the front of the tracks to aid traction and to help lift the tree out of the ground.

NEVER run the machine into a tree as you can seldom be completely sure that there are NO 'widowmakers' waiting above - and because ti doesn't do the machine any good either. If you're dumb enough to do it, who cares about how it shakes you up?

If your first couple of attempts to push the tree down don't succeed, start on digging out the roots, ALWAYS with at least one and a half eyes looking up to see that you have not dug out the roots to the extent that the tree can no longer support itself - - - - or the tree may tell you itself by 'gently leaning on you'..

There are a few more tricks to the 'trade' that I might mention if sufficient interest is expressed.

Just my 0.02.

Hi Team,
there are some operation basics and visuals in this old Cat Safety Film "The Gambler"
For tree removal as an example build a ramp of earth to get the dozer blade cutting edge and effort higher up the trunk for more leverage and so on.
We were shown this as new intake 1st year Apprentices in the first few days at the Dealer in 1962.



Cheers,
Eddie B.

you know what is the best for pushing trees over a excavator sized 20 tonne or better. much more precise than a dozer, you have more reach for the better leverage, and you can place the trees etc where you want it for burning etc as you clear and leave a neater finish. what i have seen done with a 20 tonne excavator clearing fence lines much better than a blade.

the other way is the old reliable chainsaw and burn the stumps out.

Hi All,
One way not to abuse a dozer is to have lots of wind and the ground very very wet.

 

 

 

This happen on Friday

and no Dozer involved

regards

Oh no Daryl! Is this your place? How did the house fare? Not stormy here in southern BC last week in comparison. I thought it was with maybe 60mm rain and wind enough to leave a few branches on the ground but nothing like that mess!

Nathan

neil wrote:

Good stuff you guys. Deas, if one doesn't have a tilt blade, is the approach to cut across 90 degrees to the angle you want to push the tree over to cut the roots, then fill it back in in order to be able to push?  Yes Neil that would be the correct way to do it. I cut three sides leaving the side opposite of where I am. My thoughts are that will keep it from coming back at me. 

This topic is about the way this guy was just beating the crap out of that D7, not how to take a tree down or whatever.

I could not believe he did not throw his tracks-