There are many reasons that you may want to move a tree stump from your own yard. Tree stumps could cause a safety hazard or just look unsightly on your perfectly manicured lawn. Or perhaps it’s a task you often face on a construction site where you work. The easiest way to achieve this is by using an excavator.
You can hire an excavator or look for an excavator for sale if you know this is a task you may do often. Just remember to get one appropriate for the size of the job. There may be a mini excavator for sale in your area, which is the best machine for the job thanks to durability and versatility.
In this article, we will look at the best way to remove a tree stump, so you can get on with gardening or building.
Step by Step Instructions
Once you have secured the excavator you’re going to use, you need to transport it to the tree stump. This can be done by using a flatbed trailer. Park the trailer where you have enough room to manoeuvre and ensure that it won’t interfere with traffic or pedestrians.
This is not a one-man operation! It’s important to have someone to assist you at all times. One of you will need to operate the excavator while the other will act as a guide. Follow these step-by-step instructions below:
- Dig up the soil around where the stump needs to be removed.
- Remove any visible roots that you can see above the ground.
- Remove loose rocks, dirt and other debris from the area and dispose of them correctly.
- Use a chainsaw to remove the larger pieces of the tree and any branches that are still attached.
- Use the boom and bucket control to dig around the sides of the tree stump.
- Next, use the excavator to rock the tree stump back and forth to loosen it from the ground. You will need to do this a few times before you see any real progress. Approach the tree stump from different angles, trying to rock it until you see signs of movement.
- Once the stump is loose enough, carefully put the excavator bucket under the stump. Then lift it slowly to avoid making the machine tip over.
- Using the excavator’s backhoe boom lift capacity, lift the stump out of the hole and dispose of it.
- The stump may come out in multiple pieces. Repeat this process until the entire tree stump has been removed.
Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
Operating heavy machinery of any kind can be dangerous, so it’s important to approach the situation safely:
- Plan ahead: Make sure you know the layout of the land. Mark where the utility lines are and be sure to avoid them.
- Use markers: Use red flags and markers to indicate power and water lines as well as any other potential risk areas.
- Be aware of space: Make sure that you have enough room to move the equipment around safely.
- Safety first: Ensure that you use the safety equipment that is recommended such as hard hats and noise-cancelling headphones.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Look out for falling debris and other potential hazards. Check the work area for pedestrians and pets before starting the work.
A Little Research Goes A Long Way
Make this task easier on yourself by gathering as much information beforehand as possible:
- What type of tree stump are you removing? This will help you determine how deep the root system goes and what type and size of Kubota excavator for sale or hire you need to look for.
- Find the path the roots have grown to ensure you don’t only remove the surface roots.
- Is there a concrete structure that the roots may be under? If so, you may need to dig up part of it as part of the process.
- What are you going to do with the tree stump once it has been removed? This determines whether you need a dump truck or place to burn debris.
Using a mini excavator to remove the tree stump can be complicated, especially if you have never used an excavator before. For the best results, you should talk to a Kubota excavator dealer like Supergroups for expert advice and assistance. We help you simplify your projects.
Contact us on (03) 9702 3999 or email
