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First off, I know a tree would be good forage but this is too large for the size of my pond.

I've got a largish tree that has fallen into my pond from the shore (right on the shoreline--I cut it off right after it fell so it's totally in the water but very close)). It's about 1 foot in diameter and probably 30-40 feet tall. So it's not huge but it's not small. It's been in there since last fall so I'm sure it hasn't gotten any lighter.

Has anyone undertaken removing a tree from a pond and can you offer up any advice? I don't know if a skid loader is going to be able to lift any of the tree or not--honestly it seems like a bad idea getting a skid loader close enough to the shoreline to do anything. Ideally if there's anything that can be done without heavy equipment, it'd be great but I'm not sure the best way to tackle this.

Thanks

Last edited by TSK; 05/03/15 09:37 AM.

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Do you, or a neighbor have a farm tractor? I took one out about that size two years ago. I removed it right away, which did make it float somewhat. Terrain makes a difference. Is Grade at edge of pond uphill? Room to get a tractor there? Anything around to attach a come-along to? Pulleys and block-n-tackle can do wonders sometimes in these scenarios. Is the butt of the log down a ledge in the water, or is it at least on the shoreline? Pics?

Word of caution- I wouldn't go into the water to cut it. The possibility of being pinched/caught underneath when it separates isn't worth it. Hard to see everything under water like you can normally. I would try to pull some of it up onto the shoreline, then cut off a chunk at a time till you have the power to pull the whole thing out.

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Can you get a chain around it, and get enough length to hook to a tractor or loader on solid ground where they can get a firm purchase?

I totally agree on removing it right away. Before it sinks into the sediment, and vegetation begins to grow on it, making it a lot harder to pull out.

Is it a shallow slope where it fell, or is there a ledge the tree has to come up and over first? Maybe cut some smaller logs to use as rollers?


"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.
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I've cut a fallen tree into smaller pieces while in the water.

I first tied my cord off at various lengths and secured each to a post on land. Then I tied the last two lengths in the deepest part of water to inflatable rafts - I didn't want the trunks left in the pond, I wanted them out, and they were not sitting flat on the bottom due to a couple branches.

Then I used a hand saw and sawed that bugger at the premarked lengths. Note that I had cords at each end of cut sections, so two cords per section. In this way it was easy to maneuver the trunks in the water. I had no real obstacles in the water preventing me from turning the trunks or pulling toward shore. Also, the rafts definitely helped me.

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I've attached some shots I took on my phone. I don't know if it helps much. I can try to take some more tomorrow if you want to see the length of the tree, etc but I'm guessing the important part is the shoreline. What I was trying to show was the drop from shore but I don't know if it shows. The shoreline drops about 18" immediately to the bottom of the pond.

I do have access to a tractor. I also will have a landscaper at the house in about a month but I'm not sure what equipment he'll be bringing. I'm also assuming the tree has gone down into the muck enough already to be a pain in the rump.

If I got the tractor, do you think I can lift the trunk straight up, put a log under and use that to roll/slide it onto shore a bit? I'm just mildly worried about adding a picture to that thread with all the tractors in the water for one smile.

Attached Images
tree 1.jpg tree 3.jpg tree 6.jpg
Last edited by TSK; 05/03/15 10:58 PM.

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I chain trees this size to my Tundra and pull them up steep slopes routinely and a few out of the water [they were smaller than this, though]. Never had issues before - I just go slow and steady.


Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau

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A 4x4 tractor with a boom would be ideal. That, or a Ford 4x4 and put it in 4L. A Chevy would never work. smile

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I would get a 10' log chain, back the tractor down off to one side of the tree, not directly in line with it, (to allow it to go to one side or the other of the stump), and pull it out.

If you had 4WD tractor with a FEL, you might be able to use the loader to lift the tree a few inches and back it up onto shore.


"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.
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To add a bit more on the good advice already given.

If the log chain don't work initially like Spark says, there is an added bonus to try. If you know log chain, you can take the slip hook and place it in such a position on the log that when you pull, it will try to rotate the trunk. Sometimes this will help break it free by giving it an added umpf.

Is there a another tree overhead to give the trunk some lift before pulling?

Another trick might be to tie a chain from the butt to another large tree. The tighter the better. Then hook a second chain to that chain, and pull sideways. You wont be able pull far, but you increase pulling strength for a split second that may break it free from the muck.

As you know, the big obstacle will be getting over that ledge. That's where it will hang up the worse, possibly flipping the tractor. Carefull at that point. Might slide/prop something flat underneath it act as a ramp? Or dig a spot on the edge as a ramp if needed, lots more work.

Easiest is to get an oversized tractor and go wink

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If you know anyone with a tractor with a bucket on it I would use that. I would get as close to the water as you safely can, put a chain around that tree and attach the other end of the chain to the bucket. Lift that bucket as high as it will go and just back up. It should come right out.

If you fail at that for some reason you might be able to wade out in the pond and get a chain around the tree closer to the top. Then you might be able to spin it around and get it so its parallel to the shore line, up in real shallow water. At that point, you can put several chains or heavy ropes to it and get a couple buddies with trucks to pull it out like a team of oxen.

I don't think you will have any problems with the first method though. I think that it will come right out if you try the tractor.

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Based on the pics., I would just choke a chain around and pull it out with my truck. No need to get the tractor out.

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If you end up using the tractor and FEL method, I would lower the bucket until it almost touched the tree then chain it up. You don't want to have to lift the bucket any higher than necessary.

I agree that a pickup might pull it out, and if that's all I had I would probably try it myself, but this is a job tailor made for a tractor. Just above idle, and let the torque and gearing work for you....slowly, and controllably.


"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.
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I don't think I would waste the Diesel on fudging around with a small tree hooked up to the FEL. Tie a choker and pull the whole darn thing out in a few seconds. That's not a big tree wink

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Hook on to it and snatch that thing out with the tractor

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I suppose there are lots of ways to skin that cat. I'm just too stubborn not to use what I feel is the most appropriate tool for the job. If I'm using an adjustable wrench to tighten a plumbing union, I won't use it to try and remove a set of lawnmower blades on the next job simply because I happened to already be holding it in my hand....I have the correct tools for that job. grin

If that were my pond, I would nose the old 1958, 801 Powermaster down as close as I could, and chain that log to the front of the tractor. I wouldn't worry about lifting it at all....that tractor doesn't even have a FEL on it... then I would ease the clutch out in reverse, about 1/3 throttle, and gage the resistance. I'm betting it would walk it right out. If not, then get the tractor with the FEL.

Sure pickups will pull. Happens every day, and sometimes we use what we have available. But tractors were MADE to pull. Right tool for the job. wink


(I'm thinking we need a thread that discusses the various items that members consider indispensable for country living....)


Last edited by sprkplug; 05/04/15 08:23 PM.

"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.
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One word TRACTOR

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Since we are offerring up ideas....I would leave it as structure but that's me. I dun swim in the pond or go water skiing. I just fish. I could see that trunk as a great place for a nice bass to hang around and those branches as a great place to hold smaller fish. smile


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Probably would not be an issue for anyone.

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They do make a good hiding/ ambush spot

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The Kubota is nice for what it is, but I would be afraid of breaking something. For the same money, I could have gotten a bigger tractor without all the bells and whistles. I wish I did that.

Last edited by JKB; 05/06/15 03:52 AM.
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I suppose I'm old school in that I don't own a 4WD tractor, a diesel tractor, or a FEL. I would like to change that one day, however.

I have the 801, and Big Allis....a 1940 Allis Chalmers model "B" The Ford isn't a utility tractor, it's a farm tractor. Rated for 3-14's in our soil, and more importantly, capable of enduring that load for as many hours in the day that the farmer could stand it. She has the weight and the torque to get it done.

Big Allis is now relegated to handling a 5' finish mower only. Counting the four plug wires, there is a grand total of 9 wires on the tractor...including two battery cables. She sits outside year-round, in the rain and snow, with her vertical exhaust uncovered. This past Saturday I put the battery charger on her, added fuel, and hit the starter. Two revolutions and she was running. She has magneto ignition and a crank starter also. If the battery is dead, and I'm feeling adventurous, I can pull her through and off she goes.

I used to feel bad at how I treat her, but now I realize that she probably looks at it the same way I do...it's a badge of honor, kind of thing. 75 years old, and still going strong. Mows every week.


"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.
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Right there with you Sparkie. Growing up on the farm in the 60's we had an Allis WD, a Farmall M, a Deere H and a Ford Jubilee...we got er done!...I think my knee problem today is probably from the hand clutch on that WD wacking me!

I would love to have that Jubilee today!

As I recall, the Allis had a hand crank stored on the fender you could use to start her up if you were man enough!

Last edited by Bill D.; 05/04/15 09:23 PM.

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There is hardly a day goes by that I'm not handling logs of some sort. Comes with my territory. People are bringing logs in with their trucks all the time. I have seen smashed windows, pulled off bumpers, broken axles, and knocked down tailgates that will never close again.... all in the name of "I got a tough truck" or "was in a hurry". With handling logs, I would say the average is one out of ten end up with damage that will be costly to fix. I don't have that kind of money to just take a chance, especially if there are better options.

I also know many that have been in/around accidents from pulling. One death(flipped over and burned him up), another pinned and by himself for hours(never will recover), and so on. Work smart....

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Pull it from the side first to get it away from the stump and broke loose. Hook something to it you think will pull it out and try. If it does not come out, get something bigger. If that doesn't do it, call a wrecker.

If available, a snatch block and dead man tree will double your pulling power. Or more, depending on pulley arrangement.

Last edited by snrub; 05/04/15 09:50 PM.

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Good points. I forget that everyone is not experienced in such things. Nylon tow ropes kill a farmer about every year. Clevis or hitch breaks and goes through back windshield.

Newer non nylon limited recoil ropes are safer but not fool proof.

Hook to drawbar only on tractors.

Last edited by snrub; 05/04/15 09:58 PM.

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