John Deere 1025R: I am root

I test and review the BXpanded Ripper on my 260B Backhoe. After unboxing and installing, I give it a whopper of a stump to try and cut through

[@doughoist]

The best way to dig a stump out is to not cut down the tree. You dig all around the stump and push it over. The height of the tree becomes leverage to pull the whole stump out of the ground. Cutting the tree first just makes removing the stump that much harder.

[@rodneyjordan6745]

That makes a ton of sense .

[@cosmosbandit4807]

That's brilliant!!! @@rodneyjordan6745

[@WadeMD]

My dad used to put a come along cable as high as he could reach, then keep watering the root system, then winch the cable, until the tree just toppled. Took about a week but no roots left

[@musicbme]

For cutting tree roots I use my Dewalt cordless saw with a Diablo 12" pruning blade which can be used in the ground to cut roots. It is carbide with deep gullets, very aggressive and works well.

[@nanomaine]

I use a Makita reciprocating saw with demolition blades, to cut roots. I use the pruning blades on trees and branches.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Just ordered one of those blades. Thanks!

[@nanomaine]

I like the Freud & Diablo blades; I think they are the same company.

[@Platinum1812]

Bosch 12 in pruning blades have worked great for me on pruning some really large branches. Haven't tried them on roots. I use the teeth of my backhoe bucket to break large roots. Breaks them apart piece by piece, and they came included with the tractor.

[@troyeager8877]

I still don't have a tractor. But I appreciate all the information from you and comments. It's the purpose of you tube to help each other grow in knowledge and making life easier.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I know I learn a lot from people who watch and comment.

[@TheSmalljob]

I have one of those and have used it for a couple of years. It has its place. They are fabulous for shrubs and older stumps. I have taken out some fair size birch stumps just with the ripper and not used a bucket at all. And like you already mentioned you would need to be much further away from the base to make it more effective. The advantage to using it with shrubs around the house is you don't need to remove all that material. It makes cleanup much easier.

[@timsawyer7443]

I love your vids, and have a passing interest in the backhoe blade, but TBO I really came here to show my appreciation for the clever "I am root" reference! Awesome! 🤣

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I appreciate that!

[@garrimic3]

I absolutely love doing yard work. Whether cutting grass, gardening or using my 1025R. I am in agreement with you. Spend 2,5,7 or more hours on the tractor is like therapy or is for me anyways.

[@Bob-vb8lc]

I ordered the ripper last week. While it's a 4 to 6 week wait, I can't wait for it to arrive. Thank you for the video (all of your videos). I do appreciate the real usage instead of a commercialized version. Thank everyone for your comments also.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I appreciate all the comments on my videos. There is so much experience out there and great advice!

[@mrgoodwrench1103]

Great video showing the 260B Backhoe. Your comments at the start were spot on. It'll get the job done but patience is the key. Looking forward to Part 2 and what your admitted " something stupid " turns out to be. I think that's why I enjoy your videos so much because you're not afraid to admit or show your mistakes. We all make our fair share. :-) Have a great day.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Thanks again for watching!

[@jimmiller6328]

Thanks for another great video. That is a badass looking attachment👍

[@oliverorange550]

Nice in-depth look at the tool. A lot better than my bucket. Stay safe.

[@brianbourdeau4044]

I absolutely love my Ripper from BXpanded. Its so versatile, used it for removing culverts, picking up branches.

[@AskDaddyjoe]

It looks like your having a lot of fun and most certainly getting the most out of the Deere

[@peacefieldfarm_mn]

BXpanded does sell good quality stuff. I bought a bucket attached snow blade from them. However I found the Instructions woefully lacking. Anyway the plow worked fine, after I figured out how to get it on! Great video Tom! I enjoyed your through review and comments. Can't wait for the next installment! Cheers!

[@cashxx]

That ripper and the quick attach is worth it! I bought the 6" bucket as well and haven't used it yet. Also bought the mechanical thumb from them and it works good!

[@nanomaine]

Thank you for another good vid. I use a Makita reciprocating saw with demolition blades, to cut roots. Weakening the roots first, would definitely help the ripper.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Thanks for sharing

[@btan4209]

I have the ripper, trench bucket and the quick change. Really like all 3. That said there is no perfect tool answer because every stump is different. With the ripper I usually start out further from the stump. Once you cut a root say 4’ out then you have leverage (movement ) as you work your way to the stump. Trading time for physical labor. Stump removal is a game of force and angles. I do use my sawzall with a carbide blade. Great video, love your projects.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Thanks for the info and for watching, Tom

[@geraldhaury4199]

I have a Bxpanded trenching bucket. When I am changing them out, I always set the bucket that I am installing on the ground and then lower the dipper stick to the attachment point. That way I don't have to hold the bucket while replacing the pins.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Appreciate that advice. Thanks for taking the time, I enjoy learning from the comments.

[@MisterEberger]

My son has a loose molar. Same advice, keep at it and it'll go. Nice job

[@rickflock7400]

I have the ripper and quick connect on my Kubota BX25. I have found the best way to dig up big stumps is to rip the ground around the stump. Start close to the stump and work your way out until you can break the root. Put on the bucket after the ground is lose to clear the area. Dig around the stump until you can push over the stump. I made a sideways claw to dig under the stump once the hole is a few feet deep. The claw connects to the backhoe quick connect. Once you get an elevated center of gravity, the stump will snap at the tap root with a little assistance from the backhoe. The big stumps need an assortment of attachments. This of course adds to the fun!

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Once you get so deep, undermining the dirt directly under the stump is my biggest hang up. Curious what your claw looks like. Take Care, Tom

[@rickflock7400]

I will take some pictures this weekend and and share.

[@rickflock7400]

I took a photo, but I am not sure how to upload it on utube under the remarks?

[@toddsmith3002]

Brother, Keep the videos coming ! I have a 2014 JD1025R with the 260 hoe. bought the Ripper, Trench bucket and the Quick attach option all together years ago. They are great with no issues other than the spacers. Never miss those spacers and the change over is done in seconds. Currently in a drop Retirement plan with 2 years to go IAFF L830 Thanks.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Two years are going to go fast. Does the trencher bucket get jammed with dirt? Thanks for watching, Tom

[@toddsmith3002]

@@ataleofthreecabins1025 Trencher bucket is not the best with soft mud / damp soil, but good with dry dirt.

[@07dodgeman68]

The ripper is excellent I'm rilley happy with the performance of mine the quick contact is a must it's well worth the money

[@rodbagley1686]

Only took me 12 hours to dig out my first big stump. New tractor new operator. Had fun and learned a lot. The second stump only took 3.5 hours. Operator skills made a big difference. At first I didn't know which way the backhoe was going to go when a pulled the control. Or lack of control in my case.

[@mrfixitm3345]

I have history with this company and regret purchasing the quick change but the root ripper had served me well as I tore out 2 stumps that measured 46" across the last cut about 5" off the ground. Yes I tore out 2 of these massive stumps with the 1025r it is a tiny beast of a machine. The 2 trees that we took down were maples that were over 75' tall and when the stumps came out I was able to stand them up and flip them over with the mighty little 1025r. When stood up with the widest part of the root system going vertical they were over 6' tall. The website now has disclaimers on there because of me and the issues I ran into with this quick change which is far to over priced. I had to shave down welds on my factory bucket to get the pins to fit, you have to make sure to extend the second boom out to curl in or out otherwise you will damage the first boom arm, as the bucket/attachment drifts down while sitting it will hit the first boom or if you are just driving around and it drifts down your attachment will be banging off of the underside of the first boom, and it noticeably reduces curling power in the way it changes the geometry. With the issues I have had with the company and their absolutely absurd lead times I will never spend money with them again nor will I recommend them.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Kinda wish I saw this post about 10 days ago. I had some paypal money form ebay auction and used it to get the quick change. I will watch out for the issues you mentioned. Thanks, Tom

[@pondacres]

Those are interesting points Mrfixit, thx.

[@TimsLJ]

Love my ripper, I opted for the quick attach and aside from the long wait and a minor imperfection in the pin (which they replaced no questions asked) from BXpanded I am quite pleased with the combination. I switch mine out alot for smaller trees throughout the property. Honestly it sort of pained me to watch the install of the ripper process knowing it would have to be repeated to put bucket back on.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Yes, I think they should offer the quick attach at a discount if you buy both or some sort of combo deal. Down the road I maybe looking at the trencher bucket so the quick attach is a given.

[@ClearCreekCabinMiniFarm]

Like the music you chose for this...

[@chrisschneider1653]

Stick the ripper straight down to the root and just swipe the tip of the ripper across the top of the root. Lower about 1/2" at a time.

[@Leo-fk9ch]

I ended up fabricating a ripper after using a prefab one for the removal of several large scrub oak root balls. I fabled mine out of half inch steel stock, the profile similar to what’s shown in this video. Main difference is mine has no teeth, rather it has a sharpened edge .. very sharp. I personally feel the saw tooth feature is useless. The sharp edge cuts through roots easily using my TH820 Kubota BH.

[@pondacres]

Hi, this is a useful review, thanks. I'm debating getting the ripper (and if so, also the quick-change) to help dig out 4 establish trees for transplanting, using it to free up the root balls. After watching the vid, I'm thinking I'm better off just using my recip saw.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

If you don't mind going through a few blades and getting off the tractor no worries there. I try to stay in that seat as much as I can and probably shouldn't.

[@alittleofthisandalittleofthat]

The ripper looks great wish I had one, but have yourself a reciprocating saw to cut those big roots.

[@ku4nz]

Not sure I would get the ripper. Thanks for review.

[@ryanwoodruff908]

Never put your finger in the hole when lining up pins or washers, use your broom handle or a pin driver, if you move the bucket or ripper and the pin were to come out of the other side the weight of the attachment would come down on your finger in the hole. Also easier if you set a pallet or flat pile wood down to set attachments on beside the work area. Set them level and flat before removing pins so you don’t have to hold them up to remove the pins. Good video tho !

[@barakl9]

I’ve been looking at that ripper for awhile now and wasn’t really sold on its effectiveness, I’m still not sure. Lol. I look forward to the next video!

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Definitely need the quick attach with it, which more than doubles the price.

[@jeffherndon]

FYI I used to use a carbide saw saw blade as mentioned before, then I bought a carbide chain saw blade which works great, then I said screw it and bought a Quick Attach stump grinder. I took out a 40” sweet gum stump with the grinder and all the roots out to about a 10’ radius in about 6 hours. I was probably 2 feet below grade so I got all of the stump. I wanted to expand the garden where the stump was so I needed to till over it and the roots had to go to. A couple of the roots were probably a foot in diameter. FYI I have a JD 2038R. FYI I tried soaking the stump with kerosene and burning it out but it would not light. It had been several years since the tree was cut too. I tried a torch and got that stump white hot but it just would not burn.

[@nebojsabrankovic4931]

Nedelju Dana SI vadio sigurno ovaj panj😉

[@butchrenner5862]

I used it for a trench for conduit

[@reggydunlop5770]

I'd start out much further away from tge stump, roots are much smaller. I'm on the fence for a ripper and still not convinced if i factor in changeover time.

[@PoisonShot20]

And why it hits the arm frame and not the soper braket? Made for Kubota? BX on the name. Just wonder. The stoper bracket need to be a 1/2" wider.

[@benc.7446]

Nice video. You have it on correctly, it will hit without the quick attach adapter.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Thanks for the info! Looks like the quick attach is should just be standard, too bad they don't offer a combo price.

[@1kmlarose]

I noticed you did not put any pins back in, wondering why not. Just an observation unless I missed something. Otherwise I enjoy your videos very much. Have an awesome day!

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I put them back, just wanted to keep the video moving.

[@kurtvance1320]

Looks like you haven't changed a backhoe bucket very many times. Put the top pin in first and let the bucket hang it will make the bottom pin a whole lot easier. Move farther away from the base of the tree the roots will be smaller and easier to rip. I leave the tree hole and use the trees weight to push it over after I have dug and ripped the roots. 👍

[@rogerreed2620]

I think I would grind the teeth on the sides to make more pointed. Sharper. Might help to go out a little bit more away from stump.

[@wildandliving1925]

I did that then bought a stump grinder... 28 stumps went screw it 2 back hoe teeth on 2 of them was 200 bucks to replace grinder 3k so made sense

[@timsawyer7443]

OK, now about the (really excellent, BTW) video itself, and the blade... I really look forward to reading comments from folks who have this blade, because pretty much the whole time I was watching I was thinking "surely a cordless recip saw (sawzall) would be faster and easier, and would ultimately do a better job". Am I wrong? Also, what's the reasoning for pulling out the whole stump vs cutting off the trunk really low and grinding the stump to below ground level (besides maybe just not owning a stump grinder)? I'm not saying one is better, or "if you were smart you'd..." like some folks do (drives me crazy!) -- I'm honestly asking what are the benefits of one over the other. Thanks!

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I did do a video about 18 months ago with a grinder. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZPFkH2aptOkoqM For that I had about 25 to 30 stumps of various sizes to get rid of so that was worth the rental and time to pick up and drop off. Pros of a grinder: quicker, leaves you with just wood chips, worth the rental for multiple stumps or splitting with a neighbor. Cons: pick up, drop off, cost, may need 2 people. For me I have the backhoe, I can do it on my own time, walk away, comeback tomorrow, it sharpens my operating skills, and it's fun. The biggest drawback for me is disposing of a large dirt infested hunk of a stump. I usually burn them. Take Care,Tom

[@timsawyer7443]

@@ataleofthreecabins1025 so often when I ask for tips or opinions, pros and cons, etc., folks don't "get" what I'm asking. (But of course that may just be me -- lol!) Thanks for "getting it", and for your experience-based insights. That's how your followers can really learn! Great job, as always!

[@markdickert3604]

You needed a spud bar to help line up the holes.

[@billfenner7084]

I think that if you had the quick attachment it would be a big futher from the arm on your backhoe.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I did add one in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqGVepx6i9GEq80

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

I envy you being retired with time to test new tools. Next week's vid should also be fun to watch.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Believe it or not is was an adjustment and I'm still getting use to it. Next week definitely put the 1025R to the test.

[@junkzombiesllc3259]

Think i Sawzall would work better and easier. This way you dont have to take off the bucket and put it back on. But i can see where this would come in handy if you had to use it.

[@genedameier8746]

Mother Nature can be stubborn when she wants to be.

[@tacomafan7488]

Sawzall great for it and cheaper

[@therabbitnews9362]

How about grinder. Isn't it faster and easier?

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

I did rent a grinder about 18 months ago for the day. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZPFkH2aptOkoqM I had about 25 to 30 various size stumps to remove. Now I have an occasional tree that needs cut down and already having the backhoe makes it more convenient on my time. May if I could split the rental with a neighbor, but that is more coordinating to do. With a grinder you only have wood chips to deal with, but digging it out leaves a large dirt infested stump to discard (usually by burning). Long story short the grinder is quicker (might require 2 people), but already having the backhoe is easier on my pocket book. Take Care, Tom

[@ryan39584]

You need to be further away when using it for leverage

[@Curious_Skeptic]

Washer just not important IMHO. Leave it out next round. Save it for the bucket use.

[@edwardhegge6454]

I f. If you would put the top pin in first the bottom pin will go in a lot easier

[@ericmick6679]

Great for pulling out shrubs.

[@lesrose800]

Your trying to work to close to the stump

[@lesrose800]

Fit the main arm first

[@gregwitkamp5583]

a shovel, spade and axe

[@wildandliving1925]

Jig saw was faster

[@joerandall7949]

A bought a BXpanded bucket and had to send it back 2 times. Poorest quality I have ever seen. To not send it back a third time I will have to modify it myself.

[@ataleofthreecabins1025]

Was it the trencher bucket?

[@gregfinley7308]

Looks like a huge waste of time and money to me....

[@kevinstoner7923]

Looks like you wasted 238dollars fool.