Mini Excavator VS Massive Stump. Is It Even Possible?

Is it even possible to dig this huge stump with my machine? This is a 200 year old beech stump. I took down the tree in my last video, and now it's time to tackle this beast.
Common questions:
Why didn't I turn the bucket around? I didn't think I would be able to dig under far enough, but I wish I had tried it. Next time!
Why didn't I bury the stump? As it rots, it would have caused a sinkhole in the yard.
Why didn't I blow up it? I have to admit, that would have been awesome, but being so close to my house maybe not the best idea. I know it can be done safely, but I have zero experience with that.
Why didn't I burn it? I've done that before. I wanted to try digging it. I knew it would be a challenge but I thought I could manage.
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[@tutekohe1361]

I work in the Logging industry here in New Zealand and over the course of the years, I have dug out thousands of tree stumps, many as big or bigger than your one. I had the benefit of using a much bigger machine, usually 30t plus excavators. I use a grapple, which allows me to dig under the stump, I can also dig the dirt out of the roots, as well as grab and lift the root ‘ball’ and place it out of the way afterwards. You did really well considering how small your Excavator is, and the size of the stump. Great video, I always look forward to you publishing, I know it’s going to be a good hour of entertainment.

[@theobserver9131]

I've never had anything more than a shovel and a chainsaw. Usually not even a chainsaw, because I don't like ruining my chains in the dirt, so I use a reciprocating saw. I know that would not fly in the lumber industry. I don't do that crap anymore. I've beat the hell out of my back.

[@duanenelson3202]

@@theobserver9131 a

[@TokyoCraftsman]

Of course you can get it out with that medium excavator. My Great Grandfather cleared 25 acres of land to farm on when he homesteaded in the interior of British Columbia. He had axes, pickaxes shovels, handsaws, chain and an ox, oh and he only had daughters, but they cleared the land and farmed it. I’m always amazed at how good our modern machines are. Cheers from Tokyo!

[@michaelgoss]

I was half expecting you to convert your dump truck's axle into a lathe and turn the stump into a massive bowl. Sorry if I spoiled next week's video 😂 Huge fan of the channel! Keep it up!

[@jameskim62]

Me Toooooo !!!!!

[@ronaldbarron6712]

Your next machine needs to be a Skid stear

[@stripedcollar335]

Very funny

[@InservioLetum]

I actually like this idea, zany though it may sound :D

[@tallswede80]

wood turning is extremely homo

[@billfear1]

Who would think that watching the removal of a tree stump could be so entertaining! We saw the battle, the solutions to problems overcome by any means, 2 excavators in tandem, the failures, even the repair of a leaking hydraulic connector! This man is a true farmer in every sense, fix and overcome anything. I take my hat off to you sir, great upload, more of this please!

[@onthefritzfarm7858]

I grew up on a 1400 acre cotton farm. Most of the farmers I know including us, would have loosened it up with dynamite. Probably tannerite these days. It would have also made for good video.

[@FarmCraft101]

This was quite a battle, I hope you guys enjoyed it! I have a HUGE project that I have been working on for the past year, and that will be next week's video. A massive THANK YOU to all the folks helping to support the channel! You are making it possible for me to put in the hours required to make good KZbin content, and I hope to continue being able to do just that far into the future! (About 20 hours of editing time in this one...yikes. Next week's will be much more than that.) Have an awesome weekend everybody! Why didn't I turn the bucket around? I didn't think I would be able to dig out far enough, but I wish I had tried it. Next time! Why didn't I bury the stump? As it rots, it would have caused a sinkhole in the yard. Why didn't I blow up it? I have to admit, that would have been awesome, but being so close to my house maybe not the best idea. Why didn't I burn it? I've done that before. I wanted to try digging it. I knew it would be a challenge but I thought I could manage.

[@Mongo63a]

When does the bulldozer get bought? You need to get a hydraulic parts distributor to sponsor you.

[@charles1075]

I am really surprised tannerite was not used during the removal

[@justencase1523]

The question to ask is did I have fun? You seam to be enjoying it. I do. Thanks.

[@patrickd9551]

I always enjoy your material, the attention for detail and low key dad jokes are just perfect. Nothing too obnoxious. But mainly filled with handy farmer tips. Maybe this one was a little bit too long for some, but for me, just fine. You sir, are an inspiration.

[@FrankTheTank417]

Make sure to make videos of you fixing those track adjusters and anything else u fix. I love learning and just seeing the process. It’s relaxing to me somehow. Your channel has helped me get through my Leukemia these past 3 years. So thanks for that.

[@CobetcknnKolowski]

I think what really makes this superb instead of just great is the editing, the seal pictures are always a treat and the "Stump" taunting you is just next level!

[@LivingOnWheels]

This might be one of those "oh...Duh" moments haha but most excavator buckets can put on in reverse for a "shoveling" mode. This would allow you to dig in front of you under the stump instead of having to reach all the way behind it. Love your problem solving creativity though! I would love to end up with your broad range of knowledge and problem solving skills one day.

[@supernaturalsoul19]

That's what I thought to lol.

[@justencase1523]

Some machine disconnects do not allow the bucket to be put on backwards. My machines do not allow it, The problem when you put a bucket on backwards is the curl around into your push cylinder and damage them. (VERY EXPENSIVE!!) When you purchase a quick disconnect that allows you to put the bucket on backwards, you loose break away force. So I have never really bought one. I would have kept the tree 20 feet tall dug out the front of it then pushed it over and used the leverage to pop out the stump.

[@supernaturalsoul19]

@@justencase1523 His machine already has the quick connect for his bucket. I do understand what your saying though I'm not sure the set up on his will allow the bucket to curl that far till it hits the cylinder. Never know unless he tries it lol

[@klapiroska4714]

@@justencase1523 Based on my limited experience (I loaned a very similar excavator for a couple months for larger construction project) it is possible to put the bucket backwards. It should be noted that in the machine I had, the bucket had to be dismounted manually (no hydraulics, but a screw tightening a wedge). I did mount the bucket backwards first by accident, and later on purpose because I couldn't reach the place I wanted to otherwise. For this machine, I didn't have to worry about the bucket hitting the cylinder, but since the cylinder is unprotected, I had to be real careful that I don't hit anything with it (wether it's inside or outside the bucket). Later I've paid more attention to how the buckets are mounted in other construction sites, and I noted that mounting the bucket backwards seems to be somewhat common practice in cable/utility works in built up areas (probably about reachability when working in tight spaces). The downside with backwards mounted bucket (besides increased risk to damage a cylinder) is that you cannot see as well what you are digging (as the bucket blocks your vision). However, it's not that big of a deal as there are many other situations where you don't directly see what you are doing, but have to rely on other clues on what's happening.

[@netts2315]

@@klapiroska4714 Are you Finnish? Based on your name you are? Btw not to be rude but how do you accidentally mount the bucket backwards xd

[@billzech4337]

Just a note to tell you that I think you are an excellent teacher……concise,clear and succinct.Thanks….

[@andymora5595]

I also had a big stump in my garden. First I tried it with removing ground and roots all around it - but as I tried to pull it out with a chain host which was connected to the blade of exevacator (only 1 Ton, Yanmar SV08), the execatator was moving as I used chain host.... then I used a high pressure washer device and removed all ground around it and below the stump. I also used a shovel and hatchet. Then it was moving... wonderful. the stump was around 300kgs I think. But I did it completely alone on 3 evenings over the week. I love such work. Greets from germany.

[@zachteeple8491]

That stump would make a cool table top it would be a lot of work but could be fun too!

[@Doompety]

I love that you prefer fixing something than just buying new/used. Always interested in learning more about the little stuff of how stuff works.

[@mcjok88]

Fantastic without the muzak. Love to hear the machine and you doing the work on the sped up parts. Thank you.

[@jessiemae6873]

I worked at local CO-OP grain elevators for over 22 years. I learned there were two absolute givens. One, the company pickup was always out of gas. And two, the grease gun was always out of grease. In 22 years, these never failed. Great video!

[@artemiasalina1860]

You reminded me of the time I worked at a place where two shifts would use the same fleet of trucks. Two guys on different shifts, one really tall and the other really short, were assigned the same truck (I was just a shop steward and had no control over assignments). Each shift the guys would adjust the seat to suit them, and after a while one guy started complaining to me about the other guy leaving the seat the way he'd adjusted it at the end of the shift, saying that he should adjust it back. I asked the guy if he did that himself and he said "no." So I said to be fair, if he wanted the other guy to adjust the seat back then he would have to also, so they'd both be doing the same amount of seat adjusting every shift, only at the end of the shift instead of the beginning. The guy just looked at me, thinking for a minute, and then walked away shaking his head. He never complained about it again. It was a real King Solomon moment for me. 😆

[@linmal2242]

@@artemiasalina1860 Was he just too dumb to get it?

[@Watchyn_Yarwood]

@@artemiasalina1860 Very similar to the the toilet seat conundrum. Man should be allowed to leave the seat up after raising it resulting in only one action. The woman should put it down and leave it down resulting in only one action. This levels the playing field to one action per urinary event per person.

[@MichaelMantion]

Its best to buy multiple grease guns use them up then fill them all at the same time.

[@h8GW]

@WRG True, but if woman left it up and and man left it down, it would be the same amount of work, but with less pissy-pants feelings later on, considering how bathroom use is often an urgent issue. That's what cooperation's all about.

[@jimthode]

A successful job! However I think the trick you were missing is that if you were going to to remove the stump you should have removed it before you cut off the lever (tree). Maybe a little digging needed but with a line up 50 foot in the tree it would not take too much to pull the tree and stump over.

[@aerialrescuesolutions3277]

Well said.

[@garyhaines6632]

Hindsight is always 20/20

[@ctdieselnut]

Was going to comment the same. You'd be better off low cutting it after it's uprooted. Use the trunks leverage, higher the better.

[@theo1113miller]

At least by getting the stump into the woods the rhizome that underpins the woods should be able to speed it's decomposition

[@ChiefSlaya]

13:41 It's amazing to see these majestic creatures learning to use tools in the wild

[@tinydancer7426]

Yeah. Fun to see how prehistoric creatures figured out how and what tools to use.

[@garybonz]

Said the neighnors cow, looking on with delight !

[@joakimstrand5207]

As an operator I can say that alot of oversized problems are solved exacyly as you do. Scratch your head and mcGuyver it. The only thing I would suggest is to flip the bucket and go at it infront of you - but then we have the differences in the machines (I’m Swedish). We usually do not use thumbs and have a pincer at the knuckle instead. So the bucket-coupler and thumb might be the reason that wouldnt work in your situation. Love the videos btw. Just found your channel! The way you narrate and understand keypoints to film is on point! I laughed so hard in the tree-removal video when you said ”I cleaned it up using the mini but I wont bore you with that….. NOT”. It really shows how you understand your audience!

[@ShevillMathers]

Always enjoy seeing how others dig out big stumps with small machines. My approach number one is to drill a deep hole down the middle of the stump ready to insert one of those short sticks that make a deep thump when ignited, ideal in your location. Failing that, plunge cut from the stump centre and vertically saw towards the edges so that the stump can be split in half. If successful, there is a lot less work the machine has to do, and time spent. Also makes moving to a final resting place a lot easier. Greetings from down under.

[@alleyoop916]

Could you then process the stump (wood) and roots (again wood) and add them to the wood pile????

[@larannar123]

That was my thought,once he had dug out around the stump,use the chainsaw and make plunging cuts on both sides then split it in half with the excavator....💯💯👍

[@ShevillMathers]

@@larannar123 Just have to keep inside the trunk to avoid rocks that would be embedded in the root zone. I have done this sort of splitting, sometimes cut it into three, then pull it apart with the excavator.

[@nckmackay]

Here’s a trick that we use to excavate sheeting boxes when doing bridge footings. Put your bucket on backwards so that you can dig forward and still be able to see what your doing. Granted we use much larger machines and they have hydraulic couplers so it is easier the change the bucket around. You would be suppressed how handy it can be and really saves on the manual labor.

[@stephenvale2624]

An alternate solution for a future stump might be to burn it out. Chainsaw straight plunge cut down the center as deep as possible without getting to dirt. Then a second cut at 90 degrees making a cross. Then a plunge cut from the side as close to the bottom as possible to intersect the vertical cuts (at least one side cut...the more cuts the better). You now have made a chimney. Break up a bit of charcoal and partially fill the vertical cuts leaving an air passage. Add a bit of kerosene to the charcoal to help get it going and a match. Even if the stump is still wet/live wood, it will burn out in a couple of days. If it goes out, easy to restart as the stump opens up as it burns from the inside out. You can also add some of your burn pile to the top to help the chimney effect draw faster. The key is keeping the chimney effect going.

[@aarongaal8168]

It may have been mentioned below, but as someone who pulls out stumps for a living, I suggest getting the narrowest bucket you can find or a frost ripper. The more force you can apply to the smallest area will help you rip through the roots with far less wear and tear then a full size bucket. Please keep up your great work as your video’s are gold.

[@grizzlyrideemwet1698]

I normally leave a little more height for leverage when dealing with stumps with an excavator. But that stump is big enough that more height would just be more weight to move. To bust them loose I find curling the bucket against the ground (prying) rather than trying to lift with the boom gives more breakout force. Again you've hit a size that is challenging for that too.

[@roosterhunter6245]

Missed the opportunity on a gun powder experience. Blowin up stumps is always fun to watch!

[@TheHomePros6221]

What I’ve learned over the years is that you are much more prone to throwing tracks if your track is to tight, not just that it wears your idler and final drive bearings much sooner, I leave my tracks loose but not to loose and I seem to never throw tracks anymore, however at the end there your track seemed a little to loose 😆 can’t wait to see the repairs to it!!

[@davethekiwibloke]

In his case it looks like the track adjuster is leaking grease and the track is coming loose, the hydraulic ram probably needs resealing or replacing. Worn sprockets also cause you to throw tracks, easy to replace if you've already got the track off.

[@tonyjones678]

Maybe the old way would have been a bit faster,.An auger down the middle of the stump into the dirt. pack it with super phos and diesel, a det 3 weeks later. Pop dad cleared a lot of land on the farm doing that. Might seem to be a bit sketchy, so close to the house, but would have been fun to watch. Cheers bloke!!!!

[@markbrown6236]

Great content, love how you don't give up. The voice overs explain your thinking, I like them. Was wondering why you didn't reverse the bucket, but the rod worked well. When you showed the track coming off the first time, I saw the sprocket was worn. Looking forward to that video where you fix that.

[@Psychlist1972]

The angle iron trick was brilliant

[@hearttraveler1548]

Great video Trick for next time- leave most of the trunk on the stump, dig around the root wad, pile spoils next to trunk in direction of fall, pull tree over with chain or cable attached up the trunk, when the trunk hits the spoils pile, leverage will pull the root wad out of the ground, back fill hole, buck root wade that falls to ground level.

[@mikeschroer7829]

I use this method all the time. I rarely have to use a cable, just pushing it over works and you have a lot of control over where you can make it go over. In the wet season many times the entire tap root will come out from the lever action of the dirt piled up. Another alternative to digging it out or a stump grinder is mushroom spawn. Way less work and you get mushrooms to eat.

[@131dyana]

What a struggle. Glad you finally got it out of the hole. God bless.

[@charliefox3157]

Great job on getting the stump out and moved. It looked an Apollo capsule had landed in your front yard. Love your videos!

[@keepitsimpleson.withrogers7028]

Having dug out lots of stumps with an excavator about the same size. You did fine. What I do with stumps that size is make a ramp from both sides and push it out, the skid was a great idea

[@0ChanMan]

I was thinking the same thing. He's going to fill it in anyways, might as well drive in and push it out..

[@tcgrizz59]

You are so tenacious. I would have given up, cussed until I nearly blacked out, and stomped away like a little child. Love your channel.

[@libertyauto]

Wow, what a project. I just loved being along for each of the curveballs thrown at ya. Thanks man, for sharing it.

[@Itslvle]

I just busted out laughing when that countryside ingenuity of the angle iron came out. When you don't have all the fancy toys, you make do with what you've got. Gotta love it.

[@jeremiahdarling2767]

Hey I'm not sure it would work in this case but on our farm if you want to lift something and the forks aren't long enough to go beyond the halfway point we would put the forks in as far as they could and then wrap a chain around the back of the item. Hook it from the top of the fork rack around the back of the item and then back to the forks. Tilt the forks/bucket back to lift it. Works great for big items.

[@billroberts3864]

I am so glad you were not defeated by that stump. You must have felt victory over the stump finally being put in a final resting place. Good for you!!!

[@orangetruckman]

Something to think about for future times with heavy items- the closer the arm is to you, the more power it’ll have. I’ve carried incredibly heavy things, like boulders, by placing it on the blade and using the bucket to stabilize it. It’s a coordinated effort with keep pressure on the controls to balance and then travel to other spots. And a tip with throwing tracks…it happens 😑 keeping a close eye on dirt buildup near the final drives will help and reducing sharp turning with dirt piled in the tracks should help. Using the arm and pivoting the excavator vs making sharp turns helped lengthen track life significantly. DO NOT over tighten the tracks! That will prematurely stretch them out and then you’ll be throwing tracks all the time 🙄🤦🏼‍♂️ 😭

[@offgridsa2372]

Yes have to agree. I shifted two concrete pipes that are 6ft x 10ft or so with my vio 7.5 yanmar 8 ton machine and the pipes calculate out to about the same weight as the machine 8ton each. Shifted them both 300y or so. Rolling them up onto the blade and lifting as one. Not having a thumb and fitting a smaller bucket helped get some weight off the front

[@traveller9625]

you sure are persistent, that's why I like your channel

[@brucepickess8097]

Well you were certainly not "STUMPED" for ideas to get that monster out, great effort and entertaining video again. Well done, I'm constantly amazed at your tenacity and won't be beaten attitude.👍🇬🇧😏

[@davemaccarter64]

We live in a miraculous time where machines do so much for us. When I watched this it occurred to me that in the time that tree was planted, 200 years ago +/- another farmer and his sons labored for days to take a tree like that down and and remove the stump in order to clear the land and plant a crop using nothing more than their own muscles and perhaps a horse or an ox or two. All this work in order to survive and prosper. It is fun watching you use these fabulous tools you have. You have a great set of skills and a lot of energy. I enjoy watching. Thanks for posting.

[@ninjapancakes9435]

I dug out a stump with a mini excavator about a month ago. It wasn't as big but it wasn't small either. It was a maple cut flush with the ground and I think that saved on weight. I went all around it as you did digging about 3' down and just like yours still didn't even move any. Because the bucket was wider than the arm I was able to do an undercut and then I twisted it instead of rocking it which seemed a decent bit more effective but the little undercut I did have (maybe a foot or so) was totally needed. After some time that dislodged enough dirt and I was barely able to get it out of the crater and to a better spot. Used a hose to wash off dirt and make it lighter. Took about half a day. I'm no expert, in fact that was my first rodeo but I had used it all that morning.

[@BradfordGuy]

I enjoy watching someone who actually uses his noggin to find an answer to a problem on the fly. Its real world and useful. Really enjoying your videos!

[@aarongaal8168]

There are a few tips I can suggest for pulling massive stumps like that one. I only have a 3.4 ton excavator myself and we pull stumps like that by reducing their size. You can cut that stump in half ( one way ), you could notch a section deep enough into the stump to give you more leverage to pull without having to reach all the way around it and trying to get under it. Once its free from the tap root you can wrap a big chain through your notch and pull from the chain to get the stump up out of a hole, or you move the stump to one side, backfill partially, then roll the stump onto the backfilled area and continue repeating back and fourth until the stump is at ground level and on top of the hole. I’m curious as to why you don’t bring your dozer out to work with the excavator, it would back fill much faster and could assist snapping the tap roots for less wear and tear on your excavator. Generally when I get a call to remove a monster stump like that I use my skidsteer along with my excavator to get the stump out.

[@DiverDrowning]

That darn track!!! Funny talking face on trunk!! Liked the XXX too.

[@TrailRat2000]

Worked on a few construction sites, at one in particular we had a stump the size of a small van that needed removing. After they dug around the base of it we hooked it up with a tower crane. Even then it put up a fight but in the end it came out with all its major roots intact.

[@lightmechanic2370]

Use what you have on hand. Stump is out. Fun to watch. Thanks 10/10

[@adamheiermann2462]

Thank you for being my inspiration this weekend. I truly appreciate your content. You give me the motivation and confidence to just get out there and try to do it. Will there be obstacles? Of course but that's where the most learning can happen if you keep the right (FarmCraft) mindset. Very much looking forward to the HUGE reveal next week!

[@chelseagreen4119]

Hey Adam you seems to have a lovely profile, so I’d love to know you better that’s only if you don’t mind cos you seems to be a nice and very lovely person

[@k.r.6800]

That piece would make such a fantastic dining table for real

[@paulbuhler3615]

I bet the next tree that size that you take on will go faster and easier. Perseverance and hardship teach a lot. I’ve had to move rocks/stumps about that size with my vio55. Anyway, I’ve chosen to dig a big, deep hole next to the offending object on occasion. This allows the item to fall into the hole, the excavated fill will bury and smooth the surface, and I didn’t need to find a hiding place for that item.

[@Doug....]

Very clever idea with the triangle shape on the bar 🤔👍👍🇬🇧

[@RichardWilson-sh3kr]

Nice job. I have done several big boys with nothing but a Kubota 77 back hoe. A few tips for the rookies. Dig stupidly far down next to the stump where you can. Then you can use the stumps own weight against it when pushing to over. I really liked the making a side digger technique. Found myself with the same conundrum at times and like your solution.

[@pogan1983]

Polish and American spirits faced with adverse conditions are very similar, as can be derived from your example - we don't give up no matter what. I like your ideas, even more - they were kind of obvious to me. A good job is one done well above well enough, and knowing you are NOT satisfied with the present state of affairs, I give you the heaviest like on the channel.

[@mashyken]

with the quick connect it is easy to turn the bucket around, just curious how that would have worked to dig under the stump? Love watching the Yanmar Vio 50 vids since I have the identical machine

[@dalepowell6815]

Wow! You are the smartest You tuber I have ever seen. If there is a problem, you always come up with a solution... Keep on keeping me amazed...😲

[@MrClickbang357]

I honestly think you should put a circular raised bed there the size of the tree that came out - just as a memory of the mass of what came out!

[@pauldowner8335]

Bravo. Double thumbs up on determination. Fought a 110ft+ tall 36" diameter cottonwood with a 20" bar chainsaw, a sub-compact kioti tractor with backhoe, an Expedition and Yukon in low 4 double-headed together, 300ft of 3/8" winch cable, couple double pulley setups made from single pulleys, 2 come-alongs, 30k sling straps and another big cottonwood. But I won.... tree and stump gone. Wife now has her greenhouse where she wanted it! Ye ha!

[@matt_1984_]

I'm watching oyu dig, and i'm like "if that thing has a tap root, it aint going no where." Got some use out of your boiler moving beams I see. Good video, keep them coming.

[@USbilbo1966]

Good job on adjusting to difficult conditions. Use what materials you have to accomplish the task.

[@marcusgs12345]

I think you can reverse the bucket which would have made it super easy to undermine that stump (unless your quick connect prevents that?)

[@jimnaz5267]

great idea

[@jamescorless8283]

I usually watch diesel creek videos, But I came across your videos and liked them too.

[@FishFind3000]

38:35 I’ve seen guys use a 4x4 in the bucket to push on the idler. That gave them the extra reach to compress it.

[@rosscarpenter2949]

J Thode nailed it! Use the tree like a pry bar!! I've done it many times and it is easier on the digging equipment once you pull the tree/stump over. I always dug on the opposite of side of the tree (but not that much) in the direction I was going to pull from.

[@Wordsnwood]

Curious, do you actively plant more trees in and around your woods, or just let nature take its course?

[@FarmCraft101]

We have 150 acres of planted loblolly pines. The rest is just self sustaining hardwood, with a huge predominance of white oak. We've planted many trees in the yard to make up for the dying ash and of course this beech.

[@dickdastardly5534]

The name loblolly comes from the British navy they used to call the male hands that cared for the sick and injured the “Loblolly” boys - Loblolly was the name for porridge as they also used to serve that. I know its a bit random but its not a word you see very often ….. I’ll get my coat then 😁

[@kenore4003]

@@dickdastardly5534 Something new to know. Thanks!

[@dougrector4412]

You also could have buried the stump in the hole it already created...good videos man...keep it up

[@mach5407]

The square seal in the quick connect can be replaced by a standard o-ring out of your harbor freight o-ring selection. Been there done that.

[@trischas.2809]

or if you lack the exact height, 2 or 3 of the correct thickness, creating a stack

[@stephendavies7805]

How you archived that job without swearing a 100 times is commendable 🇬🇧😄👍

[@robertpearson8546]

A beautiful example of solving the wrong problem.

[@mattlindner8955]

The best thing on KZbin right now! Seals! And now we have a new one. Green seals! Absolutely love this!

[@ronniesealy7931]

Good luck!!! Before I even start watching this any further let say. No doubt you can do it but you might’ve regretted it before you got done, lol. These big stumps & trees roots can be very challenging. But of course I know you probably already know that. I’m going to to sit back & watch now.👍🏻

[@dmmaddex]

Nice work on that stump. Clever.

[@FergusScotchman]

One of the reasons I like this channel is how stuff goes wrong in the middle of the job, like the quick fit, and you end up having to do all this unintended work. Lol. Every single project I have seems like that.

[@gaffyh1745]

That stump would make a sick dining table though

[@californiasun5866]

This reminds me, my grandparents had 80 acres up southeast of Placerville back in the 1950's. There was a huge redwood stump blocking plans to expand the cabin on the property. I don't recall just how big it was. I never measured it, but today I'd guess it was at least 20 feet across. But they found a guy with a big D6 Cat, who came and dug all around the stump so deep, the roof of the Cat was at ground level. He could still not budge the stump. He filled in the dirt around the stump and left. They had to expand the cabin in a different direction. Glad you succeeded.

[@thor942]

The first wiggle is the best. You know it’s possible. Good work, nice video

[@fricknjeep]

fun to watch. been neat to bore a large whole in the center then a few chain saw side to side for air then light it , john

[@python3574]

Just came across your channel and this video caught my eye. A couple years ago I had a 200+ yr old white oak tree in the middle of a pasture that broke about 13' off the ground and fell over during a tornado. I ended up removing the stump with my Kubota KX-121 excavator in spite of all the people who told me it would never be able to do it. It took 2-1/2 hrs, but because the root ball was so massive, I couldn't even begin to roll it up out of the hole, certainly not even budge it when trying to lift it. I was able to push it over and hold it there, use my tractor to put scoops of dirt under it, then go around to the other side and push it up onto that pile of dirt and place another pile of dirt under this side. It took about 6 iterations of this to finally stair-step the stump up to ground level. then drag it off.....with considerable effort.....with a 74HP tractor to the woods. I have a picture of the stump on the ground next to my Tacoma, and the stump makes my truck look like a toy. BTW, I use a hood off of a 70's era Buick Electra Deuce-and-a-quarter to slide heavy objects, logs, stumps, etc... off into the woods with. Works great!

[@andytidnits]

Well, I guess if you can get that huge stump out of the ground I can finish painting my closet. Cheers! Great video.

[@one567]

I'm reading the comments and everyone loves these videos, watched 52 minutes and it was very well worth it.

[@whathasxgottodowithit3919.]

You did a great job there with what you have. This helps too, use an old bar & chain in your saw and cut the root ball in to manageable chunks, and burn it, either there or else where when it is dry.

[@b92555]

I’ve done this with a backhoe. Dig around the stump. Create a fairly deep hole. Use a pressure washer to wash the dirt away from the roots into the hole. Dig out the hole if it fills up. Continue washing the dirt away until the roots are exposed. Cut roots with a recip saw or chain saw. Push stump out with the front tractor bucket filling the hole behind as you roll the stump out. About 4 hours

[@TheToolmanTim]

Your stump struggle reminded me of a poster I used to keep on my wall at work called "Never give up." You may have seen it. It's a picture of a frog being eaten by a stork. The frog still has his arms out with his hands clamped around the stork's neck so he can't be swallowed.

[@williamscore5322]

Nice track fix! That was awesome

[@gbentley8176]

Used a steel cable like a cheese wire to literally slice off big stumps. Of course it is works best in clay soil. Excellent video many thanks from UK.

[@rickmacleod4909]

Well done, admire your tenacity.

[@RichardCranium321]

you were driving a tractor, moving a volkswagen sized stump, and flying a drone simultaneously... you wear many hats my friend

[@300whisper1]

No day without struggle in countryside. Great videos! 👍💪

[@Bris650]

Enjoy your videos. You are just having fun!!!!!!

[@TheDistur]

You gotta build a stump grinder for that machine. This was still fun to watch though.

[@GaryT1952]

Really impressed by how well the excavator is running!

[@brianwood7480]

I'm sure you could find an enterprising woodworker with an Alaskan sawmill who would pay you for the rootball. Anything to help offset the cost of all the work you put into this. I've learned a lot in the last couple of hours, and so glad you randomly popped up into my feed. I think "no-quit" should be your middle name 😉. As of now, you have one more subscriber. Cheers from dreary S.Louisiana.

[@raywork6108]

That's was one he'll of a stump for that mini excavator,...glad you was able to get it out.

[@garymcintyre6507]

As I watch you start this project I`m thinking, what a great spot for a swimming pool.

[@josephdestaubin7426]

13:03 that moment when you are momentarily stumped. 😆

[@JGoodwin]

@FarmCraft101, do you think it would have been useful to use a pressure washer to spray the underside of the stump to loosen it? Also, when you were trying to move it, would cutting it into quarters have been useful?

[@barbaradionne7768]

Entertaining, educational, funny, satisfying! Well done. Thank you. 😊🇨🇦

[@sjv6598]

Oh my John, what a huge stump you have 🥰

[@montimitchell5931]

Andrew Camarata would be proud of you Well done

[@mbainrot]

41:52 I thought that thing was a toy, until you swung it around and I was like "ohhhhh it's a mini me of them road works machines"

[@paulinman7504]

Hi. Love your excavator videos and finding them really helpful for fixing my own. With the tree stump there is a much easier way to get rid of it, and that is to burn it out. Pile up the branches and brush around the stump and it set it alight. A week or two later and it would have burnt out the roots.

[@heydude4532]

That stump would be a challenge for the average operator using a 10-ton machine. you did a fine job sir. like you said, you were doing this cause you wanted to see if it could be done.

[@mehdimarashi1736]

Great job and great video. Loved your "toothpick" root cutting technique! That was really smart. 👍 It reminds me of a time my dad, my brother and I were digging the stump of a small palm tree (only 12 inches or so in diameter) out of the ground. Our tools were two shovels, one pick axe, one 6-feet-long steel lever, and lots of elbow grease. You couldn't grab yours from behind because it was too big, we couldn't go around the damn thing to grab it, mainly because palm trees are treacherous thorny killers that don't like having you around. At the end, we spent some good time trimming all the thorny leaves off, then we dug under the stump and cut all the roots free with a shovel. We had about 200 of scratches and wounds, but we were successful and happy!