OldGuyDIY $18 Best Homemade DIY Brush Grubber Tree Sapling Bush Alder Puller Pipe & Chain Grabber

Please see the 2.0 video linked at the end of this video. • OldGuyDIY 2.0 $18 Best...
This video shows construction of my brush grubber; • Video
I modified the assembly so the chain does not need to be run through the pipe for each pull.
Please subscribe if you enjoyed this video.
The thumbnail picture is of my updated Brush Grubber, described in part 2.
I thought I had an excellent, original idea until I found this story while googling DIY Brush Grubber to see if my video showed up; www.farmshow.c...
Based on my on-line findings, the shear force of a grade 2, 3/8" bolt is 4,900 pounds, grade 5 is 7,900 and grade 8 is 9,300 pounds. The brusher grubber I am using is he one demonstrated in the 2.0 video. It is constructed with 2, grade 2, 3/8" bolts so it should require a force of 9,800 pounds before the bolts would fail. I've been using the puller for a couple of years and plan to replace the bolts with grade 5 bolts before I start clearing trails this spring. Part of the reason my original grabber had the hook on the pipe with a bolt chaser is because I was concerned the bolt would not be able to handle the force. My tractor weighs 3.000 pounds so on a straight pull without anything to increase the mechanical advantage, the tractor will start spinning and digging down before the bolts potential to fail comes into the equation.

[@RonHolmes-j1q]

Finally, something worthwhile on YT

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thank you. Please see my 2.0 video for the best version of this tool I have used.

[@YTInnovativeSolution]

Its people like you making videos like this that makes the internet awesome!

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thank you. Please see the 2.0 Brush Grubber video for an even better solution.

[@1320pass]

Ah, the ol Bulgarian pretzel hold. That gets em every time haha. Thanks for sharing this.

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome.

[@UneducatedGeologist]

Them pretzel twisters break necks for the mafia in their off hours

[@Daniel-Weaver]

How did you get out of the Bulgarian pretzel? There was a hairy ball sack right in my face,so I bit it. It was mine!!

[@OldGuyDIY]

Is seems you and I heard the same story about the pretzel hold.

[@OldGuyDIY]

It seems you and I heard the same pretzel hold story at sometime in the last 40 years.

[@Brian-my3gd]

Excellent idea! I was about 5 minutes from spending $100 on a brush grubber due to the chain just slipping and peeling the trees. Built this for free in about 5 minutes and it works fantastic. Thanks for the video!

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome. I am glad the video helped you.

[@Locharts_]

This guy’s numerous ways of naming cinch grips is incredible

[@coreyperez13]

And.... I'm walking out to the scrap shed... Thanks for posting the link to the article. I like the idea of a length of chain welded to the side.

[@brianb9410]

A couple of years ago I cleared 2 acres of 10-15 year old trees by wrapping the chain around one or 2 times. Biggest 2 problems and time wasters was slipping and unwrapping the chain after a successful pull. Your idea solves both of those problems. I bet your invention would have saved me a week! Thank you,

[@Chris-qf9qm]

This is what KZbin should be. Thanks for sharing!!

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome. I'm glad you liked the idea.

[@lsusc]

That looks great. All I need now is a $ 10,000 tractor.

[@melvance7281]

Seems to me you could run a chain to a vehicle and get it to work. Maybe. If it works pulling sideways

[@jonmueller2117]

You can add a snatch block pully, and it will double the pull strength.

[@eddiesequoia5293]

I was thinking of making the pipe shorter and using a large bar.

[@Dream.big.dreams]

You can do it with a $1,500 tractor. I just use my Takeuchi TL12V2. Yesterday I took out a 36” tree with it! Just dug up the roots and then pushed it over!

[@markconley9279]

Try 25000

[@christhebuilder3752]

Guy whipped out 2 nicknames for how his tool gripped the brush. I couldn't hit the subscribe button any faster.

[@kebo57]

Self, that's a pretty damned good idea. Give yourself a pat on the back for me.

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thank you.

[@Y_N_K_888]

. . . Thank you, I have a piece of pipe, the chain, and a bolt. This design is so simply and beautifully smart.

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome.

[@mark_luna]

Great idea. I like that “locking” bolt so the setup doesn’t slip. Nice!!

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thank you. Please see my 2.0 video for the best version of this tool I have used.

[@dogwoodservicesinc.2972]

Great tip. Sure, you can wrap. But the iron pipe is brilliant. Bites into the tree. Thanks!!

[@cayankeelord3730]

I was going to get myself one of those fancy brush grubbers with all the teeth on it, glad I didn't. I'm definitely gonna remember this and build myself one of these. Thanks from a guy in Oregon with 5 acres of mixed forestland and a tractor.

[@phillipcleaver7063]

Thanks Mr , old orchard to sort out , pulling rogue saplings out , this,ll do fine . Best Regs .

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome. I suspect this design will work well for you.

[@robaddison4144]

You, sir, are my new hero! Thank you for taking the time to share your ingenuity, top man 👍🏼

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thank you for commenting. Please see the 2.0 video for a better tool.

[@michaelangelo7511]

Smart man👍🏻🇺🇸 A rarity in American Society in this day.

[@tomsosnowski6629]

So simple and works great. Thanks for saving me $70 !

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome.

[@cedarplankprospector]

BAM !!! Instant success Nice repurp walk through the shop.

[@JackofHaulTrades]

Great video! A subscriber of mine recommend this video to me. I need to make this attachment for myself now!!

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thank you. Please watch my part II video and you will like the brush grubber even better. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5irYqmMoqiDpqs&ab_channel=OldGuyDIY

[@JackofHaulTrades]

@OldGuyDIY thank you! Will do that now

[@ron827]

Very simple and it works very good. I have also found that wrapping a chain around the sapling more than once and using a slip hook also works well. Nice invention.

[@1bigapple2]

I HAVE FOUND THAT A COUPLE OF WINDS AROUND THE TRUNK WORKS WELL, ALSO.

[@linchaynes3824]

Except THAT , this is exactly what this guy was saying he was getting AWAY from. Which is exactly what I (USED to) do ! This is a fantastic little gem of an idea!

[@tonymunn]

I'm going to make one. Great idea. I just struggled with pulling up 2 small trees this past weekend.

[@BuildItFixItDIY]

NIce idea and useful for something I've encountered as well (when just using a chain and looping it a few times around the tree). For anyone else reading this, I was able to come up with a technique though in how I made my wraps of chain so that the chain really bit into the tree and wouldn't slip. I can't explain it now because I would probably have to do it to remember, lol. I think I started wrapping at the bottom, wrapping upwards where after my first wrap I doubled back the other direction, causing the pulling action of the chain to drive that first wrap really tightly into the tree.

[@davidblood9882]

Excellent idea. Thank you for sharing!

[@joefondren9755]

Take a common chain (The smaller, the better, as long as it's strong enough) with a common hook on the end; put the end of the chain once around the bush and then over the standing part of the chain and then back all the way around the bush in the opposite direction and hook it to the standing part of the chain. This technique has worked for me since the 1960s and seldom slips. Another tip: I've lately been pulling up by the roots six-inch diameter aspens with my 75 horsepower JD tractor, with no problems, like the tree hitting me in the back. Stand on the ground and cut the tree as high as you safely can, which for me is about chest high. Then fasten your chain (Like described above) near the top of the chest-high stump and your tractor will have tremendous leverage.

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thanks for sharing your technique.

[@xmo552]

@@OldGuyDIY I think your tool is great. I would weld that chain rather than the bolt. That bolt scares me a bit.

[@talltom1129]

There's no strain to speak of being put on the bolt. It's simply keeping the pipe lined up. Misplaced fear ​@@xmo552

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thank you for the information.

[@OldGuyDIY]

I didn't have a welder available when I made the pictured device and I wanted to demonstrate a no weld technique since many folks don't weld. I used 3/8" bolts with a shear force greater than the weight of tractor. I am confident the tractor will lose traction or something else will give before the bolts would fail. That is also why I used 2 bolts, safety factor.

[@i-likemy-space7729]

That is a great idea ! May work even better if you run chain through pipe, around plant, back through pipe, and hook to the top of pipe from inside. After hydraulics are maxed out by lifting straight up, you can also inch forward for greater leverage, until front wheels leave the ground.

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thank you. Please see my brush grubber 2.0 video for a better, easier to use, design that eliminates the need to lace the chain through the pipe each time. When my bucket lift maxes out, I normally lower the bucket to just above the ground and drive forward, bending the tree over with the bucket and pulling with this tool at the same time. It often works.

[@timjchick]

Good idea. Use what you have on hand. I bought a chain choker hook to put on the end of my chain and it works real good. It was under $10. I don’t have a tractor so I use the winch on my jeep along with the spare tire. I stand the tire up right up against the stump/brush I’m trying to pull and put the choker chain around the stump/brush and put it up over the top of the tire and connect the winch line to it. When I winch the chain pulls the stump/brush straight upwards.

[@OldGuyDIY]

It sounds like you have a good technique for those without a tractor. Thank you for commenting.

[@timjchick]

@@OldGuyDIY KZbin allows us to see all kinds of ingenious ways to do things. I like watching different videos like yours to pick up new tips and tricks.

[@JimHerman-o3q]

However sometimes its best to pull a tree out at a 90 degree angle. It helps tear the roots on one side. Then if possible put the other direction tearing those roots .... Compared to pulling directly upward......your pulling on all the roots at the same time. I feel it would take nearly half the power to pull trees/ brush out.

[@OldGuyDIY]

With this device, you can grab the tree anywhere you like from ground level on up. I have pulled a few larger trees after cutting the tree off about 5' above the ground and attaching the pipe and chain device about 4' off of the ground.

[@drizler]

Good job and it gets the roots too without shearing off into a bunch of splintered pokers👌🏻

[@ljprep6250]

Excellent idea. I'd weld that chain to the bottom of the pipe since that bolt is on its last legs after 2 uses. ;) I learned to use a spare tire to provide the upward pull for my little 2,500# electric ATV winch in the receiver of my truck. It pulled up 15 Spirea bushes and several small trees for me just by setting the tire up at the bush with the cable going over it to the truck. The choker concept is beautiful, though.

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thank you for commenting.

[@AndrewMoizer]

That is AWESOME!!! Thanks so much. I have a whole bunch of trees to pull and as you say it’s always hit and miss wrapping the chain (I found that ¼” chain worked better). Going to make one of these up post haste. Thanks again.

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

Nicely engineered. You pulled out those shrubs so cleanly.

[@ejo6371]

Thanks OldGuyDIY! You should tweak your design however it suites you for a mass production and sell it to the public!

[@dennisrphymurphy7929]

Fantastic bunch of brain power, OldGuy. These are just fantastic.

[@bobadams1696]

Thanks for sharing. I expect I’ll use this around an old house I’m helping clean up.

[@jeffmays3608]

I've had good luck just using a slip hook. Works good, most of the time but occasionally it will slide up the tree. I'll have to make one of these, looks like it grabs much better. Thanks for posting.

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome. You will never have a slippage issue with this technique. Please see my brush grubber 2.0 video for an even better, easier to use, design.

[@dch.projects]

"So, I asked myself, Self?" This has me cracking up because I do the same thing, and Self often answers back.

[@OldGuyDIY]

I have some of my best conversations with self.

[@k.b.tidwell]

Just yesterday I was looking with dread at a bunch of Chinese Privet hedges that I poisoned last year and APPEARED to kill lol, but which are flourishing nicely (and evilly) again now. You have turned my frown upside down. My hat is off my bald head to you, sir! (And I subscribed.)

[@kenmartin9106]

Will be putting one of these together thanks for sharing

[@Tomc8030]

I’ve got exactly the same setup hanging in my shop! lol I built mine probably 23-24 years ago and can’t tell you how many times I’ve used it plus both my boys and two neighbors have used it…. I laughed 100 times and said it was the best use of drill pipe I’ve done! FYI If you get a small tree/bush that want pull up simple stand a spare tire close to the tree and pull the chain over the top of the tire and back the tractor up.

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thanks for commenting. I had no doubt that other people had been using the same principle for years. I was unaware of it so when I made mine and then the video, I considered myself to be doing a service for brush pullers everywhere.

[@Tomc8030]

@@OldGuyDIY and you did do a service to others and I never met to takeaway from that, so I’m sorry! I was just surprised to see it on KZbin. Thank you for posting.

[@OldGuyDIY]

No need to be sorry. It amazes me how much information youtube makes available to people like us for free. When working on cars, I usually start with youtube to understand the scope of the job I am considering. When I thought of this design, I felt like the smartest tree puller in the world for about 15 minutes. This tool made pulling brush so easy I wanted to tell my friends about it and it was easier to make a video and then send them the link than to call and talk each one of them through it. After posting the video, I googled to see if my video popped up and I found an old article describing this combination of pipe and chain from years ago. The idea has been around for a long time and I was just the guy lucky enough to make the youtube video about it.

[@jh5131]

really awesome wish i had seen this video last year when my father and I were pulling tons of saplings up on his property

[@kkutube1972]

I don't do this much but enough to put it together as nice tool to have. Thank you for sharing.

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome. Please see the 2.0 video for the best version I have used.

[@MikeyB_1972]

Great idea. I am going to steal this. I am trying to pull out some old scrubby trees that are wrapped around my deck. Using a farm jack and a chain, it just slides the chain up the trunks. I might use my grinding wheel to cut some teeth into the end of the pipe.

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thank you. I have never had the chain slip since using this technique. In I experience, sharpening the end of the pipe is unnecessary. Please see my brush grubber 2.0 video for an even better, easier to use design.

[@RascalKyng]

This is such a simple and smart idea. 100 Points.

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thank you. My brush grubber 2.0 video is even better. Please watch it here; kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5irYqmMoqiDpqs&ab_channel=OldGuyDIY

[@outofsights]

Cool, thankyou for this idea. I've been scratching my head trying to think of a way to do this for over a year!

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome. Please see my brush grubber 2.0 video. The design is even better and easier to use than this one.

[@bobbylibertini]

This is [Tony The Tiger voice - of Frosted Flakes fame] GGGRREAT! Just what I needed! Thank you so much!

[@commonsenseprojects]

Good ol’ American idea. Nice job.

[@jguss2247]

Great idea! In case you haven't already thought of it: a appropriate sized log [say 4"-10"] placed under the pipe against the base of the shrub; mechanical advantage fulcrum! For those without access To a loader/ pulling Laterally; what created a tremendous advantage! Would also reduce some strain from the hydraulics.

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thank you for the log idea. In the past, I have used an old 16" truck rim to provide the advantage needed to pull larger trees. Please see my 2.0 video for the best version of this tool I have used.

[@belowfray5251]

Excellent, thank you and thanks to the Bulgarians. This solves my problem

[@fjb4932]

* and the Slovenias as well . . . ☆

[@TheCritterWindow]

Thanks for this I will be welding some chain to a pipe.

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome. I suspect you will be pleased with the result.

[@general5104]

T H A N K. YOU for this ingenious article. I believe I would weld a few links to the pipe, instead of relying on threads in a thin pipe. It's an excellent design and concept. You could, also, use square or rectangle tubing. Just whatever you use, the grab-hook would need to slide thru the inside, easily, like a "BUCKLE" on a belt or, like you were referring to, (a ring on a choke-collar.) The PIPE idea is simply genius!🎉

[@beardedprepper8606]

That is an awesome creation! And, it's so simple. I'll definitely use this idea. Thank you for sharing.

[@stevanrose7439]

I’ve been pulling trees with a chain for ever. And it’s a pain when it slips off. Because I have to climb in and out of my skidsteer. I can make one of those with stuff I have on the farm. Thanks for the video.

[@greazymcgeezy]

Very cool. Might couple this with a farm jack instead of a tractor and see how it does.

[@OldGuyDIY]

It will do fine. It just takes longer.

[@edgiesbrecht4414]

I am stealing that idea . Thank you !

[@lisa2stewart]

Holy moly! This really is so useful. I'm going to modify it and use it with my come along. I've been having issues with the brush just slipping through!

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thank you for commenting. I am glad the video was of value to you.

[@JFCrow]

That's pretty clever. I would thought the bolt could have been larger. Good job

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thank you. I used grade 8, 3/8" bolts with a 9,500 pound shear force so I am not concerned with bolt breakage. Please my brush grubber build video for details on the parts I used. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnjCp3l4hbOMabc&ab_channel=OldGuyDIY

[@silvergold296]

First Video Watched!!!! That's exactly what I Need. Thank you again.

[@OldGuyDIY]

Great. You are welcome.

[@CharlieHorse970]

Well done brother ! I have a patch of ground that is covered with this type of scrub that I need to clear for a future garage

[@KevinCoop1]

I gotta make one of those! Thanks for the video!

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome.

[@roccoelleto9900]

absolutely brilliant. Gunna build one myself. May just replace your bolt idea with a weld and call it a dedicated tool. Thanks for the video idea.

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome. I also have a welded one. I demonstrated the bolt technique in the video because many people do not have access to a welder but nearly everyone can scrounge up a drill. Thank you for commenting.

[@grepora]

I don't have a tractor. I use a farm jack with a 6' 2x4 bolted to the top (to prevent the jack from tipping forward). I also use a Locking Chain Clamp to stop the chain from sliding up the tree. I wrap the chain around the tree once or twice, then wrap the ends over the jack clevis/cleat and secure with a shackle through the chain ends. It is somewhat cumbersome, but it gets the job done (most of time). Your design might work for me. If I ever find a scrap piece of 2" steel pipe. Maybe I could use a steel fence post.

[@SuperWhizy]

Outstanding! Thank you for sharing.

[@RustyClam]

Thank you for sharing this. If I could add, saturate the ground with water to help the roots come out better.

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome. I agree that wet soil will facilitate easier brush removal. In my case, I am applying brute force with a tractor or truck that tears the tree or brush out. The key attribute of this tool is that it eliminates slippage where the chain engages the trunk.

[@rm3141593]

Yes. Looks much better than bare chain alone. 👍

[@southerningenuity4458]

That's really a great idea, simple and cheap! I used to wrap the chain as well and I too had the slipping issue. But I got tired of getting on and off the tractor to so I made a hydraulic tree puller that mounts to the 3 point hitch. (I made a KZbin video of it) Great Job!

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thanks for commenting. I'll check out your video.

[@donaldfrederick1557]

Great idea. I need to pull out some small saplings next to some trees. Going to make a smaller model.

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thank you for commenting.

[@JodyCall]

Cheap,simple, and effective... l love it!!! I will be making one similar to this soon!!

[@OldGuyDIY]

Great. Thank you for commenting.

[@_Common_Logic_]

You surely know the frustration of doing this solo and having to exit the pull vehicle to wrestle with the wrapped chain each time it slips. All I can say is THANKS.

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome.

[@normdickson2438]

That’s some great information my friend thank you I will try this

[@coryfogle5353]

I've made a few of these and they work well. Mine differ in that I cut about a 20° vee to greatly increase the contact area with the tree or shrub.

[@randallrun]

May I ask, around the whole circumference of the end of the pipe or biggish V notch?

[@mentalbreak4653]

Absolute awsome tool , making mine today . Thank you for the post

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome. Please see my brush grubber 2.0 video for an even better, easier to use design. It eliminates the need to lace the chain through the pipe each time. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5irYqmMoqiDpqs&ab_channel=OldGuyDIY kzbin.info/www/bejne/moimaXSdgrt7pK8&ab_channel=OldGuyDIY

[@mikebryan544]

Love fixes like this thankyou for sharing.

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome. Thank you for commenting.

[@papageo5]

Awesome! I bet this would work well for pulling up fence posts too

[@shirleyraymond9703]

This took a lot of thought.darn good job .it will save me a lot of frustration. Thanks for the idea !

[@anthonybush607]

A country boy will survive…love it.

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thank you. Please see my brush grubber 2.0 video for a better plan.

[@j.k.7929]

Great idea. Saving money by using fantasy is awesome 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@OldGuyDIY]

Thank you.

[@lostbuffalo196]

OUTSTANDING. Great idea. Thank you.

[@claudiodominguez.]

Pullies, lots of pullies and a quality strap.

[@markl6769]

just drop loop through, hook chain same but inside, w/o bolt. Thanks for the idea.

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome for the idea. I am glad it contributed to you to coming up with a creative solution that works for you.

[@bioniccrypto7447]

Have an excavator with a thumb to pull brush but been wanting to come up with a solution to pull fence posts. Think you have solved my problem, THANKS!

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome. I have used this tool on steel and wooden fence posts with no slippage.

[@IseeIrony]

Greatness! I bought a grubber a few years ago and was disappointed by it. It seems that they have a very narrow sweet spot for stuff they grab onto effectively. I just went back to using the bare chain, but just know I'm headed for the barn to make one of there. Thanks!

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome. I have no doubt you will be pleased with it.

[@joshroten3997]

Excellent! I’ll be building one this weekend.

[@joeaultman3475]

Thank you for the video. Ill make me 1 up and put it in the tool box on the truck.

[@scrappydog175]

Damn, wish I seen this 20 years ago! Always a struggle.👍

[@johnhancock1739]

Thank you The simplicity is genius!

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome. Please see the 2.0 Brush Grubber video for an even better solution.

[@alexyoung3387]

This is awesome. You just save me $100! Thanks!!

[@OldGuyDIY]

You are welcome. I'm glad you like it.

[@stevecorey3399]

Great idea and very simple

[@Cheezeball99999]

Brilliant. I don't even need one, but I'm going to build one.

[@samsiryani9023]

Self, your a genius.

[@Poorexampeofhuman]

Pretty impressive ingenious design congratulations man you should patent that

[@jondoecan]

Thanks for that. Going to make one this weekend.

[@johannriedlberger4390]

I use a D-ring at the end of the chain that is big enough that the chain slides. It works best with my home made crane implement to pull the brushes straight up.

[@TommyLawson-yc3ru]

Excellent idea partner! Thank you much much.

[@Richard-mz7qu]

Outstanding! The brush is no match for the Brush Grubber's "Bulgarian Death Hold"!

[@bryanrussell6679]

Simple and effective. That's the best kind.

[@OldGuyDIY]

I agree.

[@YearsOVDecay1]

Mannnnn it's so satisfying coming up with something like this then going crazy using it clearing out EVERYTHING haha 👍👍👍

[@fredricksiegmund627]

Great idea. Thanks for sharing. I will make one soon.

[@brianlanders8028]

Great idea, it can even double as a self defense tool if you are in Chicago. 😉😁

[@javirosalez5663]

That's brilliant going to build one today. Wonderful idea

[@MikeOrazzi]

Nice idea. Thanks.