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Mechanical Advantage Rig

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opichi

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Jan 30, 2016
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Hey guys,

Anyone here have knowledge to share on setting up a rig? I would like to pull some stumps out in the yard (mini crate myrtle stumps).

My knowledge has just been watching some youtube videos on it. I thought I would try it on the stumps for fun, but end goal is just to learn and have another tool for the future.

So what I would like to know is;

1. Rope, pullies, attachments to buy
2. How to set up the rig.
3. Which manufacturer to buy from(would like a decent set up that will last me)
4. Should I buy as a package or buy from multiple sources.

I would like a decent set up for around $300 if that's even possible.

Thanks!
 
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kkroger

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Large Diameter Wheel, and a chain chokered on the stump, over wheel and attach to truck or tractor use 4 Low and pull slow...
 
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Lelandwelds

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Central Texas
Bobcat and wire rope is quicker.

A flip flop winch if you're showing off your primitive skills, I guess. I never tried lifting a taut tied off line with a hilift jack. That might do it.
 
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gearhead1

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Mechanical advantage of a pulley system is simply defined as the number of supporting strands. So that part is easy to figure out, the hard part is figuring out the force required to pull the stumps. Depends on the soil, root characteristics, etc.

I pulled up some Japanese Holly shrubs out with a chain with a slip hook wrapped around the base and the other end wrapped around my tractor front end loader bucket with a grab hook. It can lift 2000lbs and pulled them out at idle without a noticeable drop in idle. Nothing to it. I tried to pull out sweet gum saplings with my rear lift draw bar (2800 lbs)and wouldn’t do it. The sweet gum root system was the toughest I’ve seen.
 
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opichi

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How much force would you say a it would take to pull a full grown crape myrtle? The roots are expansive, but stay near the surface. I'll be pulling with a Ram, Cummins.

What would be a good ratio? and how many anchor points would I need? I've seen some videos with multiple anchor points.
 
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jessesandy

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Upper California
Use one last pulley to redirect the line you are pulling 90 degrees away from the "line of fire". The line of fire being in line with the anchor point(s) and the stump. If something snaps, that's the direction it will come flying back. So, use a pulley to redirect the line you pull by 90 degrees. (Hope that made sense.)

Here's an old timer trick if you want to just pull with a truck/tractor. Chain together old car tires between your truck and stump. The tires stretch like rubber bands allowing you to gradually pull more and more, while keeping a steady pull on the stump all while minimizing sudden impacts or jerking on the chain/rope/cable.
 
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matt_i

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SE Michigan
Around here $300 will get a mini-trackhoe for a day's rental that will chomp the hell out of any stump you can think of.

Digging a foundation used around $7 of diesel fuel...I was amazed. The advantage is nothing to do other than show up with a truck capable of pulling the trailer and nothing to try to cram into the shop at the end :D
 
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theoldwizard1

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SE MI
Arborists (the crazy guys climbing trees with chain saw) only use the BEST ropes (typically Amsteel) and pulleys. They are expensive (almost twice the price of Diamond), but when your life depends on it ...
 
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bigguns69

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Iowa
I would strongly advise, particularly with a pulley mechanical advantage system to not use rope or straps. I know people who have been killed when something comes loose and the tension in the rope or sling turns things into a sling shot. Cable or chains ok. Know a farmer that was killed when the metal hook device broke on the strap he was using to pull on something with a tractor. Part of it stayed with the strap, it recoiled through the cab window, hit him in the back of the head and killed him instantly.

Dig a trench on each side of the stump and rip it out with a back hoe or trencher.
 
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kkroger

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bigguns69 said:
I would strongly advise, particularly with a pulley mechanical advantage system to not use rope or straps. I know people who have been killed when something comes loose and the tension in the rope or sling turns things into a sling shot. Cable or chains ok. Know a farmer that was killed when the metal hook device broke on the strap he was using to pull on something with a tractor. Part of it stayed with the strap, it recoiled through the cab window, hit him in the back of the head and killed him instantly.

Dig a trench on each side of the stump and rip it out with a back hoe or trencher.
Click to expand...

Deaths due to CABLE breaking far outweigh rope, and I have seen plenty of pieces of chain and hooks etc tossed at unbelievable velocities when things fail.
 
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kbs2244

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Hire it out to someone with big machines.
You will be money ahead.
 
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laser3kw

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I used a chain fall come-a-long. Dig around the stump about 12" to 18" down and 2' out and take an ax to the brace roots. Tie a chain around the stump a couple of times and start pulling with the come-a-long. When you stall out, go back and start hunting for more brace roots,- dig , swing, dig, swing.
It takes a while and some sweat. Just tell yourself " I'm not in a hurry, slow as it goes".
I would do a stump or two a weekend. Pulled more than 12 stumps (less than 6 - 8" dia), some with a tap root over 3 feet long
 
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theoldwizard1

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SE MI
bigguns69 said:
I would strongly advise, particularly with a pulley mechanical advantage system to not use rope or straps. I know people who have been killed when something comes loose and the tension in the rope or sling turns things into a sling shot.
Click to expand...
Which is why the rope/rigging should be covered in a piece of tarp before the full pressure is applied. If anything does break, that tarp will absorb a lot of energy.

kkroger said:
Deaths due to CABLE breaking far outweigh rope, and I have seen plenty of pieces of chain and hooks etc tossed at unbelievable velocities when things fail.
Click to expand...
I agree. The extra weight of the cable makes it much worse.

As stated earlier, the BEST quality synthetic rope are much strong than steel cable.
 
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