Go Bottomloader and bucket questions for landscape work
 | Paul Finn
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 21 Olathe, KS 
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2001-04-23 27131
Well after purchasing my B2910 and brush hogging and aerating last fall and this spring I've decided to change course on my business plan. I have come to the conclusion there is more and easier money in landscape work than brush hogging. Not to mention landscape work is easier on the equipment. My question is I am getting a BX2200 with a FEL and was wondering how well a FEL can peel sod. Would it work better if I had teeth on the loader? Should I buy a different implement to do this? All help is appreciated.
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| TomG
Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 5406 Upper Ottawa Valley 
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2001-04-24 27148
I don't know if 'peeling sod' means just removing it, or removing it to use somewhere else. I'll comment about just removing it. Maybe somebody who does landscaping commercially will comment. However, I have the impression that box scrapers and rakes are main tools of landscapers and are almost essential. For me, a box does a good job of removing sod. I wouldn't think a loader, with or without, teeth would be that good at removing sod--especially if the object is to leave most of the topsoil in place. I suppose, the lift could be floated and the curl used to try to keep a desired depth of cut. I suspect that it would be tough to keep a consistent depth, and the bucket would fill up quickly. In addition, major damage to the loader is likely if a rock is hit. Other people seem to do all sorts of things with loaders, but I never like my loader much for any kind of digging. The box always seems to work better. 'Course, there is a backhoe when holes are needed. ....
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| Bill Schild
Join Date: Posts: 1
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2001-04-24 27161
I've used the FEL method for peeling up sod with my Kubota B6100. I've also used the box blade.
It is much easier to peel up a consistently thin layer of sod with the box blade. Using the FEL requires much "modulating" of the dump/roll to keep it from digging in. I found that I also needed to cut a "starting slot" in the sod with a shovel or I couldn't get my FEL to dig in. Perhaps a tooth bar would help there. I don't know 'cause I don't have one.
On the other hand, if you're going to be moving the sod off somewhere else, if you use the FEL, the sod is already there in your bucket waiting to be transported after you peel it up. With the box blade, you need to peel it up, drop it out of the box, then come around and scoop it up with the FEL. Yes, you can drag the sod with the box but you (I, anyway) would need to stop the tractor, adjust the top link, re-set the 3ph height (I have no position control or hydraulic T&T) and hope the sod stays in there for the trip to wherever I want to put it.
That said, I now generally use the box to peel up the sod then come back around and pick it up with the FEL.
Bill ....
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| Ted Kennedy
Join Date: Posts: 1
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2001-04-24 27162
I like TomG's reply, and for the reasons he has listed I won't use the FEL for cutting sod commercially. It doesn't pay. I rent a high quality self-propelled sod cutter when I do take up sod. The cut sod is then hand rolled into 3 1/2 ft. diameter round bales, then I use the FEL bucket to cart them off. To put the sod back down, just roll 'em out. I try to time my home projects that require sod removal to coincide with a paying customer's job, but when I can't, I wait for a very rainy day and s-l-o-w-l-y move the bucket edge into the soaked turf while desperately trying to hold the proper distance from the top soil. This method is too slow and gives uneven sod thickness. ....
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 | Art White
Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 6898 Waterville New York
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2001-04-28 27317
The FEL can be used but the bulk of buckets are what is refered to as "Square Backs" vs Round Backs. The round backs will actually roll the soil instead of just hitting a wall. The three point use of a box blade puts the work in better view of the operator so the cut can be adjusted quicker. The adustments with a loader are going to be far more often and the visibility is limited. With the three point being used the tractor remains on level ground so the amount of adjustments are far less. Sod cutters are the ultimate but not always available. ....
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| Arnie
Join Date: Posts: 1
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2001-05-05 27767
Why not use a 3 point tiller to loosen the soil first and then use the front end loader to pick it up? ....
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