Moving Trees? Skip The Shovel, Use A Tree Spade!
By Sean O'Hara
Pros use huge trailer-mounted spades to transplant trees the easy way: hydraulics drive three blades into the ground around the tree, meeting at the center underneath to “dig” it free in a single motion. The spade then lifts the tree and its root structure for transport. Now Lemar offers a smaller version that’s portable — and can be operated with out a crew of spotters.
Lemar’s 500 Series model (pictured) can handle a “bulb” (read: the chunk of dirt and root structure underneath the tree) of up to 34” and can transports easily with a Bobcat or a medium-sized tractor. Its legs are adjustable to provide stability on uneven ground, and its 4″ steel frame and all-greaseless hinges should soak up abuse with aplomb.
We know: owning one of these is total overkill for anyone living in the suburbs. But this would be a great addition to anyone with a ranch — or a small landscaping business. Pricing, sadly, is firmly in the “if you have to ask” category.
On the other hand, most equipment rental shops will loan you one of these — or a similar model — for around $125/day.
500 Series Tree Spade [Lemar]
April 22nd, 2007 at 12:42 pm
[...] Moving Trees? Skip The Shovel, Use A Tree Spade! This small version of the massive spades you see in use by landscaping crews might be a bit expensive to own, but they’re available for rent at a price that’ll make you think twice about ever digging a mid-sized tree out by hand again. [...]