Upcoming DIY Plans Set - Hydraulic Tree Spade

This spring, my dad has a number of trees to transplant on the farm, and we need a more efficient way to get the job done. In the past, we've used a backhoe mounted on his farm tractor, but that method is time-consuming and can easily damage the tree. To improve the process, I'm designing a DIY hydraulic tree spade that will mount to his skid steer. There are attachments we can purchase, but where's the fun in that! It would be convenient, yes, but I figure we can build our design for about $3,000-4,000 CDN and the purchased options go for $10,000 to $20,000. There's a lot of savings there, so it's well worth the effort to build ourselves.

Key Design Elements

• Hydraulic System: The design will incorporate off-the-shelf hydraulic cylinders and a control valve bank to operate the spade blades. The controls will be mounted on the spade to make it more standalone (and simple, I hope).
• Steel Fabrication: The frame will be built using steel tubing that requires cutting and drilling. The spade blades will be formed from plate steel, but this project will involve minimal forming overall.
• Welded Assembly: Many of the parts will be cut as flat profiles and then welded together, simplifying fabrication.
• Finishing Touches: Once the structure is complete, it will be painted for durability and corrosion resistance. Hoses will be required for the final build and some knowledge of hydraulic assembly.

Additional Compatibility Options

While my primary focus is on a skid steer-mounted version, I’m considering making variations for other mounting styles:

• Three-Point Hitch: Adapting the design for tractors with a standard three-point hitch could make it more versatile for small farm operations.
• Fork Pockets: A version with fork pockets could allow it to be used with a forklift or other equipment that doesn’t have a hydraulic quick-attach system.

Seeking Feedback

This project is still in the design phase, and I'm open to feedback. If you're interested in a DIY tree spade or have specific needs for your own application, let me know in the comments! Your input can help refine the design to make it more useful for a wider audience.