Custom Tree Spade Build for Skid Steer Transplanting Efficiency

[MikePhua]

The Purpose and Evolution of Tree Spades
Tree spades are specialized attachments designed to dig, lift, and transplant trees with minimal root disturbance. Originally developed for nursery operations and landscaping firms, these tools have evolved from tractor-mounted hydraulic rigs to compact, skid steer-compatible units. Their core function is to extract a tree along with its root ball, preserving soil structure and moisture for successful replanting.
Manufacturers like Dutchman, Optimal, and Caretree have commercialized various spade designs, but custom builds remain popular among operators seeking tailored geometry, cost savings, or compatibility with older machines.
Design Considerations for a Skid Steer Tree Spade
Building a tree spade for a skid steer requires balancing weight, hydraulic flow, and structural integrity. Key design elements include:

• Blade configuration: Typically three or four curved blades forming a conical or truncated cone profile
  
• Frame structure: Welded steel with reinforced gussets and pivot points
  
• Hydraulic cylinders: Double-acting rams for blade actuation and depth control
  
• Mounting plate: Quick-attach compatible with standard skid steer couplers
  
• Control system: Manual valve block or integration with auxiliary hydraulics
  

Blade geometry is critical. A 30-degree curvature allows deep root penetration while minimizing lateral soil displacement. Blade length should match the target tree size—typically 36 to 60 inches for ornamental or shade trees.
In one build, a landscaper in Minnesota fabricated a three-blade spade using ⅜-inch plate steel and 3-inch bore cylinders. The unit weighed 1,200 lbs and could transplant trees up to 4 inches in trunk diameter.
Hydraulic Requirements and Flow Management
Skid steers typically offer 15–25 GPM of auxiliary hydraulic flow at 3,000 psi. The tree spade must be matched to this output to ensure smooth blade movement and adequate force.
Hydraulic considerations:

• Cylinder bore: Larger bores increase force but require more fluid
  
• Stroke length: Determines blade depth and root ball size
  
• Valve control: Proportional valves offer smoother operation than manual levers
  
• Flow restrictors: Prevent blade slamming and reduce shock loads
  
• Return line filtration: Protects valves from contamination during retraction
  

A contractor in Alberta added a flow divider to his custom spade, allowing simultaneous blade movement and reducing transplant time by 30%.
Structural Reinforcement and Wear Management
Tree spades endure high stress during digging, especially in compacted or rocky soils. Reinforcement strategies include:

• Welded gussets at blade hinges
  
• Hardened cutting edges or bolt-on wear strips
  
• Pivot bushings with grease fittings
  
• Blade guides to prevent twisting under load
  
• Powder coating or epoxy paint for corrosion resistance
  

In one build, a user added replaceable carbide edges to the blade tips, extending service life during clay excavation and reducing downtime.
Operational Technique and Transplant Success
Using a tree spade effectively requires precision and patience. Best practices include:

• Pre-watering the soil to reduce resistance
  
• Aligning blades evenly around the trunk
  
• Digging to full depth before lifting
  
• Minimizing tilt to preserve root ball integrity
  
• Wrapping root ball in burlap or mesh for transport
  

Tree survival rates depend on root preservation and timing. Transplanting during dormancy (late fall or early spring) improves outcomes. A nursery in Ohio reported 85% survival using a custom spade and pre-digging protocol.
Safety and Loader Compatibility
Skid steer compatibility is essential. The spade must not exceed the loader’s rated operating capacity or interfere with visibility and maneuverability.
Safety tips:

• Use counterweights if spade exceeds 1,000 lbs
  
• Install check valves to prevent blade drift
  
• Avoid operating on slopes or frozen ground
  
• Train operators in hydraulic control and tree handling
  
• Inspect welds and pins weekly during transplant season
  

A municipal crew in Colorado retrofitted their spade with a tilt sensor and audible alarm, reducing blade misalignment incidents during urban tree relocation.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Building a tree spade for a skid steer is a rewarding project that combines fabrication skill with horticultural impact. When designed with attention to blade geometry, hydraulic flow, and structural durability, a custom spade can rival commercial units in performance and transplant success.
Recommendations include:

• Match blade size to target tree diameter and loader capacity
  
• Use hardened edges and reinforced pivots for longevity
  
• Integrate hydraulic controls for smooth blade actuation
  
• Pre-test in varied soil conditions before full deployment
  
• Document build specs and transplant outcomes for refinement
  

With thoughtful engineering and field-tested technique, a skid steer tree spade becomes more than an attachment—it becomes a precision transplant tool that reshapes landscapes one root ball at a time.