When choosing a tree spade attachment for a skid steer, look for sturdy construction, a capable root ball diameter, and a design that preserves root integrity. These attachments are best for landscape professionals, nurseries, and orchard managers who need efficient transplanting or root excavation with minimal damage. The selections below cover a range of sizes, mounting styles, and blade configurations to fit common skid steers and quick-tach systems. The table highlights key specs to compare at a glance.
| Product | Max Root Ball Diameter | Depth / Reach | Mount Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIVA Skid Steer 3 Blade Tree Spade Transplanter | Up to 28 in. (ball) | Up to 28.35 in. | Standard attachment | Garden nurseries, transplanting trees with delicate root balls |
| Titan Attachments Grey Extreme Stump Bucket | Varies with stump bucket design | Deep digging with serrated edge | SSQA/Universal quick tach | Stump removal and root cutting |
| Titan Attachments Economy Series Stump Bucket | Small to mid stumps | Moderate depth | SSQA quick tach | Light-duty stump removal and pruning |
| Titan Distributors Inc. 40” Tree Spade | Large root balls suitable for 34–40 in. | Deep spading edge design | SSQA/Universal | Large trees and heavy transplanting jobs |
| Titan Attachments Quick Tach Tree Spade Transplanter | Up to 34 in. root ball | 50–60 in. reach potential with blade angle | Quick Tach mounting | Commercial planting with large root balls |
MIVA Skid Steer 3 Blade Tree Spade Transplanter
The MIVA tree spade uses three blades to excavate and lift the tree along with its root ball in one operation. It can transplant trees with a maximum diameter of 2 inches (50 mm) and supports a load up to 441 lbs (200 kg). The design enables a maximum root-ball diameter of 28 inches (700 mm) and depth up to 28.35 inches (720 mm). Constructed from low-alloy, high-strength structural steel with a corrosion-resistant coating, this attachment emphasizes durability and rust resistance. Best for nurseries and landscape crews needing efficient, intact root-ball relocation.
Who it’s best for: professionals handling mid-sized trees where preserving the root ball is critical. Reason for selection: it combines a three-blade configuration with a robust steel build and a sizable digging range. Caution: ensure compatible skid steer hydraulics and mounting interface to avoid underutilizing the attachment.
Titan Attachments Grey Extreme Stump Bucket
This USA-made stump bucket emphasizes durability for root and debris removal. It fits most skid steers and loaders with a skid steer quick tach system, including common brands. A serrated leading edge is designed to tear out stumps and shred roots efficiently, reducing the need for extra cutting tools. Best for operators who need a rugged tool for aggressive root work and quick connection changes across brands.
Who it’s best for: users prioritizing a heavy-duty stump-removal tool with straightforward, universal mounting. Reason for selection: robust steel construction paired with a serrated edge supports tough ground conditions. Caution: designed primarily for stump removal and debris handling; not a precision transplant tool for delicate root balls.
Titan Attachments Economy Series Stump Bucket
This Economy Series stump bucket targets lighter, cost-conscious jobs while delivering essential functionality. It features AR400 steel tips and ergonomic, serrated edges for quicker root shredding and easier ground slicing. Best for budget-minded projects where mid-range stump work or soil prep is required without excessive wear or weight.
Who it’s best for: small to medium projects needing reliable stump work at a lower price point. Reason for selection: efficiency-focused design with durable steel and a lighter footprint. Caution: not the top pick for very large stumps or heavy-duty rock removal.
Titan Distributors Inc. 40” Tree Spade
With a 40-inch class root-ball capacity and a universal SSQA/quick-attach interface, this tree spade provides a strong option for large transplanting tasks. The 40-inch model is designed for larger root balls and deeper digging, making it suitable for bigger trees, hedges, or landscape installations. Best for crews handling sizable trees and those requiring a robust, universal mounting solution.
Who it’s best for: professionals performing large-scale transplanting. Reason for selection: size and compatibility enable handling substantial root systems. Caution: heavier attachments may affect lift capacity and tractor hydraulics on smaller skid steers.
Titan Attachments Quick Tach Tree Spade Transplanter
This transplanter uses a universal Quick Tach mounting system and accommodates trees with root balls up to 34 inches in diameter. The blade design supports a 30-degree blade angle with overlapping blades to clean-cut roots, aiding cleaner extractions and easier relocation of trees. Best for operations that require efficient transplanting with a larger root system.
Who it’s best for: landscape pros transplanting large trees. Reason for selection: angle-adjustable blades and a broad root-ball capability. Caution: ensure compatibility with your skid steer’s hydraulic flow and mounting system for optimal performance.
PioneerWorks Heavy Duty Stump Bucket
This heavy-duty stump bucket features universal skid steer quick-attach compatibility and a rugged AR400 steel tip with serrated edges designed for root cutting and debris division. The design prioritizes visibility through laser-cut slits on the mounting plate for precise digging. Best for users needing strong, visible control during foundation or turf work. Caution: primarily a stump/removal tool; not specialized for transplanting delicate root balls.
FORGLO Heavy Duty Stump Bucket & Tree Spade
FORGLO combines stump-bucket functionality with a tree-spade capability in a universal skid-steer attachment. The unit uses a serrated edge and replaceable bucket teeth to handle root systems, digging, and ground clearing. Best for multi-purpose jobs where stump removal and root excavation are required. Caution: ensure that the tool’s weight and dimensions fit your skid steer’s load limits.
Mytee Products Clamp On Quick Spade Combo Blade
This clamp-on option offers a compact and versatile blade system designed for digging, footings, planting, and tree stump removal. The blade length and overall dimensions balance stability with maneuverability. Best for projects requiring a flexible, portable blade system that can integrate with various bucket or fork configurations. Caution: compatibility varies by bucket lip size and mounting interface.
Buying Guide
What size root ball do you plan to transplant? Choose a spade with a root-ball capacity that comfortably exceeds your target diameter to reduce root damage.
Which mounting system does your skid steer use? Ensure compatibility with SSQA or Quick Tach, including the tractor brand and hydraulic flow requirements.
How deep will you dig, and how wide must the blade reach be? For large trees, select a model with deeper reach and wider blade overlap to minimize root disturbance.
Do you need a dual-purpose tool? If stump removal is part of the job, consider stump buckets with serrated edges and reinforced teeth, but coordinate with a transplant-focused spade for delicate root care.
What is your budget and weight limits? Heavier attachments deliver durability, but may reduce lift capacity on smaller skid steers. Balance tool weight with your machine’s rated operating capacity.
FAQ
- What is a tree spade transplanter best used for? It is designed to excavate and transplant trees with their root balls intact, improving transplant success and reducing root damage.
- Can these attachments fit any skid steer? Most listed models use universal SSQA or Quick Tach mounting, but you should confirm compatibility with your specific skid steer model and hydraulic system.
- What root-ball size can I expect from a typical 40-inch tree spade? Root-ball sizes vary by model, but large spade heads can manage substantial root balls, often up to 34–40 inches in diameter for heavy-duty units.
- Are there safety considerations when using a tree spade? Always follow manufacturer guidelines, maintain clear working zones, and operate within the skid steer’s rated capacity to avoid tipping or equipment stress.
- Which attachment is best for small residential jobs? Economical stump buckets or lighter tree spade models may provide sufficient capability without overloading smaller machines.