Electric tool for digging out thick, tough bramble roots?

Over the past few months I've been spending an awful lot of time cutting back brambles, the worst part is dealing with the bramble stumps and roots. I just don't have the time (or the strength!) to dig up all of the root systems (I know, they'll likely spring forth again but I can then keep them in check) so I tend to use my loppers to push into the ground a few inches below the main 'trunk' and then slowly cut out the main segment of root.

This works but it's wrecking my right thumb (tender nerve now on the inner side and slightly numb on inner edge of topmost jointed area of thumb).

So I'm wondering if there is a suitable electric tool which is tough enough to deal with roots/lower stems that are an inch or more thick.

I see that electric pruners exist but I don't know if they would be strong enough?

I have a lot more roots/bramble stumps to deal with I'm afraid.

Thanks

 

Rather than contempate on expensive, heavy and equally hard to handle power tools, wouldn't it be simpler to get a strong gardener to pull or dig them out for you ?

Seems many self employed gardeners are still working, they keep their distance and just leave a bucket for you to put the money into.

For any regrowth, which you may get with so many stumps, use Vitax SBK Brushwood Killer, we used some on a big patch of bramble foliage last spring, still no signs of any regrowth this spring.

 

Thanks for the advice, I'd not thought of employing a gardener (I'm so used to doing things myself). I'll ask around.

Before I saw your reply I was also pondering about using a reciprocating saw, like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TACKLIFE-Reciprocating-2800SPM-Variable-Carrying/dp/B075WTWL57/

that would certainly cut through the bramble stumps with ease.

Thanks also for the advice on the brushwood killer.

 

@TheMadHedger I've ordered something similar to help with some treestump roots, I don't know if you have a screwfix close to you.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-ers1100-1100w-electric-reciprocating-saw-220-240v/405fx

 

I was told that if you keep cutting the regrowth on brambles as soon it appears it will eventually die. It does work but it's not a quick fix.

 

I use a mattock for that type of job.

 

A reciprocating saw is great for dealing with roots. They don't always last though - I've broken a couple.

Don't be tempted to get a cordless one though. Cordless is great for pruning where the cable would get in the way, but the battery won't last and generally it won't have the same grunt.

 

Thanks everyone for the advice - how long do reciprocating saw blades tend to last when used on bramble stumps and roots? I mean, assuming that I don't bend the blade at any awkward angles are they pretty tough and relatively long-lasting?

If I was to go for a reciprocating saw I'd definitely not use a cordless, partly because of the extra weight that a battery would add to it (and the issues of the charge and the 'grunt').

I have a Mattock but I also unfortunately have a lower back that over the years easily gets strained, so I'd likely mess that up again if I tried a mattock.

 

Hi,

Have used a recip saw to cut though a 100mm concrete black wall so the blades can be quiet long lasting, but check what blades are available for the model you buy, you would ideally want a long, strong wood type of blade.

However do not think it would be my choice for the job as the blades may break too easily if you hit a stone etc and perhaps they might not go deep enough ?

Though have never used one , wonder if these chain saws around the same price point might be more up to the job ? though think you will need some hand and face protection.

 

Thanks. I had briefly pondered a chainsaw of some type, there's even some mini ones out there like this one:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-EasyCut-Cordless-Lithium-Ion-Battery/dp/B071NW5S5Q/

but I was concerned about the amount of dirt and stones it would throw up whenever it contacts the soil (which is bound to happen at times when cutting the extreme base of the stumps). Besides, I don't think I'd trust myself with a chainsaw of any type, I value my appendages too much.

 

I have a chainsaw too but I wouldn't use that below soil level, recip blades can be relatively cheap so not a great expense, I've used recip blades to cut through steel girders (slowly I admit) so they can be quite strong but pliable too.

 

Don't use chainsaw in the soil it will blunt the chain, block up the guide bar and damage the slip clutch, better to use an axe, it will be cheaper

You don't get a second chance with a chainsaw if it hits human flesh, I know a few people with bits missing dew to chainsaws

 

Don't worry, I've ruled out a chainsaw for this particular application (or any application for that matter).