Bobcat has expanded the range of attachments for use on its market-leading skid-steer loaders and compact tracked loaders with the launch of the a new Tree Spade transplanter, providing an efficient and economical method for removing or transplanting trees.

Available in several styles and sizes, the new Tree Spade attachment works very effectively in a wide variety of soil conditions and converts a Bobcat loader into an extremely versatile transplanting unit that increases productivity and cuts labour costs, according to the manufacturer.

Elaborating on the attachment, a company spokesman says: ''The Tree Spade reduces labour costs by removing time-consuming work such as manual digging and by making full use of the skid-steer loader or compact tracked loader."

''In fact, a tree can be dug out, transplanted or packaged without the operator having to leave the loader seat as the spade is simple to operate and easy to manoeuvre owing to convenient electro-hydraulic controls and the excellent visibility from the operator's seat.

''A Tree Spade mounted on a skid-steer loader or compact tracked loader is much more mobile, more productive and costs less than tractor, truck or trailer-mounted tree spades.

''With a compact, short tower design that can squeeze between closely planted trees and a rugged, reinforced frame, the spade is perfect for use in nursery applications such as balled and burlapped tree production, where high production and package quality are essential. The spade is also ideal for landscapers, work in parks and other municipal areas. To reduce branch damage when transplanting, the spades have a low profile so the attachment will be especially popular among Christmas tree farmers.

''The spade is available in cone, truncated and modified styles and in a range of different diameters. The cone-shaped spade can be used to prune roots in a nursery; the 30-degree cone is perfect for hardened soils; the 22-degree truncated spade can be used to obtain a large root ball for the tree; and the modified spade can be employed as a compromise between the other two styles with 25-degree angled blades.''

The spade is available in four different diameters covering a range of tree sizes. The 760-mm (30-inch) and 860-mm (34-inch) spades have three blades and are suitable for use on trees with diameters from 38 to 69 mm (1.5 to 2.7 inches) and 50 to 82 mm (2 to 3.2 inches), respectively. These models are approved for use with Bobcat 763, 763H, 773, 863, 863H, 864, 864H, 873 and 963 loaders.

The 915-mm (36-inch) spade also has three blades and should be used on trees with diameters between 50 and 95 mm (2 and 3.7 inches). This size of spade is approved for use with Bobcat 773,863, 863H, 864, 864H, 873 and 963 loaders.

The largest 1,120-mm (44-inch) spade has four blades and can only be used in conjunction with a Bobcat 963 skid-steer loader. This spade is to be used with larger trees with a diameter between 76 and 114 mm (3 and 4.5 inches).

The spokesman continues: ''Featuring a swing-open gate with an open frame design to allow easy tree access, the spade has overlapping blades to ensure a clean cut. A levelling light indicates when all three legs are on the ground at an even angle, which ensures that the operator is digging an even hole. The attachment is fitted with adjustable legs that allow more versatility as the legs can be positioned in any one of five height positions, so that different-sized root balls can be obtained with the same spade. The spade also features easy entry steps, built onto the back of the attachment to facilitate entry into the loader.''

Like all Bobcat attachments, the spade extends and utilises the versatility of Bobcat skid-steer loaders and compact tracked loaders. ''With an expanding choice of well over 40 attachments, a Bobcat loader becomes a multi-purpose machine and is designed to save time, effort and cost in carrying out a wide range of applications,'' the spokesman says.