Transplant Trees Faster on Australian Sites: Sibom Skid Steer Tree Spade
Moving established trees by hand is slow, risky for the root system and expensive in labour. Australian landscapers, nurseries, golf courses and councils increasingly specify a skid steer tree spade Australia crews can mount on machines they already own — dig a conical soil ball, transport the tree and replant in one continuous workflow.
Sibom’s 0502 Series is a tree transplanting attachment for skid steer and wheel loader carriers, featuring four HARDOX steel blades and catalogue root-ball diameters roughly in the 33–45 in range. Operators stay in the cab from excavation through planting. Local AU contact: +61 401962909 · rongl9823@gmail.com.
Why Tree Spades Matter on Australian Projects
New estates, streetscape upgrades and commercial landscaping often require relocating specimen trees rather than cutting them down. Digging with a standard bucket shears roots and collapses the soil structure. A dedicated root ball tree spade attachment cuts a conical ball that protects feeder roots and keeps surrounding soil intact — critical for survival after transplant, especially in hot, dry Australian summers.
For nurseries and wholesale growers, the same tool shortens dispatch cycles: lift stock with a consistent ball size, load onto trucks, and plant at the customer site without a second excavator crew. Councils treating council tree relocation equipment AU budgets prefer a skid-steer mounted spade over hiring a dedicated tree-spade truck for every street project.
What the Sibom 0502 Series Delivers
The Sibom Tree Spade is designed for efficient excavation, transport and planting of small-diameter trees. Easy installation, flexible operation and cab-controlled digging mean one operator can complete the full sequence without leaving the main machine.
Four HARDOX blade tree spade edges handle abrasive soils common on Australian construction fills and roadside verges. The conical soil ball reduces root damage and preserves surrounding soil structure so the tree has a better chance of establishing after the move. The series suits trees with horizontally growing root systems; when adapted to an excavator, adjustable pressure and reversible oil supply options expand carrier flexibility.
Full model tables are on the product page: Sibom Skid Steer Tree Spade (0502 Series).
Model Snapshot: Ball Size, Depth and Carrier Fit
Catalogue models (sts436, sts444a, sts36c, sts36ca, sts444d) cover a practical spread of ball diameters and digging depths for landscaping and nursery work:
- sts436 — ball diameter up to about 33.5 in, digging depth up to about 28.3 in, weight about 1,874 lbs; compact everyday transplanting.
- sts444a — ball diameter up to about 43.7 in, digging depth up to about 39.4 in, weight about 2,200 lbs; larger specimens and deeper cuts.
- sts36c / sts36ca — ball diameter up to about 34.6 in, digging depth about 27.6 / 22.2 in, weight about 1,742 lbs; mid-size packages for skid steer, wheel loader or excavator briefs (confirm carrier power).
- sts444d — multi ball options about 45.3 / 40.6 / 35.4 in with matching dig depths; hydraulic outriggers required on skid steer loaders for this model — check rated load (skid steers over about 3,527 lbs; loaders in the 4,409–6,613 lbs class; excavators over about 26,455 lbs as listed).
Operating pressure across the range is about 3,046 psi, with DC12 / DC24 electrical options. Optional mechanical or hydraulic support legs (mounted on the rear of the loader) are available on selected models. Always match attachment weight, ball size and hydraulic demand to your carrier’s tipping capacity and auxiliary circuit before ordering.
Where Australian Buyers Use Landscaping Tree Transplanting Equipment
Landscape contractors use a landscaping tree transplanting equipment Australia package to relocate palms, ornamentals and street trees on residential and commercial builds without killing the plant or scarring finished hardscape.
Nurseries and growers treat a nursery tree spade for skid steer as a production tool — consistent ball sizes for wholesale dispatch and on-farm replanting.
Municipal and parks crews move trees clear of road works, utilities and building footprints, then replant within the same shift window.
Golf courses, estates and farms reshape plantings while keeping mature trees that would take years to replace from stock.
Need a compact carrier as well? See Sibom compact loaders. Browse more forestry and landscape tools under Forestry & Landscaping or the full attachments catalogue.
Buyer Checklist Before You Order
Confirm your skid steer or wheel loader has enough rated load for the empty attachment (about 1,742–2,205 lbs depending on model) plus the soil ball. Match ball diameter to the trees you actually move — oversizing wastes cycle time; undersizing damages roots. Verify hydraulic pressure capacity near 3,046 psi and whether outriggers are required (sts444d on skid steers). Decide if optional rear support legs help your soil conditions. For dealers and fleet buyers, Sibom can discuss OEM coupler or geometry variations via factory OEM service.
Warranty and AU Local Support
Australian customers can work directly with Sibom on model selection, lead time and a 1-year full warranty discussion for the attachment package. Call +61 401962909 or email rongl9823@gmail.com with your carrier model, auxiliary hydraulics and typical tree / root-ball size.
Quick FAQ
Q1: Will this fit a standard skid steer?
Most 0502 models are listed for skid loader / wheel loader use. Confirm coupler, rated load and hydraulics against the specific model table. sts444d lists hydraulic outriggers as required for skid steer loaders.
Q2: What root ball sizes are available?
Catalogue ball diameters span roughly 33.5–45.3 in depending on model (including multi-size options on sts444d). See the product specifications.
Q3: Why HARDOX blades?
HARDOX wear steel is specified for abrasive soils and repeated digging cycles, helping maintain a clean cut on the root ball over a longer service life.
Q4: Can I transplant trees without a second machine?
Yes — the design intent is to dig, transport and plant while the operator remains on the carrier, which is the main reason crews transplant trees with skid steer Australia projects instead of using a bucket-and-barrow method.
Q5: How do I get a quote?
Contact Sibom with carrier make/model, flow/pressure and target ball size via Contact Us, phone or email above.
Bottom Line
If your Australian work involves relocating living trees — not just clearing them — a purpose-built tree spade protects the root ball, cuts labour and keeps the job on one machine. Review the Sibom 0502 Series Tree Spade, then talk to the AU team about the model that matches your carrier and plant sizes.
