Explore Big John’s Selection of Quality Used Tree Spades Across the USA
At Big John, we understand the importance of balancing budget with performance. That’s why we offer a wide selection of high-quality, reliable used tree spades designed for landscapers, farmers, and horticultural projects across the USA. Our equipment is carefully inspected and maintained to provide dependable service at a more affordable price point, helping you achieve your landscaping and transplanting goals without compromise.
Available Used Tree Spades and Equipment
Browse our extensive inventory of used tree spades and additional equipment to find the tools that suit your needs:
- Used Tree Spades: Efficient and built for durability, our tree spades are perfect for various transplanting needs—whether it’s a small sapling or a mature tree.
- Tree Pods: Transport your trees safely with our resilient and versatile tree pods, designed to protect trees during transit and minimize the risk of damage.
- Other Used Equipment: Explore additional machinery, including trailers and specialized tools, to support your horticultural and agricultural projects.
Current Stock of Used Tree Spades
Maximize Your Resources with Used Tree Spades
Choosing a used tree spade can be game-changing for your agricultural business. Although these machines are used equipment, they are meticulously inspected and maintained to ensure they are as reliable and efficient as new ones.
You get to enjoy top-tier quality performance at a fraction of the cost. The savings you make can then be channeled into other areas of your farm, helping you grow and thrive. Plus, with our used tree spades, you can purchase models that may no longer be in production.
Tree Spades on a Budget: Big John’s Solution for Your Farm
Making your farm more productive and contributing to the environment through agroforestry is hard when you search for the cost of new tree spades. Too often, it feels like you’re forced to compromise your farm’s potential because of budget constraints.
Should budget limitations hinder your ability to achieve more? We don’t think so. At Big John Manufacturing, we understand productivity and budget are your priorities, and that’s why we offer used tree spades for sale!
Buying a Used Tree Spade From the Manufacturer
Every unit on this page is listed by Big John Manufacturing in Heber Springs, Arkansas, which has built tree spades since 1975. For a Big John unit, that means you deal with the company that designed and built it.
That relationship matters after the sale. When a Big John unit needs a part, Big John has it ready to ship the same day in most cases, and the same team answers your routine and preventive maintenance questions. The spades are built for the long haul: some of Big John’s first customers still run their spades 40 years later.
Big John also offers equipment financing, with approvals often within 24 hours and funding within 48 hours. Ask whether it applies to the unit you want.
What to Check on a Used Tree Spade
A used spade is only as good as its wear parts. Before you buy, look closely at:
- Blades: cracks along the leading edge, thinning at the cutting edge, and whether all blades close fully and evenly.
- Hydraulics, pump and cylinders: leaks at hoses, fittings and rod seals, clean fluid, steady pressure and no cylinder drift.
- Pins and bushings: play at the pivots and egg-shaped pin holes.
- Frame and mount: cracked or re-welded joints, bent members, and a mount that matches your carrier.
- History: maintenance records and working hours. A vague answer on either is a red flag.
Whenever you can, watch the spade run through a full cycle before you buy. Our guide to buying a used tree spade walks through each check and the red flags that mean walk away. On any unit, ask what inspection and service work has been done and what warranty, if any, comes with it.
Match the Spade to Your Trees
A used spade arrives already configured, so confirm it fits your work before the price makes the decision. Enter your typical trunk caliper in the rootball size calculator to see the rootball width you need, then compare it with the unit’s specs.
Check the carrier as well. Some units are listed already mounted on a truck, while others need a truck, loader or skid steer you supply. A mount that does not match your machine means added cost and fabrication. Specs for current models are on the new tree spades page.
Rootball weight matters too. A Model 54 rootball weighs about 2,400 lbs and a 100D rootball 15,000 to 18,000 lbs, so make sure your carrier can handle the load you plan to dig.
If you only need a spade a few times a year, or you want a tree moved rather than a machine to own, our tree spade hire guide explains when renting, hiring a crew or buying makes sense.
How to Ask About a Unit
Write down the stock number of the unit you want, then tell the team three things: the calipers you move, the machine you will run it on, and where you are located. That lets them answer on fit, condition and logistics in one conversation.
If you cannot see the unit in person, ask for photos of the blades, cylinders and frame. Then reach the team through the contacts below or the contact page.
Looking for Used Tree Spades?
We regularly list customer trade-in spades and demo equipment as part of our dedication to providing top-quality equipment. These used tree spades are carefully selected for their reliability and efficiency, offering excellent value for those looking to enhance their farming operations.
Contact Us for More Information
If you’re interested in any of our available Big John used tree spades, reach out to Stephen Choate or Danny Sanders for pricing, specs, or other inquiries. We’re here to help you find the right equipment to meet your needs and budget.
Inquire About a Used Tree Spade
Stephen Choate
Danny Sanders