I got down to the root of the problem... We need more power. The idea of completely excavating this root was too much digging for what I was trying to do here.The answer was brute force.
I didn't need to preserve the wood, or protect anything around that area. The idea was only to remove the root that was blocking my path. I had already cut the end of the root directly in the way. The other end of the root went down toward the trunk. So I thought maybe I can just break it. It has been a few years since we removed the tree.
But I still needed the right tool. I have a hydraulic floor jack which does generate enough force, but has a rather short throw. So I got a Farm Jack which does seem to be the right tool for this job. However it is rather awkward, and precarious. I used some 2x4s to make stabilizing braces that attach at the top clamp of the jack. I'll use this jack to pull some fence posts soon.
This was the first configuration of the chain. That didn't feel right, so I moved the chain closer to the stuck end of the root. Then gave the chain a couple wraps around the root. I also moved the hook part of the chain down from the large runner Then I applied enough force to break the root.
With a couple attempts I was able to mostly break the root. Then after some prying and wrestling I was able to get the root out of the hole. That was a task...
Just a little Saturday Afternoon Fun with Doggo...
