cut over clean up

[farmerpsv]

Hey all
Just put an offer on some land that was cutover a couple of years ago, lotsa branches, and stumps to clean up. It's 50 acres and I plan on building a house. Was going to get someone with a dozer to clear 5 to 10 acres, then thought I could chip away at it on my own. I have a NH TN65 w/fel. was thinking of getting a bucket attachment that grabs the branches, excuse the ignorance...i've seen them but don't know what they're called, and then getting a stump grinder for the back end. I know many here are proponents of the back hoe, I really want to leave the top soil intact. Some of the land I'll let grow back to forest, plant some poplars around the perimeter, and the rest in pasture. anyway, trying to save some cost on not getting the whole thing done with a dozer as i'll have enough cost building the house. any input from any of you who have done similarly insane stuff would be appreciated. also, your experience with grinders and fel attachments that would work well would be great.
thanks,
paul

 

[PineRidge]

Paul I think you are referring to a grapple or a grapple bucket.

 

[farmerpsv]

Mike,
yeah, that's it. thanks
paul

 

[jrepp]

I am also clearing 4 or 5 cut over acres. I am using the FEL to remove small trees and stumps. It can be done but it is very slow. Stump grinders do an excellent job; however, if you want to run underground utilities (electricity, phone, gas, water, sewer etc...) the part of the stump left underground may be a problem.

 

[MMM]

I've found hot backburning fire does a good clearing of debris and kills hardwood saplings. If the cutover was mostly pine, the stumps will rot away before you get to the last one on 10 acres with a 3pt stump grinder. That's a lot of stumps if you're a weekenf farmer. You could probably rent a dozer for less than you'd pay for the grinder and spend your time and money on discing, seeding fencing and family.