The age old.."what's the best land clearing technique" question again

[Piston]

It's also possible that unlike all of us, he has better, more important things to do than stare at a computer screen all day everyday. Perhaps he's actually out doing something with his time instead of "armchair tractor work" online like all of us.

 

[PatrickS2222]

Yep, that does look great! :thumbsup:
A good result there - would have been an effort with that machine. 4WD is a big advantage, but that's not a very heavy tractor.

 

[N80]

Yep, that does look great! :thumbsup:
A good result there - would have been an effort with that machine. 4WD is a big advantage, but that's not a very heavy tractor.

For a 45hp tractor it is very light. A blessing and a curse. It makes towing and maintenance easier. Many 150/1500 series trucks can pull 10k pounds these days but my 2003 F150 tops out at 7500#. My tractor with loader and loaded tires is about 5000#. Add a 2000# trailer and you're at the max. So heavier tractor = more expensive truck in my case. But sometimes when clearing I'd get the bucket up against a larger pine, give it some throttle and the bucket would climb up the tree and the front wheels come off the ground....or it would just sit there and spin all four tires.

 

[Iguezz116]

Hey everyone! I see a little hostility that I haven't been here. Haha no worries. Iv been out of town where cell service is very sketchy and Internet service is a zero. Sorry I left everyone hanging. I've read a few replies with some great info. I will keep reading and post back after I'm done. I do have to say though, I am very surprised with the responses. I was expecting 2-3 all saying the same thing. Thanks a lot everyone, Iv got some reading to do. Thanks again!

 

[N80]

I was expecting 2-3 all saying the same thing. Thanks a lot everyone, Iv got some reading to do. Thanks again!

That will never happen here!

 

[JRobyn]

No, no. No hostility, just wondering if you'd been put off by all our very different opinions! Glad you're back.

 

[Iguezz116]

hey guys, thanks again for all the replies. im not a huge fan of the mulching/grinding techniques because I like to remove the stump and roots as well as to not cause any problems in the future incase I decide to build or something else in the area. the price quoted by the operator already in that area is about going rate I believe. He pushed over, shakes dirt off, piles, burns, runs root rake to remove all left behind roots and sticks then re-levels the entire area. when hes done you can mow with your riding mower its so smooth, level and clear. someone brought up how I have access to the equipment I mentioned. the 30 horse is my dads and I. and 410 is my bro-in-law. were pretty close and yes I can leave both pieces of equipment there until the job is finished. as far as left behind holes from the stumps, im not real concerned about, I will be digging a 3/4 acre pond (possibly bigger if I need more dirt) the clay will be used for my house pad and driveway base. the operator did a pond and house pad next to my property last month and had to scrape 3-5Ft. of topsoil off the home site to get to clay, so that soil will be used to level and finish the cleared area. I talked extensively with him about the type of dirt and clay found in the area. nothing will need to be brought in, I can use all the clay/soil from my pond and home site. im going to attempt to attach some pics of what im working with finally. the very thin pieces of woods is the back 1/4 of the property. all the rest is the front and middle.

 

[PatrickS2222]

No, no. No hostility, just wondering if you'd been put off by all our very different opinions! Glad you're back.

Indeed none ..... probably better described as "spirited" or "enthusiastic" :laughing:

 

[polkwrangler]

I had a loader with a rootrake in 1999 do some work for me cleared an acre of palmettos a day ...was worth every penny

 

[Iguezz116]

Iv been told a few times that a loader is the way to go. The bucket can go higher for more leverage on the trees. And it's big enough to start on my dirt work. Iv been watching a few videos on clearing land with a loader as well. Seems like it's well worth looking into.