Advice for trail cutting.

[beenthere]

I didn't think "roundup" was effective on stumps, but only effective as a killer when spraying it on growing green material, leaves, etc.

I think there are chemicals (Tordon?) and similar brands specfically for stumps that are much more effective in killing the plant. It's so much work to cut them and then treat them individually, that using the best treatment seems worthwhile.

 

[darius]

Look for a Gravely walk behind tractor with the 30" mower/brush hog on the front. It is an amazingly powerful and stable unit for trail cutting.

I've pointed mine into heavy brush and walked to the other side to get the tractor when it can out. Amazing machine.

 

[oakiemac]

I cleared a nice meandering path through my property with a chainsaw and an DR mower with the heavy duty blade. My property is mostly smaller (<2" diameter) thorny bushes and trees. I have since bought my Grandfathers old gravely and have found that to be a far superior machine. If you really want to cut through some brush, get an old walk behind Gravely with the 30" brush deck. But hold on tight, this machine is not for women or childeren! Of course if you have bigger trees to remove, you'll probably want a bulldozer. But most paths work there way around the trees-not through them.
Steve

 

[LazyJ_Arabians]

My favorite pasttime this time of year is attacking a thicket with my Stihl PL40 bypass loppers. Cuts 3" hardwood and 4" pine like butter.

 

[riptides]

I *love* butter.

I have to investigate this device. How low to the ground can you go?

-Mike Z.

 

[MossRoad]

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.stihlusa.com/handtools/PL40.html>http://www.stihlusa.com/handtools/PL40.html</A>

 

[LazyJ_Arabians]

That's interesting the factory claims 2" capacity. I've actually measured 4.5" pine stumps I've taken down by cutting almost through then bending it over a little to get a better purchase and then finishing it off. It does dull every hour or two but a few minutes with a file and stone makes it razor sharp. Pricey at $100 bucks but an awesome tool and much safer than using a chainsaw in heavy brush.

 

[BigDave]

<font color=blue> A weed-wacker with a saw on the end? </font color=blue>

I took a different approach, I have a brush-cutter that I use for weed whacking. Basically it is a heavy duty weed whacker: about 20 lbs & 3hp vs 10 lbs & 1 hp for a regular weed whacker. I use the steel blade for trees & stumps up to 5", and the plastic line for anything less than 0.5." Of course, this is an investment quality tool versus the disposable weed whackers you typically find in box stores.

I don't have a good picture, but this is the best I have.

 

[riptides]

Hmm,

So I take all the advise, and of course approach the trail with the following:
Weed Wacker
Loper
Chain Saw - plus 3 sharp chains
Body protection - Gloves, eyewear, ear protectors, dayglo Orange hat (hunters ya know)
B7800 with FEL (toothbar) and with 5 foot woods 'hog

I drive to gate, trees hanging too low, wackaw wacka..... end of mother nature as we know it. Bump, wack, head shot by twig. Wacka wacka!
Trees and Brush score three hits.
Tractor - ahhh, hey, this crap may tear it up.

Abandon, tractor, go back to chainsaw. Don't want to scratch my baby up.

Sigh.... /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif
-Mike Z.

I think I am gonna go rent a walk behind this weekend.

 

[alan40]

I'm with you on that one. Mother Nature can be one tough babe!!!!!!/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif My personnel nemesis are thorn trees. I get stuck everytime I cut one down!!! Well almost everytime/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif They can really make you bleed. The good news is that the end product is worth it. Keep us posted.