Clearing brush

[RichLNJ]

I have read some threads regsrding clearing bursh and was wondering if a tooth bar - either Piranha or long tooth would be better, or a backhoe to clear the brush. I have a JD 4720 tractor, 57 hp turbo diesel, with a 6 foot bucket on the front.

at this time I am trying to decide to buy a piranha tooth bar, long tooth bar, or save the money and buy a 3 point hitch backhoe.

there are 20+ acres of 6-8' brush to clear on a recently purchased farm that has been neglected for over 15 years. Would also be using it to maintiain gas well roads throughout the property which have shale rock mixed in with primarily clay soil.

 

[davesl708]

I cleared my brush with the FEL. Would have been quicker and easier if I had a tooth bar on the bucket but trees under 3 inch cleared easy with the FEL.
I would think a backhoe would be slow work.

 

[davesl708]

By the way. Welcome to TBN

 

[bumperm]

I think it depends on terrain and what kind of brush you are removing. A backhoe, especially one with a thumb, can be useful for plucking out brush and roots, but it's going to be relatively slow going, taking a lot of time to clear larger areas. If the terrain is suitable, a heavier duty bush hog style rotary cutter will make short work of knocking down brush or small saplings. I haven't used a Piranha bar, but have watched videos - looks to be effective on some types of brush too.

If you go with a backhoe, you might want to consider a frame mount rather than a 3-point, the frame mount is typically sturdier and less likely to damage the tractor.

 

[LD1]

Brush that we have around here, like russian olive, rose bushes, and other "bushy" stuff all push out really easy with a loader and tooth bar.

I have a backhoe. Given the choice, for brush, I choose the FEL.

Now if you have trees to clear that are 6" or larger, a backhoe is a better tool.

 

[jeff9366]

There are 20+ acres of 6-8' brush to clear on a recently purchased farm that has been neglected for over 15 years. Would also be using it to maintiain gas well roads throughout the property which have shale rock mixed in with primarily clay soil.

For clearing brush with secondary employment for grading, nothing will best a Ratchet Rake, sold by the T-B-N store with FedEx delivery.

VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=RATCHET+RAKE

Also consideer a Field Cultivator for exhuming root systems.

 

[TBN Support]

Welcome to the forum.
:welcome:
It looks like you are already getting some great advice!

I'm going to move this thread to the attachments section so it can be continued over there.