LaVita
Bronze Member
I just had about 20 acres chipped in preparation to log and replant. The original idea was to chip as much as possible to keep the nutrients on the ground. As it turns out we will need to burn a bunch because the chipper couldn't navigate some of the hills due to lack of traction (rubber tracts) and this is why I will be getting a grapple (burn pile maintenance). Anyway, here are some of the pics of before and after for the chipper. The tool is impressive. It's a hydraulic drum that spins at 2400 RPM with 24 hardened steal teeth (some of these guys use carbide as well - better on rocks) and just chews up everything in its path. The Cat is 6' across and is very manuevurable through the trees. Chips everything in place. Cost: $500 per acre compared to $400 per acre for clearing and stacking and $90 per acre for burning.
