Grading Considering an upgrade

[rustyshakelford]

If it’s like mesquite, it will come back. Cutting them off like that doesn’t kill it. You’d be surprised how much you can get done or go the root rake option on a Dozer. The root plow is typically on a d8 sized machine and is also called a KG plow. From what you’re describing the rake would lift them up and allow you to roll the dirt out before piling

Sometimes the more expensive option is the cheaper option if that makes sense

Brett

 

[flingwing1969]

Sadly for you, even after you get everything grubbed out and leveled, you will have to fight that thorny Huisache for a couple of decades with herbicide as it really likes to be disturbed to sprout.

I think the ideas here though have been pretty good. If I had the money, I would hire a D-7 or D-8 guy with a nice set of rippers and let him/her have at it. Then they could do a rough fill job on the big holes and you could come in after with your nice new tractor and a back blade or land plane and work it over to your satisfaction. A dozer will make a mess but has the grunt necessary to do the job in a hurry. In a couple of years you won't even remember having spent all the $$$ on getting the job done.

I imagine your plan is to burn the stumps when you're done. Let's not go there. Best of luck to you.

 

[flingwing1969]

If you don't have the money to hire it done, the only alternative is to swap your time and that won't get you a big garden/pasture this year.

 

[YLee Kioti]

The kill rate according to our county agent is pretty high once the roots are cut below the crown.
The killer is that when the guys cut these all down, man there were a lot of beans hanging on these trees so there will be lots of seedling growing in the future....yeah it will be a life long battle to keep pasture in good shape.
For now though I'll have to settle for grubbing slowly and grading slowly. 7k is too big a chunk for a dozer guy, since I'm done contracting out as a Project Mgr.

Maybe later this year I'll post a fresh thread on progress.
Thanks for all the insight.
Lots of good info to consider.

 

[FM504]

Went through roughly the same process with mesquite at my place. Absolutely BROKE a 65hp tractor with a stump bucket, upgraded to a 100hp tractor and a 90hp skid steer. The skid steer and stump bucket is the answer. IMO you will eventually tear your tractor up trying to use it like that. As was mentioned before a track how with a grubber, a dozer with a rake or a good size skid steer with a stump bucket and get the roots.

 

[Coyote machine]

If you want to upgrade your tractor certainly do so. But if your main logic is to do so because you want to break the pesky plant on your property, it sounds like you will likely be disappointed by the results.
I'm with the spend more now on right pieces of equipment, see results you want as result of that decision.
Your local County AG dept may be able to assist in pointing you to people who have succeeded in your task, and know what specific eqip. to use and where to access it/rent it with skilled operator.
You may have to postpone your garden this season and save up to access the right tools for your specific job, so the outcome is once and done, vs. fighting it season after season, which could cost more in the long run.

 

[DwayneB]

Somebody good on a D6 size dozer should be able to do the job. An 8 would be better but, the cost goes up significantly. If you're any good on a dozer a lot of places have D6 size dozers for rent.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Could we get some pics of your place? If it’s what I’m thinking I could knock out 8 acres in about 2-3 days and burn as I went with a Deere 450j Sized machine

Brett

 

[bdog]

You need a dozer. No other machine is the right job for the task. Hire it done, or rent one. Wish you were closer I would make you a deal on doing it.

 

[RPW]

I'd also recommend a dozer. The rentals are easy to use and you don't have to pay for maintenance. I used a Deere 450 to clear 30 acres of Juniper trees of all sizes in an 8hr run time of the machine. Cost was about 1500 dollars.