Dozer or excavator

[foreman Etexas]

The best way we figured out when had to clean up after logging for someone, was go in with the D6R and start clearing and piling,then a 325 with thumb would start popping stumps out behind me. Once got good size area cleaned would start the brush pile on fire,have time in dozer catch an unseen stump but for the most part had enough room between to maneuver at a good rate. The 325 would just pull the stump knock the dirt off and leave it,once we had a hot enough fire one of us would take them to it,he would sometimes catch up to me and get the stumps so I would have a pushing lane to burn pile,then when it was to long would start a new burn pile and repeat. The smaller stumps dozer can push them up but if it's a lot,I found that if when your going by it just cut the one side don't set there and work around it, just keep cutting the stumps on the one side then when you start working another direction you cut all the stumps again on a new side eventually they will all be where can come back straight and remove them. This will save time and your dozer UC. Roll the brush to keep the dirt out before get the burn pile,hard to explain but everything should burn up but a few root balls that can later be buried.
I have also had places where would just pop the stump out dig bucket out same hole then flip the stump over in hole take bucket slide that dirt over pack it then move onto the next one,let time take care them and disc will level it out later on down the road

I haven't seen what your dealing with if it's just stumps without a bunch of brush like would be around here,the trackhoe would probably be the better route removing them and knocking the dirt off and dig few holes but I would then rent dozer later for the cleanup. I own my own small dozer and can tell you things can happen and things break especially on a older piece of equipment,my brother is luckily a diesel mechanic but the parts ain't cheap.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

I have seen some excavators around here for 30k. But I don't know anything about buying one. I'd like to buy one and use it for a 6 months to a year and sell it. I will have 20 acres+ to stump. Some oak and pine that are 24 inch across. Most are 12-18 inches. How do you evaluate the machine to get a good feel for its condition?

 

[Bill Stecik]

I clear , mulch and till about 80 acres a year in my spare time . Here is a video of my latest pride and joy mulcher on logged out landhttps://youtu.be/BiZgunuOyPI

 

[Wnc3]

To answer your question, both.
Rent...the only reason I bought a dozer is we are selectively clearing and taking our time. I did add a root rake and it works very well.

 

[Trials]

I have seen some excavators around here for 30k. But I don't know anything about buying one. I'd like to buy one and use it for a 6 months to a year and sell it. I will have 20 acres+ to stump. Some oak and pine that are 24 inch across. Most are 12-18 inches. How do you evaluate the machine to get a good feel for its condition?

I just bought this one

The things I looked for: Track condition, chains and sprockets ( this one was all rebuilt 2 years ago ) Batteries ( replaced 1 year ago )
previous owner used it on his Farm ( for the most of its life it was not used in a heavy construction environment )
previous owner was selling because he bought a newer, bigger unit.
Cummins diesel motor sounds real good. The 2 service issues I found are both being repaired before I take possession of the machine,
and he is delivering it to my location at no additional charge, because he has a truck and trailer float to do it
It's a 19 ton unit.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

Excavator envy.