How difficult to operate a mini excavator

[MossRoad]

There have been many an acre cleared by dozers. Many had a v plow with cage for protection that sheared off trees. Followed by another cat with a bush rake blade that piled the downed trees into windrows. Followed another cat pulling a Rome plough.

View attachment 528347

 

[laurencen]

several years ago I picked up a bobcat 430 mini, biggest issue was no cab, after 8 years I traded it for a bobcat e32, very capable machine and with a ripper tooth gets trees out easily, way better than with a bucket, clean up with the skidsteer

I have a dozer its old Cat D2 but sure pushes the down trees into rows with ease

 

[airbiscuit]

I have about 3 acres that I want to clear on my property. Quite a few big pines and sweet gums but a lot of 4-6 inch trees that I don't want and lots of smaller privet and brush.

I don't want to get it mulched because it leaves a lot of splintered stumps that will re sprout back out and difficult to mow because of the stumps. I was thinking about renting a mini excavator. Could dig up the smaller trees and brush and if I did have any regrowth it would be easier to mow.

I thought about buying a used mini ex and then selling after I'm finished but I saw that I can rent one for $2000 per month. Problem is I have no experience operating anything like this. Can someone tell me what the learning curve is to use one of these to clear land as I described. Land is level and flat.

Thanks

Soooooo, what are you going to do?

 

[Egon]

Moss; I should have said Rome Plough or Disk. He ploughs were usually one or two bottom pulled by a D7 of the time. ( 1950 )
The dozer plows were a V type ( locomotive snow clearing type ) there would be a metal mesh cage around the cat & operator to deflect the tree spears. Sections of brush would be cleared at a time.

This type of plough only about three times as big.

 

[MossRoad]

OK. I'll look at those, too. :thumbsup:

 

[bcp]

Rome Plow may refer to these:
Rome plow - Wikipedia
KG Series >> Rome Plow

Or to other plows made by Rome Plow Company

Bruce

 

[edgarrian]

yes I know I get that and have done it. But i was referring to basically having the ability to sell the logs or homeowners like to have ability to cut logs and use them for firewood.

Exclusively before trackhoes.

 

[edgarrian]

I think its safe to say he's not going to rent a machine like this. I guess there is a small possibility but unlikely.

There have been many an acre cleared by dozers. Many had a v plow with cage for protection that sheared off trees. Followed by another cat with a bush rake blade that piled the downed trees into windrows. Followed another cat pulling a Rome plough.

View attachment 528347

 

[Egon]

I think its safe to say he's not going to rent a machine like this. I guess there is a small possibility but unlikely.

Very true.
The picture got posted to show past methods.

 

[AlbertC]

Soooooo, what are you going to do?

I think I will probably not buy one because I would probably not want to sell it later when I am finished with the clearing. Also, I have learned that some repairs on these things can be very expensive.

I am going to get some quotes but I am sure it will be more than the $2000 that I can rent one for. So, I think I am going to rent one for a month after winter sets in and all of the leaves,have fallen off the trees. In a month I would also think I can have most if not all of the stuff burned.