land clearing and mulching times

[Chain rated]

Thanks for the advice. I'm considering getting a used machine. I can't find a used denis cimaf 180d so that might have to be new. I was going to try to work for someone but I'm lining up work now. After that last post I'll look into a rotary cutter. I can afford a used machine without any work. Any advice on a rotary cutter for a 299d xhp?

 

[Rio_Grande]

This is what I have. My machine is a 90 hp. I wouldn't want anything any lighter for my machine. You have about 20 more hp and high flow. Based on what I have seen you can get into a much heavier faster turning rotary cutter than I can. I would get the biggest toughest one I could for your machine. You will quickly find its limits.
http://cidattachments.com/product/x-treme-skid-steer-brush-cutter-attachment

 

[groundcover]

Kinda sounds like the way to a million in the mulching business is to start with two !

 

[yellowdogsvc]

I agree that I need experience but I also need work lined up before I make this big purchase. I have 2 acres of my own to do before I go to a customers place. I need to move forward from here.

I'd try and work for someone on the side at least to get some experience and see if you even like it. The next best thing would be to find a used machine or a great deal on an unsold, several year old new machine then work out a deal with a rancher or farmer or cousin who needs the work done and is willing to let you get some experience and still make some money for fuel, wear and tear and insurance. A couple of low pressure jobs like that would turn you into an expert pretty quick and you will find out the limitations of your set up, what works and doesn't work, and it will help you start running numbers in our head for estimating purposes.
It's hard to estimate, at least it is for me, land clearing and be exact unless it's a small job inside a fenced area. I came up with a daily rate for different types of clearing within my service zone. Rocky properties, for example, are more expensive to work on than properties with soft dirt. Big trees are obviously more work than small trees. Species of tree makes a difference as does obstacles. Brush piles, unless they are full of rock or trash, are generally easy to estimate if I know how the trees were cleared. You'll have to find what works for you. My rates, for example, may be lower or higher depending on the scope and machines used. Knowing your fixed costs and you'll figure out variable costs with some experience will help you set a rate that brings in a profit (or doesn't and then needs to be evaluated).

Good luck!

 

[rustyshakelford]

I know someone that bought a Dozer without ever sitting in one before. Thought clearing two acres would prepare him for clearing land for hire. Didn't work out very well. Luckily that tractor was only 35k, not 125k. What business are you currently in? Do you have the equip to haul?

Brett

 

[Chain rated]

I'm currently in the oil field. .... gotta do something. The way I see it is, take a leap to land from a sinking ship or never try and go down with the ship

 

[retrieverman]

I've already got my own business, and I bought my skid steer and brush mower to work on my own land. However, the dealer I bought my rig from keeps referring people to me, and it's looking like this land clearing could quickly evolve into a full time gig (if I want it to).

I have only "bid" one job and just given an hourly rate on the others, and so far, everyone has been very happy with the jobs and prices.

 

[Citydude]

I'm currently in the oil field. .... gotta do something. The way I see it is, take a leap to land from a sinking ship or never try and go down with the ship

Go for it. I admire the spirit. However, don't make a move until you have a business plan that shows what you need to make per day to pay all expenses and your paycheck. Know what your goal is. Keep us posted!

 

[f311fr1]

In middle TN we quote $250 haul charge up to 75 mile radius, $150 per hour on the job site. We use an ASV RC100, FAE 125 head, or a Gyro Trac head modified for skid steer QA/ Cat 304 mini ex. We have a lot of requests for the mini ex over roads and fences. We also have a Blue Diamond 42" rotary cutter for the mini ex and a CID low flow 60" heavy duty hush hog for the ASVs. We always send two people per machine out to the job.