Mulch Your Way to a Better........anything!

[Charlesaf3]

This is probably a dumb question, but what's the difference between this and running a bush hog through the woods, which is what we do around here? Aside from the fact the bush hog will only do 2" max trees or so.

 

[Highbeam]

That contraption can actually grind below grade. Stumps and all. A brush mower just mows 2" down material that sticks up.

 

[Glowplug]

This is probably a dumb question, but what's the difference between this and running a bush hog through the woods, which is what we do around here? Aside from the fact the bush hog will only do 2" max trees or so.

I know bush-hogs. And this ain't no bush-hog.

I've seen some before and after photos of a similar device on this forum. Sorry, can't remember the link. This thing is a totally different deal than a rotary cutter. It pulverizes decent sized trees into fine shrapnel down to and occassionally below the ground! Trees run in fear! If they had legs.

 

[weesa20]

They are doing this exact thing on the 40 acres behind my house where a development is going in. They have a Bobcat T-300 with a timber-axe (i think) they cleared the property line and put in the silt fence with a cat 305 mini excavator. Then they cleared all the underbrush and branches off the pines as high as the T-300 would go. Now they are going through with chainsaws and clearing the pines and using the T-300 to grind up all the slash and the mini-ex to move the timber and load the pine onto a dumptruck and hauling the timber away. Fairly efficient system (wreaking havoc on nature by essentially clear-cutting the whole area, but that is why I am saving my pennies to get out into the country) which could be made more efficient (but costly) by having a feller-buncher instead of chainsaws to do the cutting and limbing. No slash piles to deal with or burn.

I might try to snap some pics if I get a chance.

 

[rutwad]

This is probably a dumb question, but what's the difference between this and running a bush hog through the woods, which is what we do around here? Aside from the fact the bush hog will only do 2" max trees or so.

Try driving your tractor into super thick underbrush and still going after you encouter a few 6" trees.

 

[rutwad]

This is probably a dumb question, but what's the difference between this and running a bush hog through the woods, which is what we do around here? Aside from the fact the bush hog will only do 2" max trees or so.

Here are some pics to give you a better idea.



Brush Cutters - Gallery

 

[tlbuser]

I don't believe you will find this service for $85-100 / hour anywhere.

Wasn't meant to be offensive, just a reality check. Didn't say you could, what I was asking was why you think this service would command a rate of $140 per hour vs. hiring someone with "traditional equipment" for a lesser amount.
I can (and often do) charge $85 per hour for clearing work which includes tree, stump, junk removal and regrading. Some of our friends/competition charge up to $125 per hour dependent upon type of equipment and overall site condition.

 

[rswyan]

$140/hr sounds high for almost anything.

Until you consider the cost of the capital investment, the cost of operation and maintainence, and the amount of time the unit is actually producing revenue vs. the time the unit is not working.

If you can "get it done" in 3/4 of the time (or less) of someone using other "traditional" equipment for $120/hr. then your customer is at least even or maybe money ahead. I'd be promoting this aspect.

 

[Champy]

Around here a lot of the towns/cities are building "People Trails". Places for nature walks with ability to move around the urban landscapes, etc....

I would also include city or county customers in your search for work. They may want to contract this work out, but don't know it's possible......and you can always leverage a politician with the "support your local businesses" first approach.

 

[1bush2hog]

Rutwad -

Since your machine is classified as a "forestry' machine on the ASV website, you may want to consider checking into whether or not your state has approved/recommended vendors for your services. If so, get signed up.

I know I looked into approved vendor list on the NCFS website when dealing with forestry issues on my property. Also, maybe you want to get your license so you can use chemicals that will stop the regrowth of the materials you are shredding. Some of the machines out there like the Brown tree cutters, are sold with an optional herbicide introduction kit, so you get a one pass does all effect.

If you are looking for a place to gain some experience, and don't mind traveling to WNC, or considering a lower hourly price, send me a PM -

Regardless of the later, good luck in your new business venture