Mulching process theory advice/opinion/info needed for Newb

[wooderson]

Good Evening everyone,

I am looking to possibly get into the mulching/land clearing industry. I have researched extensively this awesome forum for awhile now getting opinions on equipment etc. but need opinions on a theory/process I have in mind. I don't see any real data on it which leads me to believe it isn't good/wont work or simply doesn't make sense.

My thought is for subdivisions/building lot clearing, mulch the desired area using a typical drum or disc style mulcher but then to go over that area with a forestry tiller/soil stabilizer such as a Seppi or FAE to grind the stumps/stones below ground surface and leave the soil basically ready for building and landscaping. I am thinking as a last step in the process to go over it with a vibratory compactor. Maybe This process could possibly be used to create cropland as well?

Again, after all the hours and hours I have spent researching every aspect of this I could think of, I am turning to you, the experts for any and all info/opinions you care to share.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Brandon

 

[TSO]

Mulching alone won't get things prepped for building. Mulching leaves a mess. Mulching teeth dull quickly and are expensive. Mulching soft woods are easy, but hard woods are very time consuming. Mulching anything above 6" adds lots of time, cost, and frustration. Mulching is extremely hard on machines. Be prepared for a huge investment. You'll want to budget for $100k-$150k just to get started.

Good luck!

 

[bcp]

If I was building on a lot, I would rather see holes, where stumps were removed by a dozer or excavator, than a even layer of mulch, with hidden stumps 6 inches down.

I would more likely investigate power line/gas line/rail line/ highway mowing and fire hazard mowing as a main emphasis if I were starting a clearing business.

Bruce

 

[wooderson]

Thank guys for your replies it is very much appreciated!
Bruce, I guess I was hoping that if I went over the building area with a forestry tiller similar to: http://youtu.be/ZQHn3jOrsGk
That would take care of the stump/root issue. Deciphering what to charge based on tilling roughly 1/2-1 acre per hour plus the mulching time (1-4acres per 8 hour day) depending on vegetation, terrain etc. And compare this to what it would cost to do the same with a dozer, excavator and haul material out....
Also would tilling all of the mulch into the soil be a pro or con in creating crop land?
Thanks again!

Brandon

 

[MMagis]

The issue with crop land is that grinding stumps below the surface isn’t good enough. They have to be gone. The first time someone hits a hidden stump with $100k-200k worth of planting machinery, they aren’t going to be happy. Mulching can be okay for crop ground, but only if the mulch can be left there until it rots. That’s not often feasible. Decaying mulch uses up a lot of N.

 

[rustyshakelford]

For a home site on slab, the stumps have to be removed. If not, they rot out and can leave a void which can lead to problems. Here the mulch guys niche seems to be fence lines, clearing trails for 4 wheelers and light residential. Bigger machines for the bigger jobs. They are much more desired during droughts due to burn bans requiring hauling off of material but I'd rather clear with a Dozer and hoe and burn piles instead of have a mulcher mess to deal with

Brett

 

[Bill Stecik]

Your video is of the seppi Multiforst . Lots of farmers use them here . Also Plansaince tillers . Our area is heavily forested and usually logged out then cleared . It can be rough going . These machines are also used along fence lines . Here is a playlist of the process https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgFeMF4ZIMm6JWwhrRbbJ0oYw1pdETwXl I see that you are in Wisconsin . Contact Nick at The ST GEORGE COMPANY in Ontario . He can refer you to customers , some in your area about the process .

 

[tonyoz]

The greatest miths told by people who own excavators or dozers is " these machines get all the stump and roots out of the ground". Just have a look at an excavation while its taking place to see how much is left behind.
I know any sort of mulcher can't take stumps down deep enough but a stumpgrinder can, mine can go 5ft deep and take out all of the rootball. I have also ground stumps in farmers padocks but before I start I ask "whats the land going to be used for, croping or grazing ?" Then I know how deep to go. Pretty easy eh