Need suggestions..

JoeR · Dec 28, 2003

Here is my situation:

I purchased 5 acres that is adjacent to my current property. I need to clear it. I have 11 acres of pasture already, and was considering doing blueberries or something else since the soil is acidic on the new 5 acres. Since there is a building boom, the prices to clear it range from $5,000 to $7,000 !!!! The property is mostly pine trees and palmettos. Root depth on the pine trees range from 4-7 feet.

I own a B2710 with FEL and 120 hours. I thought about trading it in on something bigger, and just clear the land myself... But I don't know what the B2710 is worth.

1. Rent equipment and do it myself? May take some time since you can't rent a CAT D9 and root rake.

2. Purchase larger tractor with FEL and BH? If so, what model would be best and cost? I don't want to shell out more than 10-12K after trade-in, and I still need to be able to use my 3 point implements.

3. Pay the going rate?

Thanks,

Joe

JDGREEN4ME · Dec 29, 2003

We are in a similar situation in regards to options for clearing land. We just received an estimate of $5,000 but it was for clearing about 1 acre. Due to location renting equipment is a problem due to the distance required to get it where we need it. Since our clearing requirements are on the smaller size we have decided to clear the land ourselves since we are still a couple of years away from building.

Junkman · Dec 29, 2003

Don't underestimate the amount of work that needs to be done for that $5000. Who ever gave you the estimate is going to come in with some heavy equipment and get the job done. If you are planning on doing all the work yourself, then figure at least a couple of hours each for digging out a stump. Multiply this times the number of trees that you have and figure out how long it is going to take. Then figure out the cost of the machine and the toll that it is going to take on that machine, plus fuel. If the machine isn't large enough, then it will take longer. Then there is your ability as an operator. It will take time to learn the proper procedure to get the stump out in the least amount of time. After it is out, what are you going to do with it? Then there is the question of how are you going to finish off the area that you have cleared? You will need more equipment to do that part of the project properly. When you are all done, you might save yourself a couple thousand dollars and cost yourself a couple years of your life doing it. If you are not experience with cutting trees, it could cost you your life! I cleared my land for building my home, but I only did the tree cutting. Wore out 2 chain saws and spent over 6 months cutting and dragging trees. There was no way that I could have dealt with all those stumps if I were to attempt it myself and I had a large backhoe at the time. The equation of cost vs. doing it yourself is always one that is not calculated correctly due to facts that we have yet to consider. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

RalphVa · Dec 29, 2003

You said it's acidic. That's probably a typical 5.5 pH. Blueberries like it down to about 4.5. You'll likely need to acidify it further with sulfur, plant them in peat moss, etc.

Needs also to be N/E facing, not south facing. Raise the beds or plant them on a slope or both.

I tried growing 7 or 8 blueberries in my front and side yards, as I figured it was a nice, south-facing area (this is before I became a Master Gardener). All died except one. One MG friend is down on blueberries because she's had so many failures.

I've 3 now on a N/E facing slope in some slightly raised beds created by my fantastic Gravely rotary plow and in about 50% peat moss. They're doing great.

Ralph

Gomez · Dec 29, 2003

Joe

#3, without a doubt. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

To echo Junkman's very well written comments, rental of the necessary equipment to do the job efficiently will not be that cheap. Look at the type of equipment used for this type of work. Not too many CUTs used for that. Sure, the 2710 will be great after the heavy stuff is out of there, just keep it and yourself intact to enjoy the new playground. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Good Luck!

art · Dec 29, 2003

I guess that would justify a hoe for the B? It would take some time vs a two or three day deal with the contractor but then you would have the hoe for anything in the future. A tooth bar would help, was the contractor getting rid of the debris too? There are a lot of ways to look at this.

JoeR · Dec 29, 2003

The contractor would have buried the debris.

I looked at it as an opportunity to upgrade and get some tractor time in... Although, there is wear and tear included if the machine is not the right size to do the job. Then again there is the voice of reason that states it is best to have the right equipment for the job, and to let someone else do it. Then it can be done it two-three days.

As for my soil ph it is 4.8, and unfortunately there is not much terrain here in Central Florida. Relatively flat with a two-three foot change.

I appreciate all the feedback. It helps me make informed decisions. Notice, I did not say best decision, just informed. I still make stupid mistakes, I am just better aware of them! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

art · Dec 29, 2003

The B would not be the best for burying the debris but it sure could dig it out and move it to an area to be hauled out or burned. Just a different idea. It would be a fun project for on weekends. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif