Buying Advice Newbie to skidsteers - Bobcat 863 to knock down cedars?

[newcountry]

I know very little of skidsteers, but I have 5 acres of thick full-grown cedar thickets to clear and an 863 for sale down the road. Could I use just the bucket to knock down and pile cedars for burning later? If not, would the 863 be able to with the right attachment (which I'd rent) to do the job? I'd opt for shears before mulcher as I'd like to lay grass seed down and eventually put in fruit trees, but open to any ideas.

 

[Barnbuilder]

What size trees?

 

[newcountry]

10-12 inch diameter. 20-25 feet tall.

 

[ShowroomShine]

863 is a beast, but 25ft tall tress are out of its territory IMO.

You need to rent a large excavator for a week and take care of the trees.

 

[Rustyiron]

I agree with showroom. You would have to do a good bit of digging around the stump, slow with a SS, and they don't do well pushing above 5-6' off the ground. The 863 is good machine though.

 

[newcountry]

Thanks for the insight. Would love a Bobcat, but not if it's not right for the job.

 

[melli]

Thanks for the insight. Would love a Bobcat, but not if it's not right for the job.

I had a smaller Bobcat ss...felt I could clear land with it. I ran into a 4" cedar (with speed) and I came to a full stop. Rather jarring...
I traded it in for a mini (331)...haven't looked back.
ps - get one with a thumb.

 

[Xfaxman]

This is what I use, cedars do not have a tap root: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/277824-tree-puller-post3345203.html#post3345203

 

[Xfaxman]

10-12 inch diameter. 20-25 feet tall.

If too big to pull, I push them over with the stump bucket.