What to get for major earthmoving

[MadReferee]

NHDave,

That looks like property on Center Road in Lyndeborough just at the top of the hill coming up from Milford and Fitch's dairy farm. Right?

 

[NHDave]

MadReferee,

Yes it is. Either you live in the area, or you're psychic.

It's right next to a 10 acre piece of land that's on the market. I thought about buying that plot, but it's cheaper to put in the driveway. Property values have really skyrocketed since I bought my piece.

-Dave

 

[MadReferee]

Keep going up the road another 1/4 mile and where the left turn to go to Wilton is, turn right instead and go into my driveway. I have all the frontage and 10+ acres.

Paid $14K for 10+ acres in 1977 and could have bought the adjoining 14 acres for another $20K but passed as I had no more money. Land now is going for $20K+ per acre around here.

I have lived there since 1978 and I always thought there was a house up that driveway. Drainage there is a problem and that grate in the middle of the driveway does nothing. I am sure you already know that.

BTW, I will take a thousand or so yards of your dirt if you are giving it away.

 

[johnno]

Get some what good on a dozer yourself then rent a D8R from TQuip equipment up near you in NH. In a month you should be able to move the earth. The rental would be about $18,000 but the machine is more than capable, also, they will come and fix it if it breaks down. This way it would be done in a month and you wouldn't have to own an old D6 that keeps breaking down or something. This is also a lot cheaper then the contractor at 120K. Just get familiar with a dozer so in the month you make good use of the dozer. Thats just my 2 cents, but definatly the quickest way. If you buy something old you will probablly find yourself working on it more then running it.

 

[Highbeam]

Funny plans, they put slope arrows pointing uphill. Backwards from here in the NW. The land looks nice and the project less intimidating when you see it on paper. After the logging is done and stumps pulled, I would really consider scratching in a pioneer road to see what you're dealing with. 12% isn't too steep.

In my experience, when the vegetation is cleared things look way easier. Even might be wise to have a contractor come bid the earthwork at that time since he will be able to picture getting done real quickly and cheaply.

 

[Yardster]

Pick up a decent used back hoe and bull dozer. You can get both for the same price as a nice CUT and then you can sell them the next year for exactly what you paid for them. You can easily get both machines for less than $30K.