Clearing Techniques

[Junior M]

Ok, so we landed a 1 acre lot to clear, never really cleared before and our biggest to date, and I got some questions to ask since I'll probably be on the excavator doing most of the clearing.

Its nothing big like what Dirtman clears, just scrub oaks, no more than 8 to 10ft tall, and brush, what normally grows in sand. It is going to be for horse pasture so all the large pines will be left in place at the place I ride and will soon be employed. The owners, a guy that rides with Dad and his wife, just want us to clear everything pile it, dig a big hole put it in the hole and burn it once, he will handle the rest with his huge freakn John Deere tractor.

So, how should we go about clearing it, I mentioned doing it like it seems like Dirtman does it, and the way other crews here do it. Rip everything up, no stumps to #%#% with, and pile it behind you, then grab it with the skid and put it in one big pile, and then dig the hole and place it in the hole with the trackhoe. What do you guys think? Is there a better way to go about it?

Another thing, About equipment, these people are friends and we want to do it pretty cheap, and with rental prices down we could get a T190 with grapple and combo and a 337, or 442 mini ex for under $600 bucks. We are basically doing this for the price of fuel and rental in exchange for riding lessons for me. So to stay as cheap as possible with out going to CAT rental, do you think those to pieces will be big enough for this?

[NateV]

Hard to really say with out seeing a picture, but this might be a dumb question, but could this be something that could just be cut up with cutter on a skid or mini ex ??

[Construct'O]

The equipment sounds okay.KSSS will have other options i'm sure:)

As far as piling and putting in the hole.Just make sure that the hole is deep enough to hold everything.Don't dig the hole until your ready.Hole full of unburnt brush and water does work to good.

Unless there is building or something too close i would try to burn first on top of the ground.If you use hole you need to get some dry stuff started burning,build up hot coals then feed the fire as you clean if you can keep things cleared fast enough to feed the fire.

If you burn on top of the ground then you can figure how big of hole you need for what doesn't burn.

Sure Chris will have some more thoughts.Good luck

[Junior M]

Hard to really say with out seeing a picture, but this might be a dumb question, but could this be something that could just be cut up with cutter on a skid or mini ex ??
It could be cut up with something like Yellowdog has. But you cant have the mulch because of the horses, there all shod (have shoes) so you cant have the mulch in there shoes and it'll hurt the horses feet.
Oh, yeah and We have no way of renting one of those mulcher things.

And constructo, that is what I planned on if we do it the way I am thinking, make one big pile of the tree's and brush and then dig the hole. We are only goin to do it that way because once we get it in the hole he can handle the rest..

[coopers]

Sounds good to me. It won't take long to clear an acre.

[Junior M]

Sounds good to me. It won't take long to clear an acre.
Think so? Thats my biggest concern is not getting it done in the two days we would have to do it..

[Gravel Rat]

A excavator with a clean up bucket should scrape the scrub bush off.

You don't want to burn in a hole leave it on the flat surface and start burning if not burning haul it away.

[RockSet N' Grade]

Junior........two days is plenty fine to get it done in the manner you have described. A picture or two would certainly help instead of shooting ideas in the dark ( I don't have night vision or blind man biddling goggles.......and my magic bidding wand is in the shop getting fixed ). Fire off a pic or two. What kind of riding lessons you taking? Who is your instructor and who was he trained by?

[iron peddler]

i thought horse riding gave you bad back issues? maybe i am mistaken........


you should be able to handle that work load with the machines you have in mind...

[talus]

I think if you bury the stuff you will end up with sinkholes. That can be dangerous for the horses. I would't mind if my wifes two horses fell in a giant sink hole:laugh:If you are going to go that route I would suggest digging the hole in a corner out of the way. Maybe where the manure pile will be. Keep in mind that you or someone else may be putting fences up. So if the stuff is going to get buried put it down deep enough. My last suggestion would be to forget the whole horse idea. Go buy a dirt bike, It a heck of a lot cheaper in the long run and much much much less aggrevation.:laugh: And way more fun.:laugh:

[CAT powered]

^
It's also a lot less gay. Plus you can fix a broken part on a dirtbike for a fairly cheap price. If the horse breaks its leg you gotta shoot it. And you can learn everything you need to know about a dirtbike in a grand total of like a year with nobody giving lessons. Plus dirtbikes don't sh*t all over the place and you don't need to feed them daily, etc.

[talus]

LMAO. well said.:clapping::laugh:

[YellowDogSVC]

You will probably have a hard time finding a small rental grinder so, if they want to burn, just use a skid and your little ex and uproot like they want to. Be careful around the pines that you are leaving. Don't disturb their root areas. you don't want one coming down in high winds. I would rent something larger than a 56hp ctl, though, so you can get some weight and leverage. Just take your time, burn as you go if you can so you don't have such a mess to contend with. If I was doing it myself, I would actually shear off the trees then have someone following me with the excavator if you have both on site anyway just to reduce what you are pushing around but that would be an extra step that isn't necessary. I just like the speed and clean look of shearing trees and you can get away with a much small CTL like the t190 if you ran a shear. Between a shear and a grapple, you can pretty much clean up everything and the ex can take care of the stumps if necessary. That's how I would do it. Keep it clean as you go so you don't make a mess for the folks.

Definitely don't bury unless you burn it first. Not good for the next guy who comes along.

Another option, is just get a tooth bucket, go in straight lines, and uproot the smaller trees. Again, burn as you go. If the ex is on site, have it take down the larger trees that won't come out with the t190. You can finish a job like that in a day working in tandem. It takes me about 6 hours to uproot an entire acre of cedar trees 8-10 feet tall and tightly packed but we have real shallow roots here and no sand to deal with.

[Dirtman2007]

You sure that bobcat can handle all that... Might need to bring the takkie and the yanmar down there over the weekend and show ya how to Get R Dun!


Sounds like you should be able to do it in a couple days, hard to tell without pictures, but you will be steady at it for two days with that size equipment. As long as you don't have to take down anything over 3" the mini ex will handel it fine. You start taking down 6" oaks and sweet gums you going to be cussing. Then your screwed it you un cover a 30" stump under all the undergrowth and it'll have to stay.

I like digging a hole and burn all the stuff in the hole instead of just pushing it into a hole after it's burnt. then you don't have to mess with the nasty ashes. plus it will burn faster in the hole as you can just push the brush into the hole as it burns instead of trying to pile it up high with a little mini ex.

I've got some step by step pics of how I do my burn holes if you want to see them. just let me know!

[Gravel Rat]

Another thing if your builing your burn pile make sure its not near the trees you want to save.

Do the people really want to save the pine trees ?

Seeing as you don't have the experience with landclearing don't let the homeowners push you too much saying you have to save the trees. If they are in the way remove them.

So many jobs done here home owners with no clue say oh we want to save the trees. So the contractor works around the trees costs the homeowner more money and at the end of the job the trees saved had to come out or they blow over in the windstorm.

The first thing you do is decide where you want the burn pile. You only want to build a burn pile once. More dirt you get mixed into it tougher it will be to burn. Second plan your access point make sure you have a road that you possibly get a dump truck into.

The last thing is keep the site clean. If your clearing with a excavator make sure you don't have broken off tree stubs sticking out of the ground if your using a skid steer with tires on a site. A broken off tree stub something in the 4-6 inch range can ruin a tire.

[Junior M]

i thought horse riding gave you bad back issues? maybe i am mistaken........


you should be able to handle that work load with the machines you have in mind...
It does, but if I sit in the saddle the right way it doesnt hurt to awful bad until I am in there a long time, and we start loping.. And I have a fourwheeler, I prefer the horse, and its not girly if you have a beast horse that you can ride like a bat outta hell! :laugh:

And Talus, we're goin to dig a hole, burn it in the hole, and cover up the ash.

Dirtman, I've taken some pretty big stumps with the 335 in less than 30mins, and we arent taking anything bigger than a 8in tree out, and I'll just rip them up with the mini ex so there is no stump to mess with.

Ok, this is the overview of the farm. Now, there is a pasture kinda set back in the woods towards the upper left hand corner. Now follow the edge closest to the woods all the way to the road, and from the line back to the large pasture, that is what needs to be cleared. If someone can get that overview of the farm up here, that would be great..

[Junior M]

Another thing if your builing your burn pile make sure its not near the trees you want to save.

Do the people really want to save the pine trees ?

Seeing as you don't have the experience with landclearing don't let the homeowners push you too much saying you have to save the trees. If they are in the way remove them.

So many jobs done here home owners with no clue say oh we want to save the trees. So the contractor works around the trees costs the homeowner more money and at the end of the job the trees saved had to come out or they blow over in the windstorm.

The first thing you do is decide where you want the burn pile. You only want to build a burn pile once. More dirt you get mixed into it tougher it will be to burn. Second plan your access point make sure you have a road that you possibly get a dump truck into.

The last thing is keep the site clean. If your clearing with a excavator make sure you don't have broken off tree stubs sticking out of the ground if your using a skid steer with tires on a site. A broken off tree stub something in the 4-6 inch range can ruin a tire.
The trees we will leave will only be big tree's that we couldnt handle with a mini. About the same size tree's as we see Chris taking swinging down with the Volvo..

[Dirtman2007]

If the trees are green your going to have a hard time getting them burning, so plan on bringing some diesel fuel. Car tires work too, not that I use them:rolleyes: ... But I'm just saying:laugh:

[Junior M]

If the trees are green your going to have a hard time getting them burning, so plan on bringing some diesel fuel. Car tires work too, not that I use them:rolleyes: ... But I'm just saying:laugh:
Alright, one thing I didnt think of. Yeah, Tires work great! They just smoke a lil bit..

Dirtman did you see what me and Dad got to clear ok?

[Dirtman2007]

Alright, one thing I didnt think of. Yeah, Tires work great! They just smoke a lil bit..

Dirtman did you see what me and Dad got to clear ok?

I don't see any pictures if thats what your talking about:confused:
If you mean the job well it sounds plausable, but with no pictures it's like a guy asking how much to dig a hole? Well what size hole is it??

[Junior M]

I don't see any pictures if thats what your talking about:confused:
If you mean the job well it sounds plausable, but with no pictures it's like a guy asking how much to dig a hole? Well what size hole is it??
Oh, holy crap, I forgot to post the link! Oops!

Heres the directions I wrote in post #16 and never posted the link:
Ok, this is the overview of the farm. Now, there is a pasture kinda set back in the woods towards the upper left hand corner. Now follow the edge closest to the woods all the way to the road, and from the line back to the large pasture, that is what needs to be cleared. If someone can get that overview of the farm up here, that would be great..
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&geocode=&q=601+and+interstate+20&sll=34.334205,-80.600295&sspn=0.003942,0.009613&ie=UTF8&near=Camden,+S+Carolina&t=h&ll=34.170092,-80.703732&spn=0.003737,0.009613&z=17


He just wants us to clear it for him and put it in a hole. and burn it once, and then he'll do the rest.

[stuvecorp]

[QUOTE=RockSet N' Grade;2656091].......and my magic bidding wand is in the shop getting fixed ).QUOTE]

That was priceless Rock. You get bonus points for the picture playing golf by the way.

I have cleared some small oaks in sand and did it with the 440 and grapple or have used a 45 Kobelco with regular bucket. I thought it was easier to rip everything and stack to be burned later. I ran the Eliminator rake thru to get the big stuff and level it some.

[Construct'O]

Oh, holy crap, I forgot to post the link! Oops!

What's to matter:confused: Old timers setting in already:laugh::usflag:

[Gravel Rat]

Using tires in a fire pile here would net you possible jail time or some serious fines. If your a business you might aswell give your business license up because you are in deep chit.

A gas powered leaf blower and some used hydraulic oil will get a fire going. Hydraulic oil burns hot you may need some diesel to get it started.

The leaf blower adds some air to the fire and once you got some hot coals going the fire will keep going. If the farmer/homeowner is going to burn it then don't worry you let it sit for 6 months to a year it will start with a match :laugh:

It done here where you clear a lot in the summer let the pile sit to fall and light her up weenie roast time :drinkup:

Junior you better tell your girlfriend to quit playing human vacuum cleaner its pulling your brain cells out the bottom hole LOL.

[YellowDogSVC]

Alright, one thing I didnt think of. Yeah, Tires work great! They just smoke a lil bit..



And it's illegal in most places!

[AWJ Services]

The clearing part is a peice of cake.
But what are you going to do with all of the roots that get left behind?

[Dirtman2007]

The clearing part is a peice of cake.
But what are you going to do with all of the roots that get left behind?

I'd push them into the hole after the fire burns out, cover it up with the good dirt that was piled up from digging the hole and call it a day!

[Junior M]

The clearing part is a peice of cake.
But what are you going to do with all of the roots that get left behind?
We're goin to root rake it with the bobcat, except with a grapple, you know stand the grapple with the rakes straight up and down right towards the pile, and then half ass grade it with the combo and with the mini as I clear..

Nobody cares here what you burn, as long as its not during a dry spell nobody cares..

GR, we dont have any used hydraulic fluid, so I'll just bring some diesel fuel with us, we'll have to anyways, and throw it on the pile and throw a match on it, and hit it with the leaf blower..

No definite on when we're goin to do it, the lady went to england until the first of the year, and then she has a couple rodeo's to go to after that so I'll just have to catch up with her and get a definite on everything, but it is for sure that we're goin to do it..

And we wont be backfilling the hole, We'll just pile all the tree's and brush, dig the hole, put it in the hole, and throw a match on it, finish raking all the roots and crap up, while I tend the fire with the trackhoe, let it burn out and we're done! So far thats my plan..

[Dirtman2007]

Alright junior, here's how ya do it

Dig yer hole
and put a bail of straw in the bottom, soak a couple gallons of diesel fuel on it.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee145/Letsdig18/Picture668.jpg

Then slowly pile some nice dry stuff on it

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee145/Letsdig18/Picture669.jpg


then when the fire catches up, heap the pile up.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee145/Letsdig18/Picture670.jpg


Then stand back and get us a nice picture to post

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee145/Letsdig18/010-23.jpg

[Construct'O]

Don't get your machine to close to the hole and tip it into the hole with the burning wood.You won't have the reach the Volvo has.

Work with the wind blowing away from you as it is burning,and hope the wind doesn't switch in the direction you working.Because if everything is piled too the one side of the hole your be fighting the smoke and flames.You will have to feed from the ends or wait until things calm down.

You machine is smaller so you will have to be thinking about about your next move, not about lawnsite other then the info given here.

May need your laptop just in cause you run into a snag then you could post here for help!!!!! :)

Your leaving for Ohio tomorrow.Right :confused:

Have a safe trip:usflag:

[AWJ Services]

The problem I have found is that the roots will be all in the ground.I have tried several different ways to get them out , but I found the best way is to dig 12 to 18 inches of the ground up then Rake the roots out.
I tried root rakes but they leave roots sticking up everywhere.
By going down a foot or 2 you end up cutting all the roots clean and once you sift through the dirt it is very clean.
I have too turn cleared areas into lawns so I have to go the extra step.

[Dirtman2007]

Has anyone ever ran a bushog over the area after it has been cleared and rough graded? works pretty good at knocking all those standing roots and saplings down.

[Junior M]

The problem I have found is that the roots will be all in the ground.I have tried several different ways to get them out , but I found the best way is to dig 12 to 18 inches of the ground up then Rake the roots out.
I tried root rakes but they leave roots sticking up everywhere.
By going down a foot or 2 you end up cutting all the roots clean and once you sift through the dirt it is very clean.
I have too turn cleared areas into lawns so I have to go the extra step.
Its just horse pasture, so I dont think there to worried about that.. I'll find out later...

[Junior M]

Don't get your machine to close to the hole and tip it into the hole with the burning wood.You won't have the reach the Volvo has.

Work with the wind blowing away from you as it is burning,and hope the wind doesn't switch in the direction you working.Because if everything is piled too the one side of the hole your be fighting the smoke and flames.You will have to feed from the ends or wait until things calm down.

You machine is smaller so you will have to be thinking about about your next move, not about lawnsite other then the info given here.

May need your laptop just in cause you run into a snag then you could post here for help!!!!! :)

Your leaving for Ohio tomorrow.Right :confused:

Have a safe trip:usflag:
We did christmas early because me and dad are leaving, and I got a video camera, so I can prove I am not as crappy of an operator as some of you think I am! And you'll be able to see my methods...

I dont think my hole will be to deep, I'd rather it be real wide and long than to deep so I dont tip into the hole placing the larger tree's and stumps. If it does get to hairy I'll have dad put them in the hole with the loader..

We were suppose to leave early in the morning, but.... Dad got rear ended on his Harley, he's fine, just sore, thank god he had a tobbogan on or he woulda cut his head and burnt it on the motor, so as soon as we get the right transmission filter, we'll be outta here..

[Construct'O]

Glad to hear your dad is okay there.Not a good way to start out with the holidays.

Well take a few pictures also,my dialup doesn't like video"s:):usflag:

[Junior M]

Glad to hear your dad is okay there.Not a good way to start out with the holidays.

Well take a few pictures also,my dialup doesn't like video"s:):usflag:
Dam, well I'll take some pic's just for you constructo, I'll make sure there right way up so you dont hurt your fragile bones looking at them! :laugh: :laugh:

[Junior M]

Got into contact with the guy that owns this acre again last night and he heard that Dad is out of work right now and he said well why dont yall come clear this for me. So I got everything figured, Dad is trying to get a meeting set up so we can get the contract and everything signed and start work this weekend. Right now I am waiting on a call back from my guy at Bobcat who is trying to scrounge up a 435/337 because all his rental excavators are out for the next week.

Btw, I love my freakin dealer! Havent been in contact with any of them sense oh April? And he remembered me automatically and asked how Dad was doing and he said he's going to call some people and try and get us an excavator sense he has none. Talk about a great bunch of guys.. :cool2:

[Junior M]

Just got a call back, he's got a 435 coming from Greenville and he doesnt have a skid, he said something might change between now and friday and if it does we'll be getting a T300 with a cab, A/C and JOYSTICKS! Which Dad cant run, which means, I will be in it! Woot! :cool2: :cool2:

So until I can scrounge up a loader with our guy at NEFF, anybody wanna let me borrow something? :laugh:

[freddyc]

why would you waste your time digging a hole to burn? Just push the crap into a pile and light it. Don't do it on a windy day.


Are you the only guy working or do you have 2?

If 2, then start clearing, make a small pile, start burning. Continue clearing and add to the pile as you go. You could still do this solo if you wanted. Green stuff takes a while to heat up dry out and burn. If you build a huge pile first, some of that time could have been used to start the burning process.


Without a pic its impossible to help. What you describe in your post could be handled by the bobcat alone in 2 days. It also depends on how far you gotta go---is the area square, a rectangle or triangular??

[Junior M]

why would you waste your time digging a hole to burn? Just push the crap into a pile and light it. Don't do it on a windy day.


Are you the only guy working or do you have 2?

If 2, then start clearing, make a small pile, start burning. Continue clearing and add to the pile as you go. You could still do this solo if you wanted. Green stuff takes a while to heat up dry out and burn. If you build a huge pile first, some of that time could have been used to start the burning process.


Without a pic its impossible to help. What you describe in your post could be handled by the bobcat alone in 2 days. It also depends on how far you gotta go---is the area square, a rectangle or triangular??
I was just giving everybody a heads up that it finally came through.

And no way I am burning in a pile(even if we were doing the burning), then I got to deal with the freakin ashes and pushing them in a hole, in most likely an OROPs skid.. No way thats going to happen. And all we've got to do, as of now, is clear, dig the hole, put it in the hole, half ass smooth it and leave.

And there are 2 of us, me and Dad. I'll be on the excavator, he'll be on the skid, unless we get that T300.. :D :cool2: :cool2:

And we are being cocky and thinking we can have it cleared in a day, so I guess we'll have one long freakin day.. :D

I am not sure what the shape of the property means, but its a rectangle. ;) And its only an acre, not that far to travel.

[WillieWonka1850]

I was just giving everybody a heads up that it finally came through.

And no way I am burning in a pile(even if we were doing the burning), then I got to deal with the freakin ashes and pushing them in a hole, in most likely an OROPs skid.. No way thats going to happen. And all we've got to do, as of now, is clear, dig the hole, put it in the hole, half ass smooth it and leave.

And there are 2 of us, me and Dad. I'll be on the excavator, he'll be on the skid, unless we get that T300.. :D :cool2: :cool2:

And we are being cocky and thinking we can have it cleared in a day, so I guess we'll have one long freakin day.. :D

I am not sure what the shape of the property means, but its a rectangle. ;) And its only an acre, not that far to travel.
Good Luck, man!
Hope you get that T300. I've never tried a T300 I've tried but have 2 S300s. They're both beasts!
You'll love the Joysticks, can switch from ISO (Caterpillar) pattern or H (Case) pattern.
The 435's bit bigger than the 430 but its very nice. The ZHS has me spoiled.
I'm hoping to try a T300 or T320 with Roller Suspension, see how it feels.

Doesn't equipment just spoil you? :D

[Junior M]

Good Luck, man!
Hope you get that T300. I've never tried a T300 I've tried but have 2 S300s. They're both beasts!
You'll love the Joysticks, can switch from ISO (Caterpillar) pattern or H (Case) pattern.
The 435's bit bigger than the 430 but its very nice. The ZHS has me spoiled.
I'm hoping to try a T300 or T320 with Roller Suspension, see how it feels.

Doesn't equipment just spoil you? :D
I am really looking forward to the 435, I've got plenty of time on the 430 and I wasnt all that happy about it. But from what I heard the 435 is the complete opposite of the 430. But we'll find out!

And I hope we get the T300, we had one on an irrigation job last year and it sucked imo. I guess cause it was because it was such a big machine for a small area, you couldnt make long turns but hopefully this will change my opinion on the machine.

But we'll find out on everything! If we get the job and cant get the T300 we'll have either a 763 or S130 from Neff rental.. :wall

[WillieWonka1850]

I am really looking forward to the 435, I've got plenty of time on the 430 and I wasnt all that happy about it. But from what I heard the 435 is the complete opposite of the 430. But we'll find out!

And I hope we get the T300, we had one on an irrigation job last year and it sucked imo. I guess cause it was because it was such a big machine for a small area, you couldnt make long turns but hopefully this will change my opinion on the machine.

But we'll find out on everything! If we get the job and cant get the T300 we'll have either a 763 or S130 from Neff rental.. :wall
If you ever have to rent like a 753, DON'T! The 753 is probably Bobcat's most unstable skid steer. If you go over a bump it'll cause you too pull the controls back you you go up, then you push them forward when you go down and the machine just goes nuts after that. Don't try to correct, just makes it worse. Take you hands off the sticks and wait for it to calm down.

My uncle got screwed over into buying one in 1991 and he hated it!

The S130 is the 753 counter part but its heavier so it stays on the ground better.
Just saying.
We didn't really need the big 435 and it was a lot more so we got the 430.
Its been pretty good to us, and still is, 2,200 hours on it now.

There was a dealer in Sandusky here in Michigan that had a really nice T300, Cab, Joysticks ad Roller Suspension (I think). Brand New! It was so nice! I wanted take it home! :cry:
But we were about $60,000 short that day. :cry:

[Junior M]

If you ever have to rent like a 753, DON'T! The 753 is probably Bobcat's most unstable skid steer. If you go over a bump it'll cause you too pull the controls back you you go up, then you push them forward when you go down and the machine just goes nuts after that. Don't try to correct, just makes it worse. Take you hands off the sticks and wait for it to calm down.

My uncle got screwed over into buying one in 1991 and he hated it!

The S130 is the 753 counter part but its heavier so it stays on the ground better.
Just saying.
We didn't really need the big 435 and it was a lot more so we got the 430.
Its been pretty good to us, and still is, 2,200 hours on it now.

There was a dealer in Sandusky here in Michigan that had a really nice T300, Cab, Joysticks ad Roller Suspension (I think). Brand New! It was so nice! I wanted take it home! :cry:
But we were about $60,000 short that day. :cry:
:laugh: Dad had a 753 for years until it couldnt do the lifting he needed so he jumped up to the 773 and he said the samething about the 753, except he didnt hate it. It was just unstable and really sucked compared to the machines we've got now. But at the time, it was a great improvement over his gas 730 that the bucket fell off of..:laugh:

And I am glad you like the 430, if it works for you, thats great. For me, I didnt like the way the controls went all woppyjawed randomly and it just didnt have the brute strength I was used to.

As far as the roller suspension, I am still not sold on it. It may be smoother, but the way the tracks sit it just seems weird. I dont know, I am waiting for it to be on the market for a while before I decide to like it or not..

[WillieWonka1850]

Well the 753 was a new machine on the Bobcat line at the time my uncle bought it.
But he got screwed over into buying it so...

Have you tried a machine with the Roller Suspension, Junior?

[Junior M]

Well the 753 was a new machine on the Bobcat line at the time my uncle bought it.
But he got screwed over into buying it so...

Have you tried a machine with the Roller Suspension, Junior?
Dad bought his around the sametime, he was the first one in the state of Ohio to have the new at the time "boss" electronics I think they were marketed as?

And I havent had the oppurtunity to run a machine with the roller suspension..

[WillieWonka1850]

Dad bought his around the sametime, he was the first one in the state of Ohio to have the new at the time "boss" electronics I think they were marketed as?

And I havent had the oppurtunity to run a machine with the roller suspension..
My uncle had a Gas engine Case 1818 skid steer back in 1991. He had knee surgery and could not get into the small Case cab. So he set out for a bigger machine, a Bobcat. He knew Bobcat had a new machine on the way, the 7753, the first Bobcat with the Vertical lift linkage, ans had a longer wheelbase for a smooth ride. But the Salesman at Calvert Equipment had told him the 7753 was over a year away, it was Fall 1991 at the time. But the guy knew it wasn't a year away, he just said that so my uncle would buy this 753 they had for a while, so he kept pushing the 753 on my uncle and he finally bought it. But uncle hated the 753 and had Calvert sell it for him the next summer. The 7753 came out in the Summer of 1992, not the end of 1992 or early 1993 like he was told. Nice huh?

I want to see if it gives as good or better ride than the ASV/CAT Track suspension. I really like Bobcat track machines but the only thing lacking is a 2 speed. But I'm hoping this RS will be as good or better than ASV/CAT.
That could be difficult, ASV/CAT suspension is the best.

Yes, it was the BOSS system. I have my uncles old 753 manual, been trying to sell it on eBay, no luck yet.

[Junior M]

My uncle had a Gas engine Case 1818 skid steer back in 1991. He had knee surgery and could not get into the small Case cab. So he set out for a bigger machine, a Bobcat. He knew Bobcat had a new machine on the way, the 7753, the first Bobcat with the Vertical lift linkage, ans had a longer wheelbase for a smooth ride. But the Salesman at Calvert Equipment had told him the 7753 was over a year away, it was Fall 1991 at the time. But the guy knew it wasn't a year away, he just said that so my uncle would buy this 753 they had for a while, so he kept pushing the 753 on my uncle and he finally bought it. But uncle hated the 753 and had Calvert sell it for him the next summer. The 7753 came out in the Summer of 1992, not the end of 1992 or early 1993 like he was told. Nice huh?

I want to see if it gives as good or better ride than the ASV/CAT Track suspension. I really like Bobcat track machines but the only thing lacking is a 2 speed. But I'm hoping this RS will be as good or better than ASV/CAT.
That could be difficult, ASV/CAT suspension is the best.

Yes, it was the BOSS system. I have my uncles old 753 manual, been trying to sell it on eBay, no luck yet.
Wow, that sucks.

and I doubt it will be better, it may end up being one of the best in the CTL category iyo, but no way you'll be able to beat an MTL..

[WillieWonka1850]

Wow, that sucks.

and I doubt it will be better, it may end up being one of the best in the CTL category iyo, but no way you'll be able to beat an MTL..
Can't beat an MTL, I tried an ASV RC-60, made it feel like the dealer parking lot was paved!
I'm wanting to check out a CAT 247B2 like Ron's, would be a good replacement for the 1845. I've heard MTLs or even CTLs are really gentle on lawns. Hopefully ole Michigan CAT will get one in.

[Junior M]

Can't beat an MTL, I tried an ASV RC-60, made it feel like the dealer parking lot was paved!
I'm wanting to check out a CAT 247B2 like Ron's, would be a good replacement for the 1845. I've heard MTLs or even CTLs are really gentle on lawns. Hopefully ole Michigan CAT will get one in.
I cant speak for MTLs, but a CTL is really gentle on a lawn as long as you are smart about your turns. We did a job where we had to cross the neighbors lawn numerous times with huge rock and tons of garbage and we started work the day after it had rained all day and after 2 days of work we went over it with a rake and you couldnt even tell we'd been there. Sure, its sand, but still..

And Dad went to the doctor today, and was told to take it easy for the next week, so the job is off for this weekend and of course next week is 4th of july so it should be the week after 4th of july before we start work.

[CAT powered]

Junior: Forget the stupid horses and focus on your quad riding. Much less expensive, much less hassle, and less painful on your back. And if you break something on the quad you don't have to shoot it. Nor do you have to worry about scraping out brush. Just grind it and go.

Horses are obsolete.

[Junior M]

Junior: Forget the stupid horses and focus on your quad riding. Much less expensive, much less hassle, and less painful on your back. And if you break something on the quad you don't have to shoot it. Nor do you have to worry about scraping out brush. Just grind it and go.

Horses are obsolete.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

I wish I could grind it and go. I'll have over $1100 in just rental on this job.. :dizzy:


You've obviously never rode fourwheelers with us, 3rd gear(gotta downshift on them hills) and up only and dont dare slow down.. so that less painful is BS.. :laugh:

[CAT powered]

Junior. Your legs are shock absorbers. Use them to your advantage.

A quad has a decent suspension on it. Horses have no suspension. And if you're only in 3rd gear then you boys don't know what speed is.

[Junior M]

Junior. Your legs are shock absorbers. Use them to your advantage.

A quad has a decent suspension on it. Horses have no suspension. And if you're only in 3rd gear then you boys don't know what speed is.
and my legs are connected to my back..

And the suspension on mine is about gone, it is a 94. But dam its bad.. :laugh:

You have to see the hills and things we ride, 3rd is fast..

Here is a link to some pics of the place we ride 9 times out of 10..
http://www.carolinaadventureworld.net/Userphotos.htm

Besides, there are only 2 gears after 3rd and 3rd is the lowest gear used, I am in 4th most of the time, but once I hit the hills I start downshifting fast, my tranny cant take much abuse..

[Scag48]

You should get rid of the quad and get a real man's toy; a dirtbike. :laugh:

[WillieWonka1850]

You should get rid of the quad and get a real man's toy; a dirtbike. :laugh:
How 'bout one of those 8 wheeled Argo amphibious vehicles?
Thats a mans toy!

[Scag48]

How 'bout one of those 8 wheeled Argo amphibious vehicles?
Thats a mans toy!

In about half a day, I think I'd be bored with one.

[WillieWonka1850]

Well I'd love to have one.

Junior: If you want a real clearing machine, get a Bobcat T300 or T320 with Bobcat's Forestry Cutter package.

Just saying.

[Junior M]

Well I'd love to have one.

Junior: If you want a real clearing machine, get a Bobcat T300 or T320 with Bobcat's Forestry Cutter package.

Just saying.
I want to use one on this job, I wanted to use one on the last job but money isnt the problem on this job. Its that horses are the problems, cant have grindings all over the place, it was discussed in this thread, wasnt it? ;)

Getting a T320 with a forestry package is the ultimate goal.

as far as a dirt bike, I cant haul deer on a dirt bike and they arent fun in the mud, so I'll stick with a fourwheeler.. :p :cool2:

[WillieWonka1850]

I want to use one on this job, I wanted to use one on the last job but money isnt the problem on this job. Its that horses are the problems, cant have grindings all over the place, it was discussed in this thread, wasnt it? ;)

Getting a T320 with a forestry package is the ultimate goal.

as far as a dirt bike, I cant haul deer on a dirt bike and they arent fun in the mud, so I'll stick with a fourwheeler.. :p :cool2:
I wasn't paying attention to that part so I don't know.

I'm having some luck looking for a used small frame Track Loader.
Michigan CAT has a bunch of used 257Bs. I found an interesting one.
2004 CAT 257B, 878 Hours, Cab (Heat, Air), Hydraulic Coupler, good shape, $19,500
It's in Grand Rapids, MI so they would have to bring it to Michigan CAT of Saginaw, MI.

In my book, a Bobcat T320 and a Caterpillar 297C with Forestry Package are the ultimate machines. Both

[Junior M]

I wasn't paying attention to that part so I don't know.

I'm having some luck looking for a used small frame Track Loader.
Michigan CAT has a bunch of used 257Bs. I found an interesting one.
2004 CAT 257B, 878 Hours, Cab (Heat, Air), Hydraulic Coupler, good shape, $19,500
It's in Grand Rapids, MI so they would have to bring it to Michigan CAT of Saginaw, MI.

In my book, a Bobcat T320 and a Caterpillar 297C with Forestry Package are the ultimate machines. Both
CAT's have a tendency to burn up, that doesnt sit well in my book, I mean come on I'd rather be paying attention to the mower than sitting there trying to smell if anything is burning(especially when you cant smell like me) or getting hot.

As far as a 257, never heard anything that was real good about them, kind of like the T190. Just dont have a good rep. Have you checked out CAT's ctl's yet?

[WillieWonka1850]

Burn up, What catch fire? CATERPILLAR?

Well were also looking into a 247 if the 257 doesn't work out. I know the 247 is good, well from what Ron has said. It would probably be a used one like an 04-07. They ok?

Didn't you rent T190 back in March?

[Junior M]

Burn up, What catch fire? CATERPILLAR?

Well were also looking into a 247 if the 257 doesn't work out. I know the 247 is good, well from what Ron has said. It would probably be a used one like an 04-07. They ok?

Didn't you rent T190 back in March?
There forestry machines, yes, atleast from what I've read.

And I've heard and read alot better about the 247 than the 257..

And we've rented the 190 numerous times, its our machine of choice, fits our needs, does what we need it to do and we get a great deal on rental. Sadly that was the last time we rented it.. :cry:

[WillieWonka1850]

Oh just the forestry package CATs.
Have you had any problems with the T190(s) you've had?

I was looking into the 257 because of the Vertical lift. But, if we can get a deal on a used 247, we'll go for it.

I'd like to try a another T190, see if I like it.

[Junior M]

Burn up? How, why and what part?

I've heard the 247B is ok (cough cough Ron cough cough)
Just get to hot, over heat basically from all the chips. Maybe someone can back me up on this?

Pssh, ok, I heard it was garbage, worse than a T190 with 1300 hours.. :laugh: :laugh:

[WillieWonka1850]

Thats a weird cause.

Sure ya did :laugh::laugh::laugh:
I wanna try one for myself. Also wanna try a T190
Maybe we'll buy a T190! :laugh::laugh::laugh:

[Junior M]

Thats a weird cause.

Sure ya did :laugh::laugh::laugh:
I wanna try one for myself. Also wanna try a T190
Maybe we'll buy a T190! :laugh::laugh::laugh:
Not really, its just part of the game, keeping the machine some what clean. I'd like one of the guys that has alot of experience with mulching to tune in like Yellowdog to explain what I mean..

I already know you'll hate the T190.. :laugh:

[WillieWonka1850]

Not really, its just part of the game, keeping the machine some what clean. I'd like one of the guys that has alot of experience with mulching to tune in like Yellowdog to explain what I mean..

I already know you'll hate the T190.. :laugh:
Wait I see now. Didn't really think about.

The T190 was the first CTL I had ever driven. Not a good first impression for CTLs. Well it was only about a 4 minute test drive, driving slowly around, maybe 80ft out then back, so I don't think it's fair for me to judge the T190 after that but after reading all this.....

I don't really care for the T190,
I like Bobcat T250 and up, New Holland, Case 440CT and up, all Cat MTLs and CTLs (not too crazy about the fixed rollers) ASV PT 80, Takkies, and the occasional Deere CT332.
Ooh, almost forgot, the new Bobcat T630 and T650.

[Junior M]

Wait I see now. Didn't really think about.

The T190 was the first CTL I had ever driven. Not a good first impression for CTLs. Well it was only about a 4 minute test drive, driving slowly around, maybe 80ft out then back, so I don't think it's fair for me to judge the T190 after that but after reading all this.....

I don't really care for the T190,
I like Bobcat T250 and up, New Holland, Case 440CT and up, all Cat MTLs and CTLs (not too crazy about the fixed rollers) ASV PT 80, Takkies, and the occasional Deere CT332.
Ooh, almost forgot, the new Bobcat T630 and T650.
I really like the T250, but its just to inbetween, imo you need a big machine and you need a small machine, no inbetween. This is where the T200 comes in.. :) But who was it said they quit making it.. :cry: but if I had my 2 machines of choice, it'd be an S220 outfitted with VTS, gold package, ACS controls and a T320 set up just like Andrews(ARP)

If Bobcat was real smart they'd come back out with a midsized allwheel steer machine.. :cool2:

[montysimmons]

The problem I have found is that the roots will be all in the ground.I have tried several different ways to get them out , but I found the best way is to dig 12 to 18 inches of the ground up then Rake the roots out.
I tried root rakes but they leave roots sticking up everywhere.
By going down a foot or 2 you end up cutting all the roots clean and once you sift through the dirt it is very clean.
I have too turn cleared areas into lawns so I have to go the extra step.

"The problem I have found is that the roots will be all in the ground."

I have a 773 bobcat that I use to take down any size tree with no roots (or very little roots remaining in the ground).

When I first started clearing, stupid me cut down the big trees that the bobcat could not push over. Then I would spend hours trying to get the stump and roots out of the ground.

I would think, "boy, it would be nice to have some more leverage on this stump."

Then the light bulb finally came on and I thought: "hey, if I am going to have to dig up the stump and roots, why not do it with the tree is still attached? Eventually the tree will fall or get to the point where I can pussh it over and the tree will pull the remaining roots up and there will be no stump."

Works great but one has to watch the tree very carefully.

I am not a professional at this activity so I was wondering, what do you guys think about the safety of digging up the roots of a tree one cannot just push over?

Is it safe and done all the time or is such just an accident waiting to happen?

[WillieWonka1850]

You can find all kinds of used T200s. A its a little thing called the Outernet :laugh:

Hopefully Bobcat will come out with a new mid size M-series AWS machine later on.
Would be nice. You could have a really nice cab and AWS. I'd buy (a used) one

[Junior M]

You can find all kinds of used T200s. A its a little thing called the Outernet :laugh:

Hopefully Bobcat will come out with a new mid size M-series AWS machine later on.
Would be nice. You could have a really nice cab and AWS. I'd buy (a used) one
:laugh: Smartass..

And it'd be nice for them to come out with one, I'd love to have one. I'd be great for mowing, it would probably eliminate the need for a tractor.

[WillieWonka1850]

HEY!!
I'll bring my 1845 out there man! You don't even know! :laugh::laugh::laugh:

We'd be able to replace our Case and the 5310 with AWS machine.

[Junior M]

HEY!!
I'll bring my 1845 out there man! You don't even know! :laugh::laugh::laugh:

We'd be able to replace our Case and the 5310 with AWS machine.
No way your pussy ass wheeled machine would handle sand.. :cool2: :laugh: And I dont think you could handle the heat.. :laugh:

And I'd be able to replace, umm... Renting with a AWS machine.. :laugh:

[WillieWonka1850]

I'll put Steel tracks on it!
WHAT NOW!!! :laugh:

[Junior M]

I'll put Steel tracks on it!
WHAT NOW!!! :laugh:
Do it! You'll have flotation but you'll burn up in that no air conditioned cab.. :laugh:

[farmerknowsbest]

Here is how we clear land. We use, a CX210 with rake and thumb, D5M XL with rake. T7060 with chisel plow. JD 6200 with stone picker and stone rake. Dump trucks.

CX210
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e287/farmerknowsbest/2009/May/1st/P1020026.jpg

D5M XL
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e287/farmerknowsbest/2009/June/11th/P1030457.jpg

T7060 with chisel plow
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e287/farmerknowsbest/P1030578.jpg

Rock rake and picker
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e287/farmerknowsbest/2009/May/2nd/P1030004.jpg

It doesn't really matter the size of the woodlot, the theory is pretty much the same though we don't do a whole lot of small areas.

Extremely crude diagram 1
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e287/farmerknowsbest/landclearingtheory.jpg

First step is with the CX210 go around the outside of the entire area windrowing inwards. Full extention on both sides and making sure to place the windrow inside the cleared area and not on what still needs to be cleared. The dozer will be behind raking everything the shovel missed and smoothing things out. Dealing with the stones as well. We have stony ground so finding big ones scattered about isn't uncommon.

Step 2 The interior.

Make a hole in the windrow to get in, then go full extension both sides piling once again inwards on the non cleared side. So assuming going clockwise both times, piling to the right each time. Once you are far enough in the dozer will start pushing the first windrow into the second. We won't be at "full" extention, so lets assume at least 25ft on either side of center of the hoe. We will now have 100ft of wood in a windrow, stumps roots and all.

Step 3. Turn around and come along the other side of this now large windrow piling on top of it. This won't be full extension on both sides but will result in a much taller windrow. Again, dozer is smoothing things out. On the opposite side, the T7060 will come in with the chisel plow and start working the ground fluffing the soil and bringing the sticks and small roots to the surface. Also busts out the compaction from the tracked machines and the soil will dry much faster. Once that pass is done the stone rake will be run over the area windrowing all the stones, sticks and roots into 28ft swaths (two times 14ft). Then the stone picker comes along and gathers it up. Dumps in the windrow. Once it is done once, repeat this step until they are all gone. 1 man can do a lot in a hurry with this equipment.

Step 4, make the final pass dropping towards the windrow and the dozer pushes into the now 200ish ft (width of cleared portion) windrow.

Step 5, push up the windrow with the hoe to make it as narrow and tall as possible.

Move onto the next set.

This is how we do land clearing in this part of Ontario. There are several companies that use this exact same approach and it works very well. We can't burying in a hole here because our water table is 3-4ft down. If you dig a hole it WILL fill with water.

Junior I know this is much larger scale than you are wanting to know about, but the theory should be the same.

Warren