whats really going to happen on this clearing job..

[Junior M]

I figured I got about 3 threads going on about this job now, and about everyone has went off topic. And so to make it straight on whats going to happen, this is whats going down..

I'll be bringing in a 435 with an 18in bucket and of course a thumb. And I am going to try and get a T300 so I've got a machine with some ass to rip up trees and cutting roads in and out while I am digging the burn hole. And once I do that with the trackhoe I'll start at the front of the property and pulling up trees. and piling them with somebody on the bobcat hauling them back to the hole.

So Dad called the guy today and said most guys are doing around $1,800-$2,000 an acre for clearing and thats just piling it. He said well I can bring in a trackhoe with an operator for 8 hours for $650. So we went out and looked at it and no way we can do it the way you want it done with just a trackhoe. So we talked him into letting us do it with both a trackhoe and skidsteer. And to make it more attractive to him I said we'd put in 10 hours to make sure its done to my expectations.

So here are some pics, I am being cocky and thinking we can clear it in 10 hours. So to make sure we can do it. we are going to haul all the equipment out there the night before and then haul the equipment back the day after its complete. Anyways, here are some pics, whats your opinion on how long it will take to do it with 2 pieces of equipment?

Where the hole will be:
http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr164/JLM88_bucket/DSCF0703.jpg

http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr164/JLM88_bucket/DSCF0708.jpg

The rest of the pics:

Standing at the bottom corner looking up towards the front:
http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr164/JLM88_bucket/DSCF0701.jpg

Looking from the front left corner to the frton right corner:
http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr164/JLM88_bucket/DSCF0707.jpg

The biggest trees we'll be taking down:
http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr164/JLM88_bucket/DSCF0705.jpg

What most of it looks like:
http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr164/JLM88_bucket/DSCF0706.jpg

http://i480.photobucket.com/albums/rr164/JLM88_bucket/DSCF0704.jpg

[coopers]

You could almost do all that with a dozer and a brush rake. Sorry Junior but I haven't read the other threads, you burning that, chipping or just piling it up? It's hard for me to judge by pictures it almost looks like it will take longer but I can't tell sitting here.

[Junior M]

You could almost do all that with a dozer and a brush rake. Sorry Junior but I haven't read the other threads, you burning that, chipping or just piling it up? It's hard for me to judge by pictures it almost looks like it will take longer but I can't tell sitting here.
All I've got to do is rip up the trees and place them in the hole.

As far as a dozer, I could do it with a dozer and brush rake, but this isnt the job to learn to run a dozer on.

[YellowDogSVC]

i don't see a problem with your method. looks like you could make some money on the backside recycling metal.

[AWJ Services]

Your going to have a brush pile the size of stone mountain.
If you clear it and bury it in a day you are a better man than me.
Your equipment you mentioned can do the job but I think it will take 2 days(min) to make it look decent.

[YellowDogSVC]

i don't know. I'm seeing a lot of open spaces. I would knock the trees down and cut them up smaller. We usually do this with a tree shear and then chip or grind the trees up but the clearing time is still the same. Knock as many limbs off the tree trunks as you can while the trees are standing. You will get a more concise pile if you aren't fighting all the branches. They won't compact well when they are springy.

[Junior M]

Your going to have a brush pile the size of stone mountain.
If you clear it and bury it in a day you are a better man than me.
Your equipment you mentioned can do the job but I think it will take 2 days(min) to make it look decent.
Like stated we are just putting it in a hole, once it is in the hole its no longer our problem. (I just realized something I didnt mention, we are just putting it in this hole, once we have it cleared and everything in the hole, we are done, he is going to finish grade it, burn the pile and backfill with his JD tractor)

I talked to him again and he wanted to know what we could do to maybe lower the price(he's so tight his ass squeaks) I said, well, I can alott each machine 8 hours and once that 8 hours is up, its up. And I also told him I planned on having at the least a 15 hour day in doing this and if we alott only 8 hours no way we'll have it the way you wanted it, it'll be really rough when we leave if you dont have us continue. His response was, well.......... okay. So looks like I am back to one of them screwed up jobs where I cant do it the right way.. :wall

Renting sucks.. :wall :realmad:

[Junior M]

i don't know. I'm seeing a lot of open spaces. I would knock the trees down and cut them up smaller. We usually do this with a tree shear and then chip or grind the trees up but the clearing time is still the same. Knock as many limbs off the tree trunks as you can while the trees are standing. You will get a more concise pile if you aren't fighting all the branches. They won't compact well when they are springy.
and Yellow, you are right. When we got there I was like oh crap, this'll take a while. But that was before I walked in. Once you get into it its alot of open spaces. And the brush that is there really isnt that dense. (I've been through thicker stuff) In reality this alot easier of a job than that last clearing job that turned out to be a disaster. And I am going to try and get a 4n1 with teeth on it for the bobcat so I can dig up the little trees and haul them to the pile.

[Dirtman2007]

and Yellow, you are right. When we got there I was like oh crap, this'll take a while. But that was before I walked in. Once you get into it its alot of open spaces. And the brush that is there really isnt that dense. (I've been through thicker stuff) In reality this alot easier of a job than that last clearing job that turned out to be a disaster. And I am going to try and get a 4n1 with teeth on it for the bobcat so I can dig up the little trees and haul them to the pile.

Are you going to start a fire, too, cause your hole is going to fill up really fast... faster than you think it will. then you will have brush piled up 20' from the hole and a giant cluster F on your hands. I'd plan on a LONG day cause that job will take a while.

[Junior M]

Like stated we are just putting it in a hole, once it is in the hole its no longer our problem. (I just realized something I didnt mention, we are just putting it in this hole, once we have it cleared and everything in the hole, we are done, he is going to finish grade it, burn the pile and backfill with his JD tractor)

I talked to him again and he wanted to know what we could do to maybe lower the price(he's so tight his ass squeaks) I said, well, I can alott each machine 8 hours and once that 8 hours is up, its up. And I also told him I planned on having at the least a 15 hour day in doing this and if we alott only 8 hours no way we'll have it the way you wanted it, it'll be really rough when we leave if you dont have us continue. His response was, well.......... okay. So looks like I am back to one of them screwed up jobs where I cant do it the right way.. :wall

Renting sucks.. :wall :realmad:

read the bold part chris..

And yall are starting to make me regret my decision.. :cry: But whats sad, Dad agreed with me.. :wall :realmad: I am screwed now..

[AWJ Services]

Junior I do this work all the time with a skid steer.
Unless the rest of the property is really open you better have a big hole.

I guessestimate about 400 to 500 trees.

Good Luck.

[Junior M]

Junior I do this work all the time with a skid steer.
Unless the rest of the property is really open you better have a big hole.

I guessestimate about 400 to 500 trees.

Good Luck.
I understand, but ah what the hell, I am screwed.. :cry:

But I am going to try my damndest to prove yall wrong.. Just because I can.. Is it likely to work out? Probably not..

[dozerman21]

Your going to have a brush pile the size of stone mountain.
If you clear it and bury it in a day you are a better man than me.
Your equipment you mentioned can do the job but I think it will take 2 days(min) to make it look decent.

Kind of my thoughts too. Like Dirtman said, it would be much easier if you burned as you go, but I know the guy paying you wants to do it himself. Good luck with it.

[wanabe]

If you get this done in 10 hours then you are alot better operator than most. It would take me all day to get it cleared/stacked with my 20 ton ex. And as far as the hole goes, dig it 2x what you think you need. Then when the stumps are all burned out and will not burn anymore all you need to do is cover them with dirt. Not much fun pulling burnt stumps back out of the hole just to dig it deeper and then do it all over again. If you were closer I would let you borrow this for the day!

[Junior M]

If you get this done in 10 hours then you are alot better operator than most. It would take me all day to get it cleared/stacked with my 20 ton ex. And as far as the hole goes, dig it 2x what you think you need. Then when the stumps are all burned out and will not burn anymore all you need to do is cover them with dirt. Not much fun pulling burnt stumps back out of the hole just to dig it deeper and then do it all over again. If you were closer I would let you borrow this for the day!
Thanks, and I wish you were closer to, you might have to run the machine though.. ;) :laugh:

I am going to try my ass off to get it done, if that means not getting off the machine from 7 till after dark, thats what I'll do..

As far as burning it, I am not, just placing it in the hole. Once we put it in the hole its not our problem anymore..

[tbi]

Dozer, excavator, tub grinder and a truck and you'll have some mulch to sell when you are done.

[NEUSWEDE]

Part of starting out in business. Nothing is easy and plenty of learning from doing it. This is how you learn to bid and get experience, this won't be the last and im sure plenty more that will be worse.

[Duramax8832]

Well, I went down this same road not long ago. First problem is neither bobcat machine will stack high enough to put all that material into one pile..Just dig the hole alot bigger..That is where the second problem comes into play. With an 18inch bucket your going to spend half the day just digging the hole. It may not be as much fun, but that is a job for a wood chipper and a skid or mini, just handle it once..Then go through and stump it. I wish i was down south we can't burn anything up here, nevermind stacking up burn piles with a 20 ton hoe.

[Construct'O]

Third picture looks like you have utilitiy electric line close to your clearing area ,so you need to make sure you keep that in your mind when your hurry to take down the trees.

Also it that a propane gas tank there also.Drop the electric line down on that you might not have to worry about your career:rolleyes:

Like the rest said your going to have a big pile of trees.Getting a hole big enough to get everything in is going to be time consuming in it's self.

As far as clearing.Work your way into the middle of the area,or even a little farther down the hill ,dig the hole there.That way you don't have to push everything as far.Try to push everything down hill as much as possible.Faster then up hill.

Use the same path taking trees to the pile as much as you can that way the cleanup and smooth up will go faster.

Try to stay calm:confused: tree clearing trys your nervse,work smart and be safe.Good luck:usflag:

[Mickhippy]

Hell yeah, I'd be mulching as much as possible and selling it on!

[AWJ Services]

I understand, but ah what the hell, I am screwed.. :cry:

But I am going to try my damndest to prove yall wrong.. Just because I can.. Is it likely to work out? Probably not..

Junior I am in no way trying to belittle you.
It is part of the learning curve that we all go through.
Sometimes you just have to go for it and see what happens.

[Scag48]

If I had a 160-200 size hoe, I could do an acre of that type of clearing in a day. Back when I used to clear orchards, I could do about 3 acres in 10 hours, on average. I always like the larger trees with lesser quantities, I could pull up 4 trees in about 1.5 minutes and start walking back to the burn pile. These trees will be easy to carry, basically pole timber that you could probably carrly 2-3 dozen in a trip. That's easily where a lot of time is lost, especially if you're running to only one burn pile. I'd typically do 2 burn piles per acre. Dig that hole as fast as you possibly can and then start knocking trees over. The size of excavator is going to play substantially to your disadvantage, though. A 120 would only cost you another 200-300 hundred bucks a day but the production will be 3 times greater and you could probably get away without a track loader as well. We used to clear orchards for $700 an acre and that was very lucrative, like I said I could do 3 acres a day by myself with 1 machine.

I will tell you the best way to work this is to outline the area before you start by flagging the boundaries. Make a pass down the boundary and go back and forth, much like mowing a lawn. Work the machine at near full reach to either side of you for the widest path possible. Stack material to the already cleared size for easy grabbing. Make the piles as big as the carrier machine can handle, nothing more or not much less. Handling material too many times will cost you tons of time so keep that in mind.

I don't know much in this world but I do know how to get rid of a lot of trees in a hurry and I could make damn good money doing it. I've cleared over 150 acres of land in my life, I guess that's one thing I feel pretty confident about. Haha

[Junior M]

Well, I went down this same road not long ago. First problem is neither bobcat machine will stack high enough to put all that material into one pile..Just dig the hole alot bigger..That is where the second problem comes into play. With an 18inch bucket your going to spend half the day just digging the hole. It may not be as much fun, but that is a job for a wood chipper and a skid or mini, just handle it once..Then go through and stump it. I wish i was down south we can't burn anything up here, nevermind stacking up burn piles with a 20 ton hoe.

Good point, I'll get getting a huge bucket for the hole and then an 18in for the clearing itself.

And in reality, this is the job for a Fecon or T320 with a forestry package..

Third picture looks like you have utilitiy electric line close to your clearing area ,so you need to make sure you keep that in your mind when your hurry to take down the trees.

Also it that a propane gas tank there also.Drop the electric line down on that you might not have to worry about your career:rolleyes:

Like the rest said your going to have a big pile of trees.Getting a hole big enough to get everything in is going to be time consuming in it's self.

As far as clearing.Work your way into the middle of the area,or even a little farther down the hill ,dig the hole there.That way you don't have to push everything as far.Try to push everything down hill as much as possible.Faster then up hill.

Use the same path taking trees to the pile as much as you can that way the cleanup and smooth up will go faster.

Try to stay calm:confused: tree clearing trys your nervse,work smart and be safe.Good luck:usflag:

:laugh: Yeah, there is that one power line, we wont be clearing up to the powerlines at the road. Leaving a band of woods about 20ft wide across the front for some privacy..

That tank is an old one that some how ended up there. I am not sure how, it looks like this where they pile all there crap..

Hell yeah, I'd be mulching as much as possible and selling it on!

I wish it was possible to be done that way!

Junior I am in no way trying to belittle you.
It is part of the learning curve that we all go through.
Sometimes you just have to go for it and see what happens.

I know you werent, just this learning curve is aggravating. But I am going to give the guy an alterior motive. Try to tell him for the price he's getting now isnt a finished product, just what we can get done in a certain amount of time where as if he pays so much more he can have a finished product, all he'll have to do is plant grass and for even extra, we can do that..

If I had a 160-200 size hoe, I could do an acre of that type of clearing in a day. Back when I used to clear orchards, I could do about 3 acres in 10 hours, on average. I always like the larger trees with lesser quantities, I could pull up 4 trees in about 1.5 minutes and start walking back to the burn pile. These trees will be easy to carry, basically pole timber that you could probably carrly 2-3 dozen in a trip. That's easily where a lot of time is lost, especially if you're running to only one burn pile. I'd typically do 2 burn piles per acre. Dig that hole as fast as you possibly can and then start knocking trees over. The size of excavator is going to play substantially to your disadvantage, though. A 120 would only cost you another 200-300 hundred bucks a day but the production will be 3 times greater and you could probably get away without a track loader as well. We used to clear orchards for $700 an acre and that was very lucrative, like I said I could do 3 acres a day by myself with 1 machine.

I will tell you the best way to work this is to outline the area before you start by flagging the boundaries. Make a pass down the boundary and go back and forth, much like mowing a lawn. Work the machine at near full reach to either side of you for the widest path possible. Stack material to the already cleared size for easy grabbing. Make the piles as big as the carrier machine can handle, nothing more or not much less. Handling material too many times will cost you tons of time so keep that in mind.

I don't know much in this world but I do know how to get rid of a lot of trees in a hurry and I could make damn good money doing it. I've cleared over 150 acres of land in my life, I guess that's one thing I feel pretty confident about. Haha

Scag, I actually considered a 120 machine, but for the money and with my renting situation I couldnt compete with the other guy. And this way I am competitive and giving more bang for your buck, in certain ways.

And I planned on doing it just the way you planned. Except I planned on cutting roads from side to side.(Its a rectangular piece, I was going to cut roads from the longest side, straight across the parallel longest side) and kind of do what you were talking about. But yours sounds much more effecient so this way I'll only have to cut one road from the hole in the middle to the outer edges which wont be much. Thanks man!

[YellowDogSVC]

if we are still only talking about an acre, then I don't see why 1 day with two machines shouldn't be more than is necessary to clear and stack.

don't forget to call before you dig. We found a phone line way back in the woods (in the middle of a bunch of trees) when a dozer guy was digging a pit.

[Junior M]

if we are still only talking about an acre, then I don't see why 1 day with two machines shouldn't be more than is necessary to clear and stack.

don't forget to call before you dig. We found a phone line way back in the woods (in the middle of a bunch of trees) when a dozer guy was digging a pit.
Yep, actually slightly over an acre, not enough to really notice..

[Dirtman2007]

Like everyone else said, dig the hole plenty big. Even to this day with as much burning experience as I've got I still dig the holes too small. the best thing to do is when you dig a hole and think it's big enough, dig it that much more bigger and hopefully it will be enough.

its just that without burning it now your gonna have a huge pile of brush that will never make it in the hole as it will not fit. Then most likely when the owner sets the hole on fire, the center will burn up but the rest thats not in the hole will not. then it will be so much and so packed that his tractor can't push it into the hole.

Just speaking from my previous experience. Its when they try to save money... it ends up cost more in the long run when you're called back and asked to come finish the job.

[Junior M]

Like everyone else said, dig the hole plenty big. Even to this day with as much burning experience as I've got I still dig the holes too small. the best thing to do is when you dig a hole and think it's big enough, dig it that much more bigger and hopefully it will be enough.

its just that without burning it now your gonna have a huge pile of brush that will never make it in the hole as it will not fit. Then most likely when the owner sets the hole on fire, the center will burn up but the rest thats not in the hole will not. then it will be so much and so packed that his tractor can't push it into the hole.

Just speaking from my previous experience. Its when they try to save money... it ends up cost more in the long run when you're called back and asked to come finish the job.
Yeah, well where I am digging is in a low spot, so right now, its already 3ft deep in places.. :cool2: :laugh: But I'll do just that. I am glad I started this thread, yall pointed out a lot of things I didnt think..

As far as the burn pile, probably, but the customer is always right.. :hammerhead:

[Gravel Rat]

What is with all the debate on a easy landclearing job. I wish the jobs I did were that easy. No heavy scrub brush to deal with you can actually walk the property there is no need for ladders to get from one part to the other.

Now with Juniors job I would go in and start hand falling and bucking it up into smaller chunks so its easier to burn. Once the trees are dropped start bailing up the brush and old trees into burn piles.

I don't know what your guys facination to digging a hole to burn a fire in just pile it ontop of the ground and burn it. Simple easy no hole to dig. Your wasting time and money digging a hole. Around here some fire piles are well over 20 feet tall. Burning thou is becoming prohibbited you need to get a permit and you can only burn when its cloudy and light rain.

With that job and a small machine your better off with 3 or 4 burn piles there is no point is dragging the material long distances. Your dealing with a small excavator it can't build a tall pile.

If I had a 160-200 sized machine you wouldn't have to do so much hand falling and it can bust up the smaller trees so less cutting them up with a chainsaw.

As I said that job is a cake walk to what we encounter here easy to move the machine around on easy to physically walk on. To even start a clearing job here you need to build a road into and your constantly building a roads and pushing the excavator to its limits. It is off limits to any skid steer or bulldozer its not going to happen.

[YellowDogSVC]

nobody digs a hole here.

[Junior M]

I dont know why yall cant read and under freakin stand that I am not burning any thing! And wanting it in the hole is his decision, not mine! Just so everyone can freakin read it sense they cant seem to read anywhere else, here it is:

THE OWNER SIMPLY ASKED US TO CLEAR IT AND PUT IT IN A HOLE, HE'LL BURN IT, HE'LL BACKFILL IT. ALL WE'VE GOT TO DO IS CLEAR IT AND PUT IT IN A HOLE Jeezus..

GR, Why hand fall it? Why waste all that time and energy to hand fall stuff that I can do with a machine and not have a stump left to mess with.. Besides, its not like I am tracking stuff to the pile with the excavator DING DING this is where the skid comes in!

[YellowDogSVC]

I dont know why yall cant read and under freakin stand that I am not burning any thing!

Down boy... Bad Dog..

[tbi]

I dont know why yall cant read and under freakin stand that I am not burning any thing! And wanting it in the hole is his decision, not mine! Just so everyone can freakin read it sense they cant seem to read anywhere else, here it is:

THE OWNER SIMPLY ASKED US TO CLEAR IT AND PUT IT IN A HOLE, HE'LL BURN IT, HE'LL BACKFILL IT. ALL WE'VE GOT TO DO IS CLEAR IT AND PUT IT IN A HOLE Jeezus..

GR, Why hand fall it? Why waste all that time and energy to hand fall stuff that I can do with a machine and not have a stump left to mess with.. Besides, its not like I am tracking stuff to the pile with the excavator DING DING this is where the skid comes in!

If someone doesn't burn it the pile will encompass about 1/3 of the lost especially with all of the tonka toys you are using.

[Junior M]

If someone doesn't burn it the pile will encompass about 1/3 of the lost especially with all of the tonka toys you are using.
Ok, and your point is? Thats his problem to deal with, I've just got to fight to make a hole big enough. And kiss my ass, I dont have the contacts at CAT to get what I get from Bobcat..

had a rough day if you couldnt tell...

[Scag48]

I think the point everyone is trying to make about you not burning is how difficult it's going to be to stack an acre of wood in 1 pile that isn't going to be 300 feet in diameter. We know it's not your problem to burn, but it is your problem to make sure the homeowner has the best chance of a successful burn when he has to take care of it. Even if I was using a 160 size hoe, I'd be burning while clearing, it's just how it's done. It's very difficult to efficiently stack an acre worth of trees so that it burns easily down the road. I've piled an acre into two piles before and burned it months later, but I had a 120 to do it and could stack them alot higher than a mini ever could. Even then, it was a challenge to burn it later and a mini was required for cleanup. The amount of wood that you'll be facing is a large quantity, I'm not really sure how to recommend you go about it because there really isn't an easy way to do it given the equipment you'll be using and the lack of burning while clearing.

[Junior M]

I think the point everyone is trying to make about you not burning is how difficult it's going to be to stack an acre of wood in 1 pile that isn't going to be 300 feet in diameter. We know it's not your problem to burn, but it is your problem to make sure the homeowner has the best chance of a successful burn when he has to take care of it. Even if I was using a 160 size hoe, I'd be burning while clearing, it's just how it's done. It's very difficult to efficiently stack an acre worth of trees so that it burns easily down the road. I've piled an acre into two piles before and burned it months later, but I had a 120 to do it and could stack them alot higher than a mini ever could. Even then, it was a challenge to burn it later and a mini was required for cleanup. The amount of wood that you'll be facing is a large quantity, I'm not really sure how to recommend you go about it because there really isn't an easy way to do it given the equipment you'll be using and the lack of burning while clearing.
I understand now and sorry I flipped out earlier, I've had a rough day..

[esnipe8]

It sounds like you do not think you are going to make any money on this job..... so why do it? Other than pride do you have any contractual obligation to this job? Talk to the customer, explain that you will not make any money, thank him for his time, and move on to the next one.

Just my opinion.

[Gravel Rat]

You are going to have troubles with this job if you don't do hand falling.

H*ll I could have that all dropped on the ground in a couple hours its a freaking cake walk a 2 year old could fall all those trees.

Junior you don't understand when your running a mini excavator with no guarding and a small machine you have a good chance for a tree to fall on the cab of the machine. Hard to tell in the pictures but if there is any widow makers you will find them. They drop on the roof of the excavator you will have your pants full of crap.

Once you get the trees on the ground then you can start piling them up. Leave the stumps tall so you have something to pull on. With a little machine you are going to be fighting them. Leaving the trees standing and trying to pull them over you will probably end up snapping them off leaving you with a stump.

A small excavator can do the job but will take longer because your doing alot more digging to get the stumps out.

Now to dig a hole big enough to put a acre of trees into you would be all day digging with the excavator. The home owner isn't going to get what he wants if you use a mini excavator.

When you build a fire pile it has to be piled so it burns easily so its all laid in one direction so as it burns the unburned wood colaspses into the flames.

It has to be piled correctly or the homeowner will be coming after you with a gun. He won't have a machine to push the unburned wood into the coals of the fire. A mini excavator will have a h*ll of a time building a large fire pile correctly. You can't just dig a hole and throw the crap into it because its not going to work.

You may or probably will loose your shirt on this job it will be a good learning experience.

[farmerknowsbest]

I don't know the soil type you have, but how steep and hard packed of a tailings pile could you build? Seems the limitations of the mini will be stacking height, can the mini be placed up high on a "ramp" to build the pile up?

I wouldn't suggest felling the trees unless you can rent a stump harvester bucket. Even if you leave the stumps high a mini will be struggling to pry a stump with no tree out. You'll be there for ever. A stump harvester would really increase the breakout force and maximize the small machine. Of course it is an extra expense. If you can't find a stump harvester a frost pick (yes I know you're in NC) would work very well too.

Stump harvester in action.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK-aq5jjE18

I don't know if anyone makes a small stump harvester

The idea behind a stump harvester is it can easily rip them out of the ground, but also can split them. Like firewood, if you split a stump it dies (no more shoots to deal with) and it dries (burns like crazy)

I wish you good luck and hope you learn a lot on this job.

Warren

[SiteSolutions]

Hey Junior, I have cleared an acre before, a lot denser than the lot in these pictures, with some big pines on it, stacked it only, with just a T-190, and for very cheap, for a cheap person. It wasn't my favorite job but I made a couple bucks. If the guy is that cheap and wants to burn it himself, that's his problem. As long as the check clears, let him do it to himself. It took about 16 hours with just the T-190; I think you can knock this one out in less than a day with two machines.

I would suggest you think ahead about the pile, before it gets too big to push around, but that's the only headache I think you'll have. It will take up about a quarter of the lot, and when the cheap customer sees it, he may feel sorry for being so cheap, but we all know he has it coming. You can offer to burn it for him at that time, for a slightly exaggerated price, since it would have been easier to burn as you went.

I love clearing jobs. This one looks like a good one. Have fun. Take pics.

[SiteSolutions]

And leave the chainsaw on the truck! You will make it a three day money loser if you try to cut everything! You're not loading anything out on trucks, you just have to make a big pile as quick as you can. Knock em down and push em up.

[tbi]

Ok, and your point is? Thats his problem to deal with, I've just got to fight to make a hole big enough. And kiss my ass, I dont have the contacts at CAT to get what I get from Bobcat..

had a rough day if you couldnt tell...

Go take a deep breath and look in the mirror and realize what an immature little boy you really are. When you graduate from the sand box then you will understand. Until then back to the corner little man.

[AWJ Services]

Hey Junior, I have cleared an acre before, a lot denser than the lot in these pictures, with some big pines on it, stacked it only, with just a T-190, and for very cheap, for a cheap person. It wasn't my favorite job but I made a couple bucks. If the guy is that cheap and wants to burn it himself, that's his problem. As long as the check clears, let him do it to himself. It took about 16 hours with just the T-190; I think you can knock this one out in less than a day with two machines.

I would suggest you think ahead about the pile, before it gets too big to push around, but that's the only headache I think you'll have. It will take up about a quarter of the lot, and when the cheap customer sees it, he may feel sorry for being so cheap, but we all know he has it coming. You can offer to burn it for him at that time, for a slightly exaggerated price, since it would have been easier to burn as you went.

I love clearing jobs. This one looks like a good one. Have fun. Take pics.


Experience is priceless.:drinkup:

[Dirtman2007]

hell just drive the mini up on the brush pile and stack it higher. just make sure its on a something solid or you'll disappear to the bottom of your hole. other than that its just like working on a water bed.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee145/Letsdig18/008-45.jpg

[YellowDogSVC]

after reading again that the single pile will be left for the owner, I think it is a bad idea to take a job and leave such a big pile. There is such a thing as professional standards. What another reputable company would do in this situation. If the owner, presumably ignorant about burning such a large pile, lights off the mount olympus of brush and gets hurt, there could be some liability for the contractor that built such a large pile when prudence and standards would have suggested a much smaller pile or a burn as you go approach. Something to think about. We need all contractors to give a crap. Statements like "it's not my problem" are why contractors are viewed in such a low light compared to other professions. I often ask myself if my reputation or money is more important. I always side with reputation and walk away from the jobs that would tend to leave a legacy of bad taste which is what will happen if someone lights off an acre of brush piled into one monstrous pile.

[AWJ Services]

after reading again that the single pile will be left for the owner, I think it is a bad idea to take a job and leave such a big pile. There is such a thing as professional standards. What another reputable company would do in this situation. If the owner, presumably ignorant about burning such a large pile, lights off the mount olympus of brush and gets hurt, there could be some liability for the contractor that built such a large pile when prudence and standards would have suggested a much smaller pile or a burn as you go approach. Something to think about. We need all contractors to give a crap. Statements like "it's not my problem" are why contractors are viewed in such a low light compared to other professions. I often ask myself if my reputation or money is more important. I always side with reputation and walk away from the jobs that would tend to leave a legacy of bad taste which is what will happen if someone lights off an acre of brush piled into one monstrous pile.

Excellent post.
I run into this everyday selling jobs and I often win bids over other contractors because I will point out possible problems and often times the other contractors have a "Not my problem" attitude towards the job where I do not.
I also loose a few jobs because of it as well.

[Junior M]

You are going to have troubles with this job if you don't do hand falling.

H*ll I could have that all dropped on the ground in a couple hours its a freaking cake walk a 2 year old could fall all those trees.

Junior you don't understand when your running a mini excavator with no guarding and a small machine you have a good chance for a tree to fall on the cab of the machine. Hard to tell in the pictures but if there is any widow makers you will find them. They drop on the roof of the excavator you will have your pants full of crap.

Once you get the trees on the ground then you can start piling them up. Leave the stumps tall so you have something to pull on. With a little machine you are going to be fighting them. Leaving the trees standing and trying to pull them over you will probably end up snapping them off leaving you with a stump.

A small excavator can do the job but will take longer because your doing alot more digging to get the stumps out.

Now to dig a hole big enough to put a acre of trees into you would be all day digging with the excavator. The home owner isn't going to get what he wants if you use a mini excavator.

When you build a fire pile it has to be piled so it burns easily so its all laid in one direction so as it burns the unburned wood colaspses into the flames.

It has to be piled correctly or the homeowner will be coming after you with a gun. He won't have a machine to push the unburned wood into the coals of the fire. A mini excavator will have a h*ll of a time building a large fire pile correctly. You can't just dig a hole and throw the crap into it because its not going to work.

You may or probably will loose your shirt on this job it will be a good learning experience.

GR, do you ever read? I am not taking out the huge trees, this is pretty much a selective clearing job. Go back and look at the pics and read the caption, the biggest tree I'll be taking out is like 6in across, 15ft tall or so. I swear GR, half that post was un-needed, stop putting me down, I am not a complete idiot. If you'd read you'd understand we arent taking out the larger trees, just the small crap and leaving the larger trees for shade for the horses.

Hey Junior, I have cleared an acre before, a lot denser than the lot in these pictures, with some big pines on it, stacked it only, with just a T-190, and for very cheap, for a cheap person. It wasn't my favorite job but I made a couple bucks. If the guy is that cheap and wants to burn it himself, that's his problem. As long as the check clears, let him do it to himself. It took about 16 hours with just the T-190; I think you can knock this one out in less than a day with two machines.

I would suggest you think ahead about the pile, before it gets too big to push around, but that's the only headache I think you'll have. It will take up about a quarter of the lot, and when the cheap customer sees it, he may feel sorry for being so cheap, but we all know he has it coming. You can offer to burn it for him at that time, for a slightly exaggerated price, since it would have been easier to burn as you went.

I love clearing jobs. This one looks like a good one. Have fun. Take pics.

he isnt totally inexperienced, he's got the biggest JD tractor with a loader I've ever seen and from what he and his wife says this is how he had the other guys do it when they cleared the first few sections of it.

And I will offer this to him, for that slightly exaggerated price.. :drinkup:

And leave the chainsaw on the truck! You will make it a three day money loser if you try to cut everything! You're not loading anything out on trucks, you just have to make a big pile as quick as you can. Knock em down and push em up.

Thank you! No way I am wasting time handfalling when I can do it with the machine. Work smart, not hard. I learned that on the last job.

Go take a deep breath and look in the mirror and realize what an immature little boy you really are. When you graduate from the sand box then you will understand. Until then back to the corner little man.

Not everyone wants to run big equipment, there is money to be made using compact equipment and guess what I want to do? So please, stay out of my threads, I prefer some intelligent posts offering some help, not insults and putdowns because of my age and the size of equipment we use..

Experience is priceless.:drinkup:

It sure is! This is why I got dad.. :cool2:

hell just drive the mini up on the brush pile and stack it higher. just make sure its on a something solid or you'll disappear to the bottom of your hole. other than that its just like working on a water bed.



I planned on this or a ramp like Farmer said..

after reading again that the single pile will be left for the owner, I think it is a bad idea to take a job and leave such a big pile. There is such a thing as professional standards. What another reputable company would do in this situation. If the owner, presumably ignorant about burning such a large pile, lights off the mount olympus of brush and gets hurt, there could be some liability for the contractor that built such a large pile when prudence and standards would have suggested a much smaller pile or a burn as you go approach. Something to think about. We need all contractors to give a crap. Statements like "it's not my problem" are why contractors are viewed in such a low light compared to other professions. I often ask myself if my reputation or money is more important. I always side with reputation and walk away from the jobs that would tend to leave a legacy of bad taste which is what will happen if someone lights off an acre of brush piled into one monstrous pile.

I understand where you are coming from and I get what you are saying, but he has experience doing this, and it being in a hole should be easier to contain. But everything else you said sets that off. And we are meeting back up this week to discuss the things that are still in the air, like burning while we are working. So I'll try and change that..

[Junior M]

Excellent post.
I run into this everyday selling jobs and I often win bids over other contractors because I will point out possible problems and often times the other contractors have a "Not my problem" attitude towards the job where I do not.
I also loose a few jobs because of it as well.
I agree. And thats the way I am trying to be, we are professional as possible. But you can only talk so much to customers. They think they know the absolute best way and sometimes it just comes down the point where you just do what they want. And after waiting almost 6months to get this job, this is where I am at. I dont want yall to think thats the way we run out business because its not.

[Scag48]

When you come across homeowners trying to tell you to do a job the wrong way, whether it's fiscally motivated or not, that's when you walk away and realize that your reputation is worth more than a couple grand. I only do things the right way, if I can't do the job the way it should be done, I don't do it.

I'd like to see you be successful with this gig but I think you're going to get burned a little. Sorry man, that's just the way I see things playing out. Don't be discouraged, you've already gotten yourself into it and it'll be a learning experience. Just get out there, take the knowledge that you've gained here, and give it hell.

[Junior M]

When you come across homeowners trying to tell you to do a job the wrong way, whether it's fiscally motivated or not, that's when you walk away and realize that your reputation is worth more than a couple grand. I only do things the right way, if I can't do the job the way it should be done, I don't do it.

I'd like to see you be successful with this gig but I think you're going to get burned a little. Sorry man, that's just the way I see things playing out. Don't be discouraged, you've already gotten yourself into it and it'll be a learning experience. Just get out there, take the knowledge that you've gained here, and give it hell.
Yeah, I get ya there. and I prolly will be burned, but whatever, like you said its a learning experience and I got to learn some how..

[tbi]

BTW kid how does pointing out how big the pile will be be taken as an insult? You have a real case of little mans sydrome in more ways than one. And insult towards you has been asked for and well deserved. Now back to the corner.

[Junior M]

BTW kid how does pointing out how big the pile will be be taken as an insult? You have a real case of little mans sydrome in more ways than one. And insult towards you has been asked for and well deserved. Now back to the corner.
Because you are insulting our methods and me. And do you really think I care? I respect everyone here, and I'd like to think they respect me also. And I take there jokes with a grain of salt because they've taught me alot, I dont mind them making fun of me. You on the other hand have done nothing to help me, nor respected me one bit, it takes respect to get respect buddy. So head back to your nursing home, wheel of fortune is on..

and barefooted I am inch from 6ft tall, with my boots on I am pushing 6'2'' no reason for me to have little mans syndrome? ;) I like how you make assumptions and no nothing about me..

[tbi]

Because you are insulting our methods and me. And do you really think I care? I respect everyone here, and I'd like to think they respect me also. And I take there jokes with a grain of salt because they've taught me alot, I dont mind them making fun of me. You on the other hand have done nothing to help me, nor respected me one bit, it takes respect to get respect buddy. So head back to your nursing home, wheel of fortune is on..

and barefooted I am inch from 6ft tall, with my boots on I am pushing 6'2'' no reason for me to have little mans syndrome? ;) I like how you make assumptions and no nothing about me..

Hey junior let me give you a little advice( a waste of time because your always broadcasting when you should be receiving).....repsect is earned not a given and thanks again for showing you are a legend in your own mind.

PS go look up littlemans sydrome you dumbazz.

[Junior M]

Hey junior let me give you a little advice( a waste of time because your always broadcasting when you should be receiving).....repsect is earned not a given and thanks again for showing you are a legend in your own mind.

PS go look up littlemans sydrome you dumbazz.
Yeah and a first impression has alot to do with respect. And your first impression sucked, so like I said before, stay the hell out of my own threads.. And I've said it here before, yeah I am cocky as hell, if I wasnt I wouldnt get the work I get..

And grow up dude, I know what the f$ck little man syndrome is, but being a small guy also has something to do with little mans syndrome. Grow up dude, and stay the hell out of my threads.

[nnj18]

here you cant burn so what i'd do is rent a 18" chipper for two days ($500) and a 312 sized exacavator with thumb for two days ($800), and get two guys with saws for two days ($400). I'd bid $4900 and do it over 2 days.

[Scag48]

I don't really think name-calling or insults are in order, I think we can do without them as they have no place here.

[Junior M]

i think to do it right ud need a chipper and a trackhoe + 2 guys and probably more like 16hrs.
I am guessing I'll have 15hours by the time we are done, so it sounds like I estimated something right.

[ksss]

I think if you know what your doing a mini ex and skid can clear that in a day. We have cleared much more dense areas in less time in much worse conditions. My suggestion is to use the mini ex and grub and stack in piles. The more organized you are in your stacking with the mini ex the cleaner and faster the process will go. Use the skid steer to move the piles to the burn area. As far as equipment goes, lose the 4 in 1, use the dirt bucket that the machine comes with and get a tined grapple bucket. They are much more capable on clearing jobs. A 4 in 1 is a jack of all trades type attachment, here is you need a tined grapple. You will get less dirt, be able to backdrag the area clean, and handle more material at one time.

[Gravel Rat]

I hope the for the best Junior I imagine the homeowner is rubbing his hands together trying to get you to sign a contract. Have you got your hemmroid cushion ready you may need it for a few weeks :laugh:

[Junior M]

I hope the for the best Junior I imagine the homeowner is rubbing his hands together trying to get you to sign a contract. Have you got your hemmroid cushion ready you may need it for a few weeks :laugh:
I am definetly the one trying to get him to sign the contract? and right now in the contract it says work will cease at 8 hours, any work needed or wanted past this point in time will require new bid and payment..

So it looks like things have turned around in my favor. Sure it wont be a quality finish job unless he has us continue work, but it'll work out in my favor.

[Junior M]

here you cant burn so what i'd do is rent a 18" chipper for two days ($500) and a 312 sized exacavator with thumb for two days ($800), and get two guys with saws for two days ($400). I'd bid $4900 and do it over 2 days.
And you wouldnt get the job. Hate to tell you, but thats the going price for around 2 and half acres and he's only having a little over an acre cleared.

He can have a guy in there with a trackhoe for 8hours for $650 bucks, I am doing a total of 16hours worth of work with a Bobcat T300(hopefully) and a 435 mini ex.

[tbi]

Yeah and a first impression has alot to do with respect. And your first impression sucked, so like I said before, stay the hell out of my own threads.. And I've said it here before, yeah I am cocky as hell, if I wasnt I wouldnt get the work I get..

And grow up dude, I know what the f$ck little man syndrome is, but being a small guy also has something to do with little mans syndrome. Grow up dude, and stay the hell out of my threads.

LOL remember who took the first swing little man? Now you can't take the heat of the moment nor can you estimate.
No recess for you today back to your room.

[Junior M]

LOL remember who took the first swing little man? Now you can't take the heat of the moment nor can you estimate.
No recess for you today back to your room.
the heat of the moment? what?

And shut the hell up, we all got to learn, I bet everyone here who bids screwed up at least once on an estimate when first starting so in the end, that was the worst attempt at an insult I've ever seen.

And head back to your nursing home, you forgot to take your gerital..

[SiteSolutions]

Give em hell, Jr!

[ksss]

And you wouldnt get the job. Hate to tell you, but thats the going price for around 2 and half acres and he's only having a little over an acre cleared.

He can have a guy in there with a trackhoe for 8hours for $650 bucks, I am doing a total of 16hours worth of work with a Bobcat T300(hopefully) and a 435 mini ex.

I would not over rent. You don't need a T300 to do what your asking. Rent smaller and save some money. Even your average POS T190/S185 would be just fine.

[WillieWonka1850]

Give em hell, Jr!
Yeah seriously.
WTF is that guys problem?
Junior's not the only Teen aged yard maintenance guy on here!

[nnj18]

And you wouldnt get the job. Hate to tell you, but thats the going price for around 2 and half acres and he's only having a little over an acre cleared.

He can have a guy in there with a trackhoe for 8hours for $650 bucks, I am doing a total of 16hours worth of work with a Bobcat T300(hopefully) and a 435 mini ex.

ohhh for some reason I though you said 3 acres...dude $650 is freaking cheap, I wouldn't touch it....I'd do it for $1500 with just a chipper and two guys but not $650....rentals alone for what you say your bringing will be that much!!!

[Junior M]

ohhh for some reason I though you said 3 acres...dude $650 is freaking cheap, I wouldn't touch it....I'd do it for $1500 with just a chipper and two guys but not $650....rentals alone for what you say your bringing will be that much!!!
yeah, I was about to say, wow! Thats alot!

Oh hell no I aint doing it for $650! Thats what a guy gets for 8 hours with a trackhoe. And I am using a skid and a trackhoe, I'll have over $500 in rental, so I am most definetly getting more than that. Lets say I am not getting $2k but I am not getting $650 either. But remember I've got an 8hour limit, so my price is inbetween.

[Junior M]

Give em hell, Jr!

:laugh: :laugh:

I would not over rent. You don't need a T300 to do what your asking. Rent smaller and save some money. Even your average POS T190/S185 would be just fine.

I can get a T300 for the same price as a T190.. :cool2:

And the T190 didnt impress to much on that last clearing job because 1) it had trouble lifting some of the bigger piles 2) its pushing power on brush sucked, thats why I want to try a T300. I'd really like a T250, but they dont rent one..

Yeah seriously.
WTF is that guys problem?
Junior's not the only Teen aged yard maintenance guy on here!

yard maintenance? ;) Umm, I am strictly excavation/construction buddy. We cut grass at work, but ya gotta do what pays the bills.

[mrusk]

If the track hoe is a 150 size machine the guy can most likely clear it in a day.

[tbi]

the heat of the moment? what?

And shut the hell up, we all got to learn, I bet everyone here who bids screwed up at least once on an estimate when first starting so in the end, that was the worst attempt at an insult I've ever seen.

And head back to your nursing home, you forgot to take your gerital..

TFF it must make you feel real good telling someone to shut up on the net?
How do you keep the cat's from pissing on your toys in the sand box?

[Junior M]

TFF it must make you feel real good telling someone to shut up on the net?
How do you keep the cat's from pissing on your toys in the sand box?
Wow man, you really told me.. :rolleyes:

[tbi]

Wow man, you really told me.. :rolleyes:

Must be you didn't call me any names, swear or tel me to shut up. Does your mom know your on the computer this late?

[Canon Landscaping]

If you already know everything and took the job then why are you on the internet asking if it can be done? What if they guy you are working for runs across this thread? I bet he would have to reconsider hiring you. When you start a thread asking for advise you are going get a mixed response and to start a pissing match over a guy giving you his opinion is stupid. All you are doing is losing money and keeping the legit guys from making money. And the customer is going to get a poor quality job. So who wins? This job is about as simple as it can get in the excavating biz and if you are not confident in your ability or methods maybe you should educate yourself a little more before attempting to work on your own. Go ahead cuss me out yell at your computer but the truth hurts.

[farmerknowsbest]

In this area 90-120$/hr plus $300 float cost will get you a 20 tonne excavator with rake thumb and digging bucket. Would have the entire job done in 10 hours judging by the photos with nothing for the owner to do but backfill. So in my mind your bid would have to be in and around the $1200-1500 range.

I fully believe you can do this job with your mini and a skid steer. It isn't necessarily the most efficient way but as your signature says, you use what you got to get the job done.

If I might make a suggestion, and you can take this however you like. Abandon the idea of a central burn pile. It will be harder for you and harder for the owner to burn. Even with an 8000 series deere and 840 loader he won't be able to push as much as you think. Trust me I'm a farmer and own 4 ag loaders. They are not track loaders.

A wide pile doesn't burn efficiently. A high pile does. Even if the pile is smaller, as long as it has a 3:1 or even better 4:1 height to width ratio it will burn hot and fast and completely. Smaller burn holes can be dug a lot faster too. Break the trees on each other and stack them high in smaller piles. You only have a mini excavator, you shouldn't be trying to build a mountain. You might also want to consider my earlier suggestion of piling from a bench made from the burn holes spoil pile. Even if only an extra 5ft it will make a huge difference when it comes time to burn for the owner. The owner might not remember you for how easy the piles burnt, but he sure as heck will remember you if he is left with a nightmare.

Well that is my 11 cents and how I'd do it if I were in your shoes. It will be easy and quick for you, and look very professional when you're done.

Warren

[Junior M]

If you already know everything and took the job then why are you on the internet asking if it can be done? What if they guy you are working for runs across this thread? I bet he would have to reconsider hiring you. When you start a thread asking for advise you are going get a mixed response and to start a pissing match over a guy giving you his opinion is stupid. All you are doing is losing money and keeping the legit guys from making money. And the customer is going to get a poor quality job. So who wins? This job is about as simple as it can get in the excavating biz and if you are not confident in your ability or methods maybe you should educate yourself a little more before attempting to work on your own. Go ahead cuss me out yell at your computer but the truth hurts.
I was asking because I am unsure of myself, I am new to this business, I am new to estimating. Thats what it comes down to. I am done arguing with yall over stupid crap that doesnt matter..

And you know, you are cussing me for no reason imo. I was always taught to ask questions if I wasnt sure and thats what I am doing. You know, whats your opinion on how am I doing this? I see nothing wrong with what I asked, maybe to you it was a dumb question but I like to hear knowledgable responses that give me an idea and to tell you the truth, I'd be going about this job alot different if it wasnt for the guys here.

And I said something to him because I dont like the way he went about telling me his opinion. Did I tell him the truth? sure did. Did somethings come to it that were un needed? sure did.

I am done with this crap, MJD, shut this thread down please. I am done with this place.

[J. Peterson Grading]

Jr.

Stop asking so many questions and just do the job man...

You already know how its going to go, so just do it. You need to stop thinking so much and start reacting to what you are going to be doing.

Stop being so cocky. Cocky doesn't bring in a job. Cocky doesn't get it done either. Cocky pisses people off, makes them look else where. You don't get to be that way yet. When you bring in work everyday, work everyday, own equipment, and get paid everyday, then you can be as cocky as you want to be.

Sorry for the pep talk little buddy.

J.

[Junior M]

Jr.

Stop asking so many questions and just do the job man...

You already know how its going to go, so just do it. You need to stop thinking so much and start reacting to what you are going to be doing.

Stop being so cocky. Cocky doesn't bring in a job. Cocky doesn't get it done either. Cocky pisses people off, makes them look else where. You don't get to be that way yet. When you bring in work everyday, work everyday, own equipment, and get paid everyday, then you can be as cocky as you want to be.

Sorry for the pep talk little buddy.

J.
No, its fine. things like that are cool.. And I've been told I over analyze stuff, I guess this is true. :laugh:

[NateV]

And I've been told I over analyze stuff, I guess this is true. :laugh:

Iv been thinking that since iv seen like 3 threads about this job, but i wasnt gonna say anything lol..

Like JPG said..just go do it.

[Junior M]

Iv been thinking that since iv seen like 3 threads about this job, but i wasnt gonna say anything lol..

Like JPG said..just go do it.
I would never do such a thing.. :laugh: And I only started this thread cause the other 2 went off topic, now when does that ever happen around here? :laugh:

[NateV]

I would never do such a thing.. :laugh: And I only started this thread cause the other 2 went off topic, now when does that ever happen around here? :laugh:

haha you could problably pick half a dozen threads just on page one alone lol

[Junior M]

haha you could problably pick half a dozen threads just on page one alone lol
:laugh: Really, but this has to be the best forum about things like that. I hate HEF for that exact reason, there is no open conversation. If it goes even slightly off topic that Steve is in there saying something..

[NateV]

:laugh: Really, but this has to be the best forum about things like that. I hate HEF for that exact reason, there is no open conversation. If it goes even slightly off topic that Steve is in there saying something..

I dont even hardly ever go on there anymore. but if we keep talking like this on this thread your gonna have to start a new one cuz this one will be off too lol

[Junior M]

I dont even hardly ever go on there anymore. but if we keep talking like this on this thread your gonna have to start a new one cuz this one will be off too lol
I dont either, if I do its to look at the pics and that only takes a few minutes cause that place is so slow.. :laugh:

And its good, I am done talking about it. Thanks to the guys that helped.. :waving:

[RockSet N' Grade]

When you do this job, keep track of your hours and keep a note book on what your plan was for the day and what you actually accomplished. This will help you next go-round in analyzing and pricing. Most of the real successful guys I know started with alot of "want to" and not much else.....Junior, you got that........so now go make it happen. Keep asking questions, but there is a time that comes when ya just gotta buck up and dive in - -win, lose or draw - - but learn from each job you do and you will get more confident and savvy.

[tbi]

Here's what RS Means has to say about this BIG job.
Cut & Chip light trees up to 6" diam $3900 1 day
Crew: 1 labor foreman
4 laborers
1 equip op
1 crawler loader 3 cy
1 12" chipper
3 chain saws

grub stumps and remove $1700 1 day
crew: 1 eqip op
2 truck drivers
1 1.5 cy exc
2 tandem dumps

Clear and grub brush including stumps $5900
using the same crew as above in 2 days.

Take it for what it's worth.

[Junior M]

When you do this job, keep track of your hours and keep a note book on what your plan was for the day and what you actually accomplished. This will help you next go-round in analyzing and pricing. Most of the real successful guys I know started with alot of "want to" and not much else.....Junior, you got that........so now go make it happen. Keep asking questions, but there is a time that comes when ya just gotta buck up and dive in - -win, lose or draw - - but learn from each job you do and you will get more confident and savvy.

Thanks for the wise words Curt..

Here's what RS Means has to say about this BIG job.
Cut & Chip light trees up to 6" diam $3900 1 day
Crew: 1 labor foreman
4 laborers
1 equip op
1 crawler loader 3 cy
1 12" chipper
3 chain saws

grub stumps and remove $1700 1 day
crew: 1 eqip op
2 truck drivers
1 1.5 cy exc
2 tandem dumps

Clear and grub brush including stumps $5900
using the same crew as above in 2 days.

Take it for what it's worth.

RS means? ;)

but to have a civilized conversation, there is no way you'd get that job. That is the going price for 3 acres on only an acre of ground. And I like the way you are going about it, its just to expensive to run to compete against everyone else.. but I do like it..

[tbi]

Thanks for the wise words Curt..



RS means? ;)

but to have a civilized conversation, there is no way you'd get that job. That is the going price for 3 acres on only an acre of ground. And I like the way you are going about it, its just to expensive to run to compete against everyone else.. but I do like it..

RS Means is a nation estimating guide. The wages are figured as prevailing so you can deduct some and the OH&P is already added in.

People that are afraid to charge don't last long or they are always wondering why they have no money or capital.

[BrandonV]

JR people get paid mad $ up north.

[YellowDogSVC]

wow, I wish the RS data translated to bid prices down here. That's what I think this stuff is worth if you do a GREAT job.

[Dirtman2007]

JR people get paid mad $ up north.

lol, we just work for a bunch of poor rednecks haha

[Junior M]

JR people get paid mad $ up north.
I am starting to realize this.. ;) And I am starting to think I need to move back up to Ohio, just for summer though, screw that snow stuff.. ;) :laugh:

[tbi]

I live in one of the poorest counties in NY yet business is still pretty good.
Lesson #1 don't throw all your eggs in one basket.
Lesson #2 do thinks customers can't or don't want to do.
Lesson #3 you can make a lot of money cleaning up other peoples messes.

[Dirtman2007]

I live in one of the poorest counties in NY yet business is still pretty good.
Lesson #1 don't throw all your eggs in one basket.
Lesson #2 do thinks customers can't or don't want to do.
Lesson #3 you can make a lot of money cleaning up other peoples messes.

Oh you can say that again... then leave with a great job and a happy customer.

[ksss]

When does this job kick off anyway?

[RockSet N' Grade]

Couple more threads and JR should be good to go :)

[ksss]

Couple more threads and JR should be good to go :)


My gawd that lot will grow to twice the density by the time the job starts.:hammerhead:

[Junior M]

When does this job kick off anyway?

Well, I wanted to do it this next week, but I talked to the guy today and he said his wife is pretending not to have her half of the money, but he knows she does. And he said he'll talk to her over the next couple of days and then we'll get a final date later this week when we see him at the clubhouse..

Couple more threads and JR should be good to go :)

My gawd that lot will grow to twice the density by the time the job starts.:hammerhead:

http://emoticons4u.com/fingers/fing21.gif

http://emoticons4u.com/fingers/fing26.gif

[Duffster]

Well, I wanted to do it this next week, but I talked to the guy today and he said his wife is pretending not to have her half of the money, but he knows she does.

Sounds like a marriage that is going to last. :dizzy:

[Gravel Rat]

This might be a job you don't want to get involved in Junior you may have your first experience of getting screwed.

If the people are arguing between each other about money its time to walk away. You could end up doing this job and something happens with the homeowners and your holding the bag.

Time to pull out while you can before you get yourself too far into trouble. This could be like you getting some girl knocked up and a kid that will be calling you daddy :laugh:

[Mickhippy]

We will need pics of course!

[Junior M]

This might be a job you don't want to get involved in Junior you may have your first experience of getting screwed.

If the people are arguing between each other about money its time to walk away. You could end up doing this job and something happens with the homeowners and your holding the bag.

Time to pull out while you can before you get yourself too far into trouble. This could be like you getting some girl knocked up and a kid that will be calling you daddy :laugh:
They arent arguing, I know these people well, Dad and him are in the same motorcycle club and she taught me to ride horses.

And I understand, he has his money for his bikes and cars and she has her money to keep her horse farm afloat. And he wants it cleared so he can have more space for his cars and bikes and she wants it for more horses. But he said she is just holding on to her money right now, but we definetly got the job, its just a question of when.. Dont worry about me GR, I wont be screwed over, if I do, consequences will come of it. Trust me.. :cool2:

[YellowDogSVC]

I live in one of the poorest counties in NY yet business is still pretty good.
Lesson #1 don't throw all your eggs in one basket.
Lesson #2 do thinks customers can't or don't want to do.
Lesson #3 you can make a lot of money cleaning up other peoples messes.

did you intentionally take my business model? :laugh: Seriously, that's what I try and do.

[Junior M]

did you intentionally take my business model? :laugh: Seriously, that's what I try and do.
Yellow, been meaning to ask you, any updates on the 335?

[Gravel Rat]

Well have you got the job or things still up in the air.

I don't know if you guys have a fire season where you can't work in a wooded area because of the risk of starting a bush fire. Here where I'am we are close to having no work permitted in dry grass or in wooded areas.

Myself I have been doing some brush clearing with a Stihl straight shaft brush cutter with a brush knife and when you hit rocks not on purpose you get a spark. I decided well its time to stop the cutting for now I will end up with a grass fire on my hands. Its really dry and I can have a good chance a fire may start.

Even using a chainsaw to clear brush you have to carefull the muffer can start a fire if something touches it.

[tbi]

This is like waiting for the Obama stimilus package to take effect.:dizzy:

[Junior M]

This is like waiting for the Obama stimilus package to take effect.:dizzy:
:laugh: Its super slow here, my best week at work I've only had 24hours on the clock. Last year I got that many hours in 2 days, now I cant seem to pass 24hours.. :dizzy:

btw, I am not rushing this guy, we're lucky to get the work we are getting with the economy the way it is. And I've already got the job, I could have the equipment ready to pick up Monday morning right now, but I am waiting on him to let me start work..

[Junior M]

Well have you got the job or things still up in the air.

I don't know if you guys have a fire season where you can't work in a wooded area because of the risk of starting a bush fire. Here where I'am we are close to having no work permitted in dry grass or in wooded areas.

Myself I have been doing some brush clearing with a Stihl straight shaft brush cutter with a brush knife and when you hit rocks not on purpose you get a spark. I decided well its time to stop the cutting for now I will end up with a grass fire on my hands. Its really dry and I can have a good chance a fire may start.

Even using a chainsaw to clear brush you have to carefull the muffer can start a fire if something touches it.
Its super dry here. And there is no fire season here, the county or state determines when people can burn determining on the weather, right now, its dry but it hasnt been dry long enough so we arent on a no burn ban yet. But as soon as we are, I'll be running alot more calls.. :usflag: :cool2:

btw, we do have the job, just waiting on him to give us the okay to get started..

[Gravel Rat]

Well atleast you got the job now the panic is over :laugh:

It sounds like the economy in your area is still pretty bad which isn't good. I heard on the news that the un-employment rate in the USA is still rising at a fast pace.

[WillieWonka1850]

On what you guys were saying about the CAT TLBs a week back, was it the newer E series or the D series and older that were junk and problematic?

[Junior M]

On what you guys were saying about the CAT TLBs a week back, was it the newer E series or the D series and older that were junk and problematic?
Wrong thread Will..

and the one at my old job(I got a new job yall!) was a 430D.. 4n1, cab, joysticks for the hoe, extenda hoe.

Never ran any other backhoe, but I enjoyed running something bigger than a skidsteer.

As far as when work is going to start on this job, I am not sure now because my new job at a tree service company starts monday. Supposedly we're starting a big job, but I'll find out...

[WillieWonka1850]

Whoops
Sorry I have CRS.

[Junior M]

Whoops
Sorry I have CRS.
Nah its good, they'll answer you anyways.. :laugh:

CRS? Whats that? Excuse my lack of any useful knowledge.. :laugh:

[Duffster]

Nah its good, they'll answer you anyways.. :laugh:

CRS? Whats that? Excuse my lack of any useful knowledge.. :laugh:

C an't
R emember
S h!t

LOL

[WillieWonka1850]

C an't
R emember
S h!t

LOL
No comment necessary

[Junior M]

C an't
R emember
S h!t

LOL
Wow, never heard that before.. :hammerhead: :wall :laugh:

[nnj18]

Why are you STILL on here TALKING about this job?? Hahahaha
Posted via Mobile Device

[WillieWonka1850]

Why are you STILL on here TALKING about this job?? Hahahaha
Posted via Mobile Device
I CONFESS! IT WAS MEEE!!! :laugh:

I asked a question so...

[sunray]

You figured your price and then you let the customer tell you what you should work for.
It's one thing to screw up a bid you came up with but its stinks to work for nothing just to get a job.
You should have simply told him--" you can always find cheaper but not necessarily better and this is what our price for this job is."

[Junior M]

Why are you STILL on here TALKING about this job?? Hahahaha
Posted via Mobile Device
It wasnt me Jared! We arent even talking about it anymore, Will here asked a question about a backhoe..

[Junior M]

Equipment is lined up for Thursday.. :cool2:

Got the 335 with a 36 and 24in bucket and that T300 with joysticks, cab and A/C! :cool2: :cool2:

[RockSet N' Grade]

Thursday of which week? month? year? God Speed Junior! You should know the job inside and out by now after 12 pages and 120 responses........and who knows how much time you have spent thinking about this job instead of spending the time with your honey!

[Lazer_Z]

Thursday of which week? month? year? God Speed Junior! You should know the job inside and out by now after 12 pages and 120 responses........and who knows how much time you have spent thinking about this job instead of spending the time with your honey!Agree, your sock is awful lonely by now JR :laugh: