Guess it all depends on how old you are, what shape you are in, as well as how fast you want the job done. Money also matters. Also don't know the area of the country you are in and plans for the future. My ancestors 150 years ago did it with a couple of horses, walk behind plow, axe and hand saw. They also cut down the trees and did it all.

Some suggestions:
1. cut out what you can of the stuff left behind that is easy to remove (i.e. larger stuff). Cut it up and stack face cords to sell along the roadside if it is hardwood. Or, if you have a wood furnace or boiler use it for free heat.
2. Start at one corner of the property and work a distinct grid. When you have a section completed, you will have a good sense of accomplishment that gives you a desire to keep going. If the tree debris can be grouped, work on two or three at a time and make a single pile from them. I wouldn't haul it far. Burning these piles is cheaper than buying/renting a chipper and slowly feeding it. Some of the burn pile will not burn complete. Take that stuff to the next pile. If it is green, it won't burn well. Save up some used motor oil as a starter, mixed with a hint of gas. Stand back when igniting. Once a pile is lit and burning you can keep adding to it. It is sometimes hard to get a good, hot fire going. It is surprising how quickly it will burn down. If you have some waste grass clippings, or fall leaves they also help to get a good fire started.

If you are a "tree hugger", by all means chip it and use for bedding around plants, shrubs, etc. This stuff makes a good weed barrier around raspberry plants and tree seedlings to hold moisture for future growth.

Once you have completed removing the top stuff. I'd get that D-6 in one time to do all the stumps. Lots of dirt is going to cling to the stumps. Attempt stump removal when it is dry out, so as little clings as possible. Shake and roll them as much as possible to build piles again. Burn piles, and again scoop up leftovers for the next pile. In Northern climates, we usually attempt to burn in winter months. Fire won't get out of hand and catch other things on fire. Being colder weather, you won't get overheated as much.

You can beat on a skid steer much harder than a 30-35 HP compact utility. A 30-35 HP tractor may have more uses later on. The skid steer and compact tractor don't have a very large bucket usually about 60" wide. A 45 HP utility tractor will have a 72" wide. A used 50-80 HP farm tractor with loader has much more height to stack branches with maybe an 84" wide bucket. If the branches are intact you have a tough time compacting them. Stack a few on top of each other and then squash them with downward force of the loader bucket. Build a grille protector. Watch out for punctured tires with loader tractors.

Reply

Quote Reply

Digg It

Del.icio.us