BetterBelizeit
New member
Hi All,
I have been lurking for years but have finally taken the plunge and become a member.
We have recently purchased 5 acres of land in Belize. It is on a river and does not have road access. I have started to get pricing for putting in the road and to clear and fill the property. The numbers are pricey in my opinion (they see gringo they think loads of money). I have contracted significant similar work at home in Canada for 30-40% less. The goal for the property is to subdivide into lots as well as develop a small eco/dive resort. I have started to consider purchasing equipment to take on this challenge myself. I would hire additional operators if required.
I have very limited experience on heavy equipment but learn fast. We have done major landscaping at our home over the years and on occasion I was allowed to "play" on the equipment.
here are the details of what the various projects would be:
Initial Development (There are 4 properties that also require the road so I am hoping the other owners contribute)
- clear 1500' of road..this is jungle..mostly under brush that would initially be cleared by hand. It is a road allowance on government land so we have to follow the survey.
- once the underbrush is gone we would need to clear the trees and level (the ground is almost perfectly level already however it will need cleaning up a bit I am sure).There are occasional trees of various diameter but it is not a forest and nothing over 30" diameter.
-once cleared we would need to install a road. The roads are basically larger rocks and dirt as a base followed by smaller rock and dirt. The size of rock in the top layers was surprising but required due to the amount of rain. The roads look to be around 2-3' above original grade.
-municipal water would be brought in underground with the road. Electricity would be on poles beside the road.
-once we have a road to the property we will need to clear the property. Same deal as above however all substantial trees will be left.
-once cleared we will be filling a substantial amount (roads, building spots, etc.). To get the property to a height so that it never will flood is an insane amount of fill so we will be filling strategically initially. Many properties in the area have raised walkways and just let it flood everything occasionally during the rainy season..not sure that's what I want lol.
Future Projects
- shoreline construction (450') which would entail filling, placing rocks for retaining the bank, installing pilings, excavating boat slips, etc
-install in ground services including septic systems, water, etc.
-final landscaping/grading
-relocating of trees(bobcat with tree spade?)
I am not in a hurry to do this project. My wife and I had a 5 year plan to start looking for something like this. Well this is year one..we found a great property that had exactly what we wanted..so away we go lol
I am here looking for the best combo of equipment. Backhoe, Dozer, Dump Truck...Excavator, Dozer , Dump Truck...I am sure a bobcat with attachments could be a very useful. We will have a mid sized farm tractor with PTO for sure ( love my Massey 135 but probably something a bit bigger). Not sure about the dump truck ( do I contract that out?..I need to figure out the cost/location of required materials to crunch those numbers.
Any thoughts as to selection of equipment or models to look at will be greatly appreciated.
There is a large CAT dealer in Belize so I am leaning toward them as parts could be an issue. Also, in Belize you hire someone who lives on your property. You can find individuals who have different skill sets. I will certainly be looking for a mechanic. Doubt they would have heavy machinery experience (unless I got super lucky) but will be able to handle all general maintenance and operation.
I will be buying used equipment for sure and ideally would like to be under $100k
YouBetterBelizeit!!
I have been lurking for years but have finally taken the plunge and become a member.
We have recently purchased 5 acres of land in Belize. It is on a river and does not have road access. I have started to get pricing for putting in the road and to clear and fill the property. The numbers are pricey in my opinion (they see gringo they think loads of money). I have contracted significant similar work at home in Canada for 30-40% less. The goal for the property is to subdivide into lots as well as develop a small eco/dive resort. I have started to consider purchasing equipment to take on this challenge myself. I would hire additional operators if required.
I have very limited experience on heavy equipment but learn fast. We have done major landscaping at our home over the years and on occasion I was allowed to "play" on the equipment.
here are the details of what the various projects would be:
Initial Development (There are 4 properties that also require the road so I am hoping the other owners contribute)
- clear 1500' of road..this is jungle..mostly under brush that would initially be cleared by hand. It is a road allowance on government land so we have to follow the survey.
- once the underbrush is gone we would need to clear the trees and level (the ground is almost perfectly level already however it will need cleaning up a bit I am sure).There are occasional trees of various diameter but it is not a forest and nothing over 30" diameter.
-once cleared we would need to install a road. The roads are basically larger rocks and dirt as a base followed by smaller rock and dirt. The size of rock in the top layers was surprising but required due to the amount of rain. The roads look to be around 2-3' above original grade.
-municipal water would be brought in underground with the road. Electricity would be on poles beside the road.
-once we have a road to the property we will need to clear the property. Same deal as above however all substantial trees will be left.
-once cleared we will be filling a substantial amount (roads, building spots, etc.). To get the property to a height so that it never will flood is an insane amount of fill so we will be filling strategically initially. Many properties in the area have raised walkways and just let it flood everything occasionally during the rainy season..not sure that's what I want lol.
Future Projects
- shoreline construction (450') which would entail filling, placing rocks for retaining the bank, installing pilings, excavating boat slips, etc
-install in ground services including septic systems, water, etc.
-final landscaping/grading
-relocating of trees(bobcat with tree spade?)
I am not in a hurry to do this project. My wife and I had a 5 year plan to start looking for something like this. Well this is year one..we found a great property that had exactly what we wanted..so away we go lol
I am here looking for the best combo of equipment. Backhoe, Dozer, Dump Truck...Excavator, Dozer , Dump Truck...I am sure a bobcat with attachments could be a very useful. We will have a mid sized farm tractor with PTO for sure ( love my Massey 135 but probably something a bit bigger). Not sure about the dump truck ( do I contract that out?..I need to figure out the cost/location of required materials to crunch those numbers.
Any thoughts as to selection of equipment or models to look at will be greatly appreciated.
There is a large CAT dealer in Belize so I am leaning toward them as parts could be an issue. Also, in Belize you hire someone who lives on your property. You can find individuals who have different skill sets. I will certainly be looking for a mechanic. Doubt they would have heavy machinery experience (unless I got super lucky) but will be able to handle all general maintenance and operation.
I will be buying used equipment for sure and ideally would like to be under $100k
YouBetterBelizeit!!
