Looking for advice

[Dirtfisher]

Hey folks, looking for some advice here. I have inherited approx 45 acres of overgrown hardwood timberland that I am having cut. The hardwoods are mostly in small pockets but they are massive. The remainder of the acreage is a few small to medium hardwoods and a few pines but everywhere it is THICK (can't walk through it without cutting a path) with hedgebush and vines. After clearcutting and cleanup I plan to plant the acreage in pines. After the clearcut I am going to have the huge task of cleaning the place up. My forester recommends that I spray herbiside with a helicopter then hire a dozer to come in and push up everything (excluding stupmps) into windrows and burn them, leaving the stumps to rot in place and plant pines around them. I think I could clear everything (excluding the stumps) with my Kubota 6040 if I put a brush grapple on it and then hire a trackhoe to pull up the stumps, then spray herbiside with my atv sprayers. My forester seems to think that it is too much for a tractor to handle and is a job best left to a dozer. The land is completely flat and has no rocks. Thoughts?? Thanks is advance!

 

[Ed of all trades]

Depends on a lot of things. Do you have the time, 45 ac is a lot of time with a tractor? Do you have the ability to do the job and not over stress your equipment, or hurt yourself? There are more but you get the picture, is it worth it counting the beating your tractor ect. are going to get?

 

[fishfactor]

Possible, but really ambitious with a tractor. Hardwood clearcuts are typically about the worst conditions you will see.

 

[Dirtfisher]

Thanks for the input guys. I do have the time as I am in no huge rush to get it done. What is so demanding/rough about the hardwood clearcuts? I definately don't want to beat up my equipment, but I don't mind using it hard to get the job done.

 

[greasemonkeyok]

You might get better answers if you tell us what equipment you intend to use. The term "tractor" covers a broad spectrum.

 

[Dirtfisher]

Kubota M4040 with an LA1153 FEL. I planned to add a root grapple.

 

[greasemonkeyok]

Kubota M4040 with an LA1153 FEL. I planned to add a root grapple.

Sorry, I know nothing about that model. Maybe some of the Kubota folks can help.

 

[Dirtfisher]

Sorry, fat fingered that one. meant to type M6040.

 

[greasemonkeyok]

I would say, based on the weight and HP, you have enough umph to do what you want to do. Especially if you have a grapple and heed the advice of others to go slow. Just remember, it isn't a bulldozer.

Maybe remember to put a little extra air in the front tires while you are using the grapple.

 

[DavidBR]

I am by no means an expert but I will throw my opinion out there for consideration. It is possible to clear your 45 acres of clear cut with a tractor and grapple, but it is going to take a very long time compared to a bulldozer and excavator. If you really want to clear it yourself I would look at getting some protection for your tractor, atleast a belly pan, and ideally an oversize front bumper and radiator/ hood protection with a belly pan.