Need Advice on Thinning New Acreage Purchase (6 acres)

[lumberjack1986]

The local Cat doesn't rent, also, I mow locally (SVL90-2/Bradco ED Ground Shark). Lastly, rent to own would be an option, plausibly for extended terms which could offer some fair tax advantages, especially if they don't increase the Section 179 limits.


Dollar for dollar, it would be break even (roughly) for a single day paying me to mow. Over a week, the cost per hour drops to $95/hr. Over a month it drops to $72/hr. I would have to crunch the numbers on the 3 weeks makes a month part, but it should be close. Tooth offerings would make a big difference as well, between the standard carbide teeth or a Quadco tooth.

 

[Silvic]

I guess I am surprised to hear a Bradco ED Ground Shark being described as a something to mow with.
I always thought it was more of land clearing/mulching device/implement.
Albeit not able to mulch as fine as a Fecon but a mulcher just the same.

How does it do as a mower on grasses and the like?

 

[lumberjack1986]

It's a mulcher, but it's not a traditional mulcher so it's one of those middle grounds. I call it industrial mowing and mulching.

On grass it does about like a bush hog, but doesn't follow the ground like a 3 point hitch and tail wheel.

 

[Silvic]

The local Cat doesn't rent, also, I mow locally (SVL90-2/Bradco ED Ground Shark).

How does your SVL90-2 compare to the different CAT models and other brands. I know Kubota tends to be a bit less expensive but have you run it with a Fecon style mulcher at all or only with the Bradco GS? Hydraulic flow is a bit lower compared to the 299D but the footprint pressure is a good bit less and supposed has better traction. Have you had any damage from debris since Kubota does not offer a heavy duty kit?

 

[lumberjack1986]

I'm not sure how it compares with other machines directly/head to head. My CTL before it was a Mustang branded Tak TL250. The Terex PT/TSL and the Cat both have suspension in the undercarriage. Bobcat, Tak, and Kubota don't, onwhich I think makes grading easier.

If I were wanting ultimate high flow, the choice would be between Cat, Tak, and Terex. 106-111hp, 40-45gpm and 3-4ksi. A Terex TSL 220 is in the mid 80's. The Tak is a bit cheaper (upper 70's), but the aux circuit is just over 3ksi, which is a downer. The Cat is a good bit more expensive, and I didn't like the thin rear door. I would like to put all three on a flow meter and chart their hydraulic performance. I also like the guarding from Terex, although the roll up door on the Tak and my Kubota.



Regarding damage on my SVL, the only thing I've done is replace the door glass with lexan.

 

[RacerX10]

Thought I'd report back on how this ended up ..

I got a quote from a local guy to dozer the area at $85/hr. He was able to get it done in 3 days time (the thinning / clearing part anyway) and that ended up being near enough to what I would have paid to rent the mulcher setup that it was better to let the pro handle the job. Very happy with the work he did, and he was able to get my shop pad and driveway built on the same trip.

Thanks to everybody who chimed in, very much appreciated.

Here's a pic of what I ended up with, and the driveway going in on the property. Compare to JUNGLE in the OP photos