trail clearing technique and tools

[kenmbz]

I am reusing the Ash trees here, benches, tables, firewood.
Cord after cord after cord. Still have a few dozen out in the woods that haven't fallen yet.

I am using the tractor and forks or BH with thumb to move the fallen trunks and branches to piles.
I have lots to go still. Some trails still restricted as trees along them still dropping branches.

 

[ArlyA]

Stopped at implement dealer yesterday and noted this forestry cutting head. It seems that the cutters rotation was reversible.

 

[Smokeydog]

Picked up a 5’ Brown tree cutter for $1200. Needed some TLC. Most of the wear was from sitting outside. Great for trails. Chips better than a rotary cutter. Can cut stems off easier than rotary cutter. Still shreds weeds or even 7’ high kudzu. At the low side of required HP @45. HST almost a must.

Incredibly expensive new but can find used in the southeast. Now that I have first hand experience using a valuable tool for tree thick farm is well worth the investment. Evasive woody plants are usually the worst for trails and perimeter encroachment.

 

[ArlyA]

We hiked a local trail yesterday and found it like this. Parking lot was a mess, sign was barley visible from the road etc, etc. 5 styles of blazes seen and many installed flat side to the path, around 10 dead-falls across it. We stopped several times to locate the tread. Oh well.

 

[ArlyA]

Here is how to not install a blaze. Dearest is on the trail.

 

[ultrarunner]

Here is how to not install a blaze. Dearest is on the trail.
View attachment 881353

Have you run into any prohibition or restriction using gasoline powered equipment to perform trail maintainence?

Here it is banned but government agencies freely ignore the prohibition but small time mom and pop are on the hook to be electric otherwise subject to fines.

 

[ArlyA]

Have you run into any prohibition or restriction using gasoline powered equipment to perform trail maintainence?

Here it is banned but government agencies freely ignore the prohibition but small time mom and pop are on the hook to be electric otherwise subject to fines.

No

 

[ArlyA]

Since we are looking at property to have a trail on, we are also looking at used compact tractors.

 

[airbiscuit]

It's about time!

 

[ArlyA]

Got a free little library installed at the trailhead this morning.