What piece of equipment or attachment do I need?

[Santa Craig Cringle]

I have a “flat” section on my new property roughly 6 acres that is overgrown with years of growth. Lots of saplings up to 2-3” in diameter, 8-10 foot high, mostly pine and heavy weed cover up to 4’ high. I have been attempting to go slow with my loader down to brush hog, but what I’ve discovered is even with my brush hog lifted all the way, the land beneath is so rutted and pockmarked that I am literally bottoming out the cutter in places every few feet. I’m rocking all over the place and frequently spinning my tires.

I’m not sure if there are any attachments or implements that can make this easier, or if I just need to use a bigger tractor than my 25 hp Kioti CX. I could probably try to till or disc or land-plane it to smooth it out once I get it cleared, but I have to get it cleared first.

If not an attachment, what type of equipment should I be looking to rent or purchase?

 

[Hay Dude]

Rent a skid loader with an ambusher or bush hog type front mower.
Its not that expensive and it’ll save you from tearing up your tractor & mower.

 

[Santa Craig Cringle]

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Rent a skid loader with an ambusher or bush hog type front mower.
Its not that expensive and it’ll save you from tearing up your tractor & mower.

I’m guessing a tracked skid steer would be preferred?

 

[Hay Dude]

I’m guessing a tracked skid steer would be preferred?

Either will work, but tracks better off road in most situations

 

[jeepcoma]

A flail mower would work nicely to knock down, cut, and mulch all the high growth. You might need to navigate around some of the larger 3” growth (depending on your flail) and come back for it with the brush hog later, but the flail will make quick work of the weeds and smaller trees.

If it’s a one-time need, renting is a good idea, I’d also consider hiring it out. Someone that is experienced with the equipment they have is going to work much more efficiently and do a much nicer job. You’re renting not just the equipment, but a skilled equipment operator to run it.

 

[anomad]

Second what Hay Dude said. If you aren't looking to buy a larger tractor and think you will be happy maintaining that area with your little CX (6 acres is a lot!)... Go rent a big gun for a week and have a ball. Or call/ask around and have it hired out to where your less than large tractor can keep after it.

Here in my area we refer to "skid steers" on tires or tracks as skid steers. There are many variations.

 

[Torvy]

Depending on the density of saplings versus grasses, you may need a forestry mulcher vs ambushed.

My 20 acres is mostly plantation pines. We have hired land-clearing teams to handle some of those tasks ill-suited to our equipment or skills. A few hours of professional work is cheaper than equipment and saves a lot of frustration.

If you have the time and skills, rentals will work, too. I rented a mini-ex for drainage work. It was around $350, but worth it.