Cutting down a jungle

[O.C LawnCare]

Get a mini and a chipper

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60 inch eXmark Lazer Z
48 inch eXmark Metro
42 inch Husqvarna Tractor
Echo Trimmer
Echo Blower
Stihl 011 AVT Chainsaw
Husqvarna 435 chainsaw
5X8 Homemade trailer
1997 F350 Diesel

[picframer]

Lawn care business tips

Originally Posted by SECTLANDSCAPING I could rent one or use my dump truck. You think the chipper will save more time? OMG you wont believe the time and cost it will save, very few trees in the pic we would limb, just start the trunk into the chipper and walk away. If you are hauling that stuff, not sure what size truck or trailer you have but there is a lot of loads, probably cheaper to rent a rubbage container, 20 yard or so.

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Andy
Halifax, Nova Scotia

[Steve]

you wont believe the time and cost it will save, very few trees in the pic we would limb, just start the trunk into the chipper and walk away.

With such a job, what kind of time difference do you think he would save using a chipper? Also, does it come down to being cheaper to use a chipper versus having to rent a dumpster for all that?

[Marcintosh]

I've recently finished 10 acres of the same stuff. My experience was to make every mistake first and then correct it. Learn from my errors.

To begin, start with the low/thin brush first. Use a DR Power Mower or one of those Snapper monster brush mowers. Use a flail mower if you can find one Sickle bars are great but you're left with whole strands of thorny cut brush to pick up and throw away. by using the mower you'll chop the brush into short pieces that can be blown into a pile or raked off the property. In CT you might find quite a few rocks sticking up. You're gonna hit 'em. Trust me on this, they're invisible as they blend into the brush. Set the mower up to as high as it will go. That way you'll miss most but not all rocks.

When you're done with the mower and all the brambles are cut down and chopped up move onto the small trees or saplings. Cut them with a brush cutter like one of the Stihl's. I bought the least expensive one that I could put a blade on. That means it took more time but I had more time than money to do this so that was okay. Buy the blades that you can sharpen and not the throw-aways. They're stronger and you'll need that strength for when you're running at top speed and hit a rock. Little aside here-buy the big harness it's about $150 or so. It gives more control and you don't take such a beating, with one you can move pretty quick and last all day. Also-buy one of the models that feature bicycle handlebars The strap that comes with the machine isn't meant for such serious duty.
OTOH, if you have a DR Power Brush trimmer you can substitute a blade with a chain saw chain on it. That looks like it'll take care of up to 4" saplings. After 4", you'll want to start using a full on chain saw. After that it's pretty straight forward lot clearing.
If you have to remove the brush cuttings use a trailer. Pile everything in it then, use a small chainsaw to cut it up INSIDE the trailer being careful to cut only the brush and not the trailer or you. Using this system you can really pack it full.
Keep reading - this is the really important part.
Buy And Wear All Available safety gear No joke. The brambles will slice you to ribbons. I suggest a welders jacket with collar, welding gloves a Stihl helmet with the ear defenders and (REALLY IMPORTANT) Screen Face Shield. jeans like the really thick Carrhart Jeans, I've also worn knee and shin guards like these-
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...+Guard+12.aspx
and get a system like this
http://www.stihlusa.com/apparel/pro-...ry-helmet.html
Wear the sturdiest 9-10" boots you've got and make sure the shin guards meet the boot tops.
Do all of this and you'll still get your fair share of slices on you but I don't know of any other protective gear that'll keep you safer.

On the other hand, you could rent a Bobcat with a front mount flail mower and be done with brush by afternoon break. Wish I'd done that.
Oh and good luck-it's really satisfying work.

[SECTLANDSCAPING]

Originally Posted by Marcintosh

I've recently finished 10 acres of the same stuff. My experience was to make every mistake first and then correct it. Learn from my errors.

Oh and good luck-it's really satisfying work.

Not even going to bid on this. Customer owes me $1500 and I'm not about to do anymore work that I'm not getting paid for. I was going to bid it at $1200, if they pay up ill bid on it in spring.

[Steve]

you could rent a Bobcat with a front mount flail mower and be done with brush by afternoon break. Wish I'd done that. Oh and good luck-it's really satisfying work.

How much of a time saver do you feel that would have made on your job?