Forestry Mulching in Cunningham, TN with Lots of Operator Tips

Preparing a 1-acre building lot home site with a forestry mulcher in Cunningham, TN. This medium density growth, on a slightly sloped terrain lot, took 5 hours clear all brush and trees less the 8"-diameters.
Clevinger Forest Services is located in Clarksville, TN
Office: [phone]
Cell: [phone] (call or text)
www.cfsmulching.com

[@stuartspicer3386]

For those who may not know or keep track with Dave, I would like to assure you this man is truly inspiring. Not only is he a master craftsman at his trade, but he is as honest as the day is long. He always goes above and beyond to deliver more than expected. He a veteran is the embodiment of all that can be right with America! The foundation of what this country was built on, truth, integrity and hard work. For Dave it is just another days work, for those who meet and work with him it can be life changing. Thank you Dave for reminding us all of how we all can be part of a better America

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Stuart Spicer Very kind of you to put that out here, Stuart. Thank you.

[@cat637d]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 Thank you for your service to the United States!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

cat637d It was my honor to serve💯

[@dpd16790]

I am 2 minuets into the first video i have ever watch on this channel and I'm a subscribing because of they comment.... and thank you for your service Dave...

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Doug Decuir Thanks, Doug, I appreciate that. We reap what we sow. I enjoy doing what I do and doing good work for people, and I'm glad people respond positively to it.

[@bebajoro77]

Another interesting and informative video from a guy who knows exactly what he's doing, takes care to do it to the customer's requirements and does it thoroughly. Thank you.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

jim jenks Hey Jim, I really appreciate that awesome comment. 💯👍

[@shannonzell7028]

Nice job! That makes the property jump out while driving past and gives it visual outline of the property lines. Thanks for the tips and tricks of mulching.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

You’re right about that, Shannon. It makes a huge difference when a buyer can actually see the whole lot and walk the terrain. Well worth the money to have it cleared.

[@dwaynetempest3433]

Thanks for the good support ! We have good jobs lined up and longevity is going to be safety and finding that level of some comfort and not getting overwhelmed ! Alot to learn for sure !

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Dwayne Tempest I still learn on every job. The more you do it, the better you get. Good luck to you.

[@uk7769]

This helps me decide if I want to do land clearing myself or hire it out. I think it depends on how difficult the particular piece of land is to clear. Thank you for these vids!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Good to hear my video was helpful to you. If you have an area to clear that the terrain and material are reasonable, and not too technical, then you’ll probably enjoy doing the work yourself. But if it doesn’t look like an easy area, then I’d recommend hiring an experienced person. These machines, and mulching with them, do have a learning curve, so you’d save money in the end.

[@MrScuba78]

Thanks for posting videos and how to do it. I built my spread sheet from your two vids on it. My equipment arrives next week and I've already started to approach folks about work. So far I had a reply from a general contractor about disaster clean-up. Maybe that will pan out. Take care and please keep posting vids.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Chad Berryhill Thanks, Chad. I’m glad you find information in my videos useful to your business plans. Sounds like you are well on your way if you have equipment getting delivered in a few days. Thats always exciting. Take lots of photos of it while its shiny and new, to post in your ads, website, Facebook, etc. when I first started, I began with just a website and posting ads on Craigslist under Services Offered/Farm & Garden. I started getting calls a couple of days later. Good luck to you with your business.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

@@FallbackNkillEm Yes, the builder of this home calls me when he needs property cleared to build on.

[@charlesscott1493]

Really like the service you are providing with your videos. Lot to be learned. Thanks.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Jeff Huggins Thanks, Jeff. I try to make videos of things that I really wanted to watch before I got started in this business. Putting out good, useful, interesting information is my goal.

[@FletchDoesIt]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 Thank you. You’ve succeeded.

[@mdlawdawg350]

Mr. Dave I really enjoyed your video. I am learning this side of the business, I must say I learned a lot. Thanks for explaining and going into details and offering good business and safety tips. I will be subscribing.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Thomas Ferrari Thanks for that comment, Tom. Glad you found this video informative and useful. I've got several other videos on my channels that I discuss business aspects and operator techniques. Also, there is a wealth of great business details covered in the comment section of each video. Viewers have asked great questions over the years, and I go into specific details when I'm asked specific questions. Thanks for watching.

[@CharlieArehart1]

Great tips, as always, such as the idea of creating an initial path in for backup/service vehicles if needed, handling trees as (@34:00), handling slopes related to the tracks (@38:00), and so on. Thanks so much. I'm a couple hours northeast of you in south central KY/Lake Cumberland area, so it's nearly identical land and trees (and folks), as you will know. For now, just watching as a landowner (having rented a cat tracksteer with blades) doing work for myself, and so always open to learning. But I might move into this as secondary work, since my home-based biz gives me some flexibility with time. Your info on that in the past, and indeed in each video, is of course so helpful for folks considering this for work. Keep up the great work.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Charlie Arehart Thanks Charlie. It's good to hear you find the information in my videos helpful to you. That's awesome. I make videos for two primary viewers- first, for potential customers, so they can see the effects of forestry mulching to get an idea of what's possible for their land. Secondly, for those out there who are interested in the forestry mulching business and need general and/or detailed information on how to proceed and how the machine operates. And then there are viewers out there who like watching machines operate. If you're thinking of getting into this business and have any questions I can help you with, let me know. And good luck to you.

[@xgi36]

Great work done here, thanks for sharing your methods of clearing brush and small trees.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Appreciate your comment. Thanks.

[@fantasy1134]

You run into lots of hickory? Holy smokes they're doing a number on me! I've never found a harder tree! I used your videos to get my numbers right to start my business. Going strong one year in. It's not easy!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Hey Rich- Yes I run into lots of Hickory, Ash, and Locust, among other hardwoods, here in central Tennessee. I just make sure the teeth are sharp, I keep the drum RPM up, and exercise patients and let the machine do the work. That's very cool that your business is doing well! That's great to hear. Nothing is ever easy. I just try to do the best work I can for customers, keep my daily maintenance up, and keep pushing forward. Where are you located? And what's the name of your business? I always recommend other operators in different locations, when I get asked.

[@fantasy1134]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 I'm in East Texas. Jacksonville, Texas to be exact, but I travel for jobs if necessary. I want to get a row contract. I luck with that yet. I run a Lamtrac 6140 with a Prinoth head. My business is RGA's 3F Mulching LLC.

[@fantasy1134]

I did 14 acres of black locus that had been untouched for 16 years. There was some Bois D'Arc too. My biggest job yet. Paid me $24,500 approximately. Turned it into a hey medow. I've been watching your videos again this week plus the new ones. Just trying to stay up with the information you're sharing so I can get better! I truly appreciate your advice and knowledge. Take care my friend.

[@dsltruck2500]

@@fantasy1134 wow $24,500 for 14 acres? Hmm so back then was cheaper, now a days prices jumped up probably 30 percent. I’m from Canada B.C. here something like that is $40-50k CAD

[@NTHEWIND54]

Great video. It took you a while to get into talking about what you were doing, but I kind of figured it out. I bought a PosiTrac 100 with a Davco deck a few years ago to clear some land I own down the road from you in Madison county, Tn. Even after working that machine for some time now, I gained some helpful information and techniques from your video.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Hey Dave- I'm sure you realize how nice it is having a forestry mulcher to maintain your own land. Its a great tool to have. There is a learning curve to operating one of mulchers efficiently. I still learn things, and I've been running this machine since 2014. I've learned to most be patient with the machine and to let it do the work, instead of driving it like I stole it. I also put more emphasis on operating it safely and with awareness of where I am in relation to hazards and tree limbs that will bend or rip parts of the machine off. LOL. I made this video to be more of a 'day-in-the-life' of a forestry mulcher, but then I got started talking about how I do things. I made two other KZbin videos that I made specifically as an operator tips video. They are title Let's talk Forestry Mulching, Part I and Part II. I really do appreciate your comment and watching! Stay safe out there.

[@bobmartinez3038]

love watching you work, kind of wish I was doing this ...

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

It is not a bad line of work, and working for yourself is very liberating👍

[@josephstone5584]

Love what your doing keep up the good work

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Joseph Stone Thanks, Joe. I appreciate you watching.

[@drewgardner81]

Good job fellow mulching man. 😁 I can see we do a lot of things alike. Even chain down our machine the same way. HA HA

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

skidsteerdrew Great minds think alike💯👍

[@MrDavidelliottjr]

This guys clearing property like a boss.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

MrDavidelliottjr Thank you, sir!

[@MrDavidelliottjr]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 np. Just giving props where props are due. Well done. Thanks for sharing your work.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

MrDavidelliottjr 👍👍

[@brianwebster7356]

Nice video and you have a nice web site...Thanks for sharing

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Thanks, Brian, I appreciate that!

[@JoeBribem]

Good choice on keeping the sun on your back for good video quality

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

It also makes it easier seeing what I'm cutting is a tree, and not a utility pole. lol

[@granelandworks9655]

Another perfect job in the books!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

GRANE LANDWORKS Thanks, Dustin. Machine has been running like a beast, and I’ve got a lot of good jobs on farms that I like doing lined up for the next several weeks.

[@granelandworks9655]

Clevinger Forest Services, Dave, mine has been running strong too. I think it really likes these cool temperatures we have had lately.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

GRANE LANDWORKS Absolutely. Temps in the 40-60 degree range during this half of the year are my favorite to work in.

[@alexlanda6711]

Great video sir! Just graduated college with a Mech engr degree but deciding to continue growing my lawncare business, very interested in doing some property management (land clearing/mulching) here in a couple years to add to my business. Really enjoying the informative videos!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Alex Landa Thanks, Alex. I appreciate your comment. Congrats and well done with your degree. Many of the technical and business courses you took will serve you well running your own business. You'll have lots of transferable skills and experience to make that step into land management. If you have any forestry mulching specific questions in the future that I can answer for you, just shoot me an email: [e-mail]. Good luck to you.

[@alexlanda6711]

Clevinger Forest Services, LLC sounds good I greatly appreciate it! I’ve i ever had any questions when I decide to start I’ll definitely email you, for now I will enjoy the videos. Good luck on your business growth!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Alex Landa 👍👍

[@galehess6676]

Very good move to get a degree and start a business. A mentor will help you grow smart and avoid some mistakes.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Gale Hess True. Wise people seek advice from those with experience.

[@dwaynetempest3433]

Thanks for the channe!l bud,my son and I just get started here in NY finger lakes region .Watkins glen.two more weeks till our machine is here.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Dwayne Tempest Hi Dwayne- Did your machinery get delivered? Hope it's all going well. I've had several people from NY ask me if I knew anyone who does forestry mulching in NY, so hopefully you have a wide open market there.

[@dwaynetempest3433]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 we did and iwe are learning fast in this ice and mud at same job ,we welded ice cleats on and I wish I knew the engineering people behind building skidsteers ,alot of not thought out user friendly stuff ! Who puts an electrical unsealed plug that touches the def fill spout which is buried down in where have a hard time get to,and the fuel fill is buried down in the same damn way ! Who looks at these designs and says hey that's great go ahead and build it,they need to use what they build and get rid of all the bells and whistles and not so much computer crap ! It's alot of unneeded things that cost too much to produce ! And fix! I will buy the next machine with alot more thought ,for sure ! The speed of travel is not geared for all torque and slower speeds ! The case dealer has not even called one time to see how we like the machine ,very disappointed in some of our experience but we will do ok ,! Work out the kinks and stay within our zone of capabilities! Thanks for all your vids ,we should do some filming also I guess!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Dwayne Tempest Sounds like a little bit of a frustrating start. You'll find your groove. Hope the machine works well for you and earns it keep. Best of luck to you.

[@shondo2010]

Good ole Clarksville. I lived on Tiny Town Rd while stationed at Ft Campbell. Looks good.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Christopher E. Taylor Clarksville is growing almost as fast as Nashville. Lots of housing developments going up now in all those farms that are along Tiny Town Rd. Crazy!

[@shondo2010]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 Yeah. I happened to pull up Clarksville on Google Earth and looked down Tiny Town Rd. I was amazed at how many things have changed on that road. The trailer park my wife and I lived in DEFINITELY has changed, but then it has been nearly 33 years since the last time we were there. I noticed that Mona's Used Cars, where I purchased my first car wasn't at the traffic light on 41-A. Definitely different. I have got to get back over there just to ride down that road. I still miss it. GREAT town.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Christopher E. Taylor Oh yea, it's definitely changed from 33 years ago. I was stationed at Campbell from '95-'98, and I could barely find my way around when I came back in 2014. Post has changed a lot too. I hardly recognize any of the roads I puked on doing PT back then. HAHA!

[@MrBrokespoke]

Very cool piece of equipment

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Its the right tool for this kind of job.👍

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Excellent videos. I've watched three of them so far, this and the cost of business ones. Thank you for posting. I've been considering changing careers, and getting into this in PA. I was reading some of the heavy equipment forums, and they did their best to paint a worst case scenario, how there would be $20,000 breakdowns happening, hitting metal scrap half buried in the ground, how equipment constantly breaks on these mulchers, and that not many operators break even, and some wish they had never gotten into the business. Pretty bleak picture, and really made me think. I've done some brush hogging on my farm, and I know it's a lot of stress on a 30hp tractor, but not catastrophic. Has your mulching experience been more positive than what I've been reading?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Arnold's Design My 4-1/2 years of experience in this forestry mulching business has been positive. My business makes a profit, obviously, or else I would not be in this business. This business is no different than any other business- there will be winners and losers. Not everyone is capable of successfully managing a business, and you never know what's behind the intent of things people put out there, so keep that in mind when reading comments from unknown sources. If you follow basic business planning steps, you will know what your monthly costs will be, what your break-even-point will be, how much revenue you will need to generate each month, who your potential customers are, what your customers in your local area are willing to pay for your service, who your competition is, etc. You should know all of these things BEFORE you financially get comitted. This is just good business risk management. Many people out there don't do their homework, and it ends up biting them.

[@michaelbaumgardner9493]

Good morning. Future FYI grab some dirt and that way hot wire/banding won't get your hands. Worked for me when barbed wire wrapped around a Bush hog.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Michael Baumgardner Excellent safety tip👍 I will try that next time. Usually I end up having to cut wire out with bolt cutters or a grinder with cutting wheel. Thankfully this was a very short piece of wire. It was actually a piece of telephone pole guy-wire. I know that stuff has a tensile strength of 17,000 lbs, so it would have been a bugger to cut out.

[@davidepool5884]

You’re not far from where I live in the western tip of western Kentucky. Those forestry mulchers are amazing tools for cleaning up property. I’d like to have one on my farm for a few days.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Yes, these mulchers are such a good tool to do clean-up around the farm. I love having this Bobcat to work on my farm. Between having a mulcher, grapple, and a good digging bucket, it gets done everything I need it to. And its very maneuverable and quick in getting it done. Appreciate you watching, David.

[@sharminparmer9123]

Like the machine and attachment

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

sharmin parmer Thanks, Sharmin. This equipment definitely gets the job done.

[@galehess6676]

Summary: Disconnected his hydraulic pressure guage/broke off, goes by sound of RPM/feel very easy to tell if it starts to bog down (hard on things, costs $$ when stuff breaks). This job, they just want material down on ground, not mulched, just to see to shoot survey lasers and stake the site of the structure. A technique is to come up to tree, then, raise boom so it takes off branches closest to machine's door, so when you tilt boom, and cut off tree higher up, the branches don't scratch the door. Grind up tree before you drive over it much, branches get in rollers and throw off tracks. On large diameter trunks, like 6", take multiple passes and small bites to avoid destroying hydraulic motors over time. Avoid turns on slopes, keep tracks serviced, don't catch an edge while sideways on slope of 20/25 degrees. Don't slice or nick trees that will remain, with tracks.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Gale Hess 💯👍

[@larrypalmer2415]

loved your video!!!!! good job!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Larry Palmer Glad you enjoyed it, Larry👍

[@luvinasranch2737]

Man this is really a great job sir..

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Luvina's Ranch Thanks! I really appreciate that.

[@terrydavidmullins]

I move heavy equipment for a living, just a word of advise, cut one of those 20' chains into 4 pieces and put some slip hooks on them. Secondly, always take your gloves off before you get back in the truck. Thanks for the video.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

All great tips. Yes, the dirty gloves make a mess of the steering wheel and door grab. And I actually did eventually cut my chains down to a size where I didn’t have to wrap the dangling slack.

[@michelaylwin105]

Wow you did a nice Pro job

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Michel Aylwin Thanks, Michel! I appreciate you watching. I've been doing this since 2014, so I guess I'm pretty proficient at it. 💯👍

[@JohnMcGraw47]

Was nice to see a U~Tube video from a local, trying to figure out what road he parked.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

John McGraw Hi John- This job location was on Swift Rd, just off Hwy 48. Kinda between Cunningham and Cumberland Furnace. Glad to see a local guy is watching my videos👍

[@mueckenhoeffer]

It didn't occur to me that developing relationships with realtors could be a real money maker. Around here, three 1-acre lots would cost more than I just paid for my 25 acres, so there is some margin there to do some improvements. A day's worth of mulching on an active listing seems like it would help a lot sell faster.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

An example of this is- I did a clearing job for a property owner who had his land, 14-acres, on the market to sell for over a year, and no one was interested. It was so thick with growth, potential buyers couldn't even walk through it. He called me in to clear a 1-acre homesite, and thin out a perimeter around the homesite an additional 50 feet. The property sold within 1-week after he put the For Sale sign on it. Money well spent on clearing it.

[@ISXCUMMINS565]

Good job! Thanks for posting👍

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

ISXCUMMINS 565 Thanks! Appreciate you watching.

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

Dam, that looks nice.. I need that rig

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Larry Kluck Lol! And they’re fun to drive, too.

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

I bet they are...

[@armandovela4415]

Good tips

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Thanks for watching, Armando👍

[@fredstephens3057]

Masterful!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Thanks, Fred!

[@southerndirt9589]

Awesome video

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Spradlin Excavation Thanks! Appreciate you watching.

[@jamesmorgan6782]

Very informative video by the way keep it up. New subscriber.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Thanks for the sub!

[@accomack100]

Putting some safety cones in the back of your trailer while unloading would help oncoming traffic!!!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

James Gordy I carry cones in my truck. I do always set them up to keep traffic a safe distance away from me around the trailer. This was a country “Lane” that on had 5 or six houses on it, so I didn’t expect any traffic during the 5 minutes I was unloading on the road. Most people out this way will stop and talk to me. Lol.

[@TT-ft2dk]

Some people some nerve😂 jesssssh nothing better to do but turn into the safety cone police😂😂

[@brianfitzpatrick8448]

Great job

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Appreciate you watching Brian!

[@jmbell6338]

Just wondering how long this took you and how much you charged for this job. Awesome video. Thank you

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

jmbell6338 Appreciate you watching my videos. This job took 5 hours. Charged $750.

[@jamesgang94591]

jmbell6338 good price considering they rent for $1000 a day for machine and head

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Daren James The cost to rent a forestry mulcher was part of the information I used when I came up with my pricing strategy. I wanted to make sure I was about the same cost, or a little lower, than the rental cost. My advantage being getting an experienced operators production rate for your money, or a person hacking away at it themselves. Which, I will say there is a fun factor to it. But there is definitely a learning curve. I also wanted to make sure my pricing was competitive with other methods of land clearing, such as dozers and excavators.

[@wolfpackflt670]

Why does this look fun as shit? It's like lawn mowing 2.0

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Because IT IS fun! Until something breaks. LOL!

[@cjamonwilliams]

I wonder how Dave feels about disc mulchers.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I'd say that people in the business of forestry mulching prefer drum mulchers. They give a better finished product than disk mulchers do. I know a few guys who use disk cutters, and they will even tell you that wood flies in every direction when using a disk, and depending on the work-site, that is not a good thing for nearby buildings, roads, etc. Also, I've been hired by farmers who specifically wanted a drum mulcher because they cut down to soil level, and don't leave any staubs that their livestock could hurt there hooves on, or that could possibly puncture a tractor tire. Disk mulchers have their place. I think disk mulchers are over-all more effective. And that's why they cost more than disks.

[@samuelasamoah6906]

What about if the land is to be converted into a lawn/turf area, what should be done after mulching, what about all the stumps in the ground, do you have to get rid of them too?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

A drum type forestry mulcher will grind down trees to the soil surface, so there’s nothing sticking up and you can mow over the area. If you’ll be seeding the area the important thing is to make sure the seeds get into the soil. Depending on what type and density of material that is being mulched down (brush or larger trees), will result in different amounts of mulch left on the ground. If you can see the soil, then you can seed it. If there are several inches of mulch layer over the soil, then it would have to be scraped off down to the soil before seeding. The stumps that were mulched down are typically less than 8” diameters, so they will decompose after several months.

[@samuelasamoah6906]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 👍

[@kevin20044]

Just found your page and this is something I would like to get into in my area. Roughly how much did the machine and head cost?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

kevin steen This is a 2017 Bobcat T770, loaded w/all options- $83,000. I'm using the same mulcher head I had since 2014, it's a Bobcat/Fecon 2014 FRC60 w/carbide teeth- $23,000. Prices have gone up since then.

[@ardelpedro7866]

I have over $800,000 worth of equipment. Excavator, dump truck, skid steer, trailers, bulldozer. This business can get expensive in a hurry. Thank goodness mine is paid for. My biggest expense is insurance. For some reason they don't like machines that can throw a stick 100 ft at 100 mph.🤣

[@EbieQuinones]

What can you charge roughly for clearing per acre or per day with that machine and what is the operating cost per day?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

@@ardelpedro7866 That is all true! Machines and insurance do get expensive.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

@@EbieQuinones This is now 2022 and I charge $175 per hour, and may raise my prices to $200 per hour if diesel prices stay over $4/gal. Owning-Operating Cost per hour varies way too much depending on types of equipment used, insurance, operator wages/benefits, overhead, etc, etc. I made two videos on my channel that explains how to calculate these costs based on exactly your own equipment.

[@johnschoon7445]

What size of mulching head are you running? Does it cover track width with working width or just over all size ?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

john schoon I use the Bobcat/Fecon head. It has a 60" cutting width, 73" total width, and weighs 2234 lbs. The total width of my T770 tracks is 78". This set-up works very well for me.

[@evanziemer1967]

When your mulching wont the brush/bush grow back within a couple years if you dont get the roots?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Evan Ziemer Yes, it will. Nature will always regenerate itself, even if the roots are removed. Customers who want land cleared by mulching, will always have a plan to keep the area maintained by mowing, planting, livestock, etc.

[@jignrapala6762]

Where’s the grease zerk under the cover ?I Just bought a new one ,can’t find that zerk.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Hi Jign- Not exactly sure which zero you’re looking for, but if you mean zeros on the mulcher head, then there are three that are very important to grease every 10 hours. The hydraulic motor inside the mulcher head is accessed by opening the cover on the top -right side. The grease zerk is on top of the motor close to the mount bolts. This motor bearing gets 2-3 pumps of grease every 10 hrs. The other two important zeros are for the main bearings on each end of the drum. They get 1-pump of grease for each hour of use. I normally give them 8-10 pumps after each work day.

[@ietreekilla]

This guy gets logging chokers and telephone pole wiring mixed up. Must have been doing this for a long long time 😂

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I’ve run my business successfully since 2014. I don’t even delete idiot comments like yours.

[@Boeinguy]

Apologies if I missed it, what did the T770 cost? Local dealer here seems pretty high

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

The last T770 I bought new was a 2019. It has the forestry protection package, air ride heated seat, reversing fan, and radio. It was $82,000. Now with the shortages and back-orders of machines, I imagine the demand has allowed them to raise the prices. Used machines are even hard to find from what I hear.

[@joeylewis7044]

How deep does the mulcher barrel cut the root that"s in the ground?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

joey lewis The drum can cut about 1" below the soil surface, if needed. But generally, the material will be cut even with the soil surface. Most drum mulchers are designed to run flat on the skid plates, which will put a space between 1"-1-1/2" above a flat surface. But you can roll the drum head forward, which allows the teeth to protrude about 1" further than the skid plates. I have another video on my channel that shows/explains this.

[@pmtips4482]

Holy cow I didn't realize you could lift the mulcher that high, you made short work of that 6 inch tree!! Nice piece of equipment and RAM Cummins makes a good pair. Did you consider Case skid steer any? I've talked to the reps down at GIE Expo and Case has super high flow for the equipment that requires it. That Bobcat is damn nice too.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Pm Tips When I first started 4-1/2 years ago, the only skidsteer dealers close to me that made a machine with the horsepower and high-glow hydraulics was Bobcat and Cat. Other brands are building machines big enough to get into the forestry mulching market now though. The vast majority of operators who do forestry mulching on a daily basis who use skidsteer size machines, typically use ASV/Terex, Bobcat, and Cat. Other brands are used to a much lower extent due to lack of dealer service, horsepower/hydraulic limitations, not having a forestry mulching protection kit available, etc. But people will use what they have to get the job done.

[@pmtips4482]

Absolutely, you just about have to stay close to home on buying your equipment, from parts, warranty work, and service calls, it pays to keep it close to you. About 3 years ago I think Bobcat went to Doosan diesel engines, I know Doosan has owned Bobcat since about 2007 so it makes sense. Doosan is good stuff!!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Pm Tips You’re absolutely right. Many people only look at the purchase price. But that’s only one piece of the total life-cycle cost of a piece of equipment.

[@ernestrabon789]

good job

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Ernest Rabon I appreciate that, Ernest. Thanks for watching.

[@jacksprat7087]

Why didn’t you pull off the road to unload? I didn’t even see any blinkers going. Did I miss something?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Before I got out of the truck, I pushed the 4-way blinker button on the center dash. Both sides of this country road had a ditch culvert, so I always unload the weight (machine) off of the trailer before I go into uneven terrain or soft dirt so I don't get my rig stuck. Its impossible to unload the trailer once its stuck since the ramps won't go down on uneven terrain. This particular country road was about 4 miles long and only had two homes on it, so there was virtually no traffic all day. When I expect traffic, I also put out traffic cones when I unload. But in areas similar to this where there is no safe place to pull off the road to unload the equipment, I will always unload on the level, hard surface first, then relocate the truck & trailer off the road.

[@caseyjones6197]

When you back drag it how much are you cutting the stumps below grade or ground level. Great channel

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I mulch everything I cut down flush to the soil surface, so the customer can mow or drive over the area with no issues.

[@testified.]

I recently found your videos and your cost breakdown videos were super helpful! I had a few other questions about getting started. Is there any way to message you about them? I’ve been wanting to do this for years now so I can eventually seperate from the oilfield and be home more.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Hey Chris. Yes, the easiest way to answer some of your questions would be to text me (Mobil: 757.871.5026) to coordinate a call.

[@79b3ar8]

Guessing mulching is pretty hard on the machine, how many hours do you think you'll get out of it?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

79 B3AR I'd say the life of a mulching machine depends more on how the operator works the machine. There are a lot of heavy vibrations caused inherently by the mulching action on the wood. I found this causes fittings and nuts to loosen more often. I always loctite every loose nut/fitting I find. My first year in business, five years ago, was the worst for me, mechanical-wise. There is a learning curve to operating this machine in the forest environment, and I ended up causing damage to the machine by bad operator technique. I've gotten much better and it's been several years since I broke the machine. I currently have about 3000-3500 hours on my original 2014 mulching head. I trade my machine in for a new one every 3-years/2000 hours because I keep my machine under full warranty. So I can't answer how long a machine would last doing only forestry mulching.

[@FixitWithWrenches]

Are you over weight for That set up? Isn’t the max that ram Can tow legally around 17k? That bobcat And mulcher have to be around 16k alone?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Nicholas Traficante No. The Bobcat and mulcher together weight 12,600 lbs. This Ram can tow 30,000 lbs with the engine and transmission combination. And the whole rig is under 26,000 lb combination.

[@bertlj6367]

I would have to agree with Nicholas Traficante about your Single Rear Wheel (SRW) Ram pickup. I had a SRW Ram 2500 with Cummings and factory fifth wheel package. It was only rated at 17,000 pounds. This is the max of Any SRW Ram. I had to upgrade to Dual Rear Wheels (DRW) to get up to the 26,000 pound rating I needed to be road legal when I got much heavier equipment . This is easily checked on Towing guide like Trailerlife.com and your driver door placard. Not being a hater but don’t want you jacked if you hurt someone in accident.

[@HavocAdventure]

what size mulching head are you running on that 770?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I run a Fecon BH-74 SS with FGT drum with carbide teeth.

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

Does that unit use the HiFlo or regular? I noticed your RPMs dropped from 2k to 1k when in the brush and small trees. Does the 770 not have the power or what. My brush cat slows a bit when I'm in heavy brush but it doesn't drop 1k. I know that unit is heaver and takes more power to turn the drum and takes a beating. Just wanted to get your take on it before I dump a load of money on one. I'm getting more clearing jobs but not like the one you did. My thoughts are, would it justify the cost and my R.O.I. Did you quote that job or give them a min hour + per hour rate. ?? Thanks. Enjoyed the video.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

RANDALLOLOGY I've been using this Bobcat T770 for forestry mulching since 2014. The power is fine. It has 92 HP and high-flow hydraulics. This machine is designed to mulch trees up to 6"-8" diameters. I don't go any bigger than that. Pushing the mulcher head into the brush and trees until it slows the head is how it's done, even if it's a 300 HP mulcher. I normally look at the job with the customer and give them a cost estimate, just so they know the ball-park price to clear it, but I charge by the machine hour. I also have a 4-hour minimum charge, and an equipment delivery charge. All of my owning & operating costs, over-head, and profit are all calculated into the per hour cost.

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 thank you for responding. It was useful information. Going to check that unit out at my local Bobcat dealer. .

[@175firefighter]

Did you ever know the guy that had a Fecon forestry mulcher in Ashland City?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Flyin Rob No, I didn’t. Was he in business, or using it for personal use? I’ve been in business full-time since 2014.

[@jacksontaylor34]

Any issues with the T770 overheating running the mulcher? Thanks

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

No issues with over-heating on my T770’s. I keep the air-flow through the radiators and screens clear when working, keep serviceable teeth on the mulcher, and don’t repeatedly bog the drum down to a stop. That’s all I do, and the stock machine has no issues, and I’ll mulch for 8 straight hours at full engine RPM, in 80-90 degree F temps. Bobcat’s are engineered to run all of their attachments. Not all skid-steers are designed for the rigors of mulching.

[@jacksontaylor34]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 that’s great info. Thank you. We are renting a T770 and mulcher next week. Want to buy one and have been looking at Bobcat, Cat and Takeuchi Hard to find right now! Enjoy your channel. Thank you

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

@@jacksontaylor34 Those are the three best choices for machines. Can go wrong. It’ll come down to costs, who has the best dealer support for maintenance, and availability. Best of luck to you👍

[@807tv5]

I want to get into this soo bad, I just think we have too many rocks in the bush here in Ontario, Canada.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

807tv Yes, high speed, spinning metal cutters, and big hard rocks don’t work together well. But it depends how much rocky areas in a 60-90 miles radius of you. The potential customer base for forestry mulching is fairly large. Most land owners will not spend money for clearing land that they will not be able to maintain by bush hogging, livestock, or farming crops.

[@stevoky]

can you get up in the mountains as long as their are decent roads. to clear off flats

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Steven Fields If the roads are good enough to drive a pick-up with a 25' trailer up it, then yes👍

[@randywilson6869]

Have u ever saw a gps system where u put in a quarts ce in and if u get out of bonds it shuts the cutter off

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Randy Wilson No, I haven't seen that set-up. But it sounds like it would be a good idea and keep you out of trouble.

[@chrisr1074]

Your 770 is only a little over 100 HP You can hear it loading up. 200 HP unit would cut your processing time in half.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

And a 400 HP machine would probably cut the processing time 75%. My business model determined what size machine I operate. I once had someone comment on a video cutting light brush that my mulcher head was only 5'-wide, and that he could cut the same field in less then half the time as me, and cheaper, with his 15' bat-wing bushhog. The only thing that matters to me is that I run my business according to my business plan very effectively and efficiently. I can care less about how other people run their businesses, and I definitely don't care at all what a non-business owner thinks about how I run my business. Just sayin'.

[@mrt9781]

While working this job in October how do you deal with fire prevention ? Assuming the Mulcher could cause some sparks .

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I carry fire extinguishers on job sites. But I have never had any sparking/fire issues since I've been doing this beginning in 2014. I don't really see this machine causing a fire hazard, unless of course the machine itself catches on fire. I almost think that this would be the machine you want to smother a smoldering fire out, since the mulcher does have a certain level of soil-tilling action. And it can quickly take down the ladder fuel brush.

[@ietreekilla]

23:27 clean your vent tray every time you exit the cab

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Yes, always keep the airflow clear so you don’t have and high temp issues.👍

[@justinbell1265]

That looks like a videogame😂

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Justin Bell It's as easy as playing a video game, but it just costs a little bit more. Lol!

[@charlestonsasha]

Do you grind stumps for a bigger trees on these jobs? Thanks

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I will grind bigger stumps in a customers’ work area if they are fairly rotted and will take less than 3-5 minutes. If they are still to solid, I don’t grind them. These skid steer mulchers are not designed to be bogged down continuously for prolonged periods of time. Bogging the mulcher drum from spinning adversely affects the hydraulic fluid from continuously flowing through the cooling radiators, and will eventually cause hyd fluid over-heating.

[@charlestonsasha]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 so you just leave good health stumbs( what's left after mulching) along? Not going over with stump grinder attachment? Or this is an extra $?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

@@charlestonsasha When there are large stumps left over from a tree being chainsawed down, or after a logging operation, I tell my customers that I will hit the stump with the mulcher and if it feels like it will mulch down in a few minutes then I will do it. If the stump is still hard, I pass it up. I tell my customers that if they want me to take 15-20 to grind a stump down then I’ll do it. I charge $175/hr, so I let the customer decide. But my customers typically want several acres of trees and brush cleared, so I want to get the most done for the money they are spending. I don’t advertise stump grinding as a service.

[@user-oo8vg2ey6u]

hey. do you have to have CDL license for this set up?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Yes. DOT requires a CDL when the CGVWR (Combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of the truck and trailer together exceeds 26,000 lbs. The GVWR for a truck is found on a placard inside the drivers’ door frame, and the GVWR for the trailer is found on the placard normally located around the front of the trailer frame. Add these two GVWR’s together to get the CGVWR. But, if you just plan on hauling a skid steer and no other equipment, it is possible to get the right sized truck and trailer that have weights that will keep you under 26,000 lbs. Just need to do some research.

[@mrbacklash]

How were you able to tow without your tow mirrors flipped up?!?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

HAHA! I don't use mirrors. I use the force.

[@jordyking597]

what are the covers you have on the back of your machine to keep the debris out? i have a T770 like yours and do a lot of mulching and am always having to clean pounds of mulch and leaves out when i get done with a job, if i could get some information about them id be grateful as could be.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

jordy king Yes, they are debris covers that cover all of the openings where the lift arms and hydraulic cylinders go into the back of the machine. They are bolted on, have elastic so they fit tightly around components, and have Velcro and snaps where you need to access things like grease fittings. The back engine compartment door has a thick rubber seal along the top half of the door, as well. And I believe the air intake screen is different on the forestry mulcher. This one has a waffle designed screen to protect the radiators from falling objects, and has smaller holes to keep debris from being sucked in by the cooling fan. These are all part of the Forestry Application Kit. But obviously you can just buy these covers if that all you need for your machine. They work great. I get very, very, little woody material or leaves in my engine compartment.

[@jordyking597]

Clevinger Forest Services, LLC thank you, I’ll have to see what the dealership has.

[@erikfountaine5427]

Nice video. I was wondering how you bid a job like this? is the charge by sqft or acre? Thanks

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Erik Fountaine Generally speaking, I normally give cost estimates in terms of price per acre, when looking at large areas. Customers want to know a tight ballpark cost of the job. But I actually work by the hour. Sometime this ends up being a little less then the cost I estimated, or a little more, but I'm always close.

[@erikfountaine5427]

Clevinger Forest Services, LLC Thank you Sir.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Erik Fountaine Anytime, Erik. Thanks for watching.

[@wadewilson5296]

I wish I had your set up

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Wade Wilson It's the perfect selection of equipment for the specific work I do.

[@ricardokliwoodclimaco3098]

Is it allowed to stop on the road to unload the machine? Is not it dangerous for someone to run into you?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

This was a country road with very little traffic. I don't like unloading on the road, but sometimes there is no choice. I try to unload in less than 5-minutes, so I can get off the road quickly.

[@shaneswenson5703]

What DOt compliance issues do you have to deal with. Class A CDL, Logbok, insurance?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Shane Swenson I have down-sized my trailer to avoid the DOT requirements. But if you do run a truck and trailer that the combined GVWR exceeds 26,000 lbs, then you will need a Class A CDL. These GVWR weights are found on the placards on the driver door of the truck, and on the trailer. I went down to a 16’ tilt deck skidsteer trailer with a 14,000 lb GVWR placard. My truck is 11,000 lb GVWR. Puts me at 25K.

[@vicdad999999]

probably a stupid question, and I apologize, what happens if you hit a boulder just shy under the dirt? Is there some kind of a safety that it doesn't break the teeth? Really like the videos as I like to learn even though I personally don`t do this kind of work.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

vicdad999999 There is definitely no safety mechanism that prevents the teeth from getting damaged from hitting large, hard objects. This mulcher head has carbide cutter teeth, so many types of rocks do not damage the carbide teeth. If you hit a very large hard boulder, the sound alerts me to quickly pick the mulcher head up off the rock. Rocks like limestone will wear the carbide down quickly, so you have to be ready to react. You always have to pay attention and keep your eyes open, as an operator.

[@nighted7421]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 With you having to quickly lift your mulching head from the work area in these scenarios where you come across rock, do you keep your drive response mode to setting number 3?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

@@nighted7421 I actually use setting #2. I want my machine to move slow and smooth, not jerky or too fast. This is primarily for safety. I want to feel my machine movements and keep it controlled. For example, sometimes the machine is balancing on uneven terrain so I move the boom up/down smoothly so I can feel the center of gravity. Also, when maneuvering between trees I want the machine to turn slow and smooth so I’m not banging into trees.

[@nighted7421]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 Setting #2, copy that. Right in the middle. Do you float your boom when you want the mulching head to get as close to the soil as possible? Or do you find yourself being more comfortable manually controlling it? If you do not float the head, is it because the head would have to much ground pressure, and would go beneath the top of the soil?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

@@nighted7421 I manually control the boom. The skid plates on the mulcher give the teeth about 1-1/2” of clearance (on flat ground), so if I need to get the teeth into the soil I tilt the mulcher head forward.

[@johnschoon7445]

What type of camera or you using? Takes good video.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

john schoon I use a couple of GoPro's, Silvers. They do take great HD video, but wish the batteries lasted longer than 2-1/2 hours. Hard to video a days work.

[@vdsgw52]

How do you deal with the poison oak and ivy. Must be all over your machine which would be all over you???

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

g w I've never had a problem with those poisons, actually. But you're right to think you would get the residue on yourself somehow. The biggest health issue I run into is getting congested from all of the pollens and dust when cleaning off the machine. The cab is sealed very well, so it doesn't get dust inside, so I only get dusted when I'm brushing it off at the end of the day.

[@vdsgw52]

Upwind is always good

[@bxaquinoa5697]

What part of US is this ? I kind of like the wooded place.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

This is Tennessee. It's a beautiful state.

[@RedskinzFan]

Do you have any issues with your 770 overheating in hotter ambient temps ?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

No, I don’t have hydraulic temp over-heating problems with my T770. I actually talk about this topic, and what causes it and how to avoid that, in this video.

[@RedskinzFan]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 I listened to the video after I left that comment lol

[@RedskinzFan]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 I’ve heard from other companies that the 95hp models aren’t powerful enough to keep the drum at peak revolutions and it bogs down and overheats. However I’m hoping that’s wrong because I don’t want to buy a 100k loader to start. That’s as much as my semi truck! Lol

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

A 300 HP machine will bog down and overheat if you have poor operator technique and don’t have clean airflow through the radiators. Having said that, not all skidsteers are engineered for heavy duty work like forestry mulching. I’ve only owned Bobcats, and I know they engineer their machines to work effectively with all of the attachments they are designed to use.

[@RedskinzFan]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 that’s exactly what I’m asking about. Not all loaders are made for that. 95hp is at the low end of power required so I’m trying to find out if the 95 has a high enough flow rate and power! Not asking about technique only the performance of this machine. Upstate brush control channel said this machine wasn’t sufficient, so they went wi try the ASV 110

[@FishFind3000]

Funny how you have the big boy truck and your towing with the tow mirrors down.. . Does that mean you drive with tow mirrors up and out when unloaded like the other brodozers? Jk just noticed a real man towing and doesn’t need them tow mirrors but every poser needs them up and the biggest wheels and exhaust. And never tows a day in their life.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

FishFind3000 True statement👍 And I don't like putting the mirrors out because then I can't get close enough to the drive-thru window when picking up my Krispy Kremes and coffee. HAHA!

[@paull2815]

Yeah, and whats with those sissy ratchet tie downs instead of the good ol boy Levers of Death ? ; )

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Paul L Levers of death is right! I bang myself up enough as it is.

[@Petrov.Andrei]

what is the load capacity of your trailer, and what is the length of the platform?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Андрей Петров The trailer in this video is a 25' gooseneck. The flat deck is 20', and it has a 5' dovetail. It's a 20,000 lb GVWR trailer, and it's useable load capacity is 13,875 lbs.

[@bertlj6367]

I think people are trying to be helpful by continually asking about your weight limits. The TN Highway Patrol can ticket you for pulling a 20000# GVWR trailer with a 17000# GCWR Single Rear Wheel (SRW) truck. As a business, Even if the trailer is empty, the Police can use the GVWR because they do not have to weigh your trailer plus equipment to cite you for being overweight even with an empty trailer with your SIngle Rear Wheel truck. Is only rated at 17000# Max. Generally only farmers get exceptions for licensing , short rural trips etc. ,not businesses. I am not sure how your insurance company would feel about running an overweight rig in an accident. Just trying to help you out. I took me tons of research and money to find this out. Do not want THP doing a roadside safety check on you because most of them will know a SRW truck is GCWR 17000# max and most tandem axle gooseneck trailers are GVWR 20000# or even up to 30000#. 👍🏼

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

bert lj You're probably right, Bert. I'll have to see if I should switch to a shorter/lighter trailer, or a bigger truck. Thanks for your input. It's all good information for everyone.

[@wildcatwilly]

I'm sure it gets old doing it everyday but it ought to be illegal having that much fun.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

WildcatWilly It is fun. There are much worse jobs and places to be working. And it's definitely nice being my own boss. 😂

[@kp763]

What do u charge to do a lot of tbat size

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Kevin Posey This job took 5 hours and cost $750, based on the conditions shown in the video.

[@kp763]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 good job bud....

[@MrGreenjubas]

What is the fuel consumption?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Sasha Nevsky Fuel consumption at full RPM (2410 RPM) and not moving is 3 GPH, when running the forestry mulcher under load at full RPM, the consumption is 4.8 GPH. This is a 92 HP machine

[@KarasCyborg]

What kind of mulching head is that?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

KarasCyborg It's a Bobcat/Fecon FRC60 with carbide teeth.

[@andrewbratos6907]

how about 4 chains 48" long instead of the real long ones, i understand that is what u have but,short ones would be nice

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Andrew Bratos I agree, 4' chains would be better. These 8' chains were the only length of type-70 chain my local store carries. 99% of the time short chains would be more convenient and save me time. But the bright side is that I use these chains for a lot of different uses, like skidding logs, securing other types of loads on the trailer, etc.

[@S_man89]

Harbor freight sells 3/8 th logging chains for a pretty reasonable price. My buddy who runs/ owns a huge tree service company buys them and loves them.

[@shannonzell7028]

Do you get much dust in the cab?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Shannon Zell Hi Shannon. No, I don't get any dust inside the cab at all. This machine has was Bobcat calls a "forestry protection package" installed. The front door is a heavy 3/4" thick polycarbonate glass that has a thick rubber seal around it that fits tightly against the cab when closed. The side windows are also tightly fit. I've run this machine for over 600 hours and have never had to wipe down the inside of the windows, door, seat, or controls. And when you have the A/C or heater running, Bobcat says that actually over-pressurized the cab which forces air OUT of any cab openings. I'd say that is a true statement. And the cab is sound-proofed, too, so it's very comfortable to operate continuously in all day.

[@b737drvr]

Is it possible to retrofit a machine with the forestry protection package after purchase, or does it have to come installed from the factory? If so, what’s the approximate cost to put the forestry package on the T770?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

b737drvr b737drvr Yes, you can add the forestry kit to the Bobcat T770 and T870 anytime. Both machines have the same cab. I wouldn’t attempt to do forestry mulching without the compltete protection kit. The kit cost somewhere around $7-$8,000.

[@glenncapron2982]

Do you know of anyone that does forestry mulching in western NY?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Glenn Capron Sorry Glenn, I don't know of any mulcher operators in western NY. There could be someone there though. Some terms to search for are forestry mulching, bush hogging, land management, and land clearing. Also check with you county forestry office, and look on Craigslist under Services/Farm & Garden.

[@rickallen261]

What do you charge for something like that by the hour or by a bid ??

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

rick allen I always meet with the customer at the land to be cleared. I evaluate the density of the material, type material, and the terrain. I know how long it takes to clear material based on these criteria. I give the customer a cost estimate at that time, and they know that I charge by the actual hours it takes to clear the area. This job took 5 hours and cost $750, if I remember correctly. I met this customer early in the morning, talked about the work to be done, gave him an estimate of between 4-5 hours, and he said let's do it, and I got it done that day.

[@rickallen261]

nice

[@rickallen261]

nice set up u have

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

rick allen Thanks, Rick. This set up works well for me.

[@andrewjessen764]

My wife complains everytime she sees me watching your and letsdig18 videos. As if its porn.. kinda is to me.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Andrew Jessen Haha! That's funny. I just shot another video on a job I finished yesterday, so I'll be editing and posting a new one in a few days. Maybe I should get my wife into my videos so they are more appealing to women.

[@uk7769]

I love watching heavy equipment videos too. Tracked excavators are my favorite. Must be some thing from back in the sand box and my Tonka toys when I was a kid. I rented a skid steer to do some landscaping once. Only needed it for one day, but I rented it for three. The other two days were simply goofing around in the dirt. So much fun. I'm saving up to buy some land and build a home. I will make sure I have a little extra land for all that dirty dirty heavy equipment porn play time. lol Cheers.

[@Mjc103]

Did you ever get an excavator?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

ja cu No, not yet. But I still want one. Lol. I only occasionally have jobs that an excavator would be the best machine to get the job done. Of course, I don't advertise that I have excavator reach capabilities, so maybe customers who know they need that don't call me. But I still want one anyway. Haha!

[@jamesmorgan6782]

You need to know that your ELM trees are actually BEECH trees just a bit of knowledge from a logger.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

You’re exactly right, they are beech trees. I mis-spoke. The shape of the trunk, leaves, and the roots being near the soil surface, are all beech characteristics.

[@casembaba]

I don't like the camera on the head..

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Some people like the camera on the head so they can see things from an operators’ view. It’s helpful for those type viewer interests.

[@miltonaliff3316]

What if you hit a rock

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

It depends on the type of rock. Some rocks just bust up easily, other rocks, like limestone, will immediately wear the edge off your cutter teeth with a few seconds. Metal object, like iron pipes, can break the teeth off. You have to be vigilant.

[@brianrada8327]

I am very interested in getting into this business in eastern Tennessee

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Brian Rada I get calls from the Knoxville- west North Carolina fairly often. Might be a good opportunity out that way.