Owner-Operator Costs of Forestry Mulching: Cutter Tools

Information on replacement cutter tools for forestry mulcher that will be useful to new business operators when they develop their Owner-Operator Cost analysis.
Finding detailed O&O Costs are difficult to develop due to lack of public information out there. I hope this information is helpful.
Clevinger Forest Services, LLC
Located : Clarksville, TN
W: 931.802.5910
C: 757.871.5026 (call or text)
www.cfsmulching.com
ClevingerForestServices

[@battmann678]

I love commerce, and am a retired business owner. I enjoy these forest services videos, but I'll tell you this. Other than you I would bet dollars to donuts almost none of these operators know what their hourly costs are. They work from job to job and live on cash flow hoping they don't run into a problem. I heard one supposedly successful operator say he went to give a yearly quote to a rather large customer and the guy mentioned to him his timing was good because he was doing a five year plan and the cost of maintaining his acreage was important. The forestry guy said - "pfffttttt - who works on a five year plan?" My answer would have been "everyone who is looking to be successful and not just interested in a daily paycheck." Your slice of info provided in this video is more valuable to anyone looking to get into this business than all the "method" videos put together. It is because it makes them think about the cost of doing business. I always thought - it's not how much money you make, it's how much money you keep. By the way, it's a good man who shares his hard won secrets. I wish you continued success. Best Rgds.............

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your thoughtful and insightful comment, Batt Mann. I agree with you on all counts. I don't mind sharing some information to help someone out who has a true entrepreneurial spirit to make a go a something in their life. I don't waste my time who ask the types of questions that give away their total lack of research of business understanding. I believe in a kind of karma, and I do see the returns from helping others. That's part of what makes me tick, along with running my small business successfully for the last six years.

[@Fanofrealtalent]

I’ll take solid information over production, humor, and filmmakers every day. This was informative and extremely helpful/useful information. Thank you very much!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Thanks for that comment, Tim. I definitely didn’t make these videos to show my face and become a KZbin star😆

[@rongray4118]

Not enough can ever be said for your taking the time to fully explain the system you have. Thank you very, very much!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Ron Gray I really appreciate that, Ron. I'm glad you found my video helpful. That's why I make these. Don't forget to Like & Subscribe so the KZbin algorithm will recommend this video to others who may find it helpful too. Thanks.

[@jeffmayeux1692]

Thanks for the detail of operator costs of the blade. Does Bobcat credit you for each tooth you turn in when you replace them?

[@evadkin]

Is there a big demand for a forest mulcher, where a retired person looking for a side business could make a little profit?

[@MowBeta]

Appreciate the time you took to explain the costs involved in forestry mulching. Hope this helps some folks understand why forestry mulching is not a "low bidder" or "just use a mower & a chainsaw" type of business.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Yes, it's an expensive piece of equipment. Owner's should have a thorough understanding of Owning & Operating Cost to run this equipment, and then set their prices so they can be successful and stay in business. Customers should understand that these forestry mulching machines are the most cost effective method to clearing brush for almost every application. Thanks for your comment!

[@TaylorMcGlawn]

I own a Bobcat T870 and E145 thinking about buying a mulching head. This video is MOST helpful. Many Thanks and Blessings.

[@brycebickham6345]

Hi my dad has a fairly new mulcher hasn’t use it since he got injured if interested I’ll send you some pics

[@TaylorMcGlawn]

@@brycebickham6345 Thanks Bryce I would be interested is seeing pics.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

You have a great combo of equipment there. Those two pieces can do a great range of jobs. Mulcher heads are expensive, but that fact also creates opportunities since they are rare that other competitor machine operators have one. A used mulcher from a good quality manufacturer, like Fecon or FAE, are a great way to go. A quality head is bullet proof, and the biggest cost will just be the teeth.

[@richmarz]

This was very helpful in understanding the costs! Thank you for your efforts. I wish you the best!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Glad it was a useful video for you, Rich. Appreciate you watching.

[@chrismartin7579]

Facinating to see others who have the same setup. I have a 2016 T770 (Tier 4 final) with the Bobcat branded Fecon mulch head. After watching your video, I'm convinced I need to swap out the inner half or so with new cutters. Thanks a ton for the video! I'm an owner operator in southeastern NC, but not a retail operator. Our machine works only on our land, so our business model is a little different than most people who have this setup.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Good to know this info helped somebody out there, Chris. These 770 is a great machine for doing land maintenance, whether it's with the mulcher, grapple, or bucket. It's just way better than a tractor for some jobs. How are you using your machine?

[@chrismartin7579]

We have property kind of like what you mulched in your two videos, "12-month Residual Effects of Forestry Mulching" video and "9-month Residual Effects of Forestry Mulching" video. So we buy clear cut land, 3-5 years (sometimes more) of unmanaged growth. Then we buy at a discount because the property doesn't have much economic value. We clear and reposition as development lots or replant in loblolly. I'm new at this, still getting the hang of it. But sold 1 lot in 2017 that made the equivalent of 12 months or so payments on the equipment.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

You shouldn't have said that out loud! Haha! You'll give away the secrets of owning a forestry mulcher! Anything can be flipped, including raw land, when you have the right equipment that creates a value-added combination. You sound like you have a good plan going on. That's exciting. Good luck with it👍

[@johnthorne8806]

Thanks for the great info! Very helpful for someone trying to get started !!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

That’s awesome! Thanks for watching. This video on cutter teeth costs is very important since it’s the second biggest operating cost, after fuel. I also have two other videos on calculating Owner Cost and one on calculating Operating Cost per hour. These two videos are imperative to watch/learn before starting in this business. They will help you make a good Go/NoGo business decision before proceeding any further. Also, check out my channel for a video titled “Things to Know for a Forestry Mulching Business”.

[@briangardiner1015]

Great video showing the cost of running a mulcher.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Brian Gardiner Thanks Brian. I want to post more Owner-Operator Cost videos. I think they're informative for people who want to get into the business. I'm also getting responses from some people with suggestions on how they cut costs, which is good feedback.

[@collinknell5737]

Thank you for the videos. I’m starting a brush mowing business, and hopefully adding a forestry muncher in the future. I have a older bobcat excavator I will use for small jobs and plan on renting a machine for larger jobs until I know I can survive in the business before buying a new machine. So far I’ve created my LLc, quoted my insurance and bond. Opened accounts at united rentals and local Bobcat dealer. Created signs and business cards. I have my first job this spring mowing about 10 miles of roadside for a HOA.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Hi Collin- Sounds like you are ready to rock. Since you sound concerned about "surviving" in business, the trick is to manage the risk. There are to primary aspects to surviving in business: Getting customers, and ensuring that you are charging those customers the right amount to sustain your business. Easy, free way to get customers looking for brush-mowing or forestry mulching, is to make sure you can be found on the internet. SEO-Search Engine Optimization, is very important. So use online resources that have SEO built into it, like making a business Facebook page, and post on Craigslist in your local area. These two things are free and easy to do. The majority of customers you get, will be searching for this service online, and these sites will pop up for them. So have an online presence, and be found. And of course being professional and honest will generate additional customers through repeat and word-of-mouth. Once you have a customer, you have to make sure that the price you are charging is both competitive and will cover your operational costs and profit margin. So make sure you know what your business's Owner-Operator Costs and profit margin number is. So if you estimate your jobs right, you will not have to be concerned if you will be surviving. You will know that you are covering costs and making profit for each job you do. Good luck to you.

[@benwilliams7502]

Thank you for taking the time to create this video. I have really learned a lot.

[@Gr8Layks]

I appreciate you making this video. Very useful!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Thanks. I appreciate that.

[@bill45colt]

many thanks,,huntsville alabama here,,i really needed this post and cost information,,,

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Glad it was helpful!

[@savageredland3237]

Thank you very much for this video, I had no idea how expensive it can be.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

It is an expensive business. This size Bobcat runs about $82,000. Mulcher drum heads run $25-$36,000.

[@savageredland3237]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 thank you for your reply, that is so expensive in my case, by the time I get it it will be around 150k NZD :( such a nice machine

[@scottwinters3255]

Thanks for taking the time buddy. Its appreciated.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

You bet, Scott. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@parang37]

You basically explained all the questions I had. thank you so much. greatly appreciated!!!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Awesome! Glad my information was helpful to you!

[@jimh3500]

Very well done. I appreciate that you were prepared and knew what you wanted to cover. That was awesome. Thanks

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Jim H Thanks, Jim. Hope the info was useful.

[@ccbphot11]

Excellent information. Thank you very much for this video Mr. Clevinger.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Cody Bailey Good to hear that you found it useful, Cody. Appreciate that.

[@Natural-Causes]

Thank you for sharing this info…very helpful.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thetoprockproject3314]

Appreciate the video, I just purchased a Denis Cimaf for my 308 and am really excited to get it running! Love seeing the options from an informed operator, cheers,

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

the Top Rock Project I'd like you to follow up with me after you get the feel for that Denis Cimaf head on your 308. That's exactly the set-up I've been planning on as an addition to my business. That capability of having the extra reach would be very useful in a lot of situations. Please let me know what you think of the cutting effectiveness of the head, and also about the routine maintenance of it, such as time to sharpen and cost of teeth. Thanks for your input, Top Rock!

[@thetoprockproject3314]

Definitely, lets keep in touch!

[@johnnymorgan1279]

awsome vedio, and explaination of cost associated with a mulcher head..

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Glad to hear the info was useful to you, Johnny. Appreciate you watching.

[@generichardson7372]

Great video, I am from Waverly, TN...just 45 miles south of Clarksville.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

gene richardson Well hey neighbor! I do lots of work out your way. I appreciate you watching my videos, Gene💯👍

[@ACTASIF101]

Amazing content and knowledgeable advice. I read through every question and comment. Thank you for sharing your experience

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Thanks, Chris. Yes, the video content is informative, but the comment sections have very thorough answers to questions people have asked over the years.

[@merydiaz9617]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Of course!

[@MrHabp]

Thanks for the valuable info that you share in this vídeo. I'm willing to get a setup like your in the future . So this information really helps. Thanks again

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Good to hear my info was helpful to you. If you’re interested in figuring the cost of doing business, I’d also recommend two other videos I made showing how to calculate Ownership Cost and Operating cost.

[@175firefighter]

I used to live in Woodlawn and I did forestry mulching with a guy out of Ashland City. We ran a Fecon 148 machine, but I don't think he's around any more. I'm looking to get back into this business as an owner operator, but with a different set up than you have. Thanks for doing a cost analysis of doing this kind of business.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

You bet, Rob. It's important to know all the numbers before getting started in this business. It's expensive to get in to, so it's important to do the homework and risk assessment.

[@markfroman738]

Yiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeheeeeeeeeee!

[@polinesia3825]

An excellent video . You mentioned all the basics but very important things anyone would have to deal with regarding the use of rotary drum type mulcher. Thanks for the video.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Ruben Calixerio Thanks for that comment, Ruben, I appreciate that!

[@wjgoh653]

Excellent breakdown. The hourly ROI was very detailed. Thanks, wondering if you have tried doing some sharpening or taking them in for re-tooling to get some longevity out of the cutter heads?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Thanks. I’ve looked into sharpening. Not possible with these.

[@tccinnovations9663]

Great video it's really good to have someone who will give out FREE information about this field everyone one around Virginia will tell me it's a bad business to start I am a roofer now and this type of work really gets me excited and I just want to start my own business in forestry mulching do you have any more advice for this business

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

TCC I The only place forestry mulching is a bad business to get into is if you live in a big city. Everywhere else there is good demand for this service. Whether or not someone has a successful and sustainable business depends on that individuals specific business costs and business sense, and work habits. As far as tips, I'd be happy to answer any specific questions you have. You can ask here, or shoot me an email: [e-mail] And there is a lot of good information in the discussion sections if you view other videos I've posted. Lots of answers to questions others have asked, and others provided good ideas too.

[@jimmydickson8854]

Thanks for the video that’s good information mate especially the cost on running it thanks

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Glad to hear the information was helpful to you, Jimmy.

[@jeffhurley756]

At one point in y career I was a welder/machinist. I really appreciate how detailed you are. Do you know if anyone can remanufacture the cutting teeth? Seems like you could build it up and then machine the angles. The question is, could someone do that at a cost that is worth buying something other than new. Do you know if that can be done?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I’ve talked to two machine shops, and a shop that refurbishes smaller carbide cutter teeth used on stump grinders, and all of them said they could not refurbish or “re-sharpen” the carbides on these teeth. Too much material on both the carbide tip inserts, and the metal carbide-holder block, that it’s not practical/doable.

[@philstoneham2457]

Good video, I sell Bobcat in the UK and learned a few things.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Phil Stoneham Thanks, Phil, that's good to hear that I'm putting out useful information. An owner/operator of a specific attachment should be an expert about the details for running it. Thanks for watching my videos.

[@MrRatuCola]

Thank you very much for you time to explain all this. Very much appreciated.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Glad it was helpful, Felix!

[@2_be_determined]

Love this, nice job and thank you sir.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Nice to hear it. Thanks!

[@jimwhite1061]

Thanks for the video. I cant help wonder what youve got into that 100 horse bobcat and that mulch head, a trailer to tow it with and do you pull it with your pu? Sorry if im asking too much.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Rough numbers, prices vary by region and model years: $93K- T770 w/ forestry protection package $35K- Fecon BH74 mulcher head $10K- 17,000 lb GVWR trailer $56K- Ram 3500 diesel

[@missile5674]

Can’t say how much I appreciate your videos. I was curious if your skid steer tracks have required changing, what does and does not damage them, and what does replacing them cost? I hear conflicting reports on their durability.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I appreciate you watching my videos. I only drive my machine on dirt and minimally on gravel. I don't drive it on concrete or asphalt, so I don't get that hard wearing on my tracks. Also, a good operator will turn the machine using more of a K-Turn, and not a pivoting skid on the tracks. I've had to replace tracks due to being worn out, but I did break one years ago, probably due to bad operator technique. I currently have about 2000 hours on my set of tracks, and they have 45-50% of tread remaing. I've never had to buy a set of new tracks, but I believe a set costs roughly $2,200 for the U-Tread type through my Bobcat dealer. The durabilty will vary wildly between operators and the ground conditions they are working on. I only work in forests and farms.

[@dekayla01]

hey nice video do you have any tips on getting started in this business and any pros and cons

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Pro: Satisfaction of owning your own business Con: Every aspect of business success depends on you, and there are no days off from being engaged in it. As far as a tip on getting started; That's a very broad subject, and I can answer specific questions if you have any. Generally speaking- when starting any business you have to figure out the numbers (costs) to answer the question if its going to be financially viable based on your personal financial conditions, and the market area you will be servicing. -First step in figuring these numbers out is to develop a very detailed Owner & Operating Cost worksheet. This inputs every cost associated with this specific type of business, and will output a cost per hour that you will need to charge customers to be a sustainable business. -Second step is to look at the market/customer area you are located in, and estimate the customer demand and hours for your service. This is obviously a tricky estimation, but you should at least figure out what is an acceptable range of minimum & maximum number of customer demand hours. -Third step is to compare your O&O cost per hour, to your minimum customer demanded hours. This will give a black and white answer if this will be a viable/sustainable business. Business is about managing & mitigating risks, and emotions can't be a driver in this business analysis. So that's my tip, and I hope it helps.

[@clifforddavidson2332]

Very nice video! Thanks!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Thanks, Cliff!

[@newmanspam]

Awesome video...great explanation of the equipment. Thank you so much and God bless.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Jim Newman Thank you, Jim. Glad you found my video informative.

[@hhazelhoff1363]

Love your channel, very informative. Just wondering if you’re still operating. And if so what equipment are you running currently. I’m about to buy a Kubota 75-3 and putting a drum mulcher on it. The smaller machine keeps me under the CDL issues. But I am struggling if I would not be much better off with the 95 hp machine.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I did forestry mulching exclusively for 10 years using Bobcat T770's. I retired-retired in Dec 2023. Personally, I think Bobcat makes the best mulching protection package for a skidsteer-class machine. Drums take a lot of work to puch that drum through material, so I would get as much HP as you can afford. The T770 has 92 HP, and I limited myself to tree in the 6"-8" diameter range and it did great.

[@hhazelhoff1363]

@ thxs

[@fotogrfik]

Great video and nice Citizen Blue Angels. I have the same one!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

HAHA! You have exellent attention to detail to spot my watch! I also have a Breitling. I'm a little bit of a watch geek.

[@mikeyo4406]

I was just about to add a comment very similar to the comment below me. I work with a tree cutting company and do a lot of stump grinding and I find we can grind the carbides with a diamond wheel and get a couple more uses out of them. It's not complex just with an angle grinder and a diamond wheel and just touch him up put another Edge on them and they're good to go again. Considering how much they cost I think it might be well worth the try. Good luck thanks for the video

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Mike o Yes, a diamond wheel is the way to go when trying to sharpen carbides to get a little more time out of them. At a certain point, there is just not enough carbide left to grind down before the other metal of the tooth comes into play and you just can’t get the right geometry for an edge.

[@wallyearle3826]

From Canada... thanks for the info... heading out to mulch some igloo's.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

HAHA! Send video!

[@BrushCommando]

Great videos, very informative.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I appreciate that!

[@atlred]

This was a great video 📹 👏 👍 thanks a lot !!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Glad to hear it was informative for you, Courtney. I appreciate you watching.

[@RobertStrother-y5x]

Excellent video. Informative. Thx

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Dennco2000]

Best info Ive seen so far thank you very much

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

dennis stephenson Glad it was helpful. Appreciate your comment, Dennis👍

[@F150customs]

Awesome video. Is there not a way to sharpen those old teeth to get more use before purchasing new ones???

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

It’s not possible to sharpen these carbide tips. It’s just the cost of doing business, so the replacement cost is built into my hourly operating cost.

[@antonhuman8446]

Respectful comment. I will resharpen those tungsten carbide blades. On a green-grit grind stone. Or newer technology. Possibly twice. And when free hand work will not suffice. Will I make a jig for a bench grinder which will allow for each sharpened blade to be the exact length as the next. And save 60% on a new set. I'm past 70. And have sharpened 5", 6 1/2" and 9" tungsten carbide bore hole drill bits when I was 17. Impossible is nothing. Thanks for the presentation.

[@hawk7825]

I miss Clarksville TN quiet and clean town.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Clarksville is a good area, and its nice being close to Nashville for those amenities.

[@ACTASIF101]

Mr. Clevinger, When replacing your carbide teeth, what are the bolt torque specs you use while doing a full replacement. I am currently changing out a set of teeth on my Vail drum mulcher and my owners manual does not specify the torque. I was told to torque them to good and tight, but as a prior crew chief on UH60L's that does not sit right with me. Thank you in advance, Chris

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Hey Chris- The bolts get torgued to 300-350 ft-lbs on my Fecon BH74 mulcher. Not exactly sure about your head, but the ole "guten-tight" can also work, might just check it after 10 hours of running to make sure it hasn't loosened. That's cool you were a -60 crewchief! I was a Blackhawk pilot. Also a UH-1 crewchief before that. So I get ya.

[@Bryan-wq9vq]

Very interested learned a lot very informative thank you for sharing it

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Anonymous Its good to hear you found my video informative. I appreciate you watching. Please Like & Subscribe to my channel so KZbin will make it available to others who might find it useful.

[@SaadTanwir]

U r a good man my friend. GOD BLESS U!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Thanks, Saad, I appreciate your comment!

[@sugarwalker89]

Great Job Young Man!!!!!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I appreciate you watching!

[@aaroninks]

Have you looked into resurfacing the teeth yourself. It’s common practice in the construction industry to weld / hardface high wear areas on buckets and digging teeth. Obviously you’re not going to get the sharper edge back, but the worn tooth you’ve shown would be super simple and cheap to build back up.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Hi Aaron- I just replace the carbide cutter teeth when they are worn past their useful life. I keep up with the other forestry mulcher operators on the industry forums, and its the standard practice to replace the teeth. I've never heard anyone say that they build up their teeth, although I'm sure someone probably has tried that. I use carbides because I operate in cherty soil, so I don't sharpen these. Operators that use the hardened steel, knife-type teeth do sharpen them, until they are worn out.

[@Giolongino1963]

Good job. Why can't the hex head screws be reused?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

The bolts can be reused, if you want. When I first started in business, I always reused my bolts, until I stripped out the heads of two bolts on the same day. These bolts need a high torque, and over time the air hammer slightly deforms the hex socket, resulting in some play. Eventually I stripped out two bolt heads. They are case hardened steel, and took me two days to find the right bits to drill them out. So, never again for me. I’ll spend $4 for a new bolt.

[@kiheidude]

Just found this video and really appreciate not just the great information, but the fact you always respond to the comments. That says something about your business model. I also own a Bobcat T770 with a Bradco mulcher which I bought for maintaining my own 300 acres of land in Virginia. Like you, it was a steep learning curve to learn what the machine can and can't do. Once I get done with a project here in Virginia (we are building a large home for orphans called the Aloha House of Hope), I'm thinking of hiring out myself with my mulcher. What type of trailer and truck do you use to haul your equipment with? Oops. Just saw your other video that answered my question. Thanks!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Doug Spencer Glad you found some useful information in my videos. Appreciate you watching them. I think the T770 is a very capable machine to do a lot of the tasks needed to clean up and work larger pieces of land. Having a mulcher, grapple, and a bucket will help get a lot of work done. Thats a great vision and goal you have going on there too. Good luck with that💯👍

[@davidcoats8461]

Hi Doug, I live in VA as well and just starting to look into forestry machinery. I’m also very curious about your House of Hope project too! Sounds very cool. How has your mulching projects gone?

[@kiheidude]

David Coats Hi David! We are in Burkeville and the Lord sent us here from Maui to build a home for orphans Currently we have 5 kids, but have room for at least 20 more, Lord willing. We just moved into the new house yesterday. You can email me at [e-mail].

[@KEFT909]

I know it's probably a dumb question. But if you run into someone's junk on your property does insurance take care of fixing and do you charge the person more for the inconvenience

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Not a dumb question at all. Ultimately, I’m responsible for making sure to operate the mulcher as safely as I can. This starts with talking to customers about any known hazards, debris, fence wire, etc that they can make me aware of. Then when operating in the brush, It takes a lot of focus and awareness to things I am seeing as I clear. I carry fluorescent survey tape in my machine that I will mark hazards I see. If there is lots of debris in a certain area, I tell the customer that I will work around that area, unless they want to clean it up before I start. Some customers will cut out old fence lines so I can clear everything. I’ve never hit anything that broke my machine, so insurance never was an issue. But, if I run into anything that is hidden that wraps around my mulcher drum, I do keep my job clock going and charge the customer for the time it takes to get the debris out of the mulcher. And I’ve run into all kinds of debris that was covered under leaves and brush such as fence wire, logging cables, mattress springs, carpets, tarps, old tin roofs, car bumpers, tires with rims, old tractor parts, etc. Other than that, if something on my machine does break, like a hydraulic hose fitting, I don’t charge customers for anything like that.

[@daveday4251]

Excellent video, thanks

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Thanks. Appreciate that, Dave👍

[@madtater5948]

thanks for explaining the cost of running one of these machines I was thinking about purchasing one my tractor puts out 20 gallons per minute do you think that would be enough to run one of these creatures if they made a narrower one that used less gallons per minute that would be fine

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

My specific mulcher head requires high-flow hydraulics. Some heads can run on regular flow, and I know Fecon makes mulcher for tractors, but I can’t answer your question. The best place to get your answer is to talk to a salesman at Fecon or FAE and they can tell you what will work with your specific equipment.

[@savageredland3237]

Is it possible to use old teeth and try to grind hard limestone poking out of ground?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Actually, limestone is the only natural rock I’ve run into that will grind the carbide and the steel tooth holder right down in seconds when you hit it. I think I would try a jack-hammer before a mulcher! Lol

[@刘阳-k7x]

Your experience is very useful,you still in forestry mulcher business?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Yes, I’ve been doing forestry mulching since 2014. Still going strong and steady.

[@workplaytv]

I have an FAE mulcher on my 8 Ton Kubota. Question why are you changing the bolts every time? I keep 10 spares on hand but I never change every time I change my teeth. Also why did it take you over 6 hours to change the set? I have 32 teeth and I can change them and clean the shank and bolts and am done in around an hour. Good video.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Work&Play TV I now get my carbide teeth from a company called XtremeWearParts.com. Each carbide tooth comes with two new bolts, two washers, and a centering bushing, for $79, so I replace everything new. The first time I had to replace my teeth I stripped out the inside of two of the hex-sockets on the cap-head bolts when I was reinstalling them with my air hammer. It took me two days to find and order 5/8" carbide drill bits so I could drill the heads out. Major suck. So since then, I only use a new hex bit and new hex socket cap bolts so I ensure there is no elongation/distortion/wear in the parts so I never strip another one. The reason it takes me so long to change out 30 teeth is because I'm old as dirt, slow, methodical, I put anti-seize on each bolt thread as I reinstall them, I smoke a cigar, after the bolts are all installed, I then go back to each bolt after its cooled and torque check each bolt, then I pick up the 30 old teeth, that weigh about 60 lbs, and dispose of them, put my tools away, sweep up the work, area, have another cigar. It's my shop, I'm on my time, and I move at my pace. I only change these teeth every 300-400 hours, which is about every 7-8 months, so I can take my time and not change them like I'm in the pits at Daytona.

[@mattv8434]

Great video, thank you. When you put new teeth on, what size is the material after you much it? 8" minus (ballpark)?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

The size really depends on the material. Most material gets mulched anywhere from fines to smaller mulch chips, but some types of larger wood can either be stringy or brittle, and will shred or bust up into lager chunks up to a couple of feet long. The more you back-drag over it the more it will break down. How small you want the finished product to look is a time (cost) trade-off.

[@rossinnz]

Brilliant, thanks. (from New Zealand)

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Hope the info was useful. Thanks for watching from beautiful New Zealand, Ross.

[@randywilson6869]

A guy here in Kiefer ok went out and bought 2 brand new machines build just for it and called it Cedar deleter. I don't know what happened but he was out of business in 6 months. Then he bought 2 new big stump grinders and has been running them for a couple years now

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Randy Wilson I'd like to have seen what that cedar deleted looked like. 😆

[@iwantosavemoney]

Pretty high maintenance I wonder sir if a dozer would be more cost effective I understand their is pros and cons to all of it your thoughts are really appreciated sir?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

There are pros and cons to using a dozer or a forestry mulcher to clear wooded land. I think it depends primarily on what the finished product, or goal, of the customer is. Personally, I don't think its an either/or choice. I think if you are clearing a wooded building lot, then its best for a mulcher to come in first to get rid of 90% of the wooded material, and then have a dozer come in to remove just a few select trees where the home will be placed and level the ground. This way the lot looks nice and open from the mulcher, and there will be very little wood to push up with the dozer, which lowers that cost of the dozer being onsite. And no home-owner wants to see a pile of pushed up trees at the edge of their lot. But in applications such as clearing trees and brush on farms, a forestry mulcher is definitely the best way to not only SAVE the topsoil, but the resulting woody mulch will enhance the soil composition.

[@Cotronixco]

Any way to weld & grind those worn carbide ends?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

No, the way the carbide tips are designed into the steel block, it’s not possible to get the correct cutting geometry back once the material is rounded off. Hard-facing it with weld and sharpening it just wouldn’t be cost effective to do every workday.

[@Cotronixco]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 Have you tried a few blocks to see? It's been done successfully with carbide-tipped horizontal drum flail mowers and I was curious if anyone have tried it with these as well.

[@Gr8Layks]

Question: have you ever tried sharpening the teeth with an angle grinder to get a little more use out of them?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Yes, I’ve tried an angle grinder with a 120-grit flapper wheel. Didn’t work. I’ve taken teeth to a couple of machine shops, and they said it is not possible to get the correct cutting geometry back after the carbide material is worn down so far.

[@MyAlaska12]

Thank you, very informational

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I appreciate you watching.

[@MyAlaska12]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 in looking into buying a forestry mulching setup for up here in Alaska.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

@@MyAlaska12 There’s lot’s of demand for this machine, if you’re in the right area.

[@AGTtactical]

Mr. Clevinger, thanks for the great video. I have a similar head...a 2010 John Deere MH60, made by Fecon. As you probably know, Fecon is the OEM manufacturer for John Deere and Bobcat mulchers (they recently stopped making heads for Bobcat, but still do for JD); your Bobcat head looks nearly identical to mine. In regards to changing bolts. my manual states "tooth cap screws should be discarded after second use", so clearly its a good idea to change them as you do. Have you tried the knife type teeth? I have those installed now due to the prior owner. I don't see the advantage in knives over carbide. I'd say you get 100=/-20% hours on knives, and 300=/-20% hours on carbide. Does that sound about right? Knife teeth chip, carbide teeth mulch (I prefer mulching). I can get knives from the local JD for $41 each, and carbide for $114 each. So carbide tools get about 3x the hours at about 2.7 times the cost, plus you save on tooth cap bolts and labor/time (less frequent changing). What's your thoughts? Any advantage of a knife over carbide?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

AGT Tactical Great comments and question! First, The soil in this area of Tennessee is cherty/rocky for the most part, so for that reason I only use carbide teeth. I prefer the durability, and not having the labor cost of sharpening blade teeth daily. I average about 300 hours on my carbide teeth. Some people would probably run them longer, but When I feel like they are not mulching efficiently I change them. I don't run them until they are rounded nubs of metal, like I see some operators do. That's also not good for your machine when you force it to work and Bob it down. From other operators I talk to who use knives, they say they get about 80 hours life out of a double sided knife. So your numbers are right in line with theirs. For my 2-cents on the forestry mulching business, I think as an operator, it's all about being cost effective, not necessarily producing small little wood chips that customers are impressed by. To me, customers just want their big mess gone. Making mulch with carbides in the same amount of time as making smaller chips with knives is perfectly fine if you are doing it at a cheaper operating cost. Since I made this video talking about the cost of teeth, I found a supplier who is less expensive than Bobcat. Check out XtremeWearParts.com They are out of Canada, and I get the same carbide tooth, two bolts, two washer, and the centering bushing all for $79 and that includes delivery. Bobcat's price is $129 for a tooth kit. So at $79 for 300 hours, I add in $7.90 per hour to my operator cost. Instead of $12.90 with the original Bobcat teeth prices. That's significant. I haven't checked out what XtremeWearParts charges for knives, but it might be cheaper than $41 if you like running those. But for me, because of the soil conditions here, plus I don't want the labor costs of sharpening and changing teeth that often, I prefer carbides 100% over knives.

[@mrjon75]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 Thanks for the knowledge.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

@@mrjon75 You bet👍

[@curtisgreen9267]

Thanks for the information 👍

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

No problem 👍

[@bjbray9877]

I noticed your truck is 3/4 ton ram. Diesel? What does your SkidSteer weigh with the head? How does your truck pull it (well? Wish you had 1ton?)

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

My truck is a Ram 3500 Tradesman with a 6.7L I6 Cummins Turbo Diesel, an AISIN 6-spd transmission, and a 3.73 rear end. 4X4. Max payload on the gooseneck ball is about 4000 lbs, max towing about 20,000 lbs. The ride with a load is very comfortable, and it can pull up a pretty steep hill from a stop, no problem. This is my second Ram 3500 with this set-up, so I'm happy with it.

[@mfridz93s90]

Useful info, thnxs.

[@albertogarcia2471]

Thanks for the info which Mulcher head you think is the most durable and looking to buy one to use in Tx

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I use a Fecon mulcher, and its very heavy duty, easy to get to everything in it, and its reliable. So Fecon is a good one. Many other operators also use FAE mulchers. These are probably the two most durable and reliable mulcher heads.

[@badboy25bad42]

Quick question you mentioned is your second machine what happened and what was your first machine ?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

First machine was also a T770. I trade them in when the maintenance warranty expires. Just how I do things.

[@allobject]

Not at all in this line business, but enjoyed very much you walking / talking thru the subject matter very detailed in professional, business and fact oriented way. -- I wonder if there is some way of resharpening or even refurbishing. Resharpening - of course - takes material away and shortens the life time while adding more work hours, but efficiency could more than compensated that. Refurbishing would help to be for use for lighter demand, but that would require to have multiple mulcher attachments... not a cheap thing either. I assume that the wear of of the regular steel part of the tooth leads to the loosing of the cutting insert which is of course very dangerous... I hope there is a core fee that you get back for recycling...

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I looked into sharpening, and having new carbide inserts installed on the steel holder, when I first stated my business in 2014. Machine shops said they would not be able to get the cutting edge geometry back due to the way the material wore down. I also talked with shops who put new carbide inserts into stump grinders, and they also did not have any type of replacement carbide inserts that would match. So I just price the cost of new teeth into my cost per hour to operate. I save all of my old teeth and take them to my local scrap metal recycle place. Each tooth weighs about 6 lbs, so a 5 gallon bucket full gets me a few bucks for the gas tank.

[@allobject]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 Thank you very much for taking the time to respond and in such detail. It shows that as designed it is already optimized and without reserves. You already chose a preserving technique to ware each tooth down to replacement state. It is all work, of course, and to have a sustainable business, factoring all in honestly is the only way to go. There is just no cutting corners nor free lunches. Your clients will be happy that you will be still soundly around when they need you for a next project... ;-)

[@lifeiswhatwemakeit9163]

Aloha Thank you for taking the time to share your information!! Looking to more of your video's. Do you have any tips on how to get clients or who to contact. Mahalo!!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

what looking for Glad you find my information useful to you. I'm located in central Tennessee in Clarksville. I've never had to pay for advertising for this forestry mulching business. I put ads on Craigslist under Services Offered> Farm & Garden. I also have an online presence with my website, a business Facebook, and KZbin channel. Since I've also been in this business for 3-1/2 years I get a lot of repeat customers and word of mouth referrals.

[@triciahill216]

We’d like to clean out some woods on our farm and am trying to learn about the different types of heads (front attachments) that would be good for clearing brush, saplings and small trees. About 15 years ago, I had another woods cleaned out. However, I’m a bit uncertain as to which type of head would be best for this job. What types of heads are available and what would you suggest for my project? I’m in Pennsylvania and we have some rocky areas and rock outcropping. BTW, you’re in Hickok45 country if you didn’t already know. He’s one of my favorite KZbinrs.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Hi Tricia- The forestry mulchers that are used by professionals are the drum type, as shown in this video. There are also rotary, or disc, mulchers as well, but those don’t have same capabilities as a drum mulcher. As far as the best brands of forestry mulchers, Fecon, FAE, and Denis Cimaf are the most commonly used by professionals in this business. I know that lots of areas in PA can be very rocky. Depending on how rocky your property is, clearing brush and trees from it with a mulcher may not be possible. I normally ask customers what their goal is for clearing their land, because if you are going to spend money to clear it, you will need to have a plan to maintain it, either by mowing or putting livestock on it to eat the future growth. If there are large rocks everywhere, it’ll be hard to operate any type of equipment on it. If the rocks are confined to certain areas, then a mulcher can clear around them. Just depends on how rocky it is. I don’t know who Hickok45 is, but I look them up on KZbin. I’m about 40 miles north-west of Nashville, TN.

[@robertpackett2823]

Highering a out of Oakdale 46 miles from my site South west of Crossville. $150 hrs. Didn't see this till after hired him. Thanks. Was wondering about cost to own and operate.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Robert Packett I'd say $150/hour for this size skidsteer forestry mulcher is the median price that operators charge nationwide. A few are cheaper, a few are more expensive. This machine itself costs $82,000 new, mulcher head cost $23,000. Plus big truck and trailer, support equipment, insurance, fuel, etc. it's an expensive business to run, so the hourly cost to customers reflects that. But forestry mulching is still the most cost effective way to clear land. Hope your project turned out well, Robert.

[@dapymp17]

Could you talk about how you would convert this information into an hourly rate. I imagine your rate is dependent on which attachment is connected. Some are cheaper to buy and run after all. Thank you

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I have two videos on my KZbin channel thoroughly explaining how to calculate the Owning-Operating Cost of specific machines. This gives you the total HOURLY cost. The hourly cost of teeth are included in the O-O Cost calculation.

[@davidjackson4112]

Nice information video. Thanks for sharing.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

David Jackson You bet, David. Appreciate your comment. Let me know if there's anything particular you want to see or hear about forestry mulching.

[@Truckboy383]

Great information sir about the teeth cost and maintenance. How would you go about bidding a job for your customer?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I meet with customers and look at the work area that they want mulched. I evaluate the job by looking at the TYPE of material to be mulched, the DENSITY of the material, the TERRAIN, and any other obstacles like nearby structures, roads, etc that take special care working around. Then I estimate the size of the work area. Either the customer knows how many acres it is, or I use a small range laser to measure the length and width to calculate the area. I know from experience how many hours per acre it takes me to mulch one acre of material given the above variables. So I then multiply the number of hours by the number of acres to get the total estimated hours for the job. Then multiply these hours by my hourly rate to get the job cost estimate for the customer. I work by the hour and use the machine hour-meter for billing time, so the actual finished cost can be either a little cheaper, or a little more, than what I estimated. I’m usually within +/-10% of my estimated cost. This is how I do it.

[@dennisboyd1712]

Excellent video

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Thank you very much!

[@aaron8934]

Thanks! You explained it well. I have a better handle on associated costs with the mulcher.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Great! Glad this information was helpful to you, Aaron.

[@r3landservices133]

Subscribed. Good info. I run a small dozer biz in Texas and wandered how much those teeth cost. I would think there is way too much rock in my area for one to be cost effective. Guys run them here for around 150/hr. Then again, I still get called out after some of them to clean up. They could learn a thing or 2 from your vids lol

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Appreciate that good comment. I guess as long as they calculate into their costs buying lots of replacement teeth, then I guess they can make it work. But if the ground is that covered up with rocks, most people wouldn't clear it since it wouldn't be useable for too much, like livestock. Sounds like a dozer might be the right tool to use to clear the ground of the brush and the rocks. I know its no fun driving a dozer on big rocks either.

[@grwolf272]

Thanks for the video. Can the carbide portion of the blade not be sharpened with say a diamond disk?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

A diamond disk would work on the carbide, but two things- the way the carbide insert is design, after it wears down and rounds off, there isn't enough carbide remaining to sharpen that stick up above the cast tool holder. And second, because there is not enough material left, you can't get the correct geometry cut back onto the carbide that will give it a cutting edge. I've tried, and I've also taken a worn out tooth to a machine shop. They told me about the geometry part. I just price the cost of new replacement teeth into my operating cost, and replace them after the 300-400 hour useful life.

[@grwolf272]

Clevinger Forest Services, LLC, great explanation, thank you, sir!

[@tracycastleberry9040]

Just curious can you regrind the bevels on the old teeth to get more hours out of them? P.S. liked the vid always interested in cost per hour of equipment

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Glad you liked the video. No, there is not enough carbide remaining to get the correct cutting geometry back by sharpening.

[@KR-ti5uz]

Maintenance is the key, that and a good operator

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Very true, KR. And a good operator will avoid having many maintenance issues.

[@grantdavis6241]

Question? What season does equipment work best in? Thinking less heat on blades is best accomplished in in cold seasons?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Fall, Winter, Spring temperatures are definitely the best. Everything on the machine runs cooler, and there is also less water and sap in the trees, so it makes it better mulching them in cooler temps.

[@scottharkless7901]

We have been thinking about buying a skid steer and mulcher versus paying someone to clear about 70 acres of cedar trees and brush. My oldest is thinking he can learn to mulch on the land and then hire out his services. What do you think? Bad or good idea?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I think that’s a great idea. That’s exactly how I got started in the mulching business in 2014. I owned 55 acres of marginal-quality forest, and decided to clear about 30-acres of it to turn into pastures. It was going to take months/years, so I purchased my first Bobcat with a mulcher, grapple, and toothed bucket. I got good operating the equipment, my farming neighbors noticed and asked me to do work on their land. So I knew there would be a market for mulching in my area. Just do a little homework on figuring out all of your costs, and what your market demand might be, and what people are willing to pay for brush clearing in your area.

[@brycebickham6345]

My dad has a fairly new mulcher he wants to sell if interested let me know I can send you a few pics

[@KirkDickinson]

Have you used a Disk type mulcher? Wondered if you had any feeling for the comparison between Drum and Disk? Can those teeth be hardsurfaced?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

A guy I know who owns a Deere 333 with a Diamond disk mulcher hired me with a Bobcat T770 with a drum forestry mulcher to clear about 7 acres of forest on his new farm to create pasture, if that tells you anything about disk mulchers. He said it worked good on smaller trees, but made a big mess with anything over 4"-diameters. He said he thought the disk would be good for doing maintenance clearing around the farm, but not serious tree mulching. And he hated all of the stumps and stauble that the disk left. Not good for livestock or tractor tires. I've heard the same things from other guys who have use disk mulchers. Drum mulchers are the only way to go if you plan on using it professionally. I don't hard-face my carbide teeth, but I have heard that some operators do.

[@KirkDickinson]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 Thanks for the reply. :)

[@jasongrinnell1986]

Good video. Awesome info.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Glad it was helpful!

[@themoonsbluelight]

Would be great if the cutting teeth could be refinished and resused somehow, but being so hard, that would take some special equipment.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

It would be great if these teeth could be refurbished somehow, since they cost $90 apiece. I’ve checked with machine shops and people who sharpen teeth for stump-grinders, and it’s just not possible with this style of carbide teeth. So the cost just has to be incorporated into the operating cost.

[@claytondaniel8119]

Have you ever tried having the cutters resharpened by a cutter grind shop?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Yes, I looked into that years ago. I took a new tooth along with a worn tooth to a shop that sharpened stump grinder teeth, also took them to a machine shop, and they both said they could not sharpen my style of carbides because there was not enough carbide remaining to get it back to the proper cutting geometry. I run them until they wear out, and have adjusted my operating cost appropriately.

[@lookingforhope5455]

I'm surprised you couldn't sharped the old teeth and get one more use out of them. For some reason I was thinking in stump grinding you can stretch the life of the teeth by sharpening one or twice. Not that the teeth are the same but similar Thanks for the videos. Hope to pick up one soon.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Unfortunately, these carbide teeth can not be sharpened because of the design of the cutting edge. Other "blade-type" cutter teeth can be sharpened, but are made of hardened steel, which is not as durable.

[@lookingforhope5455]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 thanks so much for clarifying. Greatly appreciate your information. This is a new biz I’m looking into

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

@@lookingforhope5455 👍 Always good to do research. Best of luck to you, Jack.

[@OttoMatieque]

is it possible (or worth trying to) sharpen the carbide insert? At 89$ a tooth, plus labor to replace, it might worth extending the life.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

It's not possible to sharpen the carbides and get the correct cutting edge geometry back. So replacement cost of the teeth are baked into the hourly operating cost.

[@joshbrueggen9537]

so I'm curious, you mention 300 hours on a tooth, but is that an average, or do you get 300 out of the middle teeth, but maybe 500+ hours out of the outer teeth that take less wear?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

That's an average for ALL of the teeth. As an operator, when I am mulching, I consciously distribute what part of the mulcher drum that I use. So I try to use the left and right sides of the drum as much as the center area of the drum. So they tend to wear fairly evenly. When they are getting close to the end of their life and not cutting as efficiently, I will naturally try cutting on the area of the drum that is cutting the best. When it starts to feel like NO part of the drum is cutting effectively, then I change out all of the teeth. But typically, because I do hit debris occasionally and chip a tooth or two, I will put single new teeth on as required.

[@donaldnaymon3270]

Great info. Thank you for sharing. Great video.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

You bet, Don. Appreciate you watching.

[@charlestonsasha]

Is there any way to reshaping them?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

No.