There’s more than one way to clear land and we’re pretty sure that to make the most of your time and to return the most on your investment in equipment you need to pick the right tool for the job – manpower vs. brute force!
Chainsaws and Manpower
Chainsaws have long been a staple for forestry professionals, offering unmatched control and precision when felling trees. The nimbleness of a human operator is critical in situations where precise cutting is needed, such as preparing trees for skidder pickup or making logs suitable for firewood. However, chainsaws come with significant drawbacks, particularly in terms of the manpower required. A team is often needed to safely and efficiently manage large-scale tree removal, and the physical demands on workers are high.
Additionally, chainsaw work is hazardous, with the risk of injury from kickbacks, falling limbs, or even operator fatigue. Even experienced chainsaw operators are vulnerable to these dangers. While chainsaws offer versatility and precision, the risks and labor intensity needs to be considered.
The other area that chainsaw land clearing offers less of a comprehensive solution is stump removal. Once a tree is cut or hundreds of trees the stump left behind requires grinding, mulching, or stumping with heavy machinery. And depending on the size of the tree it could require a full-size track loader or other 20-ton type piece of iron.
Forestry Mulching Attachments
Forestry mulching attachments for compact track loaders (CTL) offer a different approach to land clearing. These machines are easy to operate and can clear large areas with minimal human intervention. However, mulching comes with its own dangers, primarily from high-speed debris. Mulchers can throw wood chips and other debris over a large area, posing a risk to nearby workers, so proper safety measures are essential. The speed and power of these attachments, though, allow for rapid clearing of trees, brush, and stumps, grinding them into mulch in a matter of seconds.
One of the significant advantages of mulching is its ability to prepare the soil for future use. The resulting mulch helps in preventing soil erosion and promotes healthier soil conditions by returning organic material to the ground. This makes forestry mulching a popular option when converting forested land into pastures.
Side by Side Shakeout
Both chainsaws and forestry mulchers have their unique strengths. Chainsaws allow for precision cutting and are ideal for selective tree felling or when trees need to be processed for firewood. They are better suited for smaller, intricate tasks that require human judgment.
Forestry mulching attachments for CTL, on the other hand, are far more efficient when dealing with large areas. While they don’t offer the precision of chainsaws, they are excellent for quickly clearing land that is intended for pasture conversion, especially when mulched trees are removed from the topsoil. For large-scale projects, mulchers are the clear winner in terms of speed and soil preparation, while chainsaws shine in smaller, more detailed operations.
For more information on forestry mulching techniques or to hire us for you next job land clearing or forestry management give us a Call for a free site visit and estimate! Office: (570) 679-2869 / Cell: (570) 903-2108.
