Things to know for a Forestry Mulching Business
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- Video talks about my personal thought process that I used when I was selecting all of the major equipment needed for doing forestry mulching. I want to build safety into the decisions I make, so selecting the optimally sized equipment that is needed to accomplish the work safely is very important. Picking equipment that is designed and rated for what you need is critical for both safety and maintenance.
Knowing the thought process behind equipment selection helps to optimize money resources, too. Get what you need, not necessarily what you want. Bigger isn't always better when it comes to business. Bigger can be a waste of resources.
Feel free to add you comments and experience to this conversation.
Clevinger Forest Services is located in Clarksville, TN
Office: (931) 802-5910
Cell (757) 871-5026 (call or text)
For more details, please visit:
www.cfsmulching.com
ClevingerForestServices
/ davidclevingerclevinge...
Incredibly valuable information. Very well put together. I'm considering starting a similar business in the Pacific Northwest and these have been some of the best resources I've come across.
Glad to hear my videos were helpful to you, Alan.
thank u for ur expertise on diy mulching business I don't care what anyone else may say but thank u for sharing valuable information
caterd300rum You bet. Glad you found this video helpful. That's why I take the time to make them. Good, detailed information is rare to find, so I hope it gives confidence to those thinking about starting their own business.
Thank you Dave for telling us how to go about getting into the mulching business . You have a nice setup !
Mike
Thanks Mike. Hope the information helped you out in some way.
Excellent how to/tutorial video! Well thought out overview for anyone considering this business. You obviously did your homework before proceeding. Thank you
Thanks for that, Tim! And I appreciate you watching.
I use to work in the tire industry. One thing I have often seen, are equipment trailer tires that were under rated for the gvrw of the trailer they were mounted to. Especially important on tag along trailers because they carry the full weight of the load. The max load is written on the sidewall. Multiply this times the number of tires and be sure you are at least 10% above your max gvwr. Very important to keep a check on tire pressure as well. I have seen bad things happen because of cheap Chinese or under rated or under inflated tires.
bobpuddyy Now that is great information from a tire pro. Thanks for putting that out here for others to learn from. I'm actually going to check my tire load weights today since now I'm curious.
Keeping the tire pressure is very important. My trailer tires need to be at 125psi, and I use my 150psi shop compressor to get it there. A gas station air pump won't push that kind of PSI. Tires are a safety issue, so the right tires will keep you out of trouble.
Great information video. It's always good to share your blessings with others by way of the information you've given here and in other videos. Keep up the good work/videos and be safe...
Bill Mitchell Thanks for your kind comment, Bill. I appreciate that.
Great video! I've had some mulching done a few times and have always been curious about a lot of what you covered, very well done, thanks from Bama!
Allen Banks Thanks Allen! Just trying to explain my thought process of what I went through to take some of the mystery out of the business start-up process for others who might be thinking about it.
Mr. Dave that was a good informative video. As someone who's been wanting to do this type of work for several years now...looking for a way out the military haha...id like to be able to sit down and discuss some of the unforeseen cost of this and the realistic operation costs of maintenance and insurance etc. that I may be overlooking. I've spent a while drawing out plans and trying to make it work but I have so many unforseen variables thats a little scary to jump into. I've looked at buying used equipment vs new, used truck vs new, and mixing it up with maybe new truck old machine or vice versa. One thing it seems there will be no shortage of work and I have a base amount of money that I would like to clear every month to be comfortable with and it seems really achievable, but miscalculation with insurances and upkeep cost can really change that number. Anyway, I'm smarter for watching your video and heres to hoping you or someone with some experience can reach out with a little guidance. Best of luck and God Bless!
Being prepared and doing the right home will lessen the scariness. This is called Risk Management, which you may have used while in the military.
I wouldn't mind answering any specific questions you have. Email me at dclevinger@cfsmulching.
Just don't ask me how much everything costs, how much can you make, or how do you find customers! These questions just tell me that people haven't done their basic research.
I'm kinda in the same boat, 👍
Thank you for this video, I am thinking of starting a land clearing business and you have answered many of the questions that I have had that no one else has answered in other videos. Thanks again
👍👍
Thank you for your honesty 🙏🏻.
Thank you for your kind comment, Jose. And thanks for watching.
I like the Bobcat cus they sell a package specifically for the mulcher. It is called the forestry package that adds guards to cylinders the door is replaced with 1/4 in glass etc.
Thanks Brian. You're right about the Bobcat forestry package. The safety add-on and the protective covers are a huge plus. Another thing Bobcat does is that all of the attachments you buy from them are also covered under their warranty program, and this includes the mulching head.
Brian Gardiner caterpillar makes a forestry package to
I want to thank you for this video I’ve been thinking if getting into this business and didn’t know where to start your other videos are also very helpful
Rusty Red Tractor That's great. Glad you find my videos useful and helpful.👍
wow seems you covered everything great job and thank you.
Thanks Jedd- It's called an unscripted brain-dump. Lol!
na really it is called life and how i did it hope it helps you kind of a thing.
Informative video great information. CDL needed for any GVWR combination over 26,000 lbs. So at 26001lbs CDL required
Jay Wood Exactly right. True statement.
Correct, you need it
Wonder what setup I could run without getting a CDL. Looking to do the exact same thing
The truck itself can’t weight over 26,000 lbs. If it does, you would need a class B CDL. If your trailer is rated for over 10,000 lbs, you would need a class A CDL. Even if your truck is under CDL weight you’d still need a class A CDL to tow the trailer rated for over 10,000 lbs.
It is a horrible law but that’s what it is. I have a class B, so I can drive any weight truck, but I can’t tow anything over 10,000. The combination of the truck and trailer is irrelevant contrary to popular belief. Just wanted to share this to keep people out of trouble.
@@jnandreasI believe a non CDL license can tow over 10k lbs as long as GCWR is less than 26,001.
Excellent video sir. I have rented rayco and terex machines for several years to do such work, when i had it. I can't see a single error in you suggestions. Well done. Chris from WI.
Thanks for the props, Chris. Feel free to add any of your experience and thoughts here, that might be useful to others searching for forestry mulching information. Have a good one!
Awesome info. 1 thing check with Montgomery County DOT to see if they require the Fecon Mulch head to be secured as well. If the head is 3000# a 2'' strap is rated at 3300 so it'd be a proper securement. Every county is different. Again very well put together video. 👍
Thanks Mike. I'll give them a call this week and see what they think about it. Don't need any tickets.
A strap won’t hold that much they can easily break use chains
My friend Gator is in the mulching business in Louisiana, he like the freedom of the job, always working in a different place and gets to listen to music and drink adult malt beverages while mulching whole forests into saw dust. He does alright, has a nice house, boat and a jacuzzi full of lady friends now and then.
Sounds like Gator is living the ultimate mulcher operator life! LOL. Good for him!
@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 I will let hi m know you wished him well.
TN needs Lamtrac dealers please.Lamtrac is a cut above and really hope to have one in the future ....... They are on of the few machines that can withstand how hard mulchers and brushcutters are on skidsteers and trackloaders. The Lamtrac LTR 6140T has 138 hp going to the cutting head with its own dedicated pump.And the cooling system in the summers in TN is unmatched. Also it has one of the most thought out planned layouts for ease of maintenance for you or your mechanic. Watching any walk through video of the 6140T tier 3 or 4 layout or the 6170T you can just tell that someone who works on these machines helped with it's design. Thanks for the videos Clevinger
That’s some good info on the Lamtrac. 👍
Dave, Your clip was very clear and articulate! I live in Maryland and i'm thinking about getting into the business.. Thanks for the info...
Michael Dick -SME Thanks, Mike. I appreciate the good word. If I can help you out with any questions you might have, I'd be happy to help. My contact info is in the video description block.
Everyone and their brother in my area has a forestry mulching business. Always check and see who you're competing against and prices they charge. It's a cut throat business in my area.
I hear that. Competition is a funny thing, though. As long as you're timely, do good work the way the customer wants it done, and have a fair price, you'll usually be ok. I get a lot of word-of mouth business, which is the best. Also a lot of repeat customers. This is what separates the survivors from the others.
Excellent presentation. Thank you for sharing cost info. Very helpful!
K. Moran Thanks! Glad the info is helpful to you.
Very informative thanks for breaking it down
Glad to hear the information was useful to you.
What a great video brother, I have learned a lot from this one video. I'm considering investing in something like this.
Thanks, Leonel. I’ve got some other videos on my channel that are geared more towards forestry mulcher operators. Lots of operator and business tips. There’s also a lot of good information in the comment sections of each video that I’ve been asked over the years, so don’t miss that.
I recently bought a CAT compact track loader with a grapple bucket with a rear mount winch For my tree removal business and a new big Tex equipment tilt trailer the CAT works great for when I’m working alone
Ismael Dover Sounds like a great set-up. I'd prefer to have a tilt trailer. What are the specs on your tilt trailer?
Hey there, i hope you keep videos like these up and coming, I really like these :)
Ezekiel reed Thanks Ezekiel. I appreciate the good word.
I will get a video out soon on how to figure out your Operator Costs for a forestry mulching business, or any type of equipment based business actually. What parts of these videos are interesting or useful to you? Let me know, since it gives me ideas for new videos.
I really appreciate you taking the time to put this information together. I’m just picked up my equipment. I did have a question.
Is there any rough estimate about how much you can mulch an hour - I get the conditions vary but would help greatly in understanding what could be accomplished in an 8 hour day more or less. Definitely subbed and liked.
Thanks Tom
Production rate for a given machine depends on: type of material, density of material, and terrain and obstacles.
With my T770 using carbide teeth, jobs can take me between 2-11 hours per acre. 2-hours being best conditions of sapling or heavy briars, medium density, on flat terrain like an old pasture, with no obstacles. 11-hours for things like all hardwood trees, densely packed every couple of feet apart, on sloped ground, or lots of gullies, or along roads, or near structures So it varies widely.
When I got started in this business. I used my machine on my land, and a few friends properties. I took note of the conditions I mentioned above, I mulched it, timed it, then measured the boundaries of the cleared area with a GPS to get the square footage or acreage. Then divide the hours by the acreage to get the cost per acre. This has to be figured out in order to develop accurate cost estimates or quotes.
@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 thank you sincerely for your response. 😊
Nice to see someone semi local with some videos, east Tennessee here in the tri cities area, ill be coming at the end of the month to visit one of my best friends right near clarksville! Keep up the good work i too have been looking for a change it some better outside work!
the witness The mountains in East Tennessee are one of the most beautiful areas in the whole country to be. 👍👍
Yes it is, my buddy moved from clarksville to cumberland city, so at the end of the month ill be down in your neck of the woods! Love the truck too i have an 06 mega cab cummins 3500 SRW like yours. Is yours the 6.7? i cant see the front of the truck very well, mine is the 5.9. Keep the awesome videos rolling.
the witness I bought this truck specifically to tow my equipment, so I went for no frills towing power. I have a Ram 3500 Tradesman heavy duty. Has the 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel, a 3.42 rear end, 6-speed AISIN automatic transmission that can handle 900 foot pounds of torque. Has a built in exhaust brake, and a towing button that changes the computer shifting of the transmission. Got it with the integrated gooseneck/fifth wheel mounts installed. Load capacity in the bed is 4,100 pound, and it can tow 30,000 pounds. It's a 4x4, and had the dealer put off-road 14-ply tires on it. So there's no leather or super sound system, but it's a beast at hauling👍👍
Thanks for the reply, i thought it was but, since i couldnt see the front of the truck i couldnt tell exactly haha. Just FYI i just had my lift pump on my 5.9 @150k miles replaced the other day the factory one sucks, i put a FASS in and love it so far. The old one about left me stranded a state away, luckily i was close to family.
I am in Indiana and I am thinking about getting into the Forestry business and your channel has help me so much and I really appreciate it. I do have a thought for you I know you have all the stuff to get you out of a tricky spot if you are stuck, but have you thought about or tried a 12,000 pound power winch that could be mounted or unmounted really quickly so you could maybe hook onto a tree and pull yourself out instead of all the extra work? Just a thought. Thanks again for the help. Eric
Glad you find my videos helpful, Eric.
Yes, I've thought about winches, especially when I was stuck. I've only gotten stuck 4-5 times during my 6-years in operation, so it's not a major concern of mine. I am very aware of my situation, and really avoid any hazardous conditions. And if I do get stuck in mud, I stop before I sink in deep. I make sure my customers know what my machine limitations are prior to starting any job.
I do carry a Wyeth-Scott power puller winch in my truck (www.wyeth-scott.com/) that's good for 12,000lbs when I do need a winch.
Class C in NC is up to 26,001. Also, I would recommend running your chain down through the center of that eye and come up and hook to the outside of it rather than wrapping it around as you have. See the following video at marker 0:35 seconds (ruclips.net/video/gSneY4H9cYI/видео.html). It really pays to know your numbers and perhaps even visit some certified CAT Scales. The DOT around here is CONSTANTLY pulling guys over and weighing them on the spot.
These are fantastic videos and I enjoy watching them.
Good Video and all the discussion! Thanks and God bless!
Jen Lee Yes, The comments and discussion that my videos generate are probably more informative than the video. I really appreciate all of the good questions and comments from everyone who watches.
Jen Lee Thanks, Jen. I appreciate you watching.
Hi Dave...you pretty much covered the machine side of the bussines and all the details associated with the equipment .would be more interesting if you wish to give your tips and tricks while you running the forestry mulching bussines based on your own experience. That is in one hand on the other hand if you can didicate a separate video on how you started your forestry bussines and what was your motivation for doing that.
Looking forward to see more of your thorough interesting videos on the coming future.till then have a great day.
Thanks, Rafid! That is a good idea for another video. In case you are wondering, I got started in this forestry mulching business back in 2013/2014 when I was looking for a way to rehab an old farm that I had that needed lots of work. I discovered this machine capability, there was no-one within 100 miles that did this kind of work. I understand the concept of Supply & Demand, so my light bulb switched on and I started my business to fill that need. I've been in business full-time since early 2014, and going strong.
Thumbs up on your business info, murfreesboro here.
Thanks, John. Appreciate that, neighbor.
CDL in most states is 26,000 lbs. Not 30,000. Dual wheels on trailer also will force you to a CDL automatically. Truck weight does not usually factor in to the CDL weight calculation. The MOST important thing to consider is that your truck and trailer are licensed for the weight you are pulling. If your trailer is carrying 22,000 lbs total weight of machine and trailer, then you must be licensed and insured for at least that weight, assuming your trailer GVWR is rated for that. DOT is charged with enforcing the TAXES and safety of the unit. Keep up with your inspections as well. I know people tend to shy away from CDL's, but trust me, they will keep you out of trouble more times than they get you into IF you are legal in all other respects..
Gary Crumrine .
I 2nd that..I got busted on i81 bull's gap coops in TN for not enough license plates and also got a ticket for to Long a goose neck trailer, it's 55ft from the rear dove tail to ball coupler. Max is 53
I lnow for NC the DOT takes the gvwr of the truck and the trailer too and see if that is over 26000 lbs. If over 26k, you need a CDL A. If under then you better be tagged for what you are carrying or you get a ticket. I know this because I learned the hard way. I have a 1997 f450 dump truck with gvwr 15k and a Hudson tag trailer that gvwr is 17500lbs (rated to carry 7 tons). I was carrying bobcat s650 with solid tires and small dumpsters and under 26k, tagged for 26k, but was pulled and written up for no CDL A license. So you have to check your local state laws.
Gary- That is all great information. Sounds like you're all over the CDL requirements. Thanks for putting it out here.
This is the reason that I touched on CDL's (Commercial Driver's License), to make people aware of the CDL requirement when you start exceeding certain weights. So it's something to consider when selecting equipment. Getting a CDL is not a show-stopper, but just be aware of the requirement if your equipment gets to those state limits. Thanks for the good info!
ISX- Dang! That's a long trailer. Are you hauling vehicles on it? Is that length trailer not legal at all in your state, or was is a licensing issue?
Steve- Great information, thanks for putting it out here for others.
TN requires a CDL too, for combined weight of 26,001 lbs and over for trailer, equipment, and truck. Several other requirements too. I think I said in the video the limit here in TN was 30,000 lbs, (its actually 26,001 lbs) but its been several years since I researched these CDL requirements. Something to consider for those getting into trailers and equipment and they just need to check with their state DOT.
The biggest thing about forestry mulching is hydraulics and the cooling of the engine and hydraulics. Unfortunately, Bobcats, cats, kubota, deere.... the cooling is not optimal as in found in other dedicated and mid dedicated models (Lamtrac LTR4160T).. Don't get near as many hours out of the Bobcat as you would in a Lamtrac.
Forestry mulchers do keep the hydraulics working hard. The biggest thing I found with my Bobcat's as far as keeping the hydraulic temperatures down, are to ensure the radiators and screens stay un-obstructed so the air can flow, keeping the cutter teeth serviceable, and having the right operator technique, i.e. keeping the drum RPM speed up, not bogging the drum constantly, so the hydraulic fluid can keep flowing and run through the coolers. I normally run full power for an 8-hour day when mulching, and even when the outside temp is in the 90's, my hydraulic oil temp will maintain in the 180-190 degrees range. The over-temp limit on this machine is at 230 degrees. So it handles all of the types of jobs I do for a non-dedicated machine.
Nice rig, always use proper chains and load binders. Looks like you got it covered. Good job .
Danny Black Well hey neighbor. Thanks for the good word. Just wanted to put out this video with information that might help others get started in this business, my though process and suggestions, and how to do it safely. I actually watched RUclips videos to see how truckers secure their loads with the Grade 70 transport chain and binders, and the proper and safest way to use it.
Great video. I appreciate the information
I appreciate you watching! Hope everything is going well on your farm.
Great information again. I am extremely interested in starting my own & there does not appear to be a lot of competition in my area. My biggest concern is how to find & drum up business. Money not an issue for startup. Definitely giving it some serious thought. Thx.
Thanks for commenting, Andy. The number one concern of owners for any type of business is how to find and drum up business. This question involves too many specific details related to your local area for me to give you a solid answer. A little business tool that may help you organize your thoughts that you can look up is called S.W.O.T. Analysis. Advice I can give you is to simply think like a customer who needs land clearing done. Where would you look for a land clearing person? How would you look for that service. Who could you talk to find a land clearing service. For example, home builders have to clear lots to build on. Who do they hire? How much do they charge? Finding these answers will give you your answer to how to find & drum up business in your specific area.
Andy Perrine I'd advise you to go find quite a few people who would repeatedly need this service before you buy your machine. Believe it or not bobcat rents these. Atleast the bobcat dealer I work at does.
Andy Perrine possibly contact your local municipalities and offer your services to them sorta like Asplundth does.
Andy Perrine getting business is not the problem. People will find you, especially if you have a bush hog and a few more attachments. The hardest part about starting a busniness like this is to get approved for financing. The banks who loan for $100k set ups like this require you to have 2 years of operating experience.
Great video. FYI The T770 weighs 10,500 lbs full of fuel with a standard bucket and a 140 lb operator all included in the 10500.
That’s true. My configuration in this video has a 2,200 lb mulcher on it.
Understood. I have the exact same rig. I heard you say it was about 11000 full of fuel so I was just clearing that up for your audience in case someone needs to get a trailer etc. 10,500 minus 500 cause the bucket comes off then equals 10000 plus 2200 for the cutter and a couple hundred the the mulched kit like the thicker door and roof additions for strength. Total about 12,500 lbs. full of fuel with a 140 lb operator. 140 lb operator. Don’t know who weighs that lol.
@@carlepstein2162 All good info, Carl. Thanks👍👍
I used to rent and sell bobcats. You need atleast a S700 A770 or T700 or higher with hi flow and you need the electric attachment power thing and the bullet proof cab. Most use the T870 OR s850 with metal tracks. The machine cost you around 70-90k depending on options a 870 can go over 100 if you want every option bobcat offers. The mulching heads are about another 25-30. And the teeth on that head are about 4-5k a set.
Mike Cowan Yes, all of that information is accurate. However, I buy replace carbide cutter teeth from xtremewearparts.com
They sell the carbide tooth kit for $79 per tooth, delivered. Includes 1x carbide tooth, 2x bolts, 2x washers, and 2x spacer rings. $79 X 30 teeth = $2370 total for a set of 30 teeth. Best deal I've found so far.
Thanks for this - good info!
You bet, Walter. Thanks for commenting.
What type of experience in equipment operation did you have prior to starting this business? You touched on how you got started but I may have missed you mentioning that. It appears that you purchased your equipment rather than leasing. Do you have any opinions as to the benefits/drawbacks with both options? I’m really enjoying you channel and information you’re providing us.
I'm glad you find my videos helpful. That's my goal with them, so I appreciate that.
I had no prior experience operating construction equipment prior to starting my mulching business. But, operating equipment does not intimidate me either. I also rent heavy dozers when I need to get some work done. I would say that I have a good feel and awareness of operating machinery safely since I was a helicopter pilot in the Army for many years. So I feel comfortable in machines. All new construction equipment is made to be very simple to operate. Learning how to operate it just takes a little time in it to get good at it and operate it safely.
Buying vs leasing- Generally speaking, you should always purchase things when you plan to have it for a long time, and/or put a lot of hours on it in a short amount of time.
Buying or leasing have almost the same tax write-offs, however, the big TAX advantage to buying is that you can depreciate your equipment. You can't depreciate it when you lease. Other than depreciation, the other tax write-offs are the same. On a $100,000 piece of equipment you can depreciate it over 5-years, so that's about $20,000 per year you can depreciate to offset your business income. That's huge, and its in addition to all of your other Owner-Operator costs that you can write-off.
Advantages of buying are: better tax write-offs, unlimited usage of machine, build up equity in the machine for trade-in purposes.
Disadvantages to buying: A little higher monthly loan payment, usage hours will be limited by the lease agreement, if you don't use the machine as long as you planned then there is a chance you will not be able to sell the machine for what you owe on it.
Advantages of leasing: A little lower monthly payment, when you are finished with the machine you just turn it in back to the dealer and you don't have to worry about selling it or trade-in value.
Disadvantages of leasing: You have less tax advantages than if you buy it, you are limited to a certain number of usage hours per year by the lease agreement.
There are probably a few other pro's and con's to buying or leasing, but these are the most important reasons I look at for my business when making that decision. I guess another determining factor would be a person's personal financial situation. I think leasing is less stringent on credit worthiness since you are only committed to the value of the lease term, compared to taking on a large loan where you are committed to the full amount of the loan.
Hope that answers your question.
Good luck to you.
Dave
Thank you for posting these great videos. I am starting a forestry mulching service here in central Arkansas where the topography is very much like what I’ve seen in your area so your information has been very appreciated. I have been pondering the merit of some sort of a liability waiver between myself and the client that would cover me for property damage or personal injury before performing any work along with photos and video of the area. This would be in conjunction with my normal general liability insurance. Would you be inclined to offer your thoughts on the matter and the validity of such a document.
Thank you I’m advance.
Hi Gary- I’d say your general liability insurance will be perfectly sufficient to cover any mishaps that could possibly occur on a customers property. In my experience, land-owners are a very reasonable and easy group to deal with. When I do my initial property visit with the customer to discuss the work they want done, if there is any situation that looks like I could possibly cause damage to a home/barn/shop/vehicles/over-head wires/fences/etc (from a tree falling the wrong way, or flying mulch hitting something), I will tell the customer the risk I see, and avoid that area. It’s never a problem for the customer. The vast majority of the mulching work I do is on farms, for home-owners with acreage, and lot clearing for builders. So there is a low risk to damaging anything important. I have turned down jobs where the work area was in an unsuitable area for a forestry mulcher. Mulchers will launch wood parts well over 100’, so I avoid those risks.
Good info on the trailer length, trailer weights, gooseneck, etc. You just convinced me to buy a goose neck. Thanks so much! Trying to decide between a roller type mulcher and diamond disk type. What do you think? SUPER video. You are a good man! Never thought about the gooseneck increasing the trailer max weight.
Jessica Adams Thanks for the comment.
Trailers will have a placard on them with all the weight specifications. This trailer in the video is a 20,000 lb GVWR. Trailer weight is 5400 lbs. Useable load is 14,600 lbs. This trailer was designed to transfer 20% of the weight (up to 4000 lbs) on the tongue weight of gooseneck hitch. This truck is designed to carry a max weight of 4100 lbs on the hitch. So these details have to be considered when picking the combination of equipment you'll need.
I've never used the rotary type mulcher, personally. I know operators who do. They say they have to sharpen/rotate the teeth often, and material flies out of the cutter in every direction, which they don't like. A drum mulcher just shoots material forward. Also, I've talked to customers who had a rotary mulcher on their land, and they didn't like the little stumps that a rotary mulcher leaves. A drum mulcher cuts down to the surface. This is better for livestock and mowing. I'd say the type mulcher you pick depends on the type customers you will have. Government contracts are usually ok with leaving 4" high stumps, but farmers and homeowners/landowners want things cut flush as possible.
Great video. I have a land management company as well. Tennessee Valley Land Works.
Thanks DG. I'll check out your website or Facebook and give it a thumbs up LIKE.
Here’s what I’m seeing do a flatbed swap with your truck and mount a diesel tank on the back to fill up the skid steer. And I know you probably don’t care about this but I would put some wheels and tires on your truck and tint the windows Idk I’m all about the clean ass work truck look. I would paint the diff and steering and tie rods and everything chrome and chrome mirror caps
Whit3lightning 334 Sounds good👍
Great video. Very informative. I live in Big Sandy, not far from you. I have 80 acres of woods I need to clean up. I would love a piece of equipment like that. Might be giving you a call on forestry management.
Bryan Kerr Its good to have the right equipment to maintain large pieces of land. You would definitely find this kind of machine much more useful than a tractor if you have a lot of forest. I actually bought this Bobcat with a forestry mulcher, grapple, and toothed construction bucket to work on my 54-acres of land, which was all forest. I had 30-acres clear cut logged in the summer of 2014. I used some of this money to purchase the equipment. I did all of the post logging clean-up myself, and turned the areas into pasture. This is an effective, and versatile piece of equipment. So I really enjoy helping other land-owners improve their land too.
Great advice, thanks!
You bet, Rich! Thanks for watching.
Thank you. Appreciated ya.
EDWARD RICHARDSON You be, Ed. Glad you found some helpful information in my video.
I have a Ford F750 Dump with a tow rating of 33,000 lbs. My trailer is 6400 lbs. My Takeuch Excavator weighs in just under 20000 lbs. So my trailer has a cushion of around 3500 lbs. Less if the deck is wet, and the tanks are full of fuel. I am licensed and insured for the max trailer GVWR of 30,000, and I keep up with the inspections and weigh it regularly. Most of the time once a month. And every time I haul rock or dirt. I have a folder that contains all that paperwork in the truck at all times along with my CDL logbook. All of this can be handed over to the DOT officer at his request. I am legal for VA..
You're all over it, Gary. Its always best to keep it all legal and safe!
Gross vehicle weight rating is for your truck. Your trailer is another story. You need a class B CDL to operate a truck that is rated for over 26,000 lbs. but your truck doesn’t weigh that much. You need a class A CDL to pull a trailer rated for over 10,000 lbs. You would need a CDL to legally pull your trailer empty let alone with equipment on it. I don’t agree with it, but that’s a $10,000 fine right there. Just fair warning for all who read this.
What temp do your hydraulics normally run at when mulching? 100 deg day? My T870 runs hot, Bobcat service said its okay.
My Hyd temp usually runs in the 190’s when mulching, with clean screens and radiators. On hot days, it can get into the 200-210F range. And that’s running full RPM all day mulching.
You my friend need a aux fuel tank in a bad kind of way!!!
Brad Williams Haha! I get that comment a lot. I will definitely have an aux fuel tank with an electric pump when I add an additional piece of equipment into my workflow.
Biggest reason he should get one is because that many cans of fuel in the bed would be dangerous in the event of a crash
Auxiliary fuel tanks are great as long as you maintain them and keep water and algae out. And put a good filter system on them. I like the cans myself. A little exercise and easy to maintain. Like he said, two machines it’s a given.
Any machine over 10’000 lbs needs 4 corners chained point to point. Also the attachment must be secured - can use a strap for that. Anything over 26K lbs and used for commercial haul (including skid steer for mulching) needs a CDL and DOT registration. Also an Elog with few exceptions.
All true. Thanks for your comment, Saul.
What you said ALL depends on what state you are in. In the state of Kentucky you do Not need CDL or DOT registration. It is all considered "Farm Machinery". *note* in the state of KY you do not even need tags for your trailer.
Spike Morbid have you ever been out of the state of KY?
Hey, cool video. I used to live in Clarksville and a few other towns near there. I am interested in starting a forestry mulching business. I don’t know when or if i’ll ever be able to, but I have a question. I have 3 acres partly wooded and am looking to buy 6.5 wooded acres. How do you learn or decide what trees to keep and which ones to get rid of? Is this a calculated thing or more like just kinda randomly done? Do customers mark which ones they want and don’t want? I am just interested in knowing how that all works. It would be a hard decision for me to know how much to mulch and what to leave. Of course if it’s my own land it would be easier because I could just do a little at a time.
Normally, customers will tell me to clear out everything I can within a marked work area. If there are specific trees they want to keep, then I just tell them to put some orange survey tape on them in a visible way that I can avoid those trees.
I mulch trees up to 8”-diameters. I will also try to get rid of leaning trees, dead standing trunks, broken trees, and thorn trees.
Hey man great video, very informative. I'm thinking of getting into the business but don't know how to go about purchasing my first skid steer. I'm not sure if it would best to buy a used, new or lease a skid steer.
When you are starting a new business, if you will need to finance your equipment, then the banks will use your personal financial status and credit history to get the initial loan. So that's something that will go into your considerations.
Whether you purchase new, used, or lease a machine will depend both on your financial situation, and what you determine to be the best use of your money.
You can check out my two RUclips videos on how to calculate the Owning-Operating Cost of your equipment. This O&O Cost number will give you very important information you will need in order to make an informed Go/NoGo business decision. So you will be able to input the cost of the new, used, or leased equipment, and calculate the O&O Cost of each. This will help you determine which way works best for you.
Thank you
You bet, Jim. Appreciate you watching.
Thank you Dave for a very informative video. I'm in Alaska and looking to change careers from office employee to skidsteer stuff. I'm looking at buying a JCB 3ts-8t with their forestry package. I also want to do dirt work so I'm looking at other attachments. How much did you say the trailer cost? A couple items you didn't mention, 1) did you finance everything or bought everything outright; 2) what is the hourly cost of operation; 3) what is a ballpark price you charge or how do you quote new jobs? Thank you and definitely enjoy your videos. Bill
Hey Bill- Alaska is high on my list of places to visit, by the way.
I just bought a new 2021 Kaufman Trailer for $7,100. It’s a 17,000 lb gvwr, 16’ long, tilt bed, two 8000 lb axles, diamond plate deck, spare tire, and a cast iron heavy duty hitch. Depending on the size trailer you need, a new trailer in the 16K-20K GVWR size will be in the $6000-$9000 range.
For my business situation, I financed the purchase of my machine, trailer, and truck. I of the mind that it’s better to use other peoples money to buy equipment for a business, and keep your money as reserves, and as collateral leverage for future financing.
The hourly cost of operation will depend on your specific equipment, insurance costs, etc, etc. I have two RUclips videos posted that explain in detail how to calculate your specific Owning-Operating Cost for equipment.
I currently (FY2021) charge $175 per hour in my market area 45 miles nw of Nashville, Tennessee. Skid steer sized Mulcher machines generally charge in the $150-$250 per hour, depending on market location in the US.
As far as quoting jobs, for my business customers, I give estimates by the cost per acre, and an estimate for the total job cost. I base my time/cost estimates based on an acre (aka square footage). From my experience, when I look at the type of material, density of material, and the terrain, then I know how many hours per acre it will take me to mulch 1-acre (43,560 SF) of those given conditions. Then I multiply these hours by the number of acres the customer says they have. If they have no idea, I use a laser range finder to get some rough distances to calculate square footage. Giving an estimate manages my risk of under-quoting, and the customers risk of me over-quoting a job.
This is how I do it, for my specific situation.
@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 thanks for the information. Come on up to Alaska, it's amazing up here.
Thanks Dave. Just what I was looking for. Down to earth info on starting up a mulching business.
Question: Did have years when you started out that you didn't break even and took a loss?
@clevinger forestry services, llc I just noticed you haven't made any new videos in about a year, I hope everything is OK.
@@MyAlaska12 Thanks for asking! Everything going well here, I just have gotten away from making videos since it was getting very involved and time consuming. Not in videos for the money. Just to attract customers.
It's 26,000 lbs. 26,oo1 you need a commercial license, at least in CA.
Yes, this has been clarified many times in the comments below👍
Most trailer manufacturers list their trailer weights as a gross weight not payload. That means you have to subtract your equipment weight from the gross weight. A 25' gooseneck probably weighs north of 5000lbs. In my state, the DOT only cares about the 26000 number. But if you are in an accident and someone gets hurt or killed, the lawyers will be all over whether or not you were operating by the manufacture weights. If not, you in big trouble. Not to mention your insurance will most likely say "sorry, you were operating negligent since you were not adhering to the manufacture weights", you are not covered for this accident since you were acting negligent. Now it really gets ugly.
Instead of using a regular pickup, the better choice is to buy a F650 or similar dump truck for half the price and double the tow weight of a pickup and get a CDL. A F650 has a 26000GVW limit and a CGVW with a trailer of 40000lbs as an example. Its unfortunate that the skid steers with forestry attachments are so heavy, it just makes it very difficult to tow with a truck legally. I see all kinds of crazy things going on in my area. Like towing a CAT 308 excavator with a F450 on a tag along trailer. He is so far over weight its crazy. Im sure he has a CDL and thinks he is cool doing that. If he ever kills someone because it comes loose or won't stop it won't be cool anymore.
If you pull a bigger skid steer with anything attached to it on a tag along trailer you are most likely over the tow limit of most pickups. The tag along and gooseneck tow weights are not the same. You can quickly google your particular truck on the manufacturer web site and see exactly what you are legal to haul/tow. Don't listen to any salesperson about that, do your own research.
We all know these trucks will pull more weight than advertised and most of us has done it more than once, me included. But I don't do it any more, there is just too much to loose by doing it and screwing up.
Good videos, keep em coming.
Let's Dig One- That's great information to put out here for everyone. Thanks.
You're right about the gross weight ratings for trailers. To make it clear for people: A trailer that is rated at 15,000 lbs, and that weighs say 3500 lbs, can carry a useful load of up to 11,500 lbs safely.
If you are buying a used trailer, you definitely have to know what its designed GVWR is. (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) I wouldn't recommend going by the weights that the previous owner said he hauled on it. This doesn't keep you out of trouble if he was wrong. Keeping it legal helps you keep it safe.
Was it very challenging to go out and find work, or keep your self busy? That’s the only thing that scares me about jumping into that side of the business
Hey Hoosier- No, I would actually say that it was surprising easy to find customers. I originally bought my equipment 4-years ago to maintain my farm. I used my mulcher on my farm for about 1-month, then invited a couple of farm-owning neighbors over to see what it could do. They both immediately asked me to come over to their farms to do work, and we discussed the time/resource savings of this machine. So I knew their would be demand out there. Most potential customers do not know that this forestry mulching capability exists. So my best advice would be to make yourself known, and findable, in your local market area. Best way to do that is to have an online presence. Second best way is to do traditional advertising locally.
You must have a CDL if your combined weight is more than 26k or your trailer is in excess of 10k or some combination thereof.
TruckerPhilosophy An A57 is probably what's needed for this set up.
you scared the crap out of me as i was looking into getting a 14K gvw trailer and don't have a CDL. this varied from state to state, and MOST states don't require you to have a CDL if your pickup and trailer gross combines are under 26K. in north dakota where im from they go even further and if your truck is 26K or under, and your trailer is under 10K ....36K combined, you STILL don't need a CDL. love living in back woods state.
The 10k trailer rule is only to determine if you need a cdl A or B license. Under 26k is no cdl in every state except California.
@@TERRORoftheLORD correct
How easy is it to change the forestry attachment with the grapple and bucket? Also how do you load it on the trailer do you have additional equipment?
All skid steers are made to easily switch between attachments. Just takes 2-3 minutes. The hydraulic lines have quick-disconnects that connect to the machine.
This trailer has a 20’ long flat deck, so there is room to side load a bucket or grapple onto the front of the trailer with the skid steer, then attach the forestry mulcher on to the skid steer and drive it up on to the trailer. No additional equipment or tools are required.
Hey bud I watch your videos a bunch and you're the most informative I've seen on RUclips. And responsive! I need some advice, or direction. I'm hoping you won't mind helping me. I'm wanting to buy a lamtrac and Denis cimaf head. I don't really know how to put a business plan together to get a business start up loan. Do you have any suggestions? How did you get yours started? I have a bunch of people wanting work. I've been running my friend's mulcher. I need to make the money and build for my family now. What all do I need to do to get a start up loan? I'll probably need 150k for a 2017 with head. Any suggestions or advice?
Richard Andrews Getting financing for a new sole-proprietor business will depend primarily on your personal credit history, down-payment, and/or collateral. That's just the reality of lending institutions.
But to have the information and data needed for you to make a Go/NoGo decision on whether or not a business will be viable for your given circumstances, that will take two things- 1) thinking through exactly what you want your business plan to be, , and 2) calculating and understanding exactly what your Owner-Operator Cost will be for a specific set of equipment.
You can find the general layout for the information required for a Business Plan in many places on the Internet. A business plan will focus your ideas, and is a way to clearly show the data behind why your business can be successful to a potential lender.
I posted two videos on how to calculate Owner-Operator Cost of a piece of equipment. Use that to calculate the costs for your specific equipment. Once you know this O&O Cost, you add any overhead cost, plus % profit, to arrive at a total cost per hour you need to charge a customer. If this cost-per-hour is within the acceptable price range that customers in your area are willing to pay for your service, then this is the information you use to make a Go/NoGo business decision to move forward with purchasing equipment or not. It takes doing your research of these items, but this is my best advice to you in starting up a new business. This is exactly how I started my business in 2014, and I'm still going strong.
@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 thank you so much. Just the information I needed! I knew you would have the most relatable advise. I will watch your videos again a few more times. Kind of a daunting task putting this together. I know I can make it if I can get my plan on paper. I just don't recall them teaching this stuff in school.
Richard Andrews Just takes a little homework and due diligence.
If it was easy, everyone would be running their own businesses.
@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 very true!
Do you have any overheating problems? I just got a t770 and using the dealers head for first few jobs
I don't have any over-heating problems with my T770. But two things will cause over-heating: 1) the airflow going into the engine bay has to be clear of debris. This includes on top of the radiators and between the radiators, 2) the mulcher teeth have to be relatively sharp, and not blunt stubs, 3) avoid constantly bogging down the drum RPM to a stop, and don't bog it down over long periods of time, such as trying to mulch a 24" stump. Keeping the air inlets and radiators clear of debris is the most important thing to look for.
Dave , I live in Clarksville , Tn. too
Very nice video’s. I appreciate all of your sharing of knowledge. I’ve seen it listed or spoken elsewhere, but I can’t seem to find it. What option package, joystick controls, ride control, etc and possible accessories do you have with your 770? I’m looking at this model very closely for a possible purchase in the near future. Anything you wish you would have done different or might do different on the next machine? If this is listed elsewhere, please send me the right direction so you don’t have to repeat yourself. Thanks again for any input.
Travis Higday I wouldn't do anything differently with the machine or options I am using. This is my second T770. It has the A91 options package, which is loaded. It is a 92HP machine. High flow hydraulics. SJC selectable joystick controls. Advanced display control screen. Hydraulic quick-attach. AC/heat. Automatic load ride control. 18" tracks. 2-speed travel. Air ride seat. Radio. Reversing air-cooler fan on engine. Sound-proofed cab. And of course it has the Forestry Protection Kit, which includes a 3/4" polycarbonate glass windshield. Safety interlocks in the door. Fire extinguisher. FOPS/ROPS. Side window protective grills. Light protective grills. A better air intake grill screen. A hardened exhaust pipe. And most importantly it has the entire engine compartment openings sealed with canvass covers and thick rubber seals to keep debris out of the engine compartment.
I heard that now Bobcat doesn't sell the whole A91 package bundled with all the available options. I believe they now offer an A71 package that includes the essential options, but if you want things like air-ride seat, radio, reversible fan, then you just have to add those options.
Clevinger Forest Services, LLC Thank you for your detailed response.
Travis Higday Anytime, Travis.
Excellent video. Would you recommend this skid steer for jobs over 50 acres?
Hi Emanuel- A skid steer sized Mulcher can handle 50 acres, yes. My biggest job was 24 acres on a farm field with 10 years of over-growth. I cleared 3-4 acres per 8 hour day with this size and density of material. But there is some point where using a larger machine will get larger areas done in less time and be more cost effective.
You need a cdl to run this setup if you are over 26,000 lbs on any state in the us
True statement. That has been covered many times here in the comments. 26,001 lbs is the magic number.
You can get a non cdl A license, I live in NC and got pulled over with same setup but it was a tractor and got a 400 dollar ticket bc I was just runing a regular class c license... dmv guy said I need a class A non cdl to run that setup. I've heard alot of different things but thats what I got the ticket for. Nc. Officer's are Jerks anyways but good luck
You can put 20’ of equipment on a 30’ trailer but not 30’ of equipment on a 20’. I regret my two 20’+5 trailers. Would have gone bigger if possible.
Yes, it can be hard predicting all of your future uses when selecting a trailer. This 20+5 gooseneck turned out to be too much trailer for my normal usage. I down-sized to a 17’ tilt-bed. 99% of my hauling was only the Bobcat w/mulcher attached.
what do you think about starting out with a standard flow head/machine? i am looking to get into the industry and figure i wouldnt be getting larger scale jobs at first. Does this seem like viable option, or would i be wasting my time?
I don’t have any experience using a standard flow machine & mulcher head, so I don’t have an answer for you.
Great video !! I’m in Québec near Ottawa thanks!!!
It’s going to be my next career
Thank you, Alex! Hope you found my video informational. By the way, I always found Canada to be very beautiful when I would go fishing there in the summers when I was a kid. I have to make it back for a visit soon.
There is always a demand for this business. Land-owners always need their vegetation managed.
Awesomely video!!
Thank, Larry! I appreciate you watching.
Very helpful
Burns Farm Always good to here some information in my videos is helpful and useful to viewers👍
Do you need high flow hydraulics to run a disc mulched or any type of mulched? Or would a cat 289d handle it fine?
Drum mulchers for skid-steers do require high-flow hydraulics, since they need a minimum hyd GPM flow and PSI to power the RPM's of the drum. Hydraulic "horsepower" is a function of GPM flow and hyd PSI to the drum's drive motor. Different mulcher heads have different requirements, so you'd have to ask the dealer of the specific mulcher head that you want to use if the Cat 289d specs will work.
I don't use disk mulchers, so I won't speak to that part.
Great information dave, was wondering do you charge by the hour or per acre and how much do you charge? thanks
sill tadorio Hi Sill- When I meet with customers and look at their job, I give them a cost estimate, normally by the acre. But when I do the work, I work by the hour. I do this so customers have a ballpark price of the work they want done, but since most customers do not know the exact size of the area, I do the work by the hour to protect myself. Customers find this to be fair. Otherwise, without knowing the exact size of the area, I would have to over-estimate the cost to account for any mis-calculations, and give the customer a higher job cost or day rate. Although, you can potentially have much higher profit margins by giving day rates or quoting by the job. I'm comfortable pricing the way I do. But a business operator can choose any way they feel works best for them.
You said something at the beginning of the video that struck me. You mentioned getting into forestry mulching because maybe you're wanting a career change....that's exactly the situation I'm in. What did you do before you started your business? Just curious because I'm in an office setting, work shift work around the clock and want to do something working for myself outside enjoying the great outdoors. I've operated lots of equipment but I've never done tree work, drainage work etc. I feel like forestry mulching is definitely something I can ease into and become really good at but I was just curious about your background and what your learning curves were.
Brandon Saccaro I spent 26 years, 7 months, and 11 days in the military as an aviator. I flew helicopters. UH-1, UH-60, and UH-72. I was also a maintenance officer, test pilot, and Government Flight Representative certified. Have degree in engineering and Professional Aeronautics. After retiring from the military, I worked for a civilian company, wearing a suit everyday, as an Operations Manager managing about $100 million in government contracts the company had training Air Force pilots in several different Air Force aircraft. My legs use to go numb sitting at my desk in my my office that had a great view. But this wasn't making me happy. And I had a big dry cleaning bill. So I bought a farm in Tennessee and wanted to have my own business in something. I bought my equipment to work on my farm, and I knew other land owners would need this forestry mulching/clearing service, so I built a website on GoDaddy.com and advertised on Craigslist. I started getting customer calls a few days after going live with my website ( cfsmulching.com ) That was over 4-1/2 years ago. Been going strong ever since. I have flexibility and control of my life, meet great people, run my own business, work in the forest, provide a great service to customers at a great price, and I get a lot of personal satisfaction and sense of accomplishment from my work. That's my background in a nutshell.
Thank you for you service first of all, and for the quick reply! Hearing your background gets me even more excited to do this...scary...but exciting. I’m in a similar situation except I’m mid-career and I have little ones so the insurance and retirement benefits that I have now make it a difficult decision. Luckily my wife is in school and only has a year left. She’ll be the bread winner soon so I’ll be in a better situation in a year and I’m taking the leap! Thank you again! In the meantime I’ll start working on a website, making contacts and getting a feel for my market.
Brandon Saccaro You always have to make decisions based on what is best for your family.
You can do business planning and calculate your Owner-Operating Cost, break-even-points, project revenue and profit, etc and have a very informed basis to make a Go/NoGo business decision, without taking any financial risk. This is the best way to move forward, with any type of business.
@@brandonsaccaro4087 I'm in the same boat but I got scared off by the insurance needed on the truck, trailer, machine, and the biz itself. Then there's keeping everything somewhere and having a shop, tools, etc.. A lot of these guys have their own couple of acres. I"m in the burbs, lol.
Clevinger Forest Services, LLC wow that’s a very impressive work history , I thank you for your service also. I just wanted to let you know I started a successful window tinting buissness back in 1993. And now 27 years later sold that buissness and using your valuable informational videos to help me decide to how to get this business started in my area , Oregon. This is just a thank you for your videos as it is helpful to me and respect your thoroughness. Take care Mr.T
👍🏼
Wonder if you think a 20' deck is enough after using it for a while (Bobcat & mulcher, plus two side loaded buckets/claw). I'm probably going to do the same. A 24' deck would be nice (24+5' dovetail), but then you have much more issues with parking, roads with a tight turn radius, etc. If you think 20' deck + 5' dovetail is plenty, then please let us know!
Jessica Adams Hi Jessica- The trailer in this video has a 20' with 5' dovetail. My bucket is 80" wide, and the grapple is 78" wide. So when I side load these items against the front of the trailer deck, they will use up about 6.5 feet of the 20' deck. I pull the bobcat with mulcher onto the deck right up to the bucket end until they touch. This all fits perfectly. The center-of-gravity of the machine is centered between the axles, and the back end of the machine has about 6" of flat deck left behind it.
So if you plan on carrying a bucket/grapple to job sites, then this is the minimum size trailer it will fit on. If you aren't going to carry extra attachments, then you can go down to a 15' flat deck. A smaller trailer will reduce the towing weight, and also be a little more maneuverable. 90% of my jobs I do not carry extra attachments and I wish I had a shorter trailer. But I went with the 20'+5' to cover the full capabilities of what I advertise for.
I have a 20'+5' 14k, and a 25'+5' 22k. I don't notice the difference. I'd say if you have ONE option, I've never heard anyone say they wanted a smaller gooseneck.
@@fiveoaksfarmofgeorgia7605 I agree. I have the same setups as you. I agree you need a 24k for this.
I know this video is old but I have to ask, why so much fuel? I used a bobcat for 10 hours and only used 7 gallons (Diesel).
7 gallons of fuel in 10 hours? Did you have the machine turned on? This machine burns 2.1 gallons per hour idling at 1100 RPM. I'd say you miscalculated.
Usually anything over 26k pounds requires a CDL
That is a true statement. 26,001 lbs and over combined gross vehicle weight rating requires a CDL to drive it.
Let me ask you. That trailer you have. Is the axles 10,000 each. And do you got to have a cdl to pull it ? I'm looking for one just like it but I'm hearing if it's 10,000 pound axles you have to have a cdl
You will need a CDL if the combination of your trailer GVWR and truck GVWR is over 26,000 lbs. The GVWR are found on the placards on the trailer, and inside the drivers door of the truck.
I was over 26,000 lbs with this trailer and my truck combination. The trailer in this video was a 20,000 lb GVWR, and my Ram 3500 has a GVWR of 9,600 lbs. This trailer was a 25’ gooseneck (20’ flat deck + 5’ dovetail). It had two 8,000 lb axles. The trailer itself weighed 6,100 lbs, and had a useable load weight of 13,900 lbs. The manufacturer says that 20% of the weight is carried by the truck on the gooseneck, so the two 8,000 lbs axles handled the rest of the 16,000 lbs. I originally bought this trailer so I could fit my Bobcat w/mulcher, and would still have room to side-load a grapple and/or bucket, and it could handle the the weight of the 13,000 lbs of equipment. I sold this trailer a few years ago since I was operating over 26,000 lbs and I found that I never needed extra attachments for jobs I was doing. I instead now use a Kaufman 16’ tilt deck that is designed as a 17,000 lb GVWR w/two 8K axles, and the de-rated the placard to 14,000 lb GVWR. So I’m under the 26,000 lb CDL requirement. I just didn’t need the extra headache for my small operation. But if you need to haul more weight then it’s definitely worth getting a CDL.
@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 thanks.
Since you’re probably over 26,000lbs gross combined, do you need a commercial license? Also do you need to run an ELD? Or stop at truck inspections?
You are correct, if your truck and trailer have a combined gross vehicle weight rating over 26,000 lbs, then you are required to have a CDL. I made this video a few years ago, and have since down-sized my trailer from this 25' gooseneck down to a 16' skidsteer trailer that put my combined GVWR under 26K, so I don't have to deal with the CDL requirements.
What brand and axle set-up did you go with for your new trailer?
Hi there, very good video, thanks a lot! I´m from Chile and im very interested in the business. and i have 2 questions. 1st , how many hours do the teeth last, and 2nd, how many acrees can you clean in a day. cheers!!
Hi victor- I run carbide teeth on my machine, and they last for an average of 300 hours. I operate in soil that’s mostly cherty/rocky. I’ve gotten as much as 400 hours on a set, but it really depends on the soil conditions of the jobs.
These skidsteer size machines can clear about 1.5 acres in 8 hours of brush and hardwood trees up to 8” diameters, when the material is average density, and the terrain is reasonably level.
@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 how much hidraulic oil does the tank make? and how often do you replace it?
@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 and how often do you replace the ruber trucks in mulching work, thanks a lot
I'm looking to start a clearing business. How did you get financing for the equipment? I have good credit personally but how do you get financing for a business before it is up and running?
Ajdruck For any new start up business, the only way to get financing using the business (with no business credit history) is to write a solid, financially sound, Business Plan, that a bank or private investor will get behind and loan you the money for equipment.
If you don't have that bullet proof business plan, then your only choice is to use your personal credit history and financial situation to get a loan to finance your equipment purchase. If you buy your equipment through a dealer, they have banks that finance heavy equipment, and will give you longer term loans, compared to a 1-3 year personal loan. Once you're in business, with a dedicated business bank account and business tax returns that show revenues, cash flows, and assets, then in the future you can use these to acquire and establish business credit for future uses.
These are the only options I know of to finance a new business.
Clevinger Forest Services, LLC thank you! This helps a lot.
Man o man have prices on equipment trucks and trailers gone up!
Yes, it is ridiculous how fast prices have gone up. High inflation and interest rates are not helping the matter, either.
I currently am interested in getting into the land clearing business, I have a truck and I know how to operate a skid steer. How can I get started.
The biggest hurdle to getting started in the mulching business is the initial cost of purchasing all of the equipment and support tools you’ll need. It’s best to know if your business will be financially viable BEFORE you get financially committed. This takes research. The first step I’d recommend is to watch the two other videos on my channel explaining how to calculate Owning & Operating Cost for your equipment. After you know this hourly cost, you see if you will be cost competitive in your market area, and you can figure the amount of hours you will need to bill/achieve to meet your financial goals for revenue and profit margin.
Going through the items in the Owning-Operating Cost worksheet also gives you a road-map of items to research.
Do you have any other videos that discusses how much work you get and distance you normally travel to a job?
Ric- There are tons of comments, questions, and answers in the comment section for all of my videos. How much work is there out there is a popular question. I think after you subscribe you'll see all of my videos on my channel in your subscriptions. Lots of good info in there.
I actually keep the stats on travel distance to my customers jobsites. My customers are an average of 34 miles from my shop.
How much work my business gets is a proprietary issue, and is not really helpful to anyone unless we just happened to have the same business plan and revenue goals. I can say that I stay busy consistently (not necessarily evenly) throughout the year, and I have met my business revenue goals for the last 3-1/2 years.
Did you have some sort of a customer base built up before you went out and bought your machine?
No, I didn't. I actually bought this equipment to work on my own land since it is the perfect tool for my needs. When my neighbors, who also own farm and woodlands, saw what I was doing, they all asked me if I could do some work on their land. This is basically how I got started in the forestry mulching business, full time, in 2014. There was a lot of demand out there, and most land-owners did not know that this capability existed out there. But I'm also a little bit of a risk-taker who knows about risk management.
How can you have a 20,000lb trailer, that has two 8000lb axles?? Your axles are what rates the trailer. I have a 40ft gooseneck with two 12,000lb axles, but the trailer capacity for actual cargo is 16,500, as you must include the weight of trailer in the total gross weight. You should check your trailers actual carrying weight, it sounds like you are actually overloading your trailer, if all what you said is true.
Clevinger Forest Services, LLC ok, the DOT is pretty rough here, my sticker on my trailer says to never excede 16,500, payload on trailer, they would go by that sticker here, and that if you go over 10,000lb you have to have a medical card to drive a straight truck, over 10k, but under 26k, but when it comes to truck and trailer combination anything over 10k capacity on the trailer requires a CDL here. My friend in landscaping, has had to deal with this issue.
I am in Arkansas here.
rustys dirtworks This CDL issue has gotten lots of comments on this video. It's a situation that many people, including me, are not clear on, even after reading my state's DOT website requirement and talking to a law enforcement person at the drivers license testing DMV. Everyone driving any truck bigger than a pick-up truck, or towing some kind of trailer that has a placard GVWR weight over 10,000 lbs, both hauling trailers and campers, should check with their state DOT for their specific set-up to see if a CDL is required.
Clevinger Forest Services, LLC agreed, seems like there is difference from state to state
Sorry to keep asking questions but when you had a 25' trailer did you have to have a DOT number since you had to have CDL ? Because I hear In order not to have a DOT number you have to put not for higher which is what you don't want to do if you're trying to get business
When I had my 25’, 20K GVWR trailer I never had a CDL. When I started in business I read the state transportation office requirements and it wasn’t clear to me if I needed a CDL. I went to our local DMV and talked with a police officer there, and she didn’t know exactly and just handed me a testing pamphlet, and I also talked with a county sheriff deputy and he didn’t know. So I figured if it’s that vague to law enforcement in my area, I was probably ok. And there are thousands of contractors in my town pulling equipment trailers with no DOT numbers. After being in business 6 years, I was stopped by a State Trooper and he inspected me. We had a conversation about how confusing the requirements are. He told me he was actually an instructor on DOT inspection requirements. He didn’t ticket me. He told me to finish the job I was going to and to not use that trailer again until I got a CDL. So instead of a CDL, I just bought a smaller trailer which was all I needed. I never went through a CDL class so I don’t know what the DOT requirement for numbers is.
If you're operating a vehicle commercially, and its GVWR, GCWR, GVW, or GCW (whatever one is GREATER) is equal to or greater than 10,001 lbs., you need DOT numbers. If your less than 10,001 lbs., you do not need DOT numbers. If you stay within your state borders, you need a state DOT number. If you cross state borders, you need a federal USDOT number.
If you're operating a vehicle commercially, and its GVWR, GCWR, GVW, or GCW (whatever one is greater) is equal to or greater than 26,001 lbs., you need a CDL. If your less than 26,001 lbs., you do not need a CDL.
"For Hire" motor carriers are known as common carriers, and transport other people's property for compensation.
"Not For Hire" motor carriers are known as private carriers, and transport ONLY their own property, and cannot transport other people's property for compensation.
"For Hire" and "Not For Hire" is only a reference for transportation of the freight.
Dave is "Not For Hire".
@@nighted7421 Great answer, Nighted! I wish I could put your description at the top of the comment section so everyone would read it and stop asking me CDL questions. 🤙
@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 Not a problem Dave. Figured I could give a descriptive answer in hopes people would read it and not ask you redundant questions. I've been doing very thorough research and planning to get my own operation off the ground. For me it has taken a lot of brainstorming, thinking, and reading to make it all come together.
@@nighted7421 Right on brother🤙
Great video but there isnt a chance in hell that dodge weighs 9000lbs .the gvwr is mire than likely 9900 so you would only leagally be allowed to carry 900lbs in the bed of a 3/4 or 1 ton diesel that would be ridiculous !!! Im trying to get a mulching machine now but they are crazy expensive used its almost easier to buy new
did you look into the Fecon or one of the Mulching product manufacturer
Travis Fitzpatrick Hi Travis- The mulcher I use is made by Fecon for Bobcat. I bought this one with my machine so it would be covered under the Bobcat maintenance warranty. I didn't consider other brands at the time, but I might take a look at the CIMAF head to see what its capability and operator costs work out to be.
I have a 315 c caterpillar mulcher for sale it was my fathers 2018 mulcher it interested let me know promise you wont be disappointed i have a ton of pics. Willing to bring it to you
That is a CDL set up. It will be an expensive lesson..26k combined weight is the cutoff for CDL territory. That trailer is overloaded with all your gear on it
And he also needs a DOT number since hes using his over 10k GVWR truck in commercial service.
The trailer wasn’t over-loaded. The CDL issue has been talked about 5000 times already in this comment section, and solved. Let me know what the Useable Load Weight of my trailer is, and the total weight of the equipment I have loaded on it. Unless you know my specs, don’t leave dumb-ass accusations on my site.
What about a wheel loader to do mulching..? I was considering using a compact wheel loader to do land clearing... I dislike the skid steers, having to climb out and over the cutter head isn't for me...
I guess a compact wheel loader would work fine. There are the industrial sized mulching outfits that use wheeled loader, like a Tigercat M718E, which is wheeled. www.tigercat.com/products/mulchers/
The problem with a wheel loader versus a skid steer or a track loader is maneuverability for one. A track loader will beat you hands down when you are going back and forth and making changes in direction. Secondly, in the field, those tires become a liability for puncture compared to a tracked machine. All that mulched wood is sharp and punctures are many. Last time I checked the big tires on a large machine are EXPENSIVE.
Try a Deere 324K, get it with high flow but also creep control.
How would you go about testing the area in which you live to see if this kind of business would be profitable or not? Thanks
kevin litton There is risk involved when starting ANY type of business. The right way to navigate the business decision making process is to manage those risks. Two things to do are 1) figure out you Owner-Operator Cost, and 2) research your local area for other land clearing businesses.
Knowing Your Owner-Operator Cost will tell you the cost-per-hour you need to charge to ensure your equipment expenses will be paid for. Then you add your profit margin % on top of this O-O Cost. This total cost-per-hour is the price you will have to charge per hour to ensure that your equipment costs and profit will be made for each hour you work. You will use this cost-per-hour to compare it to the prices being charged by other businesses who do land clearing, bush-hoofing, etc. If your prices are competitive with others, then this will tell you if you will be competitive with pricing. If you're costs are not competitive, then the right business decision would be to see how you can lower your costs, or to not enter this business. This is called risk management.
Assuming you are living in an area that has trees and brush, then you have to research how people get their land cleared now. Methods to clear land include forestry mulchers, bush-hogging, dozers, and excavators. You should figure out how much these types of equipment charge per hour to clear land. If there are a lot of businesses offering bush-hogging in your area, then that is a good sign that there will be a lot of demand for forestry mulching. Expect your service operating area to be out to about 60-70 miles from your location.
Clevinger Forest Services, LLC thank you for the information and advice.
@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 Well said man. Very nice.
how do those forestry heads hold up to rocks ? thanks for the vid
Mike labushesky Carbide teeth are the best and most durable teeth to use in cherty/rocky soil. They will not get damaged by most types of rocks, but stone such as limestone will wear the tooth edge off in just a few seconds of contact.
What type of licensing is required to operate this business in Florida?
I don’t know about Florida requirements, but here in Tennessee I just need a standard business license for tax purposes.
how is it loading the machine on that trailer, specifically driving it on versus backing on. Does it get a little back heavy or is the incline of the dovetail and ramps low enough to not be noticeable. I am looking for a different trailer for our cat 299. Was thinking tilt trailer because I haven’t found a gooseneck I would feel comfortable driving the machine on. Could always back on but that’s a pain. Also putting finishing touches on starting my own mulching business here in central IL. How did you go about getting work lined up. I am trying to supplement my farming income and would like to have enough jobs lined up before I lease a machine to cover the payment. Have a few jobs ready for some of my landlords but would definitely like more. I have mentioned it to people and the first thing they say is what’s a forestry mulcher? I have to explain what it is then I get a “that sounds like a good idea l”
Really enjoy your videos.
john schoon This trailer with a dovetail and 6' ramps is completely fine driving this machine on/off. You definitely should always have an attachment on the machine when on the ramps though. This forestry mulcher head weighs 2200 lbs, so it provides plenty of counter-balance. I have moved the machine on/off the trailer with NO attachment hooked up, and in those cases I backed up the ramps onto the trailer. Can't see any part of the trailer so it's done blind. Not fun.
A tilt trailer would be very convenient.
Very few land-owners know that forestry mulchers exist. But once they see them in action, they love them.
When I started my business, to get customers, I built a website using GoDaddy, and I put an add on my local Craigslist under Services Offered under Farm & Garden. I started getting calls the first week I went hot with my website. I've since got a business Facebook and RUclips channel going. You want to be found online when people search for this. Now, I get customers finding me through Word-of-Mouth, RUclips, website, repeat customers, and Facebook. I don't even use Craigslist anymore, and haven't needed to advertise in any other way. But getting the word out that your service exists is extremely important, so have a well developed marketing plan and do whatever you need to do.
Clevinger Forest Services, LLC thanks for the advice. Do you drive the machine on the trailer with just the construction bucket alright? I do like the idea of a gooseneck like yours as I could use it for other things like hauling hay etc. I also thought of a low dump trailer and use it to haul rock and use the CTL to spread it for customers. I am currently in the process of getting a website going thru go daddy for my farm operation as well as what I am calling “land management “. I am also going to offer skid loader services in general in the beginning to just get the work going. I am also going to get some business cards with vistaprint but cannot decide on a design. They have a few with tractors but none with CTLs let alone mulching heads. I have a bulldozer and backhoe so am very fluent with operating but I really feel forestry mulching is the best way to clear brush. When I bulldoze it ends up being more dirt work time than anything because I always have to dress up the root holes and track divets. Thanks for taking the time to respond to your viewers and keep the great videos coming 👍
john schoon A gooseneck dump trailer is a good versatile option if you plan on also doing hauling. People that have dump trailers also transport their equipment in them. Just ensure you check the internal width of the dump trailer will be wide enough to fit the CTL you choose.
Yes, I drive my machine up my ramps with a bucket attached, no problem. It sounds like you'll have all the equipment you'll need to do all kinds of land management services. A grapple for the CTL comes in handy too, for moving larger cut trees.
Tracked skidsteer are extremely stable I can't see where those ramps would cause any issues for that machine with or without an attachment on the front. I wouldn't think twice. I had a Deer CT 332 That thing was awesome I worked on a job once in a backyard with a bunch of retaining walls, who ever built the wall didn't compat the back fill. Machine ended up sinking and eventually falling down a 4 foot wall didn't tip but WOW talk about crazy angles. Took a 1/2 day to get out... but the path out was crazy steep, side angle slipping the entire way.
Point being everything you know and see about the rubber tired machine being tippy and bouncy is the opposite to the tracked machines . You will tap out way before the machine is unstable. And if you have a heavy attachment on the front, driving up hill or backing down I bet you could safely do it up until you lost traction
Ive got the exact same truck, it only weighs 7780lbs
Sicktrickintuner- Guys I better go on a diet then. Lol! Weights sound close enough. I ran over the scales at a recycling place. On the way out the exit weight was 8950 lbs. Me and a fat buddy were in the truck, all my tools, full gas, and truck options might be a little different, etc.