Best Equipment to Clear Land
Using the best equipment for clearing land is important, regardless of land size. The right machines can be useful while preparing the land for farming and construction or enhancing the appeal of the landscapes. Due to technological advancements, various equipment is available for the land-clearing process. Each equipment has its purpose in clearing tasks. There are also specialized attachments available to make the job easier. In this article, we will explore the best equipment to clear land and the attachments. Let’s get started!
Things to Consider for a Land-Clearing Job
Before starting the land clearing job, prepare by asking some questions so that you can find the best equipment to do the job.
- What is the best type of machine I can use to do my job easily?
- Is there any requirement for a permit to clear the land?
- What materials do you need to clear at the job site?
- What types of trees do you need to clear, and what extra equipment do you need?
- What is the terrain of the land at the job site?
You will also have to consider some additional factors like:
- Durability of the equipment
- Maintenance
- Fuel efficiency
- Capability of the machine
- Performance
Best Types of Land-Clearing Machines
Skid Steer Loaders
Skid steers are always the best choice for any work. Their compact size makes it easier to work in compact areas. Due to technical advancements, the equipment has become more powerful, regardless of size. When they are properly attached, they can be used for brush cutting, mowing and mulching, stump removal, small tree cutting and grinding, rock removal, and levelling the land.
Backhoe Loaders
A backhoe loader is equipped with the power of a wheel loader with a backhoe arm. It is an all-in-one machine with the capabilities of a tractor, excavator and wheel loader. It is the most commonly used machine in construction, land clearing, and many other challenging jobs. A backhoe loader has two small front wheels and larger back wheels. It has a stabilizer at the rear end to prevent tipping. It has a front bucket and a rear backhoe. Some attachments can be fitted to make mowing, brush cutting, and uprooting trees easy.
Compact Track Loaders
These are similar to skid steers, but they have track loaders. A compact track loader is the best option if you are working in muddy or swampy areas. It has rubber-coated suspension parts, which make it easier to navigate challenging terrains and avoid wear and tear. A compact track loader can clear small trees, brush, dig, and backfill even in soft, mushy areas. Similar to a skid steer, it is compatible with various attachments, which makes several jobs easier.
Wheel Loaders
Wheel loaders are used to clear medium to large-sized areas with hard and compact soil. They are comparatively bigger than skid steers and are also available in compact sizes. Even though wheel loaders are larger, most people assume that they have less fuel efficiency, but they have greater fuel efficiency with high performance.
It comes with a stock bucket at the front that is commonly used for debris movement, backfilling, and ground levelling. Attachments can also convert a wheel loader into land-clearing equipment, which removes brush, trees, and mulch.
Bulldozers
Bulldozers are large equipment used for land clearing, especially in dense forests and rocky and sloped terrains. They often come in various sizes, but the bigger the equipment, the more power and efficiency it provides. At the same time, the compact ones offer speed and movement. They have a large front arm and heavy tracks that are helpful for driving them in dense forests. Apart from just pushing trees, bulldozers can dig rock and debris from the ground and rip the ground with their ripper claws.
Tractors
Tractors are used for site preparation in large and flat terrain. They easily remove any obstructions at the job site. Like any land-clearing machine, tractors also have a set of attachments for land-clearing. A bucket or grapple on a site prep tractor can carry away leftover branches and debris, while a mulcher can turn it into a layer of soil cover. Site prep tractors can be used for many different jobs.
Brush Chippers
During land-clearing projects, you will look for equipment that can process large quantities of brush and trees. After you have cut the trees and brush, dump them in the brush chippers to reduce the volume into chips. Brush chippers save you a lot of time by chipping large branches and small trees. They do not require any extra attachments.
Types of Land Clearing Attachments
We have mentioned earlier that equipment needs attachments for land-clearing jobs. So, choosing the right attachment is crucial to complete the job more efficiently. Below, we have mentioned some of the most commonly used land-clearing attachments for your reference:
Mulchers
After cutting brush or trimming trees, a lot of debris is left behind. Instead of removing the large, heavy pieces, you can mulch them. Mulching can turn into natural material that helps feed the soil. A good mulcher attachment improves the soil and makes your land-clearing work easier.
Grapples
A regular bucket may not be useful in scooping rocks, debris, or trees. In fact, they are mostly preferred for handling uniform material. Grapples are a better option for piling up or loading material into a truck. They can easily handle trees, roots, and other irregularly shaped materials.
Brushcutter
The thick, stubborn brush can be a big challenge when clearing land. A brush cutter can help by cutting through plants, vines, and even small trees. It uses a spinning disc with strong blades to easily break the overgrowth. If you attach it to the right land-clearing machine, it also works well on rough or uneven ground.
Stump Grinders
Removing tree stumps is one of the most challenging parts of land clearing. Grinding is the smart way to clear them, and it is made easy by using a stump grinder. It consists of a blade powered by hydraulics, which helps in forward and backward movement and grinds the stump.
Flail Mowers
A heavy-duty flail mower attachment helps cut thick brush and tall grass. Its swinging teeth give you a clean, even cut. The chain row controls how much material it handles at once and keeps it from spreading too far. This makes it perfect for work near roads since it doesn’t throw debris everywhere. If you attach a flail mower to an excavator, you can clear brush and grass on slopes. The excavator gives great stability, making the job safer and easier.
Rent Land-clearing Equipment from Impact Rentals
At Impact Rentals, we know how important the right equipment is for clearing your land and getting your site ready the right way. Whether you’re dealing with thick brush, uneven ground, or large amounts of debris, we’ve got the tools to make the job easier—excavators, mulchers, flail mowers, brush cutters, and more. Don’t waste time and energy with the wrong gear. Contact us today and get the reliable equipment to get the job done right.
