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+--- Thread: Mini Excavator or Chainsaw? (/showthread.php?tid=17960)
Mini Excavator or Chainsaw? - BigEyePuna - 01-08-2017
Anyone have experience using a mini excavator to clear strawberry guava? I need to cut a path for a pseudo driveway and house pad but I don't have the money to hire a bulldozer. What would be better; chainsaw and trimmer or renting a mini excavator?
RE: Mini Excavator or Chainsaw? - VancouverIslander - 01-08-2017
A chainsaw can only get so low to the ground, leaving roots and a stem from which further shoots will inevitably grow into waiwi stands again. I don't know if a mini excavator will do the job, but I guess it has a better chance - or possibly a combination of both.
Me ka ha`aha`a,
Mike
RE: Mini Excavator or Chainsaw? - kalakoa - 01-09-2017
Chainsaw works fine if the stumps are poisioned immediately.
More work than a machine, but also cheaper and more precise.
I've been using a cocktail of Crossbow and kerosene, spot-applied (no spray), wear gloves and avoid breathing the fumes...
RE: Mini Excavator or Chainsaw? - MarkP - 01-09-2017
I have used a full sized backhoe/front end loader (Case 580) and it is not strong enough to tear out everything so I think you will be disappointed with a mini-anything. Anything with wheels will get stuck at some point too. This is not to say that the mini excavator would be useless. I would love to have had one to rip out small stuff and help drag the cut trees out of the forest. I am picturing something with treads rather than wheels.
I have had some success applying pure or 50% solution round-up to the cut stumps to keep them from re-sprouting. Apply immediately after cutting.