Mini Excavator or Chainsaw?

[BigEyePuna]

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?

[VancouverIslander]

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

[kalakoa]

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...

[MarkP]

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.