When tackling a land clearing project, having the right tools and equipment can make all the difference. Whether you’re preparing a site for building, setting up food plots, or just clearing brush and trees, understanding what machinery to use—and how to use it efficiently—can save you thousands of dollars and a whole lot of time. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential tools I’ve used to clear my property, share cost-saving tips, and offer advice on renting versus owning equipment. If you’re planning a similar project, this resource will help you make informed decisions on your land clearing journey.
Table of Contents
- Starting with the Basics: Clearing Land for Building and Hunting
- Key Equipment for Land Clearing
- Why Consider Doing It Yourself?
- Additional Tips: Driveway and Gravel Work
- Looking Ahead: Next Steps in the Build
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Starting with the Basics: Clearing Land for Building and Hunting
My land clearing project kicked off with preparing the land for a house build and septic system installation. Alongside that, I also cleared some areas to create food plots, which is a big part of my hunting hobby.
But here, let’s focus on the critical tools I’ve used to get the land ready efficiently and affordably.
Key Equipment for Land Clearing
1. Bobcat S250 Skid Steer Loader
One of the most versatile pieces of equipment I’ve owned since 2012 is my Bobcat S250 skid steer. It packs about 70 horsepower and came with around 2,300 hours on it when I bought it for $15,000. I put roughly $1,000 more into maintenance and attachments, which brought my total investment to about $22,000.
My attachments include:
- Tooth bucket
- Smooth bucket
- Set of pallet forks
- Grapple bucket
- Posthole auger with various bit sizes
This setup has been invaluable for everything from digging out driveways to mowing and clearing brush.
Rental Options: Save Money Without Owning
If you don’t want to invest in buying a skid steer, renting is a practical alternative. For around $225 a day, you can rent a machine similar in size to my Bobcat S250. Rental prices may vary depending on your location, but this is a common rate across much of the country.
To put that into perspective, here’s what I accomplished in roughly 20 to 24 hours of machine time:
- Dug out a 500-foot driveway in about 4 hours
- Mowed the property in 5 to 6 hours
- Picked up and cleared brush in another 6 to 8 hours
That totals about three days of rental, which would cost approximately $675 plus any attachment rentals.
Most skid steer attachments, including the grapple bucket, rent for around $200 or less per day. A great perk is that attachments don’t usually have hour meters, so you can rent them for extended periods—even overnight—to maximize your work time.
2. Small Bobcat Excavator
For heavier clearing work, I rented a small Bobcat excavator with about 30 to 35 horsepower. I chose a smaller machine to stay within budget, renting it for $195 a day plus fuel. Over two days, I cleared roughly four acres of land.
Considering the cost and the amount of work done, this was a huge money saver. Hiring a contractor for such a job could easily run into thousands of dollars, but I kept my total clearing expenses under $1,000.
3. Chainsaw for Detail Work
Alongside heavy machinery, I used a small top-handle chainsaw for clearing smaller brush and trees. Eventually, I’ll need a larger chainsaw for cutting logs that I plan to keep, but this smaller saw was sufficient for most clearing tasks.
Why Consider Doing It Yourself?
Many landowners shy away from DIY land clearing because they don’t own equipment or think it’s too complicated. However, renting machines like skid steers and excavators is quite affordable compared to hiring professionals.
Keep in mind:
- Hiring a machine with an operator usually costs $150 to $160 per hour or more.
- Excavators tend to be even more expensive to rent and operate.
- If you don’t have a trailer to haul equipment, many rental companies offer reasonable delivery and pickup services.
By handling the work yourself, you not only save thousands of dollars but also gain the flexibility to work at your own pace.
Additional Tips: Driveway and Gravel Work
For the driveway, I dug it out myself using the skid steer, then hired a trucking company to spread the gravel. This method saved time and effort because the truck’s gate can be set to open just enough to spread the gravel evenly as it unloads—eliminating the need for manual spreading.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps in the Build
With the land cleared and my perk test completed, I’m ready to move forward with installing the septic system soon. I’ll continue to share updates on the tools I use, their costs, and how I utilize them throughout the build process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the cost to rent a skid steer and its attachments?
You can typically rent a skid steer like the Bobcat S250 for around $225 per day. Attachments such as buckets or grapple buckets generally rent for about $200 or less per day. Rates vary by location.
How much land can I clear with a small excavator in two days?
With a 30-35 horsepower excavator, you can clear approximately four acres in two days, depending on the terrain and density of brush or trees.
Do I need to own equipment to clear land myself?
No, renting equipment is a cost-effective alternative. Many rental companies offer daily rates and delivery services, allowing you to complete your project without owning the machinery.
What other tools are useful for land clearing besides heavy machinery?
A small chainsaw is handy for cutting smaller trees and brush. For larger logs, a bigger chainsaw will be necessary. Additionally, attachments like posthole augers can assist with tasks like fence post installation.
Can I save money by clearing land myself?
Absolutely. Doing the work yourself can save thousands compared to hiring contractors, especially if you rent equipment wisely and plan your work efficiently.