TACKLE LAND-CLEARING JOBS WITH A WELL-LAID PLAN Contractors consider several factors before selecting the most cost-efficient processing option

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1 TACKLE LAND-CLEARING JOBS WITH A WELL-LAID PLAN Contractors consider several factors before selecting the most cost-efficient processing option Land-clearing work is varied in both scope and specifics, and contractors have many processes and equipment options at their disposal. The challenge, however, is to select the approach that is most efficient for a given project. The method, and ultimately, the specific equipment chosen is often determined by what will happen to the trees, brush and related woody mass being removed from the site. Knowing the intended end use for the woody mass will make the process of selecting the most effective equipment that much easier. There may also be more than one intended end use a situation that may require using a combination of equipment and wood processing approaches. Terrain, density of vegetation, environmental sensitivities and obstacles to work around are also among the most important variables for contractors to consider when making equipment selections. Checking out the site Site prep contractors likely get the ball rolling by completing a physical inspection of the site and reviewing specifics of the job. This includes calculating dimensions square feet, city blocks, number of acres, etc. and surveying the site. Soil conditions on the surface and variations in terrain (i.e., wetlands, marches, rivers, streams, hills, mountains, etc.) will play a role in eliminating specific equipment model selections given their size, weight, capacity, etc. Identifying impediments for accessing the site also has implications in determining restrictions relative to the dimensions and weight of equipment. Understanding exactly what will be cleared, including all of the various types of woody mass present on the site, is also paramount. Josh Streblow, president of Riverdale Environmental Services, headquartered in Granite Falls, Minn., says the process of selecting the approach, and ultimately the right equipment, is most often determined by the scope of the project and what is to be removed. It depends on the site, Streblow says. Our primary focus is land clearing, some logging and selective tree harvesting and each approach calls for different equipment. We work with closely with our clients and try to steer them in the right direction for jobs that involve the selective removal of trees. If it s a new

2 development, we help select what goes and what should stay, and then it s up to us to complete the job with equipment that is most effective in getting it accomplished. They trust us to make those decisions, as long as we accomplish the end goal and leave a minimal footprint. Different equipment, different capabilities Selecting the right equipment for a specific job is important to help enhance productivity. There are several options available, including large-capacity brush chippers to high-volume horizontal and tub grinders. Each has specific advantages and limitations, depending on the type of work, as specific models are designed with features and capabilities for accomplishing specific tasks most efficiently. Two primary criteria are important when making equipment selections for land-clearing operations: mobility and productivity. For example, if the job involves selective removal of trees and underbrush meaning most will remain for shade and landscaping accents the approach and equipment selection will likely differ from that of a job where every tree is to be removed. Equipment selections should be made based on the type of woody mass that composes the bulk of the job. The process for removing and processing mature hardwood trees will differ from the types of equipment that is designed for smaller trees, brush and various evergreen species. The following is a general overview, along with examples of applications: Brush chippers Traditionally used primarily for tree-care applications, the utilization of brush chippers has expanded to site prep and land-clearing applications in recent years, fulfilling an important role to shred brush and process limbs, branches and smaller tree trunks. As a general rule, if the land being cleared is less than 5 acres (2 hectares), a large brush chipper is the likely option. Today s larger brush chippers have the ability to process material up to 21 inches (54 cm) in diameter, enough capacity to address most land-clearing needs. Brush chippers are available in both towable and self-propelled models. Self-propelled chippers offer unique benefits on land-clearing jobsites, as contractors realize these units can help reduce labor costs and increase jobsite efficiency. Their compact size, minimal footprint and maneuverability make chippers an ideal choice for processing individual trees and brush selectively removed from larger site prep jobs. Grinders In a situation where a single jobsite may have several debris piles a land-clearing jobsite for example a self-propelled track-mounted grinder can be a highly efficient choice. Tub grinders are designed to process heavy, large-diameter material such as stumps and root balls, while horizontal grinders work best for longer raw material and most wood waste applications.

3 With some materials a tub grinder is perceived to have a higher production rate, but the horizontal models may have a distinct advantage when it comes to longer, bushier material. This is mainly because the tub is only so deep, so when processing the longer material, branches may be difficult to feed. Also, smaller loading equipment can be used for horizontal grinders because they typically have a lower feeding height than a tub grinder. This could play a role, depending on the auxiliary equipment that is on site. Forestry mulching machines When a project calls for clearing out undergrowth or thick brush, then a forestry mulching machine may be the ideal choice. These machines convert standing trees and brush into mulch that is left on the ground or forest floor to help retain moisture and reduce erosion. These units can also serve as a cleanup machine following a logging operation by mulching the leftover slash, limbs and stumps. According to Tom Kuiper, a solution specialist in the environmental segment at Pella, Iowa-based Vermeer Corporation, contractors will often employ a combination approach where a brush chipper, grinder and mulching machines all play a role. There will be times when the most efficient method is to combine approaches, Kuiper says. What it ultimately boils down to is time and labor. Having a grinder, chipper and loading equipment on a site may, at first glance, not appear to be the most cost-effective approach. Successful land-clearing contractors will usually approach a job with a variety of equipment. They understand that increased productivity and reduced man hours proves to be the more efficient approach, regardless of the need for several different wood processing equipment models on site. Growth in niche services Riverdale Environmental Services is among a growing number of land-clearing and site prep contractors that have adopted specialized niche services to help sustain and grow their business. At the beginning of 2008, Riverdale took on a new business partner and began processing biomass. While some parts of the country are finding it difficult to source a steady stream of wood waste for biomass applications, Streblow has found a reliable supply among logging operations, municipalities and farmers in the area. The company works with the Minnesota Division of Fish and Wildlife, local developers and farmers to complete a variety of land-clearing projects, many intended to attain some very specific, albeit unique goals. We were a bit nervous about that [sourcing] when we got going, but as we ve worked our way along and expanded sources of wood waste have grown, Streblow says. We got out there and were aggressive in

4 identifying potential sources, some that would likely seem a bit unlikely to most folks, but have turned out to be reliable, consistent sources for us. I would, however, caution other contractors who are considering getting into biomass production do their research up front and get their sources secured before jumping in. Producing biomass is a whole different ballgame and there is a huge learning curve involved to do it right and most efficiently. Riverdale Environmental Services delivers 3000 tons (2722 tonnes) of biomass each month to three local plants. A paper mill uses the biomass to fuel their boiler and another plant is creating heat for municipalities. Streblow s main customer is a power generation plant in Benson, Minn., where the biomass is mixed with poultry litter to generate up to 50 megawatts of electricity that is then sold back to Xcel Energy. Streblow processes the wood waste using a Vermeer HG6000 horizontal grinder and 4-inch (10 cm) screen. A 3-inch (7.6 cm) screen is used for customers with tighter specifications. The Vermeer grinder allows us to process the wood waste in one pass helping save time and fuel, Streblow says. We also pile the biomass at the site locations and load it into trailers with wheel loaders as deliveries are required. This has proven to be more efficient and reduces the number of times we need to handle the material. Woody biomass is just one example of many newer, innovative uses for processed wood waste. In addition to the traditional offerings products like landscaping mulch, compost and related recycling applications, new uses are only limited by one s lack of imagination and innovation. For Scott and Hunter Bruce, founders of SpreadRite Organics, with headquarters in Birmingham, Ala., it s all about erosion control. The company specializes in providing biodegradable products for sediment and erosion control and processed wood waste is heart of many products offered by the company. Among them is a tubular structure used to control sediment displacement, aptly named Filtress Soxx. Wood waste is blown into tube-shaped polypropylene netting which filters sediment laden water, preventing silt and soil displacement while controlling erosion. When filled with compost comprised of native vegetation seeding, Filtress Soxx is effective in restoring stream backs by allowing vegetation to take root, securing erosionvulnerable ditches, banks and slopes. The netting is also 100 percent degradable. Mother Earth filters naturally through vegetation, Bruce says, but when trees are cut down and ground cover vegetation is compromised, water moves more freely and picks up particles of earth as it travels. Ironically, the products we use to control the flow of that water are made with materials that, had they not

5 been displaced, would have provided nature s natural filtering and erosion control process, including trees, brush and woody vegetation that stabilize stream banks and inhibit deep erosion. ###