Anyone use a mini excavator for tree work?

For what I've used it for I think an excavator around the 10k size is best for all around tree work it can pick up a decent size log and has the power and reach to push lg trees over. It can be pulled with a pick up.
 
DTS said:
For what I've used it for I think an excavator around the 10k size is best for all around tree work it can pick up a decent size log and has the power and reach to push lg trees over. It can be pulled with a pick up.
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Do you use your mini excavator solely for tree work? Or do you do Excavating as well?
 
Took bucket off years ago I'm a tree guy not an excavator. I have a mini which goes on most residential jobs but I do use it also when needed. It's great for small land clearing and lg storm damage. You can take out material and feed it directly in chipper.
 
We have an excavator, but not exactly a mini. It's weights in a bit north of 100k lbs. Not exactly something we use on residential jobs.
 
Every guy who does land clearing around here has one. It's better for loading logs and feeding brush at the landing. They just skid the trees there and let the mini do the rest. I don't do land clearing since it's a tough market but if I did I would opt for a mini ex rather than a skid steer.
 
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@Gorman, if I fit all wood from job in truck and on trailer and dump trailer then I take my other trailer n go back for machine if I'm not moving it to next job. Otherwise I unload logs at yard with skid steer t300 or larger excavator. May seem to take a little longer then having log truck come but keeps the hunnits in the pocket and keeps me busy.
 
DTS said:
View attachment 42516 I use my constantly from big tree jobs,clearing lots to holding wood to cut for firewood then loading trucks and trailer. Paid 15k 8 years ago and can say it has made me the most money for the investment. Wouldn't do without one.
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That's a good buy at 15k and at 8yrs later it's all profit minus fuel and maintenance. Nice!
 
Skid steers are nice to have, in the perfect world we would all have one of everything. But for versatile the xcavtor is far surperior to the skid steer. You can reach farther, have full 360* access from one spot, better visibility, dig stumps instead of grinding. Cleaning up big stump grinding piles in 15 mins instead of hrs with pitch fork. if work slows the you can always market for some drainage, stone walls etc. the excavator was a game changer for me.
 
RIVIEZZO TREE EXPERTS said:
Skid steers are nice to have, in the perfect world we would all have one of everything. But for versatile the xcavtor is far surperior to the skid steer. You can reach farther, have full 360* access from one spot, better visibility, dig stumps instead of grinding. Cleaning up big stump grinding piles in 15 mins instead of hrs with pitch fork. if work slows the you can always market for some drainage, stone walls etc. the excavator was a game changer for me.
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I was thinking along the same lines last night. You can pull up to a low fence, reach over and crab the wood. And everything you mentioned above.
 
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