Steve NW WI
Unwanted Riff Raff.
Normally I just lurk over on this corner of AS - I'm mostly just a firewood hack with a case of CAD. But, I had a friend of mine approach me about helping him log a 40 acre patch of Aspen he's got.
Here's a little background. My friend is actually a tree farmer, he's got 2 spade trucks, and pretty good with a saw, but he's scared to death of dropping trees. That would be my part in this operation, just lay em down. He and his son will handle bucking and roadsiding the logs. I'm no pro, but I am fairly confident when dropping trees with some room to work, and not afraid to hang a bull rope in one that worries me - and he's got a 974 Bobcat (more the size of a wheel loader than a skid steer - 12,000lbs) on site. I haven't seen the ground up close yet, but he says the trees are average 18" DBH, regrowth from logging 40 odd years ago. I expect to see a lot of double and triple stems, and fairly tall straight trees based on what most lots like that I've seen. We'd be mostly clearcutting, just leaving the odd oaks, maples, etc that are scattered throughout the woods. No other hazards there, no buildings, power lines, etc to worry about.
So, some questions, just a starter, I'll surely have more after we take a walk in the woods, and more yet if we actually do this. He's going to get a couple logging companies to bid on it, but he's leaning toward a DIY job, since he and his son don't have much else to do this time of year.
First and foremost, what would be realistic as far as production, looking at it two ways: 1 would be just putting them down, and 2 would be me putting them down, and limb and buck before going to the next tree - I think this would be more efficient than bucking and topping in a tangled mess of dropped trees. I'm hopeful to get at least a load (13 cord) on the ground in a day, maybe more.
Second, what am I looking at in terms of trees/cord? I'm thinking 3-4 if his size estimate is good, the mill takes down to 8" on the small end.
Third, what sort of things that will trip me up do I need to be looking at when I go check out the woods? I've been out there a couple years back, but hunting and not looking at the trees. It's high ground, rolling but nothing real steep that I remember.
Fourth, we haven't talked money yet, but I'm thinking somewhere in the $8-10 per cord range, just providing me and my saws/fuel. Am I in the ballpark? We both know it's going to have a learning curve, we talked a little bit about cutting a couple loads to see how it will go before we commit to doing the whole works, maybe adjust the price up/down after we see how it's going to work?
Fifth, and most important, am I just nuts for even considering this? I'm not looking to change careers, just some sideline work to put some extra money in the pocket, doing stuff I like doing, and help a friend out in the process.
Thanks in advance for the help and advice.
Here's a little background. My friend is actually a tree farmer, he's got 2 spade trucks, and pretty good with a saw, but he's scared to death of dropping trees. That would be my part in this operation, just lay em down. He and his son will handle bucking and roadsiding the logs. I'm no pro, but I am fairly confident when dropping trees with some room to work, and not afraid to hang a bull rope in one that worries me - and he's got a 974 Bobcat (more the size of a wheel loader than a skid steer - 12,000lbs) on site. I haven't seen the ground up close yet, but he says the trees are average 18" DBH, regrowth from logging 40 odd years ago. I expect to see a lot of double and triple stems, and fairly tall straight trees based on what most lots like that I've seen. We'd be mostly clearcutting, just leaving the odd oaks, maples, etc that are scattered throughout the woods. No other hazards there, no buildings, power lines, etc to worry about.
So, some questions, just a starter, I'll surely have more after we take a walk in the woods, and more yet if we actually do this. He's going to get a couple logging companies to bid on it, but he's leaning toward a DIY job, since he and his son don't have much else to do this time of year.
First and foremost, what would be realistic as far as production, looking at it two ways: 1 would be just putting them down, and 2 would be me putting them down, and limb and buck before going to the next tree - I think this would be more efficient than bucking and topping in a tangled mess of dropped trees. I'm hopeful to get at least a load (13 cord) on the ground in a day, maybe more.
Second, what am I looking at in terms of trees/cord? I'm thinking 3-4 if his size estimate is good, the mill takes down to 8" on the small end.
Third, what sort of things that will trip me up do I need to be looking at when I go check out the woods? I've been out there a couple years back, but hunting and not looking at the trees. It's high ground, rolling but nothing real steep that I remember.
Fourth, we haven't talked money yet, but I'm thinking somewhere in the $8-10 per cord range, just providing me and my saws/fuel. Am I in the ballpark? We both know it's going to have a learning curve, we talked a little bit about cutting a couple loads to see how it will go before we commit to doing the whole works, maybe adjust the price up/down after we see how it's going to work?
Fifth, and most important, am I just nuts for even considering this? I'm not looking to change careers, just some sideline work to put some extra money in the pocket, doing stuff I like doing, and help a friend out in the process.
Thanks in advance for the help and advice.
