Get a good forester service in to look at your trees. They will tell you what you have and what to expect. Some places work with you and put your trees up for bid. They usually get a percentage but you end up with the highest bid for your wood. Also you have final say in how your woodlot is left after they are done. Loggers don't get paid until you sign off you are satisfied. May be different in your neck of the woods but that's how most landowners do it around here.
There are good people out there but you really need to be careful.
Agreed. I just finished reading Managing Your Woods, and they specifically warn against a diameter-limit cut and a tree-grade cut. These take all the best trees that are the seeds of the future of your woodlands. Also some good info on contract pitfalls, skidding trails, good/bad logging, and lots more. Probably need to start with a management plan; what do you want your forest to be in 10, 20, 30 or more years. It's worth checking into state and local government forester resources as a start.
Oh yeah, they do 50% up front with a 1 year contract, and final payment on the day when they come cut.
So the jug has to come off to swap intake blocks. Guess the base gasket will be leaving sooner then I thought. Was hoping to do one thing at a time but if the jugs off might as well get it done.
