the cutting is removal of beetle infested lodgepole pine. the trees all smaller than 16" with rarely a tree over 12". snow depth is about knee cap. snow level may go up or down, but should be gone by early april. we are expecting delivery of another skidder in a week or so, thats when i need another cutter or two.
the rate i have come up with is $4.50 to $5.25 per tree. that is to fell, limb, and buck at 4" dia. there is no measuring. the rate depends on the fellers ability to put the trees on the ground where the skidder can be efficient. sometimes we fell the trees and skid them to a landing and them limb them there. it makes for easier slash piling. cutter supplies own saw, chains, gas and oil. i may have a place for one guy to stay for free. payment is based on # of trees in the deck. cutters must have insurance!
in deep snow with below zero temps, i am able to cut 8 to 10 trees/ hr, in 10" of snow, i have done 17/hr.
