Semi big - 21,000 pounds with 9' cutting head and Cummins 5.9 - vs a CTL that might weigh 1/2 that then add about 2200 lbs for the 60" mulching head driven by an engine with half the horses of the Cummins.
Think I got a deal on the larger mulcher. Government agency equipment - they knocked out 1700 hours then parked it for years. Going to have the hoses and turbo replaced when I pick up my big bucket truck next week. Got it for $25K plus several thousand for delivery. So looking at ~55K for a CTL with twice the hours and no mulcher head is a bit of a WTF experience. Roughly three times more money with roughly twice the hours - WTF. That is seriously out of balance.
This years work is already almost past tense. The snow will likely fall in a couple weeks and I am still trying to get the right chipper and CTL and mulching head and stump grinder. Plus everything I buy used needs work - I kind of insist that my stuff work safely and properly. Then we have all repair guys being insanely busy this year. An exercise in frustration and monetary quandaries.
Might gross 150K next year but this year has been awful so far. In the mountains I only have about 5 months to make money. That should change when I branch into the firewood business of
Boleo mini skid steer.
Another huge challenge has presented. I lose 33% of my horsepower at 10,000'. Then you add HEAVY loads and steep mountain roads. Don't have cash for a bigger truck so I'm thinking of changing the 3.55 gears to 4.56. Should be livable with overdrive.
Loans are a no go with very little income. Spending all my time procuring and fixing equipment.
I can cut "bulletproof" plastic and keep the timber out - though I sure hope to get something more appropriate. But the prices always get insane.
I've driven about 25,000 miles in my equipment buying frenzy - eight states. Looking at Minnesota now - ugh.