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Writer's pictureJohn Schott

Mini-Skid Steer Madness-Steep Hillside Brush Cutting/Forestry Mulching

Updated: Dec 13



Our customer's driveway presents a unique challenge as it ascends a steep hill, creating an interesting dynamic for our upcoming forestry mulching project. Adjacent to the driveway, there exists a dense area of forestry that the customer has specifically requested us to clear using our specialized forestry mulching techniques. At first glance, this task may seem rather straightforward, especially considering our extensive experience with similar brush-clearing jobs in the past. However, there is one critical aspect that distinguishes this particular project from others: the entire area we are working in is situated on a slope. Anyone who has driven a vehicle up a hill can attest to the fact that navigating turns can be quite tricky due to the incline of the surface, and this is an important consideration for our operation. As we prepare to utilize a mini skid steer for the brush clearing, we must exercise caution to ensure that we do not lose traction or slide down the slope during our work.


To effectively tackle the brush cutting, we rely on our Vermeer 925 mini skid steer, a versatile piece of machinery that is well-suited for this type of terrain. Accompanying the skid steer is a specialized brush cutter attachment designed for efficient foliage removal. This attachment features three razor-sharp blades arranged in a triangular formation, which rotate at high speeds akin to a lawn mower, enabling us to shred through the undergrowth with ease. As we begin the process of clearing the small trees, shrubs, and other brush that populate the area, we maintain a careful balance, ensuring that the mini skid steer remains stable and does not slide down the hill. Progress is steady, and we manage to clear a significant portion of the dense vegetation. For those interested in a more immersive experience, there is some first-person footage captured during the operation in our video—if you'd like to witness firsthand what it’s like to operate a mini skid steer in such challenging conditions, be sure to check out the segment starting at 8:13.


As we continue our work, maintaining a brisk pace and effectively managing the slope, an unexpected challenge arises: the right tire tread of our Vermeer suddenly pops off! This incident requires immediate attention, and while it takes some effort to reattach the tire, our skilled team pulls together to resolve the issue efficiently. Once the tire is securely back in place, we resume our brush cutting with renewed focus and determination.


Ultimately, we successfully clear the entire hillside without encountering any further complications. However, our job is not yet complete; we now face the task of removing all the mulch generated from shredding the foliage. To facilitate this, we utilize a grapple attachment, which allows us to efficiently load the shredded mulch onto our truck for recycling. With the mulch loaded and the area thoroughly cleared, we take a moment to appreciate the transformation: the hill next to the driveway is now devoid of all vegetation, providing a clear line of sight from the bottom of the driveway to the house, as well as an unobstructed view of the street from the top of the driveway. Brush cutting is one of the many specialties we proudly offer at Schott Services. If you find yourself in need of professional assistance to reclaim control over any overgrown vegetation on your property, don’t hesitate to reach out! Contact us at 317-784-8760 or send us pictures via email at HappyDumpTruck@gmail.com for a complimentary estimate tailored to your specific needs.


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Contact Schott Services
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