Land Clearing Equipment Guide: What to Buy in 2026
Every piece of equipment you need for land clearing — from your first skid steer to a full fleet. Real prices, specs, and recommendations from operators who've built 7-figure operations.
Equipment at a Glance
The core equipment categories for land clearing operations, from solo operators to multi-crew fleets.
Skid Steers & CTLs
$45K-$95K new
The backbone of every land clearing operation
Forestry Mulcher Heads
$15K-$50K
Disc and drum mulchers for every carrier size
Excavators
$80K-$350K
Stump removal, grading, and heavy timber work
Bulldozers
$100K-$500K+
Large-scale clearing and road building
Brush Cutters & Mowers
$5K-$25K
Maintenance clearing and light vegetation
Chippers & Grinders
$15K-$80K
Debris processing and stump grinding
Compact Track Loaders & Skid Steers
The foundation of every land clearing operation. CTLs dominate over wheeled skid steers for clearing work due to superior traction, lower ground pressure, and better stability on slopes.
Price Range
New
$45,000 - $95,000
Used (good condition)
$25,000 - $60,000
Top Models for Land Clearing
| Model | HP | Weight | Price (New) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 299D3 XE | 110 | 10,200 lb | $85K-$95K |
| Bobcat T770 H | 92 | 9,170 lb | $65K-$80K |
| John Deere 333G | 100 | 10,585 lb | $80K-$90K |
| ASV RT-135 | 132 | 12,795 lb | $90K-$105K |
| Kubota SVL97-2 | 96 | 9,457 lb | $60K-$75K |
| Takeuchi TL12V2 | 111 | 11,255 lb | $85K-$95K |
Key Specs for Land Clearing
- Hydraulic flow: Minimum 30 GPM standard, 38+ GPM high-flow for mulching
- Operating weight: 8,000+ lbs for stability with mulcher head attached
- Horsepower: Minimum 75 HP, ideal 90-130 HP for commercial clearing
- Cab protection: FOPS/ROPS certified, polycarbonate windows, brush guards
- Track type: Steel embedded rubber tracks for forestry work
For detailed rankings with head-to-head comparisons, see our Best Skid Steer for Land Clearing guide.
Forestry Mulcher Heads
The mulcher head is what actually does the clearing. This is where you should invest wisely — a cheap mulcher head on an expensive carrier costs you money every day.
Disc-Style Mulchers
$15,000 - $30,000
- Better for light-to-medium brush
- Finer mulch output
- Lower maintenance cost
- Good for residential lots
Popular: Bradco Groundshark, Loftness Bad Ax
Drum-Style Mulchers
$20,000 - $50,000
- Handles heavier material (8"+ trees)
- Fixed tooth or swinging hammer options
- More aggressive cutting
- Better for commercial / heavy clearing
Popular: FAE PT-175, Denis Cimaf DAH, Fecon BH74
| Brand / Model | Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| FAE PT-175 | Drum (fixed) | $20,000-$30,000 |
| Denis Cimaf DAH | Drum (fixed) | $25,000-$40,000 |
| Fecon BH74 | Drum (fixed) | $18,000-$28,000 |
| Bradco Groundshark | Disc | $15,000-$22,000 |
| Loftness Bad Ax | Disc/Drum | $20,000-$35,000 |
| Fecon BH80 | Drum (fixed) | $25,000-$38,000 |
Learn more about matching mulcher heads to carriers in our How to Start a Forestry Mulching Business guide.
Excavators
Not required for every clearing operation, but essential for stump removal, grading, and heavy timber. Many operators add an excavator as their second or third machine.
| Size Class | Weight | Price (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Mini (3-8 ton) | 6,000-18,000 lb | $40,000-$110,000 |
| Mid-Size (10-20 ton) | 22,000-44,000 lb | $120,000-$250,000 |
| Large (20+ ton) | 44,000+ lb | $200,000-$350,000+ |
Top Excavator Models for Land Clearing
- 1CAT 308 CR (8 ton, ~$90K-$110K) — Most popular mini for land clearing. Great for stump removal and small grading.
- 2Kubota KX080-4 (8 ton, ~$80K-$100K) — Excellent value, smooth operation, great dealer support.
- 3John Deere 135G (13 ton, ~$150K-$180K) — Best mid-size for operators stepping up from minis.
- 4CAT 320 (20 ton, ~$200K-$280K) — Industry workhorse for commercial land development.
Bulldozers
For large-scale clearing, road building, and pushing timber. Most operators rent rather than buy unless they consistently work 10+ acre projects.
| Model Class | HP | Price (New) |
|---|---|---|
| CAT D3/D4 | 80-130 | $120K-$200K |
| CAT D5/D6 | 130-215 | $200K-$350K |
| CAT D7/D8 | 240-400+ | $350K-$600K+ |
| John Deere 450-650 | 80-170 | $100K-$250K |
Brush Cutters & Mowers
$5,000 - $25,000 (as attachments)
- Rotary cutters: $5,000-$12,000 — Light brush, field maintenance
- Flail mowers: $8,000-$18,000 — Fine mulching of brush and small saplings
- Brush cutters: $10,000-$25,000 — Medium brush up to 4" diameter
Best for: maintenance contracts, property upkeep, light vegetation management
Chippers & Grinders
$15,000 - $80,000
- Disc chippers: $15,000-$45,000 — Process limbs up to 12"
- Drum chippers: $25,000-$65,000 — Higher throughput, larger material
- Stump grinders: $5,000-$15,000 (attachment) — Remove stumps below grade
- Tub grinders: $50,000-$80,000+ — High-volume debris processing
Needed when: traditional clearing (not mulching) requires debris removal
Hauling & Support Equipment
Often overlooked, but a reliable trailer and tow vehicle are mission-critical. Breakdowns here shut down your entire operation.
| Equipment | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Equipment trailer (20-25 ton) | $8,000-$20,000 |
| Tow vehicle (3/4 or 1-ton truck) | $35,000-$75,000 |
| Fuel transfer tank | $500-$2,000 |
| Tool/parts storage | $1,000-$5,000 |
| Chainsaw(s) | $400-$1,200 each |
Best Equipment for Each Service Type
Match your equipment to the services your market demands.
| Service | Primary Equipment | Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Forestry mulching | CTL + drum mulcher head | $60K-$140K |
| Lot clearing (residential) | CTL + mulcher + grapple | $65K-$150K |
| Heavy land clearing | CTL + mulcher + excavator | $120K-$250K |
| Stump removal | Mini excavator or stump grinder attachment | $40K-$110K |
| Right-of-way clearing | CTL + mulcher + brush cutter | $70K-$160K |
| Large-scale site prep | Bulldozer + excavator + CTL | $250K-$500K+ |
| Brush maintenance | CTL + rotary cutter | $50K-$110K |
New vs Used: The Smart Buyer's Decision
Both paths work — the right choice depends on your cash position, risk tolerance, and how quickly you need to generate revenue.
Buy New When...
- You have strong cash flow or financing approval
- Warranty protection is important to you
- You want latest technology (GPS, telematics)
- Tax benefits from Section 179 deduction are valuable
- You plan to keep the machine 5+ years
Buy Used When...
- You're starting out and conserving capital
- You can inspect machines yourself (or hire a mechanic)
- You want faster ROI (lower initial investment)
- You're buying a second/backup machine
- Rental fleet sell-offs are available in your area
Equipment Packages by Budget
Three proven equipment packages to match your capital and growth goals.
Solo operator, used equipment
- Used CTL (2,000-4,000 hrs) — $30K-$45K
- Used mulcher head — $10K-$18K
- Equipment trailer — $8K-$12K
- Chainsaws + hand tools — $2K
Revenue potential: $15K-$30K/month
Growth-stage, mix of new/used
- New CTL (Bobcat T770 or similar) — $65K-$80K
- New mulcher head (FAE/Fecon) — $20K-$30K
- Used mini excavator — $40K-$60K
- Trailer + tow setup — $15K-$25K
- Grapple + stump grinder attachments — $8K-$15K
Revenue potential: $30K-$60K/month
Multi-crew, new equipment
- Premium CTL (CAT 299D3) — $85K-$95K
- Heavy-duty mulcher (Denis Cimaf) — $30K-$40K
- Mid-size excavator (13+ ton) — $150K-$200K
- 2 trailers + 2 trucks — $60K-$100K
- Full attachment arsenal — $25K-$40K
Revenue potential: $60K-$150K+/month
Maintenance & Operating Costs
Equipment is only profitable when it's running. Budget for these ongoing costs before you buy.
| Cost Category | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Fuel (CTL) | $1,500-$3,000 |
| Mulcher teeth replacement | $200-$500 |
| Oil, filters, greasing | $200-$400 |
| Track replacement (amortized) | $150-$300 |
| Equipment insurance | $300-$800 |
| Unexpected repairs reserve | $500-$1,000 |
For a complete breakdown of daily costs and how to build them into your pricing, see our Land Clearing Pricing Guide.
Financing Your Equipment
Most operators don't pay cash upfront. Here are the common financing paths.
Equipment Loans
Rate
5-9% APR
Term
5-7 years
Down
10-20% down
Best for: established operators with good credit. Own the equipment outright.
Dealer Financing
Rate
0-7% APR
Term
3-6 years
Down
0-15% down
Best for: new purchases. Manufacturers often offer promotional rates on new equipment.
SBA Loans
Rate
6-10% APR
Term
7-10 years
Down
10-20% down
Best for: startups. Longer terms = lower payments. Requires business plan.
Lease-to-Own
Rate
8-12% effective
Term
3-5 years
Down
First + last month
Best for: preserving cash flow. Higher total cost but lower monthly payments.
Ready to Build Your Equipment Fleet?
Use our free Crew-Day Calculator to model your equipment costs, daily rates, and profit margins — then see how our Accelerator helps you scale faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment do I need to start a land clearing business?
At minimum, you need a compact track loader ($45,000-$95,000 new or $25,000-$50,000 used), a forestry mulcher head ($15,000-$35,000), a trailer ($8,000-$20,000), and a tow vehicle. Total starter budget: $75,000-$150,000. Many operators start with a used CTL and one mulcher head, then add equipment as revenue grows.
What is the best brand of skid steer for land clearing?
CAT, Bobcat, and John Deere dominate the land clearing market. The CAT 299D3 is widely considered the best overall for forestry mulching due to its high-flow hydraulics and durability. Bobcat T770 offers the best value, and John Deere 333G is excellent for heavy mulching. ASV is the specialist choice for dedicated forestry work.
How much does a forestry mulcher head cost?
Forestry mulcher heads range from $15,000 to $50,000. Entry-level disc-style mulchers like the Bradco Groundshark start around $15,000-$20,000. Mid-range options like the FAE PT-175 cost $20,000-$30,000. Premium heavy-duty mulchers from Denis Cimaf or Fecon run $25,000-$45,000.
Should I buy new or used land clearing equipment?
For your first machine, used equipment typically offers better ROI. A well-maintained used CTL at $30,000-$50,000 can generate the same revenue as a $85,000 new one. However, new equipment comes with warranties, latest technology, and financing options. Many operators buy their first machine used, then upgrade to new once cash flow is established.
What size skid steer do I need for forestry mulching?
For forestry mulching, you need a minimum of 75 HP and 25 GPM hydraulic flow. Ideal specs are 90-130 HP with 38+ GPM high-flow hydraulics and 8,000+ lbs operating weight. Machines under 75 HP will struggle with anything beyond light brush and will burn through mulcher teeth faster.
Is it better to lease or buy land clearing equipment?
Buying makes more sense for equipment you use daily (primary CTL, mulcher head). Leasing or renting works better for specialized equipment needed occasionally (excavators, bulldozers). Equipment loans typically run 5-7 years at 5-9% interest. Many operators use a combination — own the core rig, rent the specialty machines.
How much does it cost to maintain land clearing equipment?
Budget 5-10% of equipment value annually for maintenance. A $80,000 CTL costs $4,000-$8,000/year in maintenance. Mulcher teeth are the biggest consumable — expect $200-$500/month depending on usage and terrain. Tracks cost $3,000-$6,000 to replace every 1,500-2,500 hours.
What attachments can I use on a skid steer for land clearing?
Key attachments include forestry mulcher heads ($15,000-$45,000), brush cutters ($5,000-$15,000), grapple buckets ($3,000-$8,000), stump grinders ($5,000-$15,000), and root rakes ($2,000-$5,000). Most operators start with a mulcher head and grapple, then add attachments based on the services their market demands.
Do I need an excavator for land clearing?
Not always. Many successful land clearing businesses operate with just a CTL and mulcher head. However, an excavator becomes valuable for stump removal, grading, and heavy timber. Mini excavators (3-8 ton, $40,000-$110,000) are the most common addition to a land clearing fleet.
What is the ROI timeline for land clearing equipment?
Most operators see full ROI within 12-24 months. A $100,000 equipment investment generating $2,000-$4,000/day in revenue (working 15-20 days/month) produces $30,000-$80,000/month gross. After fuel, maintenance, insurance, and overhead, net margins of 30-50% are common, meaning payoff in 8-18 months for aggressive operators.
Related Guides
Best Skid Steer for Land Clearing
Top 8 machines ranked head-to-head with real specs and prices.
How to Start a Land Clearing Business
Complete startup guide with costs, licensing, and a 10-step plan.
How to Start a Forestry Mulching Business
Equipment costs, carrier comparison, and mulcher head selection guide.
Land Clearing Pricing Guide
Build equipment costs into your pricing with crew-day rate formulas.
How to Estimate Land Clearing Jobs
Factor equipment costs into profitable job estimates.
How to Start a Skid Steer Business
Startup costs, profitable services, and equipment selection.