How to Start a Brush Clearing Business with a Skid Steer
Land clearing, mulching, and brush removal
Quick Summary
Startup Cost: $50,000 - $90,000
Equipment: Skid steer + forestry mulcher, grapple
Season: Year-round (weather permitting)
Hourly Rate: $150 - $300
Potential: $80K - $200K/year
Equipment You'll Need
The Skid Steer
For brush clearing work, you want a reliable machine with good power and visibility. A medium-frame skid steer (2,000-2,600 lb ROC) handles most jobs well.
Recommended Models:
Attachments
Key attachments for brush clearing: forestry mulcher, grapple
Typical Jobs
- Lot clearing for new builds
- Trail maintenance
- Firebreak creation
- Overgrown property cleanup
- Pipeline right-of-way
Pricing Your Services
Brush Clearing rates typically range from $150 - $300/hour for a skid steer with operator. Pricing varies by job complexity, location, and local competition.
Pro tip: For larger jobs, quote a flat rate based on estimated time plus a buffer. Hourly rates work well for smaller or unpredictable jobs.
Finding Customers
Residential
- Rural property owners
- Acreage buyers
- Estate cleanup
Commercial
- Developers
- Municipalities
- Utility companies
- Forestry operations
Guides by Province
Select your province for location-specific details including tax rates, licensing, and local market info:
Ready to Get Started?
Browse skid steers and attachments for your brush clearing business.