How to Clear Land with Heavy Equipment in Brock & Durham Region

Clearing land is the first big step in almost any rural project, from building a home to expanding a field or opening up overgrown acreage. With the right heavy equipment, a job that would take weeks by hand can be done in days. This guide breaks down the process for properties across Brock Township and the wider Durham Region, including which machines to use for brush, trees, and stumps.

Plan Before You Clear

Before a single tree comes down, take time to plan. Walk the property and identify what needs to go and what should stay. Mark valuable mature trees, property lines, septic beds, wells, and any buried utilities. In Durham Region and rural Brock, you should also confirm whether any permits or conservation authority approvals apply, especially near wetlands, watercourses, or designated natural areas.

A clear plan saves time, prevents damage, and helps you choose the right equipment for the specific mix of vegetation on your site.

Step 1: Clear Brush and Undergrowth

Most clearing jobs start with brush, saplings, and undergrowth. This is the layer that hides the bigger obstacles and makes the site hard to work. A compact track loader is the ideal machine here.

The Kubota SVL75-3 compact track loader (around 74 hp, from $350/day) is built for this kind of work. With the right attachment, it can knock down, gather, and pile brush quickly. Its tracks spread the machine's weight, so it works well on the soft, uneven ground common across rural Durham Region without getting stuck or chewing up the soil.

For lighter brush and material moving on smaller lots, the Kubota BX23s (tractor, loader, and backhoe, from $200/day) or the Kubota LX2620 compact tractor (from $300/day) can handle the job at a lower daily rate.

Step 2: Take Down Trees

Once the brush is cleared, you can tackle the trees. Smaller trees can often be pushed over or dug out with a loader or excavator. Larger trees should be felled safely with a chainsaw first, then the trunks and limbs gathered and piled with your loader.

For moving felled logs and heavier debris, the SVL75-3 track loader has the lifting capacity and traction you need. If you are clearing a wooded section to make room for a building or driveway, plan your piles so they are easy to load out, burn (where permitted), or chip later.

Step 3: Remove Stumps

Stumps are the toughest part of land clearing, and this is where a real excavator earns its keep. The Kubota U35 compact excavator (around 3.7 tonnes, from $350/day) has the digging power and breakout force to dig around and lever out most residential and small-acreage stumps.

For smaller stumps and tighter spots, the Kubota U17 mini excavator (from $250/day) can do the job, and its compact size lets it work in places a larger machine cannot reach. Here is a quick guide:

Step 4: Grade and Finish the Site

After the brush, trees, and stumps are gone, you will be left with a rough, disturbed surface full of holes, ruts, and debris. The final step is grading. The SVL75-3 track loader is excellent for rough grading and spreading material, while the LX2620 compact tractor is a great choice for finishing larger areas of acreage and smoothing it out for seeding or the next phase of construction.

Matching Machines to the Job

Here is how the fleet lines up for a typical land-clearing project in Brock and Durham Region:

• Brush and undergrowth: Kubota SVL75-3 track loader (or LX2620 / BX23s for lighter work)
• Trees and debris piling: Kubota SVL75-3 track loader
• Stumps: Kubota U35 excavator (U17 for small stumps and tight spots)
• Grading and finishing: Kubota SVL75-3 or LX2620 tractor

Safety First

Land clearing involves serious machinery, heavy debris, and unpredictable terrain. Keep these basics in mind:

• Always know where buried utilities are before you dig — call before you dig.
• Keep bystanders well clear of operating equipment and falling trees.
• Wear proper protective gear, including hearing and eye protection, when running a chainsaw.
• Work within the limits of your machine and your own experience.
• Never undermine a slope or work directly below a stump you are levering out.

If a job is beyond your comfort level, or you simply do not have the time, Titanium Equipment Group offers operated rentals. An experienced operator can clear your land efficiently and safely while you focus on the rest of the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best machine for clearing land?

For most land-clearing jobs, a Kubota SVL75-3 compact track loader handles brush, debris, and material moving, while a Kubota U35 excavator tackles stumps and digging. Many projects use both. Lighter jobs can be done with a compact tractor like the LX2620.

Can I clear land with a mini excavator?

Yes, especially on smaller lots or for removing stumps in tight spaces. A Kubota U17 mini excavator is great for stump removal and trenching, while a Kubota U35 handles larger stumps and tougher ground.

Do I need a permit to clear land in Durham Region?

It depends on your location and what you are clearing. Properties near wetlands, watercourses, or conservation lands may require approvals. Always check with your municipality and the local conservation authority before clearing, especially in rural Brock.

How much does it cost to rent equipment for land clearing?

Daily rates with Titanium Equipment Group start at $250/day for a Kubota U17, $350/day for a Kubota U35 or SVL75-3 track loader, and $200/day for a BX23s. We deliver across the region, and operated rentals are available.

Get a Quote

Ready to clear land anywhere in Brock, Durham Region, or beyond? Titanium Equipment Group has the Kubota track loaders, excavators, and tractors to get it done, delivered to your property and available as operated rentals if you would rather have a pro at the controls. Call or text 437-907-0671 or request a quote.