Cost Of Clearing Overgrown Acreage In SEQ
| Block size | Light | Medium | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 acre | $1,800–$2,800 | $3,000–$4,500 | $4,500–$8,500 |
| 5 acres | $9,000–$14,000 | $15,000–$22,500 | $22,500–$42,500 |
| 10 acres | $18,000–$28,000 | $30,000–$45,000 | $45,000–$85,000 |
Full breakdown in the 2026 Earthmoving Rates Guide.
Step-By-Step Process
1. Walk the block first
Don't book machinery without a site walk. Photograph access, slope, gates, creek crossings, and any standing trees over 400mm DBH. Mark exclusion zones — boundaries, neighbours' fences, septic, water tanks, beehives.
2. Plan the sequence
For mixed vegetation: excavator drops big timber first, then a skid steer mulcher follows up in a single pass. For pure lantana / regrowth: skid steer mulcher only, no excavator needed.
3. Pick the right machines
Default kit for SEQ acreage: CAT 299D3 XE + HM518 mulcher. Add a 13–20t excavator with grapple if standing trees over 400mm DBH are in scope.
4. Pre-clear access
Trim back gates, mark soft ground for track mats, clear a turnaround for the float. An hour of pre-work saves three hours of skid steer time.
5. Work into the wind
Always cut into the prevailing wind so chip debris blows away from the operator and away from any structures.
6. Mulch the perimeter first
Cut a 5–10m buffer around the entire block first. This establishes exclusion zones and gives you a fire-break for the rest of the work.
7. Pass the interior in strips
Drive in parallel strips at 0.5–1.5 km/h depending on density. Overlap each pass by 200mm so no missed strips.
8. Finish with a spread pass
Slow final drive-over spreads the mulch evenly to 50–100mm depth — the layer that suppresses regrowth for the next 6–18 months.
9. Plan follow-up spray
Lantana and most weed regrowth comes back from root crown. Spot-spray emerging shoots 8–12 weeks after mulching for permanent control.
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What Slows An Acreage Clear Down
- Bad access. Narrow gates, no turnaround, soft creek crossings — all cost real hours before the head touches vegetation.
- Big standing trees mixed in. Forces a two-machine job (excavator + skid steer).
- Slope over 20°. Switch to excavator-mounted mulcher, slower per acre.
- Wet ground. Compaction risk and slower travel.
- Hidden hard rubbish. Old fences, star pickets, buried car bodies — kills rotor teeth fast.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Operator
- Mark exclusion zones with star pickets and bunting before we arrive.
- Identify any standing trees you want kept — bunting around the trunk.
- Have a water source on site (jerry cans of 200L drum is fine) for fire risk management.
- Be available on the phone for the first hour while we walk-and-confirm scope.
- Don't try to "help" by moving material in front of the machine — let the head do the work.
After The Clear — Long-Term Management
- Mulch layer suppresses regrowth for 6–18 months.
- Inspect at 8–12 weeks for emerging weed shoots.
- Spot-spray with glyphosate or fluroxypyr on emergents.
- Repeat at 12 months for permanent >95% control.
- Plant cover crop or pasture seed if you want vegetated ground cover.
Related
- How forestry mulching works
- Forestry mulching vs excavator clearing
- Best machinery for lantana removal
- 2026 Rates Guide
FAQ
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