Hand or machine?

Where do you draw the line between doing work by hand and using small machines like bobcats, etc. What is your tipping point?

Thanks Alex,

We don't use bobcats that often, moreso dozers and tractors. Touch wood I've never tipped however have got very close and its instructive to know what the limits are so you can make decisions accordingly. For a larger project a few years ago we had this slope map done (https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y6eO73dcmIqRsB_3FbilDdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink): with red being above 30 degrees of slope, being the limit of most machines on contour or close to. This kind of appraisal, regardless of the scale of the project helps you define the land-use and any treatments imposed. Generally however I would say anything over 25 degrees is best not to use machines and then between 25-45 is best with a human. Above 45 degrees and its difficult for vegetation to grow and in which case if you are desperate you'd do some terracing which can be done with either machines or hands. Hope that this helps. Darren