What Machine Is Best for Grubbing Mesquite

[MikePhua]

The Challenge of Mesquite Removal
Mesquite is a notoriously resilient woody plant found across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its deep taproot system, aggressive regrowth, and thorny canopy make it a formidable opponent for land restoration and pasture clearing. Mechanical grubbing—removing the plant by its roots—is the most effective method for long-term control, especially when compared to mowing or chemical treatment, which often leave root systems intact.
Grubbing requires equipment with high breakout force, traction, and compatibility with specialized attachments. The goal is to extract the entire root crown without excessive soil disturbance, allowing for reseeding or grazing without regrowth.
Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders for Mesquite Work
Skid steers and compact track loaders (CTLs) are popular choices for mesquite grubbing due to their maneuverability and attachment versatility. However, not all models are equally suited for the task.
Key performance factors include:

• Breakout force: Determines ability to dislodge root crowns
  
• Hydraulic flow: Powers grubber attachments effectively
  
• Ground pressure: Affects traction and soil impact
  
• Frame rigidity: Supports aggressive digging without flex
  

Wheeled skid steers like the Case 1845C offer simplicity and reliability, but may struggle with traction on loose or sandy soils. The 1845C, produced from the late 1970s through the early 2000s, is known for its mechanical robustness and ease of repair. However, its breakout force and hydraulic output may be marginal for deep-rooted mesquite, especially when paired with heavy-duty grubber tools.
Track Machines and Breakout Performance
Compact track loaders such as the John Deere 329E and 333G offer significantly higher breakout force and traction. The 333G, for example, delivers over 12,000 lbs of breakout force and supports high-flow hydraulics up to 41 GPM—ideal for powering aggressive attachments like the Vail X Series Grubber.
Advantages of CTLs:

• Lower ground pressure for better flotation
  
• Improved stability on uneven terrain
  
• Higher hydraulic capacity for demanding tools
  
• Better traction in dry, dusty ranchland
  

In one ranch operation in West Texas, switching from a wheeled skid steer to a 333G reduced mesquite regrowth by 60% over two seasons, thanks to deeper root extraction and cleaner crown removal.
Attachment Selection and Compatibility
The Vail X Series Grubber is a purpose-built tool designed to clamp around mesquite stems and extract them with minimal soil disruption. It requires:

• High hydraulic pressure for clamping force
  
• Rigid mounting to prevent flex during extraction
  
• Visibility for precise placement around root crowns
  

Operators should ensure that the host machine has:

• Auxiliary hydraulic lines with case drain
  
• Reinforced quick-attach plate
  
• Joystick or foot pedal control for fine movement
  

Some ranchers retrofit their machines with protective cages and counterweights to improve balance and operator safety during aggressive grubbing.
Budget Considerations and Used Equipment Strategy
While high-performance CTLs like the 333G may exceed $60,000 new, used units can be found under $30,000 depending on hours and condition. Buyers should prioritize:

• Machines with documented hydraulic service history
  
• Units with high-flow capability and auxiliary plumbing
  
• Frame integrity and undercarriage wear
  

In one case from Oklahoma, a rancher purchased a used 329E with 2,800 hours for $28,500 and paired it with a refurbished Vail grubber. The setup cleared 40 acres of mesquite in under three weeks, with minimal downtime.
Alternative Machines and Regional Practices
In some regions, larger equipment such as dozers with root rakes or excavators with thumb grapples are used for mesquite removal. While effective, these machines often cause more soil disruption and require greater operator skill.
Pros of larger machines:

• Faster clearing of dense stands
  
• Ability to stack and burn debris
  
• Deeper root extraction
  

Cons:

• Higher fuel consumption
  
• Greater soil disturbance
  
• Limited maneuverability in tight areas
  

In Arizona, a contractor used a modified excavator with a hydraulic grubber claw to clear mesquite along irrigation ditches. The machine’s reach allowed for selective removal without damaging berms or water lines.
Conclusion
Grubbing mesquite requires a balance of power, precision, and soil sensitivity. While wheeled skid steers like the Case 1845C offer reliability, compact track loaders such as the John Deere 329E and 333G provide superior breakout force and hydraulic performance for root extraction. Paired with a purpose-built attachment like the Vail X Series Grubber, these machines can transform mesquite-infested ranchland into productive pasture. Whether clearing 10 acres or 1,000, the right machine makes the difference between temporary control and lasting reclamation.