To carry out scrub clearance on more difficult terrain with steep gradients we use an excavator with a hydraulic winch attached. The photographs below show one of our contracts where we were employed to clear scrub from steep cliffs and valleys on the North Devon coast. The hydraulically operated winch with a single line rating of 20 tonnes is attached to a 15 tonne excavator. The excavator and winch are then used to lower and raise an Alpine Tractor which clears the gorse and scrub with a front mounted heavy duty flail head. The excavator is fitted with a bulldozer blade which acts as a secure ground anchor. This working system provides a safe and efficient working practice solution for steep gradient projects.