Silt Fence Regulations Create Business Opportunity

Silt Fence Regulations Create Business Opportunity 29-3-8 Stringent government regulations often create money-making opportunities. That's the case with those silt fences you see nowadays around nearly all construction sites. Fear of fines up to $10,000 or more has created a booming demand for the Silt Fence Plow from McCormick Equipment. "The market is paying from $1.55 to $2 per foot for installation and materials," says Chris McCormick. "A 2-man team with our plow can put in 1,000 ft. of fence in 3 hours. Most guys average about 5,000 ft. per day." That means a team of silt fencers could gross from $7,750 to $10,000 per day. Costs would depend on the specifications of the contracting engineer. McCormick says silt fabric costs from 12 to 30 cents/ft. and posts will vary from $2 each for steel posts to 65 cents each for wood posts. A quick calculation of the highest cost fabric and wood posts at the closest spacing suggests material costs of $408/1,000 ft. or $2,040 for a 5,000-ft. day. That leaves $5,710 to $7,960 to cover the labor of two men and equipment costs for tractor and installation equipment. McCormick's fabric-laying Silt Fence Plows are priced from $3,200 to $5,200, depending on models, with a Super Silt Fencer that also installs wire backing priced at $7,200. Laying silt fence with the plow is easy, he says. "The plow can be attached to any tractor or skid loader. Drop the machine in the ground, and it cuts a slot 8 to 12 in. deep, like a knife through butter, inserting the edge of fence as it goes. At the end of the run, drive back alongside the slot, and the wheel packs the soil tight against the fabric." McCormick says his Silt Fence Plow has gone through more than 30 modifications since the first prototype was made. One of the changes that sets it apart is a rear pivot design that allows it to turn as sharp as the power unit pulling it. Another feature is the positive feed design of the fabric chute. "The ground actually grabs the fabric as you move forward, so the fence stays tight," says McCormick. In addition to construction jobs, he says no-till farmers are also laying fabric (flat as opposed to an upright fence), across areas in fields where a ditch is appearing. The fabric slows the water, allowing silt to fill in the ditch. No-till farmers can plant right across it. McCormick suggests talking to homebuilders and construction companies in your area. Ask about the need and opportunities in your area. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Chris McCormick, McCormick Equipment, 185 Hwy 92, Pleasantville, Iowa 50225 (cell ph 515 669-3427; shop ph 515 848-3101; email: mccormick01@msn.com; website: www.siltfenceplow.com).

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