So ... Done with this year's pile cut to 18" except for a few pieces still froze hard to the ground. Smaller pile overall w a better bid. Best part it was probably a different operator because the pile was humane this time. Less danger due to hieght , less dirt due to Excavator , and the best part was laid on unengaged ground without any runners. Actually used the cutterhead instead of smashing and dragging the tops and limbs off for the most part. Guy that left me the Hell Pile can go off.