Sizing a skid steer mulcher

[Syajin]

For a forestry mulcher on a skid steer, how much does the actual aux flow and case drain setup matter compared with just having a high-flow machine?

 

[BevelRock]

High-flow is just the starting point. The head needs a stated flow range and pressure limit, and the carrier needs to hold that flow continuously without cooking the oil.

Case drain matters too, since some heads require a low-restriction return direct to tank. I'd want the model/serial first and the mulcher spec sheet side by side. Not enough there to call a high-flow machine compatible just from the decal.

 

[Looky]

Yep. The high-flow sticker doesn't say what the machine actually delivers. Need the carrier make/model and its aux flow, pressure, and whether it has the proper case-drain hookup before matching a head.

 

[Greg1987]

Flow match isn't the whole deal either. Head weight and rotor style can make a skid steer feel pretty light, even when the auxiliary hydraulics are right.

 

[Looky]

Material size matters too. Light brush and grass can point toward a brush cutter, while heavier standing timber calls for a mulcher head sized for that work. Keep clear of stumps and other hidden obstacles, and follow the carrier and attachment manuals.

 

[Pikachu]

Hydraulics and weight are only half of it if this is real brush work. A standard cab can get expensive fast around flying wood. Forestry door glass, side/rear guarding, and belly protection are a different level than just a front guard. For occasional light cleanup maybe not the same deal, but production mulching without that protection is rough on both the machine and operator.