If you run a skid steer or CTL and your work is moving dirt, clearing brush, cutting trees, trenching utilities, breaking concrete, or pushing snow, the right attachment turns a compact machine into a money maker. This reads like a field manual. I have been getting lots of questions through the contact form about this topic, so I put together a practical guide that actually helps.
Who this is for and how to use it
This article is for owners and operators who want to choose confidently, avoid compatibility mistakes, and build an attachment lineup around outcomes. Jump to a category from the table of contents, then use the checklists to narrow down a model. If you came here with a very specific phrase like low flow brush cutter or six way blade, the sections use the same plain language so you land on the right spot quickly.
- Skid steer and skid loader are the same thing. CTL means compact track loader.
- Quick attach plate and mounting plate refer to the interface that locks the tool to the machine. Universal quick attach describes the common SSQA shape used on most modern machines.
- Quick connect refers to hydraulic couplers. Hydraulic quick attach means the plate itself is actuated from the seat.
- Low flow and high flow describe auxiliary hydraulic flow. Flow is gpm and pressure is psi.
Compatibility and quick attach plates
The plate is the handshake between your loader and every tool you will ever own. If the handshake is wrong, everything else falls apart. Online and at the dealer you will usually hear quick attach plate or mounting plate. They point to the same interface. A steel face that locks to the loader with pins or levers.
Most modern machines ship with a universal quick attach pattern. That is the SSQA geometry used across North America. Some compact tractors and older units use other shapes, so confirm the interface before you buy. If you switch brands, a bolt-on or weld-on adapter plate can bridge the gap. On heavy duty plates look for roughly five sixteenths inch steel and gussets that carry load into the lower lip.
Hydraulic quick attach and quick connect couplers
Hydraulic quick attach lets you lock and unlock the plate without stepping out. It is a comfort feature that becomes a safety feature in winter or on slopes. Even with powered actuation, always verify the wedges are seated before you lift. Quick connect couplers feed oil to the attachment. Flat face couplers are standard because they trap less dirt and connect with less spill. If you see skid steer quick connect in a parts list, that usually means a pair of flat face couplers and a case drain if required.
Before shopping, take a photo of your plate and couplers, then write down model, rated operating capacity, standard and high flow numbers, and whether you have a case drain. That one note saves a lot of back and forth.
Hydraulics that actually matter
Attachments convert hydraulic horsepower into work. Horsepower is flow times pressure divided by a constant. You do not need the math. You need the ranges. Standard flow lands around 15 to 25 gpm. High flow lands around 30 to 45 gpm. Pressure is commonly 3000 to 3500 psi. If you plug a head that wants 40 gpm into a 20 gpm circuit, production drops and heat climbs. If you overpressure a motor designed for less, you can damage it. Matching is not bureaucracy. It is uptime.
Low flow and high flow in plain words
- Low flow brush cutter. A three blade open deck cutter rated for standard flow will clear grass, weeds, and saplings up to about two to four inches depending on the rotor. It is a good mix of speed and fuel burn. Great for pasture cleanup and road edges.
- High flow forestry cutter or rotary mulcher. Disc or drum heads with carbide teeth that chew material. They need high flow to hold rotor speed. Perfect when you want a clean finish without a burn pile.
- Case drain requirement. Many high speed hydraulic motors have a third line called a case drain. It lets leakage oil return to tank with almost no back pressure. Never tee a case drain into return. Never run a head that requires a case drain without the line connected.
Buying the biggest head your budget allows and assuming it will run on your standard flow machine. Read the motor tag. Find the flow and pressure window. If it does not match, pick the next model down or spec high flow.
Weight and tipping
Attachments are not only hydraulic loads. They are live weights hanging off the front axle. A two thousand pound mulcher that reaches forward loads the axle more than a two thousand pound bucket tucked in close. Know your ROC and respect slopes.
Bucket attachments
Buckets are the day one tool. You probably own two already. The trick is choosing the right pair for most of your work so you stop fighting the wrong shape.
General purpose bucket
Good all around shape for digging, loading, and back dragging. Ask for a bolt on edge if you often work on concrete so you can flip or replace it without welding.
4 in 1 combination bucket
Opens like a clam. You can grip logs, dump controlled loads, and do light grading. It costs more and weighs more, yet can replace a grapple on light duty sites.
Rock or skeleton bucket
Round bars or cut tines let fines fall through while you carry rocks and debris. Land clearing and pasture cleanup run smoother with one on the truck.
High capacity light material bucket
Snow, mulch, and chips need volume. This shape loads fast and keeps the center of gravity close.
Low profile digging bucket
Lower back for a better view into the cut. Handy when you need to trim grades without guessing.
Side dump bucket
Dumps left or right while you travel forward. Shines in tight alleys and feedlots where turning is a pain.
Dozer blades and six way options
Dozer blades let a skid steer punch above its weight in grading and backfilling. A basic blade gives you angle and tilt. A six way blade adds pitch through hydraulic tilt and angle so you can crown a driveway and feather edges without hopping off. Catalogs often call it a six way dozer blade. More control.
- Look for trip protection if you work on rock or frost heaves.
- Make sure you have enough electrical outputs to control angle and tilt at the same time. Many kits include a 12 volt control box.
- For broad final grade, a box blade or land leveler is often faster. A dozer blade wins when you need precise crowns or swales.
Forestry and land clearing
This is the highest interest cluster. Terms overlap and that confuses buyers. Here is a clean way to think about it.
Rotary mulcher versus forestry cutter
Rotary mulcher is a broad name that people use for disc style cutters and for drum style mulchers. A forestry cutter usually means a heavy disc or a closed deck cutter with carbide teeth around the edge. A drum mulcher uses a horizontal drum with rows of teeth that eat material from the ground up. If you see deep carbide rows and a case drain hose, you are in mulcher territory.
- Usually needs high flow.
- Fast in grass and saplings up to six inches depending on model.
- Teeth around the disc let you mulch a stump and push into brush.
- Best finish in heavy brush and small trees.
- Controls thrown objects better because the housing is closed.
- Higher purchase price but often lower cleanup time.
Brush cutters and brush hog naming
Contractors use three names for the same family. Brush cutter, brush hog, and mower attachment. A heavy duty brush cutter has thicker deck steel, a heavier flywheel or blade carrier, and a direct drive or piston motor. A brush cutter with mulching teeth is a hybrid that clears like a cutter and chews thicker stems without leaving long sticks. If you need weekly lawn work with stems, a flail mower gives a cleaner cut and throws fewer rocks. If you want ground speed, a rotary cutter wins on acres per hour.
Stumps and the grinder attachment
Skid steer grinder attachment usually means a stump grinder. Vertical wheel grinders attack from the side and are easy to learn. Swing arm heads reach over fences and cut on an arc. Keep teeth sharp and carry spares. A dull grinder makes the hydraulics feel weak.
Logging and tree handling
Logging attachments include log grapples, splitters, tree shears, and grapple saws. A tree cutter is great for fence lines and field reclamation. Add guarding for cab and lights if you work in dense timber. A simple log grapple pays for itself staging firewood and cleaning storm damage.
- Standard flow open deck brush cutter for grass and saplings.
- High flow forestry cutter or drum mulcher for thicker stems and a better finish.
- Stump grinder to finish flush and protect tires.
- Grapple bucket or root grapple to sort and move piles when you do not want to mulch everything.
Brush cutters and brush hogs
Pick by what you are cutting and by your flow. This is where many buyers over or under spend.
| Use case | Recommended head | Flow window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pasture mowing, shoulder maintenance, light brush | Rotary brush cutter, 60 to 72 inch | Standard flow 15 to 25 gpm | Open deck runs cooler and sheds debris. Keep blade bolts torqued. |
| Mixed ground with saplings up to four inches | Heavy duty rotary cutter with heavier flywheel | Standard or high flow depending on size | Look for pressure relief and replaceable skid shoes. |
| Dense brush with lower projectile risk | Flail mower with hammer knives | Standard flow | Better control of thrown objects. Slower in open grass. |
| Clean finish on residential work | Forestry cutter or drum mulcher | High flow 30 to 45 gpm | Often needs case drain. Add guarding and cooling in summer. |
| Low flow machines that still need to clear brush | Low flow rated brush cutter | 12 to 16 gpm options exist | Narrower cut helps maintain tip speed. Two blade carriers help at very low flow. |
These heads can throw objects. Use deflectors, set a controlled work zone, and keep bystanders out. Add a roof screen and poly door if your cab is open.
Winter work and snow blowers
Snow creates predictable work and a blower makes you the hero on tight sites. A skid loader snow blower turns a cramped lot into a clean slate when there is no place to stack. Match width to your machine and to the narrowest drive you service.
- Two stage blowers throw farther and handle packed snow better.
- Hydraulic chute rotation and deflector control save time and neck strain.
- In arctic air, a case drain return and an extra cooler can help motor life.
Not every site needs a blower. For open lots, a snow pusher or straight blade clears faster and burns less fuel. A high capacity snow bucket is perfect for stacking and post storm cleanup.
Demolition and breakers
Skid steer breaker attachment, concrete breaker, and jackhammer attachment refer to the same family of hydraulic hammers. Sizing is about impact energy matched to your hydraulic output and to the structure you are breaking.
- Pick a hammer near 1000 to 1500 foot pounds for general flatwork. Go bigger for bridge deck and footings if your loader can carry it.
- Use a flow control only if the hammer manufacturer specifies it. Many modern hammers self regulate return oil.
- Install the correct tool bit. A moil is general purpose. A chisel cuts a trench. A blunt is for boulders.
Cold planers and surface prep
Many crews who own a hammer also own a cold planer. It mills asphalt for patches and utility tie ins. It has a high hydraulic demand and likes a stout cooling package.
Trenchers and utilities
Trenchers are utility staples. Chain and tooth selection matter more than anything. Match the chain to the soil first. Then decide depth and width.
- Cup and shark tooth combos chew loam and clay. Carbide is for rock and frozen ground.
- Get a crumber to clean the trench floor when you lay conduit or water line without bedding.
- Hydraulic sideshift lets you dig offset next to structures without running the tracks on the edge.
If you only trench occasionally, rent. If you trench weekly, ownership cuts time lost to logistics and lets you work on short notice.
Rakes for landscape and rock
Three names point to a few different tools that clean and prep ground before seed or sod.
Power rake
Also called a Harley rake. Uses a transverse drum to break crust, windrow rock, and leave a textured seedbed. Fastest way to turn construction fill into something you can seed.
Landscape rake
Think of a big spring tooth rake with a collection bucket or windrow wings. Great after a power rake pass or on light stone fields.
Rock rake or skeleton rake
Sifts and moves surface rock while letting fines drop. Pair with pallet forks and you can clean a lot with minimal hand work.
Material handling and grapples
A loader without forks is like a pickup without a hitch. Pallet forks move everything from pavers to generators. When loads turn irregular, grapples take over.
- Root grapple for land clearing and storm debris.
- Scrap grapple for demo and tear outs.
- Log grapple for firewood and light logging.
- Bale spear and bale squeeze for farm work where you want speed without tearing wrap.
How to choose with zero regret?
- Define the job first. Loading and grading. Trenching. Mowing and brush. Forestry and clearing. Demo and concrete. Snow and ice. Finish prep. Material handling.
- Match ground conditions. Soil. Rock. Turf. Asphalt. Concrete. Snow. Ice. Heavy brush. Timber.
- Confirm hydraulics. Standard or high flow. Continuous duty or intermittent actuation. Case drain requirements.
- Check ROC and geometry. Weight. Center of gravity. Sightline to the cutting edge. Approach angles.
- Decide with TCO. Wear parts, hose and seal life, fuel burn, operator hours, resale value.
Sizing and ROC
- ROC; Keep attachment plus payload at or under the rated operating capacity. ROC is commonly about half of tipping load.
- Leverage; Long jibs and high dump buckets push the center forward. Counterweight and measured travel keep stability.
- Width; Match tool width to track width and to your narrowest corridor.
- Forks; Pick tine length and section for the load center. Side shift helps in tight aisles.
Pricing, rentals, and TCO
Sticker prices move with steel, logistics, and season. A tiered lens keeps decisions durable even when individual numbers change.
Cost tiers with use cases
- Lower ticket. Pallet forks, General purpose bucket, Basic auger, Straight blade, Small broom.
- Mid ticket. Grapple, Trencher, Rotary or flail mower, Pickup broom, Wheel saw.
- Upper ticket. Forestry mulcher, Cold planer, Large snow blower, Laser grading box.
Option impact on price?
| Option | Typical impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| High flow motor with case drain | +15% to +30% | Critical for mulcher, cold planer, large blower |
| One step wider cutting width | +10% to +25% | Stronger frame, rotor, carrier |
| Carbide teeth or heavy rotor | +10% to +20% | Higher output with higher wear budget |
| Cylinder, hose, and motor guards | +5% to +15% | Recommended for demo and forestry |
| 14 pin control and harness | +3% to +8% | Needed for angle blade and blower chute on many machines |
| Premium dealer network | +5% to +12% | Faster service and parts availability |
Rent or buy in one line?
Break even hours equals purchase price minus expected resale divided by rental hourly rate minus variable ownership cost per hour.
Maintenance and safety
Daily startup
- Verify SSQA locks are fully seated. No plate slap.
- Inspect hoses for cuts and leaks. Avoid pinch and abrasion.
- Check 14 pin connectors and strain relief. No dangling harness.
- Tighten pins and bolts to spec. Watch for elongated holes.
- Clear debris from rotating parts before spin up.
During operation
- Do not stretch hoses to the stop. Manage routing and rotation arcs.
- Monitor oil temperature on continuous duty heads. Oil coolers pay back.
- Maintain a safe perimeter. Chips and shards travel fast.
Intervals and storage
- Grease bearings and pivots on schedule.
- Replace blades, teeth, and brushes in sets. Balanced rotors last longer.
- Set chain or belt tension on trenchers, blowers, and pickup brooms.
- Cap hose ends, drain water, and store cutting edges off the ground.
Brand and model fitment
- Mechanical; SSQA covers most brands. Verify plate wear and latch engagement.
- Hydraulic packages; High flow kits often add cooling. Mulchers and planers benefit most.
- Electrical pinouts; Some tools need adapter harnesses or a control module.
- Application kits; Angle and tilt for blades. Chute controls for blowers. Case drain plumbing for high speed motors.
- Warranty; Document installs. Non spec wiring or plumbing can affect coverage.
Used market checklist
- Plate and latch pins. Check for wear and play.
- Hoses and fittings. Look for leaks, kinks, abrasion.
- Rotor and bearings. Check for play, noise, vibration.
- Motors and valves. Watch for oil stains and heat marks.
- Electrical connectors. Look for oxidation and loose pins.
- Serial tags. Confirm legibility and model match.
Glossary
- SSQA: Skid Steer Quick Attach standard.
- ROC: Rated Operating Capacity.
- GPM and PSI: Hydraulic flow and pressure.
- Standard and High flow: Package tiers that vary by model.
- Case drain: Dedicated low pressure return for motor leakage flow.
- TCO: Total Cost of Ownership.
Selection checklist and mistakes
Checklist
- Write the primary job and the worst case you want to handle. Example. Grass and two inch saplings with occasional four inch scrub.
- Match hydraulic flow and pressure. Write both and compare to the spec sheet. If a head lists 30 to 42 gpm and your machine tops at 23 gpm, pick another head.
- Confirm quick attach style and couplers. Take photos of your plate and flat face couplers. Note if you have a case drain.
- Check weight against ROC. Keep margin for slopes and uneven ground.
- Plan transport. Width and height on your trailer. Tie down points that do not fight your chains.
- Ask for wear part pricing. Teeth, blades, skid shoes, belts, and hoses decide TCO.
- Plan guarding. Forestry doors, roof screens, belly pans, and rear coolers pay for themselves in brush.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying a forestry head for a standard flow machine and expecting production in heavy brush.
- Running a head without a required case drain.
- Assuming universal quick attach means every plate from every era fits.
- Overlooking electrical controls for six way blades and blowers with chutes.
- Skipping protection for windows and lights during land clearing and hoping insurance covers it.
Specs at a glance
| Family | Typical flow | Pressure | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard brush cutter | 15 to 25 gpm | 3000 to 3500 psi | 900 to 1600 lb | Open deck runs cooler and sheds debris. |
| Heavy duty cutter with teeth | 22 to 35 gpm | 3000 to 4000 psi | 1200 to 2200 lb | Hybrid finish for rough mulching. |
| Drum mulcher | 30 to 45 gpm | 3500 to 5000 psi | 1800 to 3000 lb | Often needs case drain and extra cooling. |
| 72 inch snow blower | 18 to 30 gpm | 3000 psi | 800 to 1200 lb | Two stage throws farther and needs chute controls. |
| Hydraulic breaker | 12 to 25 gpm | 2000 to 3000 psi at the hammer | 700 to 1600 lb | Impact energy is the key spec. Follow lube schedule. |
| 36 inch trencher | 13 to 22 gpm | 3000 psi | 600 to 1200 lb | Chain style must match soil. Add crumber for a clean floor. |
| Six way dozer blade | Minimal flow for angle and tilt | Cylinder spec | 700 to 1500 lb | Electrical harness may be required for controls. |
Short answers FAQ
What are the best forestry attachments for a small crew?
Start with an open deck heavy duty brush cutter for standard flow. Add a high flow forestry cutter or drum mulcher if your machine supports it. Keep a stump grinder on the trailer to finish clean and protect tires. Add a root grapple for sorting. That set covers most land clearing jobs without a second machine.
What is the difference between a brush hog and a brush cutter?
They are two names for the same rotary cutter family. Brush hog is the farm nickname. Brush cutter is the catalog name.
Can a low flow machine run a brush cutter?
Yes. Choose a head that is rated for your flow and consider a narrower cut width. A 60 inch standard flow cutter on a 16 to 18 gpm machine will outwork a wider head that drags rotor speed down.
Rotary mulcher or forestry cutter which is better
Disc style forestry cutters clear fast and can leave a semi mulched finish. Drum mulchers leave a finer mulch and control thrown objects better. Pick based on finish quality and your flow rating.
Do I need a six way dozer blade?
If you shape crowns and ditches or work on driveways weekly, yes. For simple backfill after trench work, a straight blade or box blade may be faster.
Is a breaker the same as a jackhammer attachment?
Yes. Both terms describe a hydraulic hammer. Match impact energy and oil flow to your loader. Use the correct tool bit for concrete or rock.
What trencher size should I buy for conduit and water line?
Residential conduit often runs at 18 to 24 inches. Water lines run deeper in frost zones. A 36 inch trencher covers both and gives room for bedding.
Do all plates use the same universal quick attach?
Most modern machines use SSQA geometry. Older machines and some compact tractors do not. Always check fit and latch position before you commit.
What does skid steer quick connect mean?
It usually refers to flat face hydraulic couplers that let you connect and disconnect hoses without tools. Do not confuse it with hydraulic quick attach which is the powered locking plate.
Keep you productive
Attachments scale a compact loader without buying a bigger machine. Start with the jobs you do weekly, then choose heads that match your hydraulic system. Order wear parts with the tool so you never sit on a sunny day with dull teeth. Keep the plate tight, the couplers clean, and your expectations aligned to the spec sheet. When you pair the right tool with the right flow, even a mid frame skid steer or CTL feels twice as strong.
Find Model
Use our Find Model tool to filter by brand, model, flow, and job type. It turns a confusing catalog into a short list you can buy with confidence.
If you want help picking a first kit for a new machine, message us with your model and the three jobs you want to win this season. We will send a short list that respects your budget and time.