A skid steer mulcher, preferably a Spartan Equipment mulcher attachment, can transform your skid steer into a brush-clearing beast of a machine.
But equipment like this requires skilled operation to pilot successfully. If you are the proud owner of a new Spartan Equipment Skid Steer Mulcher, here are some tips for success in cutting above ground-level vegetation.
Before Cutting: Adjusting Mulcher Height and Level
Once you have fastened the skid steer mulcher attachment, the skid steer loader can be used to adjust the height of the mulcher. Make fore and aft adjustments to height using the attachment tilt cylinders.
Always inspect the area you’ll be cutting thoroughly before proceeding. Ensure it is clear of dangerous obstacles including but not limited to rocks, posts, and utilities. Never assume an area is clear; always assess it before cutting.
Determine your cutting pattern and never proceed into the area to be cut until the skid steer mulcher blade has come up to the required operating speed.
Cutting Above Ground-Level Vegetation
Do not attempt to operate the mulcher if you can see the disk. If you can see the disk, the cutter is raised too high and may throw debris back in the direction of the operator, which can result in serious injury.
Tilt the front of the deck slightly above the rear and direct the mulcher into the vegetation you intend to cut, closer to the base. As you are cutting through the vegetation, tilt the front slightly to improve the feed to the mulching disk.
As you cut, if you are cutting stiff, woody vegetation such as saplings, it will be pulled into the center of the deck and chips will be evacuated out the sides. Back drag the mulcher over an area you’ve just cleared to complete the pass; this will help chip any remaining branches or debris.
If the mulcher’s disk speed slows down as you are proceeding, reduce the speed of your forward progress. Proceeding into vegetation too quickly will cause the mulcher disk to slow down, reducing cutting efficiency. Slow disk speeds can also cause balling of debris, which further reduces efficiency.
Mulching too quickly, or attempting to cut debris that is too thick for the mulcher attachment can also cause the disk to jam. If the disk does jam and stops completely, stop the flow and use a tree to attempt to rotate the disk to remove the jammed material.
To do so, place the outside edge tooth on a tree and then turn the skid steer to rotate the disk in the opposite direction, which should free the jammed material out of the feed side.
The mulcher attachment is not designed to push, pull, lift, or move any type of object or debris. Never attempt to do so; Do not attempt to push down trees unless you are operating the mulcher attachment.
Make sure you always allow the mulcher disk to come up to operating speed before proceeding into any brush.
Need More Information on Spartan Equipment Skid Steer Mulchers?
Don’t have a Spartan Equipment Skid Steer Mulcher attachment yet? That can be easily remedied. Visit Spartan Equipment via the previous link to learn more about their mulcher attachments, which are available in a wide range of cutting widths and high flow rates. In addition to brush cutter attachments, Spartan Equipment also carries several drum mulchers.
Spartan Equipment attachments are the industry’s toughest and Never Surrender. However, peak performance is assured only through safe, responsible operation and maintenance. For more information on use and care, consult their official Forestry Mulching Disk Owner’s/Operator’s Manual.
