In 2024, you will want to enhance your landscaping skills and look for the best skid steer for mulching. We know how it feels. From being a long task that you find unsatisfying, a good quality skid steer loader can turn mulching into an efficient job that is worth doing well. However, there are so many models and features to consider that knowing where to start may be difficult when buying a skid steer. This is where we come in. In this article, The Trade Table will delve into the latest skid steer and heavy equipment reviews as well as specs revealing top mulching machines.
TM Manufacturing Pro 2 Log Splitter Skid Steer Attachment | 24”, 30” or 36” Stroke
$5,395.00
TM Manufacturing Pro 2 Log Splitter Skid Steer Attachment | 24”, 30” or 36” Stroke The TM Pro 2 Splitter (Patent # 9662801) revolutionizes splitting wood. This splitter ranges in stroke length from 24-36” with 4.5-5” cylinders, with a viewing window… read more
Key Features to Look for in a Mulching Skid Steer
When it comes to mulching, you need a skid steer that can handle the demands of the job.
Power and Torque: Look for a model with at least 50 to 60 horsepower and high torque for chewing through tough material. More power means faster mulching and less strain on the engine.
Reliability: You'll be putting in long hours, so choose a brand known for durable, long-lasting engines and parts. Check reviews to see how the model has held up over time. The last thing you want is your mulcher breaking down mid-job!
Heavy-Duty Construction: Look for a skid steer built tough, with a reinforced frame, thick steel plating, and puncture-resistant tires. Mulching requires handling jagged and abrasive material, so you need a machine that can take a beating.
High-Flow Hydraulics: Make sure the skid steer has a high-flow hydraulic system, at least 30 gallons per minute or more. The higher the flow rate, the faster and more powerfully the mulching attachment will operate. High-flow hydraulics are a must for efficient mulching.
Comfortable Cabin: You'll be spending hours in the operator's seat, so choose a skid steer with a spacious, ergonomic cabin. Features like vibration reduction, lumbar support, integrated AC, and heating will keep you comfortable during long days.
Compatibility with Mulching Attachments: The skid steer needs to work with a variety of mulching attachments like brush cutters, stump grinders, and wood chippers. Check that attachments from major brands are compatible before you buy.
TM Manufacturing Spade Blade Skid Steer Attachment
$1,795.00
TM Manufacturing Spade Blade Skid Steer Attachment Transform your skid loader into a high performance digging machine with the TM Spade Blade. This skid steer attachment can be used to excavate rocks, stumps, and trees with ease. The spade blade… read more
Skid Steer Attachments for Effective Mulching
Mulching Head
A mulching head is also known as a mulching bucket and is specifically made for mulching brush, trees, and yard debris. It has strong cutting teeth or blades with gaps through which material can feed inefficiently. As the material grinds up, it gets redistributed on the ground via side discharge chutes. A single pass by a mulching head turns logs and branches of diameters of 6 inches into mulch.
Forestry Cutter
For larger mulching projects, a forestry cutter or brush cutter attachment works well for clearing woody brush and trees up to 8 inches in diameter. It has a large capacity for feeding whole trees and uses a rotating drum with hardened steel cutters to chip the wood into small fragments. The cut material is then discharged out the back of the attachment. Forestry cutters require high hydraulic flow and a minimum of 100 horsepower to operate effectively.
Rotary Cutter
If you need to mulch grass, weeds, or light brush, a rotary cutter or brush hog can work with most standard skid steers. It uses a fast-spinning blade to cut vegetation down to size. For mulching, choose a rotary cutter with a cutting width of at least 60 inches and durable blades that can handle frequent contact with the ground. The cut material will be discharged out the back of the cutter, where it can then be further processed using a mulching head or brush chipper if needed.
Loflin Fabrication Skid Steer Pallet Fork Frame
$502.00
Loflin Fabrication Skid Steer Pallet Fork Frame Effortlessly handle palletized materials with the Loflin Fabrication Standard Skid Steer Pallet Forks Frame. This American-made attachment, designed for skid steer loaders, empowers construction crews, warehouse workers, and property owners to manage pallet handling tasks with unmatched efficiency… read more
What Is the Best Skid Steer for Mulching: Our Top Picks
Bobcat S70 Skid-Steer Loader
For mulching, the Bobcat S70 is a popular and capable choice. This mid-size skid steer has a radial lift arm that provides excellent reach at full height. The S70 can tackle a wide range of mulching attachments, like brush cutters, rotary cutters, and hydraulic mulching heads. It has a relatively compact frame for maneuvering in tight areas, but still offers a roomy operator station with simple, ergonomic controls. The S70 is powered by a 58-hp diesel engine that delivers plenty of hydraulic flow for operating high-capacity mulching equipment.
John Deere 318G Compact Track Loader
If you need to mulch on rough, uneven terrain, the John Deere 318G is an excellent option. This compact track loader features wide, durable rubber tracks instead of wheels, giving it superior stability and traction on muddy, steep, or uneven ground. The 318G has a radial lift arm and high hydraulic flow for operating heavy-duty mulching attachments. Although more expensive than a comparable wheeled skid steer, the tracks on the 318G will minimize damage to sensitive ground and allow mulching in places most skid steers can’t access. For large acreage or remote mulching jobs, the 318G is a very capable machine.
Caterpillar D Series Skid Steer Loaders
For high-production mulching, the new Caterpillar D Series skid steers are ideal. These next-generation skid steers offer more power, faster hydraulic response, and higher lift capacities than previous Caterpillar models. The D Series includes the CAT D3, D4, and D5 models with operating weights from 5,500 to 10,000 pounds. All D Series skid steers can power mulching attachments like forestry cutter heads, rotary cutters up to 6 feet wide, and hydraulic mulchers. The D4 and D5 models are excellent for running the largest, most robust mulching equipment and tackling the biggest land-clearing jobs. Although more expensive, D Series skid steers deliver industrial-strength performance for intensive mulching applications.
Loflin Fabrication Mini Skid Steer Brush Cutter
$4,230.00
Loflin Fabrication Mini Skid Steer Brush Cutter Powder coated finish for durability Proprietary drive 1 piece heat treated forged steel axle The housing is a 1 piece iron casting 2 oversized tapered roller bearings Roller bearings are grease packed for… read more
What is the Best Skid Steer for Mulching
So there you have it! After reviewing the top skid steers for mulching in 2024, the Bobcat T770 stands out as the best overall choice. With its powerful engine, excellent maneuverability, and compatibility with a wide range of mulching attachments, this model can handle even the toughest landscaping jobs with ease. Of course, your specific needs may call for a different machine. But for most mulching applications, the Bobcat T770 offers the optimal blend of power, efficiency, and versatility. Whatever skid steer you ultimately choose, follow the maintenance tips provided here to keep it running smoothly for years to come. With the right equipment, you'll make short work of turning piles of brush into beneficial mulch.
