Skid Steer Mulchers Logging Equipment Upcoming Auctions

About Skid-Steer Mulchers

There are several types of mulchers, but most of them fall into one of two basic categories: purpose-built mulcher vehicles and utility vehicles that can use mulcher heads, or attachments, to clear trees, brush, and other vegetation. A skid-steer mulcher falls into the latter category, as it can exchange its mulcher head for a bucket, forks, a grapple, or one of a number of other attachments as needed. Thus, while larger purpose-built mulchers are typically adept at handling large land-clearing jobs, the smaller size and skid-steering ability of a skid-steer mulcher makes it better suited for selective tree-clearing tasks in tight spaces, such as clearing bike and hiking trails or clearing storm damage in residential and commercial settings.

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2019 Deere 333G Skid-Steer Mulcher

Pros & Cons

Sometimes referred to as “brushcutters” or “masticators,” mulchers provide an alternative to using a feller, buncher, skidder, forwarder, and other equipment to cut, bundle, and haul vegetation away. A mulcher instead returns the growth to the ecosystem while greatly reducing personnel and equipment requirements. Known for their flexibility around a job site, skid-steer mulchers often use mulching heads that can shred trees ranging from 6 to 8 inches in diameter. 

By comparison, other mulcher types may be able to handle trees with diameters reaching 30 inches or more. A skid steer’s lift arms, however, can enable a skid-steer mulcher to mulch some standing trees. When matching a mulching head to a skid steer, experts advise to keep lift capacity and the power the attachment requires in mind. Mulching heads are available for both standard-flow and high-flow skid steers.

Keep Safe

Unlike purpose-built mulchers, skid steers aren’t always built with all the protection an operator needs to do forestry work. However, forestry kits are available that may include a front door, side windows, screens, and other safety features to guard against flying debris and other possible damage. Leading brands of used skid-steer mulchers for sale on ForestryTrader.com include ASV, Bobcat, Caterpillar, Kubota, Terex, and others.