8 hours ago
The Rise of Skid Steer Forestry Attachments
Skid steers have evolved from compact loaders into versatile platforms capable of powering demanding attachments. Among the most transformative tools in land clearing is the forestry head—designed to mulch trees, brush, and vegetation with speed and precision. As landowners and contractors increasingly turn to skid steers for vegetation management, the choice of mulching head becomes critical.
Forestry heads generally fall into two categories: drum-style and disk-style. Drum mulchers use a rotating cylinder with fixed or swinging teeth to grind material. Disk mulchers, on the other hand, use a large spinning disk with cutting teeth to slice and shred vegetation. Each has its strengths, but the decision hinges on terrain, machine specs, and desired finish.
Machine Compatibility and Hydraulic Demands
Before selecting a forestry head, it's essential to match the attachment to the skid steer’s hydraulic capabilities. High-flow hydraulics are a must for forestry work. Machines like the Mustang 2109, CAT 299XHP, and Kubota SVL95-2s offer flow rates between 35–45 gallons per minute (GPM) and pressures exceeding 3,500 PSI—ideal for powering aggressive mulchers.
Key compatibility factors include:
Disk vs Drum Mulchers
Disk mulchers are favored for their simplicity and lower maintenance. They use fewer moving parts and are less prone to clogging in dense vegetation. Their cutting action is more aggressive, making them ideal for trees up to 8 inches in diameter. However, they tend to throw debris farther, which can be a concern near structures or public roads.
Drum mulchers offer a finer finish and are better suited for mowing grass and leaving a uniform mulch bed. They are heavier and more complex, with higher maintenance costs due to bearing wear and tooth replacement. In rocky environments, drum teeth are more vulnerable to impact damage.
Comparison summary:
Two brands often compared in the forestry head market are Diamond Mowers and Advanced Forest Equipment (AFE). Diamond offers a range of drum and disk mulchers, often marketed for general vegetation control. AFE specializes in true forestry-grade disk mulchers engineered for high-performance land clearing.
Operators with experience in both report that AFE heads outperform Diamond in durability, cutting speed, and hydraulic efficiency. AFE units are built with hardened steel, carbide teeth, and reinforced housings designed for continuous use in commercial forestry. Diamond heads, while effective for lighter brush, may struggle with hardwoods and dense tree clusters.
One land clearing contractor in the southeastern U.S. noted that switching from a Diamond drum to an AFE disk head reduced job time by 30% and lowered tooth replacement costs by half. The AFE head also allowed deeper cuts without bogging down the machine, thanks to its optimized flow path and pressure relief system.
Operational Tips and Safety Considerations
Running a forestry head requires attention to technique and safety. Disk mulchers can throw debris over 100 feet, so operators must maintain buffer zones and use deflector shields. Always wear protective gear and ensure bystanders are clear of the work area.
Best practices include:
Local Manufacturing and Custom Solutions
In regions like New Zealand and Australia, local manufacturers have begun producing forestry heads tailored to native vegetation and terrain. These units often mimic AFE’s design but incorporate regional materials and serviceability features. While not widely distributed, they offer an alternative for contractors seeking support closer to home.
One example is a small shop in Bay of Plenty that builds disk-style mulchers with modular tooth mounts and simplified hydraulic routing. Though lacking the polish of major brands, these heads have proven effective in clearing gorse, manuka, and orchard stumps.
Conclusion
Choosing the right forestry head for a skid steer is a balance of machine capability, terrain, and operational goals. Disk mulchers like those from Advanced Forest Equipment offer speed and durability for serious land clearing, while drum mulchers provide finesse for finishing work. Matching the attachment to the skid steer’s hydraulic system and understanding the trade-offs between brands ensures efficient, safe, and profitable operation. For contractors working in varied conditions, investing in a high-quality forestry head transforms a skid steer into a formidable land-clearing tool.
Skid steers have evolved from compact loaders into versatile platforms capable of powering demanding attachments. Among the most transformative tools in land clearing is the forestry head—designed to mulch trees, brush, and vegetation with speed and precision. As landowners and contractors increasingly turn to skid steers for vegetation management, the choice of mulching head becomes critical.
Forestry heads generally fall into two categories: drum-style and disk-style. Drum mulchers use a rotating cylinder with fixed or swinging teeth to grind material. Disk mulchers, on the other hand, use a large spinning disk with cutting teeth to slice and shred vegetation. Each has its strengths, but the decision hinges on terrain, machine specs, and desired finish.
Machine Compatibility and Hydraulic Demands
Before selecting a forestry head, it's essential to match the attachment to the skid steer’s hydraulic capabilities. High-flow hydraulics are a must for forestry work. Machines like the Mustang 2109, CAT 299XHP, and Kubota SVL95-2s offer flow rates between 35–45 gallons per minute (GPM) and pressures exceeding 3,500 PSI—ideal for powering aggressive mulchers.
Key compatibility factors include:
- Hydraulic flow rate (GPM)
- System pressure (PSI)
- Cooling capacity
- Weight and balance with over-tire tracks
- Electrical connections for control functions
Disk vs Drum Mulchers
Disk mulchers are favored for their simplicity and lower maintenance. They use fewer moving parts and are less prone to clogging in dense vegetation. Their cutting action is more aggressive, making them ideal for trees up to 8 inches in diameter. However, they tend to throw debris farther, which can be a concern near structures or public roads.
Drum mulchers offer a finer finish and are better suited for mowing grass and leaving a uniform mulch bed. They are heavier and more complex, with higher maintenance costs due to bearing wear and tooth replacement. In rocky environments, drum teeth are more vulnerable to impact damage.
Comparison summary:
- Disk Mulcher
- Pros: Fast cutting, lower maintenance, handles trees well
- Cons: Rougher finish, throws debris farther
- Pros: Fast cutting, lower maintenance, handles trees well
- Drum Mulcher
- Pros: Smooth finish, better for grass and brush
- Cons: Higher maintenance, slower in dense wood
Two brands often compared in the forestry head market are Diamond Mowers and Advanced Forest Equipment (AFE). Diamond offers a range of drum and disk mulchers, often marketed for general vegetation control. AFE specializes in true forestry-grade disk mulchers engineered for high-performance land clearing.
Operators with experience in both report that AFE heads outperform Diamond in durability, cutting speed, and hydraulic efficiency. AFE units are built with hardened steel, carbide teeth, and reinforced housings designed for continuous use in commercial forestry. Diamond heads, while effective for lighter brush, may struggle with hardwoods and dense tree clusters.
One land clearing contractor in the southeastern U.S. noted that switching from a Diamond drum to an AFE disk head reduced job time by 30% and lowered tooth replacement costs by half. The AFE head also allowed deeper cuts without bogging down the machine, thanks to its optimized flow path and pressure relief system.
Operational Tips and Safety Considerations
Running a forestry head requires attention to technique and safety. Disk mulchers can throw debris over 100 feet, so operators must maintain buffer zones and use deflector shields. Always wear protective gear and ensure bystanders are clear of the work area.
Best practices include:
- Keep RPMs high during cutting to prevent stalling
- Avoid sudden direction changes to reduce hydraulic shock
- Monitor hydraulic temperatures and allow cooldown cycles
- Sharpen or replace teeth regularly for consistent performance
- Use a spotter when working near structures or slopes
Local Manufacturing and Custom Solutions
In regions like New Zealand and Australia, local manufacturers have begun producing forestry heads tailored to native vegetation and terrain. These units often mimic AFE’s design but incorporate regional materials and serviceability features. While not widely distributed, they offer an alternative for contractors seeking support closer to home.
One example is a small shop in Bay of Plenty that builds disk-style mulchers with modular tooth mounts and simplified hydraulic routing. Though lacking the polish of major brands, these heads have proven effective in clearing gorse, manuka, and orchard stumps.
Conclusion
Choosing the right forestry head for a skid steer is a balance of machine capability, terrain, and operational goals. Disk mulchers like those from Advanced Forest Equipment offer speed and durability for serious land clearing, while drum mulchers provide finesse for finishing work. Matching the attachment to the skid steer’s hydraulic system and understanding the trade-offs between brands ensures efficient, safe, and profitable operation. For contractors working in varied conditions, investing in a high-quality forestry head transforms a skid steer into a formidable land-clearing tool.
