Loftness Battle Ax: The Mulching Attachment That Changed the Game

[MikePhua]

   

Introduction to the Battle Ax
The Battle Ax from Loftness is a groundbreaking mulching attachment built for skid steers, excavators, and heavy machinery. At its core lies an innovative depth gauge rotor design—bite-limiting devices akin to chainsaw raker teeth. These depth gauges control how much material the attachment engages, balancing productivity with the risk of overload—an advantage many say surpasses traditional ring-style rotors.
Key Design Highlights

• Depth gauges prevent overloading while still allowing carbide teeth to pick up ground-level material effectively.
  
• Two-stage cutting chamber uses dual shear bars to process material twice for finer mulch and fewer passes.
  
• Tooth mounting is streamlined: one hex-bolt per tooth enables field reversal or replacement with minimal effort.
  
• Staggered/spiral tooth pattern ensures one tooth touches the ground at a time, improving balance and reducing vibration.
  

Model Variants and Adaptations
Loftness offers multiple versions tailored to differing power units:
L Series (Low-Flow Skid Steers, up to ~10,300 lbs)

• Flow: 15–35.9 GPM, 30–70 hydraulic HP
  
• Rotor: 13.5-inch diameter, around 38 teeth
  
• Drive: Fixed-displacement gear motor
  
• Extras: Belt drive, anti-wrap bearings, push bar for debris control
  

S Series (Mid to High-Flow Skid Steers & Compact Track Loaders)

• Flow: 28–62.9 GPM, 50–150 hydraulic HP
  
• Wide cutting widths (e.g., 61", 71"), weight around 2,600–2,800 lbs
  
• Drive options: Fixed gear motor or variable-displacement piston motor increasing torque automatically under load
  
• Robust features: premium steel housing, skid shoes, steel deflector chains, improved visibility, universal mount, hose routing refinement
  

H, Extreme, and Excavator Series

• Extreme: For prime movers up to 375 HP; twin variable-speed piston motors; extreme triple carbide teeth; movable door for flexible debris handling; anti-wrap rings; two-year warranty
  
• Excavator Series (10, 20, 30, 40, 50): Tailored to excavators between ~7,000 to 88,000 lbs; each benefits from depth gauge and two-stage cutting design customized to machine size
  

Recent Enhancements and Durability
In early 2023, Loftness applied key updates to the S Series:

• Reversible secondary shear bar replaced the previous welded design—extending blade life and ease of replacement
  
• Replaceable wear liner shields the drum from abrasion
  
• Reinforced, recessed belt cover and welded body strengthen durability
  
• Two-year warranty included for added operator confidence
  

Terminology & Technical Notes

• Depth gauges: Bite-limiting elements modeled after chainsaw raker teeth
  
• Two-stage cutting chamber: Dual shear bars that reduce material in two phases
  
• Fixed‑displacement gear motor: Provides consistent speed and torque using a gear-based drive
  
• Variable‑displacement piston motor: Adjusts flow to ramp torque when mulching heavy vegetation
  
• Anti-wrap rings: Prevent vines or debris from wrapping around rotor bearings
  
• Skid shoes / deflector chains: Protect surfaces and contain debris during operation
  

Stories from the Field
One forestry contractor recounted the Battle Ax S Series easily clearing tangled underbrush and saplings that would slow down conventional gnawed mulchers. The spiral tooth pattern smoothed operation, while replacing wear liners in a quick bolt-out routine let them stay ahead of schedule.
Another landscaper chose the L Series for a compact skid steer refurbishing pasture edges. Its lighter frame and simpler gear motor were perfect for maneuvering tight spaces, and the replaceable shear bars extended uptime across multiple properties.
Why It Stands Out
The Battle Ax attachment blends robustness, serviceability, and nuanced design:

• Controls bite aggressively yet smartly—thanks to depth gauges
  
• Enhances material processing with a two-phase cut for finer mulch
  
• Simplifies maintenance with bolt-on teeth and wear parts
  
• Adapts across machine sizes from skid steers to massive excavators
  
• Gains extra longevity from 2023 durability upgrades and extended warranty
  

For contractors, land managers, and forestry professionals seeking versatile mulching tools, the Battle Ax represents a powerful balance of rugged performance and thoughtful engineering.