Can a Forest Trac Mulcher Be Adapted for Skid Steer Use

[MikePhua]

Forest Trac Mulcher Origins and Configuration
Forest Trac mulchers are specialized land-clearing attachments originally designed for high-horsepower dedicated track carriers. These machines are typically used in seismic line brushing, pipeline corridor maintenance, and forestry reclamation. While not widely documented, Forest Trac units appear to be custom-built or regionally manufactured, possibly in Quebec or Alberta, and may share components with Cam Track mulchers—another Canadian brand known for rugged forestry attachments.
A typical Forest Trac mulcher includes:

• Dual hydraulic motors for balanced torque
  
• Retractable front guard for debris control
  
• Side-to-side tilt mechanism for contour following
  
• Reinforced push bar with cam track-style guides
  
• Belt guards labeled with Forest Trac branding
  

These features suggest the unit was engineered for a carrier with over 100 horsepower and high-flow hydraulics exceeding 40 GPM.
Terminology Notes

• High-Flow Hydraulics: A hydraulic system capable of delivering 30–45 gallons per minute, required for demanding attachments like mulchers.
  
• Cam Track: A Canadian manufacturer of forestry attachments, often requiring French-language support.
  
• Tilt Mechanism: A hydraulic or mechanical system allowing the mulcher to pivot laterally for slope adaptation.
  

Challenges of Skid Steer Conversion
Adapting a Forest Trac mulcher to a compact track loader like the CAT 259D presents several challenges:

• Insufficient Hydraulic Flow: The 259D offers around 26–30 GPM at 3,500 psi, which may be marginal for dual-motor mulchers designed for 150+ hp carriers.
  
• Weight and Balance: Forestry mulchers are heavy, often exceeding 1,500 pounds. Without proper counterweighting, the skid steer may become unstable.
  
• Electrical Integration: Features like retractable guards and tilt control require auxiliary electrical circuits or solenoid valves, which may not be present on standard skid steers.
  
• Mounting Compatibility: The attachment plate may need modification to match skid steer quick couplers and hydraulic routing.
  

Field Anecdote and Practical Insight
In Alberta, a contractor attempted to mount a high-flow mulcher onto a CAT 259D. While the unit spun up, it bogged down in dense brush and overheated the hydraulic fluid within minutes. After upgrading the cooling system and installing a flow restrictor, performance improved slightly, but the machine remained underpowered for full-day mulching.
In Georgia, a landowner acquired a Forest Trac mulcher from a fire-damaged carrier. After retrofitting it to a skid steer, he discovered the tilt function required a separate valve bank. He fabricated a manual lockout system and used a toggle switch to control the guard, but noted that the motors still demanded more flow than the loader could deliver.
Recommendations for Retrofit Success

• Verify Flow Requirements: Check motor specs and ensure your loader meets minimum GPM and PSI.
  
• Install Auxiliary Electrical Controls: Use a 12V solenoid block or joystick-integrated switch for guard and tilt functions.
  
• Add Hydraulic Cooler: Prevent overheating during extended mulching.
  
• Use a Flow Divider or Restrictor: Balance motor load and prevent stalling.
  
• Consult Regional Experts: Companies in Grand Prairie and Montreal specialize in forestry retrofits and may offer support.
  

Final Thoughts
Forest Trac mulchers are powerful tools designed for dedicated carriers, but with careful adaptation, they can be mounted to high-flow skid steers for light-duty clearing. Success depends on matching hydraulic capacity, integrating control systems, and managing weight distribution. While not plug-and-play, these conversions offer a cost-effective way to repurpose robust forestry attachments for smaller machines.