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The Rise of Compact Mulching Attachments
In the early 2000s, land clearing saw a shift from bulldozers and chainsaws to compact track loaders equipped with high-flow hydraulic mulching heads. Among the most discussed options were the Loftness Timber Ax and various carbide cutter heads, including those from Fecon, Gyro-Trac, and Bradco. These attachments transformed skid steers and CTLs into versatile forestry tools, capable of clearing underbrush, small trees, and invasive species with precision and speed.
Timber Ax vs. Carbide Cutter
The Timber Ax uses sharpened blades that slice vegetation into fine mulch. It excels in producing a clean finish, making it ideal for applications like trail building, fence line clearing, and aesthetic land management. However, it requires frequent blade sharpening—often once or twice per day during heavy use—and is more vulnerable to damage from rocks and hard stumps.
Carbide cutters, by contrast, use fixed or swinging tungsten carbide teeth that pulverize material through impact. They are more durable in rocky or abrasive environments and require less maintenance, but they leave behind coarser mulch and consume more horsepower.
Terminology Notes
Prices for mulching heads vary widely. A 73-inch Timber Ax was quoted at $19,500 to $24,000 depending on dealer volume and region. Carbide heads like the Fecon BH74SS or Gyro-Trac Toma-Ax ranged from $21,000 to $30,000, with replacement teeth costing $25–$70 each. Operators reported changing teeth every 10–15 hours in rocky terrain.
Not all skid steers are suitable for mulching. High-flow hydraulics (typically 30+ GPM) are essential, and overheating is a common issue. Some manufacturers void warranties if mulchers are installed without additional cooling. Companies like SuperTrax offer aftermarket roof-mounted hydraulic coolers to mitigate this.
Field Experience and Practical Advice
Choosing between a Timber Ax and a carbide mulcher depends on terrain, machine capability, and job type. While the Timber Ax offers a cleaner finish, carbide heads provide durability and lower maintenance. With proper setup and realistic expectations, both can be profitable tools in the land clearing business. The key is understanding your environment and matching the tool to the task.
In the early 2000s, land clearing saw a shift from bulldozers and chainsaws to compact track loaders equipped with high-flow hydraulic mulching heads. Among the most discussed options were the Loftness Timber Ax and various carbide cutter heads, including those from Fecon, Gyro-Trac, and Bradco. These attachments transformed skid steers and CTLs into versatile forestry tools, capable of clearing underbrush, small trees, and invasive species with precision and speed.
Timber Ax vs. Carbide Cutter
The Timber Ax uses sharpened blades that slice vegetation into fine mulch. It excels in producing a clean finish, making it ideal for applications like trail building, fence line clearing, and aesthetic land management. However, it requires frequent blade sharpening—often once or twice per day during heavy use—and is more vulnerable to damage from rocks and hard stumps.
Carbide cutters, by contrast, use fixed or swinging tungsten carbide teeth that pulverize material through impact. They are more durable in rocky or abrasive environments and require less maintenance, but they leave behind coarser mulch and consume more horsepower.
Terminology Notes
- High-Flow Hydraulics: A hydraulic system capable of delivering higher gallons per minute (GPM), necessary for powering heavy-duty attachments.
- Mulching Head: A front-mounted attachment that grinds vegetation into mulch using rotating blades or teeth.
- Carbide Tooth: A cutting element made of tungsten carbide, known for its hardness and resistance to wear.
- Dedicated Forestry Machine: A purpose-built carrier designed specifically for mulching, often with reinforced cooling, guarding, and hydraulic systems.
Prices for mulching heads vary widely. A 73-inch Timber Ax was quoted at $19,500 to $24,000 depending on dealer volume and region. Carbide heads like the Fecon BH74SS or Gyro-Trac Toma-Ax ranged from $21,000 to $30,000, with replacement teeth costing $25–$70 each. Operators reported changing teeth every 10–15 hours in rocky terrain.
Not all skid steers are suitable for mulching. High-flow hydraulics (typically 30+ GPM) are essential, and overheating is a common issue. Some manufacturers void warranties if mulchers are installed without additional cooling. Companies like SuperTrax offer aftermarket roof-mounted hydraulic coolers to mitigate this.
Field Experience and Practical Advice
- One operator in Texas used a Timber Ax on a Gehl CTL80 to cut senderos through mesquite and locust. He sharpened blades at lunch and cleaned radiators daily to prevent overheating.
- Another in New Hampshire retired his Gyro-Trac after 700 hours due to balance and shaft issues, switching to a Fecon head with better durability but higher tooth costs.
- A dealer in Alabama reported success with a Bradco Magnum on a Deere CT332, noting that external oil coolers were essential for long-term reliability.
- Match the head to the terrain: Use Timber Ax for clean, soft brush and carbide heads for rocky or mixed environments.
- Invest in cooling upgrades: Overheating is the number one failure point on non-dedicated machines.
- Demo before buying: Try the head on your machine to assess performance and compatibility.
- Track operating costs: Include teeth, fuel, downtime, and maintenance in your hourly rate.
- Consider resale and support: Brands like Fecon and Loftness have strong dealer networks and parts availability.
Choosing between a Timber Ax and a carbide mulcher depends on terrain, machine capability, and job type. While the Timber Ax offers a cleaner finish, carbide heads provide durability and lower maintenance. With proper setup and realistic expectations, both can be profitable tools in the land clearing business. The key is understanding your environment and matching the tool to the task.
