Brush Removal With a Skid Steer Mulcher

A skid steer mulcher comes in handy for quick brush and undergrowth removal. As a heavy-duty mulching mechanism, it can help you knock out a whole lotta land clearing work, including trees, brush, and other flora you need gone from the property, in a short period of time. A skid steer with a 60-horsepower engine or above and a hydraulic flow somewhere in the 24 to 45 GPM (gallons per minute) range is suitable for large-scale attachments like mulchers.  

Skid Steer Mulcher

A forestry or skid steer mulcher is a compact and versatile attachment that can turn your skid steer into a land-clearing machine. Besides providing an effective spring cleaning option, it is also used to both clear land and prep job sites by allowing you to quickly turn vegetation into mulch. Just be sure that the attachment is compatible with the skid steer to ensure your safety and that of the machine. 

Types of Skid Steer Mulchers

The two most common types of skid steer mulchers are drum mulchers and disc mulchers. The project’s requirements as well as the size of your skid steer machine will determine which you choose.

Drum Mulcher

The drum mulcher, with its forward spinning motion, chews up and spits out the undergrowth quickly and effectively. It may also be considered the safer option of the two considering it pushes debris back down to the ground rather than scattering it somewhat haphazardly like a disc, which is best for rural work. The drum mulcher provides better maneuverability thanks to its compact design that also gives the operator good visibility.   

The drum mulcher, with its forward spinning motion, chews up and spits out the undergrowth quickly and effectively.

Disc Mulcher

The disc mulcher is typically more capable of cutting thicker trees and clearing a wide area quickly thanks to the combination of its ability to store energy and its hydraulic power. Cutting and mulching at different angles to compensate for the terrain is another big advantage. So if you’re looking to quickly clear a large area with substantial trees, go with a disc mulcher. 

Benefits of a Skid Steer Mulcher

Clearing Brush/Prepping Job Sites - whether you’re operating on public or private land, personal or commercial jobs, the skid steer mulcher is an attachment that can effectively help you clear an area of vegetation around ponds, fences, utilities, or in a wooded area. 

Stump Removal - this is essentially classified as clearing land. But we’re listing it separately because removing even a single stump is a chore. Unless you have a skid steer mulcher, which can grind a stump down to its roots in no time. We’d suggest a disc mulcher for this job. You can center the disc on the stump and grind down where a drum mulcher can heavily damage the earth around the stump.

Forest Management and Wildfire Prevention - The skid steer mulcher is an ideal option for reclamation and deforestation projects. Getting rid of old undergrowth opens up the ground to new growth grasses and flowers while also mitigating forest fires by reducing the amount of natural fuel.

Pipeline Management - This involves maintaining the integrity of a pipeline and its components. Also, clearing a right of way that allows access to the pipeline. The chances of corrosion and/or mechanical failure are increased when trees, roots, and undergrowth aren’t quickly cleared.  

Creating Trails - Private property owners who would like to clear walking or ATV trails would benefit from a skid steer mulcher. Also hunters creating shooting lanes or making certain stands more accessible. 

Eradicating Storm Damage - We’re based in Alabama - tornado alley. After a storm, most people wait on tree removal services to rid their property of heavy debris. If you have a skid steer mulcher you can get to work right away and lend a hand to your neighbors.  

Getting rid of shrubs, trees, and vegetation in large quantities the old fashioned way with hand tools is nearly unheard of in this day and age. The skid steer with a mulching attachment can help you efficiently remove invasive plants and trees and can be a great alternative when burning is out of the question. Where burning has its advantages, there are times when it’s not an option due to dry weather or nearby structures. Next time you’re getting ready to clear a lot or prep a job site, the speediness of a skid steer mulcher may just be the most cost effective option.