What Exactly is a Mulcher?

What Exactly is a Mulcher?





Mulchers are powerful forestry equipment pieces designed to grind brush and trees into tiny particles referred to as "mulch." In community parks, you've probably noticed wood chips or mulch covering playgrounds and garden spaces.

In a prior article, we highlighted mulchers as practical skid steer attachments. Mulchers can also be found mounted on farm tractors, dozers, and large excavators. Depending on the design, mulchers can be installed on an extended boom arm far from the chassis or positioned much closer to the operator's station.

Forest land and other terrains are mulched for numerous reasons, but most frequently for the following purposes:

  • • Conserving soil moisture
  • • Reducing natural fuel for wildfire spread
  • • Accessing forestry work sites
  • • Visibly making the area open and safer to work
  • • Enhancing soil nutrients and health

How does a mulcher work?

Mulchers are available in two primary types: vertical and horizontal shaft mulchers.

Horizontal shaft mulchers are fundamentally chipping drums installed on the arms of a machine. The drum spins at high speeds as it cuts through foliage and trees. These mulchers rely on forward momentum and push bars to direct any falling trees away from the equipment. Beyond that, there isn't much additional influence on the tree's fall trajectory.

Vertical shaft mulchers represent an upgraded version of lawn mower mulchers. Some utilize large, angular chipping disks which are mounted on skid steers, tractors, excavators or dozers, and attach to a boom system to chip a tree from the top down. Vertical mulchers provide more control than horizontal drums since they can mulch high-standing trees via a boom arm and can influence the tree fall direction.

How do you know when to use a mulcher?

Using a mulcher effectively depends on your forestry operation. If you're considering using a mulcher, crosscheck that your worksite follows the conditions of tree size, proper gradient and optimal ground conditions.

Tree sizes

Note that vertical shaft mulchers have upward limits on the types of trees they can fell. When you get to your worksite, ensure to measure the diameter of growth you need to mulch. Vertical mulchers can handle up to 8 inches just fine, whereas horizontal mulchers can fell trees up to 30 inches.

Remember the larger the tree diameter, the more strain on the machine and the operator. Mulching can be dangerous due to the sheer volume of flying debris. Ensure you know the capabilities of the mulcher you're using.

Gradient

Understand your team's experience with mulchers and their comfort of steep slopes. Some machines however cannot handle slopes with a ratio greater than 3:1 (33% gradient). Again, it's important to check the machine's specifications and the intended operator's experience and comfort level.

Optimal Ground Conditions

If you're considering mulching, ensure to check the terrain for rocks. High levels of rocky terrain could cause the teeth to wear considerably faster. More importantly, rocks tend to cause sparks which will pose a fire risk to you, the environment and to your team.

Premium Brush Mulcher for Professional Applications

Discover the Baumalight MS560, engineered for superior performance in demanding forestry and land clearing projects. Built for durability and maximum efficiency.

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Consider Leasing or Financing Options For Your Next Mulcher

Forestry mulching can be a lucrative business. However, the upfront cost of a skid steer attachment can run your operation over $25,000. Higher flow drum mulchers can be upwards of $43,000.

At Backyard Provider, we offer equipment financing to place mulching equipment within your reach. If you're needing a new mulcher, either to own or to lease, we can grant you competitive financing rates and packages to fit your needs.

Interested? Contact us today to see if you qualify!

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