Ken,
Could you tell us more about the 3 point mulcher? What make/model? What size Kubota? How does using the PTO power of the 3 point compare to the hydraulic power of the skidsteer work?
That’s a great setup.
Ok, I think I have a thread on here somewhere explaining some of my findings with the machine. With that it’s a FAE DML Twin I believe. I bought it New a couple years ago for like 13-14k which included an additional set of teeth. The teeth are reversible so essentially I have 4 cuts for that price. The teeth are hardened metal not carbide.
My machine is a
L5240. Hydro is the key with such a low horse powered machine. This is obviously smaller than most units but it’s matched very well to my machine.
I have three remotes. One to adjust the top link which I tighten when backing into material and let it out when driving forward over material.
The 2nd remote is for the front door. I open the door when driving forward to make sure material gets in.
3rd remote is used on the back. This door is open when backing into material. When driving forward I close the door as it cause the chips to be smaller.
The way I describe clearing land from small to large material: (argue if you want but this is what I’ve come to discover in my experience and of course I’m always willing to learn). With this said, all attachments overlap in material at some degree but every tool has its job and capability.
Finish mower, flail mower, brush hog, forestry mulcher, chainsaw. As material get thicker. Chainsaw and grapple is a sweet combo.
I just did a job where these two machines are parked. There was approximately 300 trees that were cut down then ran through a morbark wood
chipper.
There is certain brush and hills that the track steer just makes sense, flatter ground and in this case smaller material for the tractor. The track took down areas that were tough to get to. The small machine cleared heavy brush and small trees for the chainsaw operator to fell the trees. Tractor came back with grapple and stacked trees in piles for
chipper crew.
Now, hydro vs pto. This track steer was a TL12 which has way more weight and power that a 45pto hp machine. Power to power I’d “almost” say a direct pto would be better.
Hydro fluid to heat up when I used a bobcat tracked machine.
That said; hydro is awesome on a skid. You can lift the cutting head as high as the machine will left as appose to he lift which is lower than any 3pt. The maneuverability of a skid steer is better than a tractor. The compact size and huge weight of skids is a big impact in the woods.
So many pros and cons. I could babble on forever.
Most tractors your driving backward (there are a few the seat rotated around where you’re driving seat faces the 3pt.) The tracked machine you’re driving forward and let’s say it’s more “comfortable”. But a track steer is a one implement machine. The tractor I run a grapple in the front.
So I bought this essentially to do HEAVY brush to not beat up the brush hog. Why take an attachment to the max all the time and beat it up. Billable $/hr per attachment varies as well.
Ok; that was a babble for now. Bottom line, this machine in my area is sort of a nitch. Great for small jobs that are huge to any home/property owner. Few acres, 20 acres, whatever. But I try and offer a complete package when talking with customers.