Brush Cutter Hydraulic Options

[inane2]

Good afternoon all,

There may be one of more forums I could post this under but figured "hydraulics" might be the best spot.

Working with a compact track loader, Kubota SVL75-2. It has standard flow hydraulics rated at 17.4 gpm. Looking into purchasing a brush cutter to maintain a few trails on my property and clean up some areas where I can't get my tractor and bushhog into. Nothing crazy at all, I save that for the excavator.

I was initially overwhelmed by all the offerings out there. For standard flow machines, you can spend from $3k up to $10k or more. Looking at a Bradco Ground Shark GSS72 (made by Paladin) and a Kubota SC4072 (made by Land Pride ..... and I suspect may actually be made by Paladin). The specs for both machines are almost identical. Both are direct driver and use Eaton 6.2 CID motors, rated for 15-25 gpm. The Kubota is about $1k more expensive and is about 400 lbs heavier as the overall deck width is about 6" wider (both are 1/4" steel).

Both units offer a pressure gauge as an option, around $200 or so. Says it helps to make sure the motor is running at the proper PSI and to prevent excessive stalling / overheating.

The Kubota offers an optional case drain kit for about $100. Says it "protects the hydraulic motor". The SVL does have a case drain port.

The Bradco doesn't offer a case drain, even though you could plumb one in easily enough. It lists dual pressure reliefs on the hydraulic motor allow for bi-directional operation and to protect against pressure spikes that could damage the drive system. The Kubota unit doesn't mention any motor reliefs but it is bi-directional.

What do you all think, are the optional pressure gauge and case drains worth considering?

 

[oldnslo]

The case drain will help protect the motor shaft seals and is something I would use.
Depending on what style spool you have in your aux circuit you may need cross port reliefs or some form of pressure spike protection for the motor when you shut the cutter head off.

Pressure gauge: I wouldn't bother since 99% of the time you probably won't be able to see the gauge and you will run by ear anyway.

My two cents on your questions.

 

[inane2]

Thanks oldnslo. I was kind of thinking the same thing about the pressure gauge, just running by ear.

I'm not sure about the aux circuit on the machine but was also considering the drain case if it can help the seals.

 

[Hay Dude]

Hey did you check out the Bobcat Brushcat?
I run one of those and it’s awesome.
They make high & low flow 5-7 foot
They make a really nice 7’ twin spindle. That’s the nicest front cutter I ever ran.
Rented one for a month to clear a large property on the front of a Toolcat and thought it couldn’t be any better.

 

[oldnslo]

inane2,
I would bet that your aux valve is meant for use with a double acting cylinders so work ports are blocked is neutral position. If this is true then you should get the cross port relief or install some form of rundown protection. Factory installed would save you the trouble of trying to plumb something in. May have to adjust the pressure on the relief for rundown so that it doesn't stop to suddenly.

 

[Xfaxman]

Good afternoon all,

There may be one of more forums I could post this under but figured "hydraulics" might be the best spot.

Working with a compact track loader, Kubota SVL75-2. It has standard flow hydraulics rated at 17.4 gpm. Looking into purchasing a brush cutter to maintain a few trails on my property and clean up some areas where I can't get my tractor and bushhog into. Nothing crazy at all, I save that for the excavator.

I was initially overwhelmed by all the offerings out there. For standard flow machines, you can spend from $3k up to $10k or more. Looking at a Bradco Ground Shark GSS72 (made by Paladin) and a Kubota SC4072 (made by Land Pride ..... and I suspect may actually be made by Paladin). The specs for both machines are almost identical. Both are direct driver and use Eaton 6.2 CID motors, rated for 15-25 gpm. The Kubota is about $1k more expensive and is about 400 lbs heavier as the overall deck width is about 6" wider (both are 1/4" steel).

Both units offer a pressure gauge as an option, around $200 or so. Says it helps to make sure the motor is running at the proper PSI and to prevent excessive stalling / overheating.

The Kubota offers an optional case drain kit for about $100. Says it "protects the hydraulic motor". The SVL does have a case drain port.

The Bradco doesn't offer a case drain, even though you could plumb one in easily enough. It lists dual pressure reliefs on the hydraulic motor allow for bi-directional operation and to protect against pressure spikes that could damage the drive system. The Kubota unit doesn't mention any motor reliefs but it is bi-directional.

What do you all think, are the optional pressure gauge and case drains worth considering?

Ours is standard flow and does not have a case drain: Tree Terminator Rotary Mower - Grace Manufacturing (skid steer mower)

I put a pressure gauge on a tee with connectors:

Can see it from the seat:

It was interesting to watch, but I can hear the pressure relief at the hydraulic motor open if going too fast when it gets into thick brush.