CAT mulcher vs. Bobcat Forestry Cutter

yellowdogsvc · Jan 14, 2012

Anyone run a CAT HM312 or HM315 mulcher and ALSO run a Bobcat Forestry Cutter?

OR has anyone run an older FAE SS mulcher AND a Fecon SS mulcher?

I'm trying to get an idea of the cutting difference and power difference between my FAE/CAT mulcher and a Bobcat/Fecon style head.

Thanks!

cat 297c · Jan 15, 2012

The hm315 I had on my 297 cut a little better the bobcat 320 I demo with the fecon/bobcat head on it. wasn't a big difference between the to.

yellowdogsvc · Jan 15, 2012

I've been hearing about these two speed hydraulic motors. My FAE/CAT is a 2005.. don't think it has that feature. I thought the Bobcat motor was a little stronger or might be matched better to my Bobcat's performance or maybe the tooth pattern might be a little more efficient. Of all the mulchers I've seen or used, the FAE/CAT produces the finest material.. but I've yet to try a fecon designed head.

cat 297c · Jan 16, 2012

The two speed makes a big difference. I don't think fae/cat started running two speeds till 2007 or 08 but I could be wrong I know it was a option when I bought mine in 08.

yellowdogsvc · Jan 17, 2012

That's what I was thinking. I like my CAT mulcher but feel it stalls too much and I'm about as gentle an operator as they come. I talked with my bobcat dealer today and they are looking into whether or not the Bobcat mulcher is 2 speed.

I may call my CAT sales guy, too, but the only drawback I have with the CAT head is that it's bulky. The Bobcat/Fecon seems a little more streamlined.

cat 297c · Jan 17, 2012

The fae/bobcat head I demoed had a two speed and a hyd. Cooler on it I will say it's built alot heavier than the cat head I had.

nwterex · Jan 17, 2012

Why not just Buy a Fecon head

nwterex · Jan 17, 2012

I've run most of the heads available and we usually have 3-4 Fecon Heads in our rental Fleet all the time. The hourly cost of operating the Fecon head averages $6 per hour. Our rental heads average around 750 hours per year. I have a couple of customers who run between 1200 and 1500 hours on their machines each year and there operating cost run the same. These are verifiable cost. Not to say that there are not instances and situations where there is a higher cost associated with masticating. IE very rock soil unknown obstacles, cable, engine blocks, drill steel, ski lift poles, falling off a cliff, extremely abrasive soil types, and really bad operators. Over the last 10 years I've seen it all and the Fecon still has the cheapest operating cost of all the heads out there. In my opinion.

yellowdogsvc · Jan 17, 2012

nwterex said:
Why not just Buy a Fecon head

I'm also trying to consolidate servicing and get a head matched right to my machine. I had to add secondary auxiliary hydraulics on my Bobcat (not cheap) to run my CAT head since the trap door operates on it's own hydraulic circuit.

I've thought about going to a fecon but my Bobcat dealer has been really good to me for service.
I do like my CAT mulcher, though, and considered another one but I'm wanting a little better performance and my head is nearly 7 years old soon.

Fecon and Seppi are the only major heads I haven't run and that are common around here.

fishfactor · Jan 18, 2012

The bobcat head we have had for almost 5 years was made by fecon. Not sure if bobcat has switched but they do offer a 2 speed head now, but according to my dealer it is only available in the 50" model right now. Didn't sound right to me but he just ordered a new one for the rental fleet and that's the info he got, so he just ordered a single speed 60".

Other than teeth the only thing we have done to our head is the belt (1 time) and replaced the seal in the motor once.