Dedicated mulcher vs skid steer mulcher

Marek · Sep 21, 2013

Would like to hear some of the main differences you saw when you went from a skid to a dedicated machine. May go to the show next month and look at some small dedicated machines . Interested in the Fecon 148

ShearHeadMS · Sep 21, 2013

To me this is kinda like using a lawn mower vs a finish mower in a tractor. Skidd steers hold up well if you take care of them, I know a guy who takes good care of his and it 4500 hours on it and runs fine, his brother neglects his machine and I'm constantly working on it with 1200 hours, a dedicated machine is a machine built and designed for this type of work. Skids are somewhat designed for this but back In the day they didn't hold up too good. I know the CAT 299 has turned out to be a fantastic machine and holds up very well, but the fecons, brons, and others have their own special role in this game, such has more durability, correct HP, and heavier built arms and legs lol.

GreensForestryMulching · Sep 21, 2013

Really need to ask yourself first what size projects you plan to take on and where they will be? A dedicated mulcher pretty much eliminates all residential type work with having to worry about damage caused by a steel undercarriage. Another thing is price you could easily buy two skid steer mulchers for the price of a 148.

Marek · Sep 21, 2013

What is the productivity difference between the 148 and a 299 with a head ? With 2 machines you are burning more fuel and having to find and pay another qualified operator . I wish I could tell you that all our sites were the same but as you know we come across everything

WestshoreConstruction · Sep 22, 2013

Two skidsteers couldn't come close to a 148, I'm surprised how much this comes up. Four or five might come close. If you want to mulch buy a mulcher. If you want to landscape buy a skid steer. This topic has been beaten to death for years.

tonyoz · Sep 23, 2013

WestshoreConstruction said:
Two skidsteers couldn't come close to a 148, I'm surprised how much this comes up. Four or five might come close. If you want to mulch buy a mulcher. If you want to landscape buy a skid steer. This topic has been beaten to death for years.

X1. I started off with a RC100. First year put 1400hrs on it and 30hrs was bucket work and turned down heaps of work cause was to steep, to bigger timber etc etc. Make up your mind what to do and were the dollars are and go and do it