6 Proven Steps to Successfully Use a Mulching Attachment on Skid Steers & Track Loaders

Using a mulching attachment on a skid steer or compact track loader is one of the fastest ways to clear brush, small trees, and dense vegetation on construction, forestry, and land management sites. But even the best mulcher will underperform if it’s mismatched to the machine, operated incorrectly, or maintained poorly.

This guide walks through 6 essential steps to get maximum productivity and uptime from your mulching attachment, plus expert tips on teeth selection, rotor types, and compatibility with Certeg carriers. Whether you run a small landscaping crew or a large site-prep fleet, these practices will help you mulch faster, safer, and with less wear on both attachment and carrier.

1. Match the Mulching Attachment to Your Skid Steer or Track Loader

The single biggest mistake operators make is using a mulcher that’s too big or too powerful for their skid steer or track loader. A mismatched attachment can cause:

– Hydraulic overheating

– Slow rotor speed and poor mulching quality

– Premature wear on hoses, motors, and bearings

– Reduced carrier stability and increased tipping risk

Calculate Hydraulic Horsepower (HP)

To match a mulcher correctly, start with your machine’s hydraulic system. The key metric is hydraulic horsepower, calculated as:

Hydraulic HP= GPM×PSI/1,714

For example:

– A track loader with 36 GPM at 3,450 PSI has about 72.5 hydraulic HP

– A skid steer with 25 GPM at 3,000 PSI has about 43.8 hydraulic HP

Use this number to select a mulcher whose minimum and maximum flow/pressure requirements fall within your machine’s capabilities.

Compatibility Guidelines

Mulching attachments are designed to work with a wide range of skid steers and compact track loaders. Key compatibility points:

– Flow type: Confirm whether your machine is standard-flow or high-flow; mulchers are available for both ranges

– Quick-attach system: Most mulchers use ISO 24410 (universal skid steer quick attach), so they fit most major brands

– Weight and lift capacity: Ensure the mulcher’s weight is within your loader’s rated lift capacity at full reach

– Hydraulic connections: Verify that your machine has the correct coupler type (flat-face, ISO, etc.) and enough flow for the mulcher’s motor

Pro tip: When in doubt, consult your dealer or technical sheet. They can match your machine model (e.g., Certeg CTL-3000, Certeg SSL-2500) to the right mulcher size and flow rating.

2. Choose the Right Mulching Teeth for Your Job and Terrain

Teeth are the “cutting edge” of your mulcher, and the wrong type can mean slow progress, excessive wear, or broken components. The three main types are:

– Carbide teeth

– Steel knives / planer teeth

– Beaver teeth / claw teeth

When to Use Each Type

Teeth Type	Best For	Avoid In
Carbide	Rocky ground, hard soils, fire-prone areas	Very soft, sandy soils where they may bounce
Steel knives	Soft soils, light brush, fine mulch finish	Rocky terrain, heavy debris, or stumps
Beaver/claw teeth	Mixed brush, picking material off the ground	Very dense, woody vegetation where slicing is critical

Terrain-Based Selection Guide

– Rocky or hard ground: Use carbide teeth for impact resistance and longer life

– Soft soil and light brush: Steel knives give a finer mulch and higher productivity

– Dense brush and small trees: Heavy-duty planer or claw teeth handle thick material better

– Mixed conditions: Many operators run carbide on the outer drum and steel in the center for a balance of durability and productivity

Expert insight: On drum mulchers, a common setup is carbide teeth on the outer rows (for durability) and steel planers in the center (for higher cutting speed). This reduces overall wear while maintaining aggressive mulching performance.

3. Understand Rotor Types and Bite Control

The rotor is the heart of the mulcher, and its design directly affects how aggressively it bites into material and how fine the mulch is.

Common Rotor Types

– Ring-style rotors: Metal rings between teeth limit bite depth but can create drag and trap debris

– Depth-gauge rotors: Welded gauges in front of teeth control bite without constant contact; better for picking material off the ground

– Open rotors (no bite control): Very aggressive, but require skilled operation to avoid stalling the rotor

How Bite Control Affects Performance

– Too much bite → rotor slows down, hydraulic system overheats, mulch quality drops

– Too little bite → inefficient cutting, more passes needed, lower productivity

Best practice: For most drum mulchers, use a rotor with depth gauges or a similar bite-limiting system. This gives consistent performance across different vegetation densities and reduces operator fatigue.

4. Add Key Accessories for Better Performance

Accessories can turn a basic mulcher into a highly versatile land-clearing tool. The most valuable upgrades for skid steers and track loaders include:

1. Tilt Hitch (for Excavators and Some Track Loaders)

– Allows left/right tilt of the mulcher head

– Great for exposing teeth, holding trees in place, and mulching on slopes

– Especially useful when working with standing vegetation or uneven terrain

2. Spade Hooks and Hydraulic Thumb

– Spade hooks help position trees and brush into the rotor

– A hydraulic thumb makes it easy to grab and feed material, improving efficiency on selective clearing jobs

3. Auxiliary Hydraulic Cooler

– Long jobs and hot climates can overheat the hydraulic system

– An auxiliary cooler (roof-mounted on skid steers and CTLs) can add up to 140,000 BTU/h of cooling capacity

– This keeps oil temperature in the safe range and protects the mulcher motor and carrier hydraulics

Note: Many high-flow mulchers are designed to work with auxiliary coolers. Check your operator’s manual for recommended cooler specs and installation points.

5. Prioritize Safety: Pre-Operation Checks and PPE

Mulching is a high-risk operation due to flying debris, machine instability, and contact with underground utilities. A structured safety routine is non-negotiable.

Pre-Operation Checklist

Before starting the machine, operators should:

– Read and understand the mulcher and carrier operator’s manuals

– Inspect the mulcher for loose bolts, damaged teeth, and worn belts

– Check hydraulic hoses and couplers for leaks, cracks, or abrasion

– Clear the work area of rocks, wire, metal, and flammable debris

– Mark underground utilities and note overhead hazards (power lines, tree limbs)

Required PPE

All operators and nearby personnel must wear:

– Hard hat

– Safety glasses or face shield

– Hearing protection

– High-visibility vest

– Steel-toe boots

– Cut-resistant gloves (especially when working near the rotor)

Safe Operating Zones

– Keep bystanders at least 90–100 meters away from the work area

– Never operate the mulcher with the head raised more than 18 inches above the ground

– On slopes, drive up and down, not across, to maintain stability

6. Optimize Operation for Maximum Productivity

Even with the right machine and attachment, poor technique can ruin productivity and shorten equipment life.

1. Work at an Efficient Pace

Think of mulching like a marathon, not a sprint:

– Avoid pushing the machine to its maximum hydraulic relief pressure

– A good rule of thumb: operate about 500 PSI below the maximum relief pressure

– This keeps rotor speed high and prevents overheating

2. Adjust Cutting Depth and Overlap

– For light vegetation, keep the cutting depth shallow to reduce wear

– For dense brush and small trees, lower the head slightly to ensure a clean cut

– Overlap passes by 10–20% to avoid leaving unmulched strips (like painting a wall)

3. Use the Right Machine Movements

– On skid steers and CTLs, use the machine’s agility to make tight turns and reposition quickly

– For large areas, plan a systematic pattern (e.g., parallel passes or a spiral) to minimize backtracking

– Use the push bar (if equipped) to knock down trees and guide material into the rotor

4. Monitor Hydraulic Temperature

– Watch the hydraulic oil temperature gauge; if it climbs above the recommended range, stop and let the system cool

– In hot conditions, use an auxiliary cooler and take short breaks to prevent thermal damage

Bonus: 3 Advanced Tips from Experienced Mulcher Operators

To go beyond the basics, here are three pro-level practices that top operators use to maximize uptime and ROI.

1. Mix and Match Teeth for Different Jobs

Instead of using one tooth type for everything, many operators:

– Use carbide teeth on the outer rows for durability

– Use steel planers in the center for higher cutting speed

– Swap to beaver teeth for jobs where picking material off the ground is critical

This hybrid setup balances wear life and productivity across a wide range of conditions.

2. Use GPS or Marking Systems for Large Areas

For large-scale land clearing or right-of-way maintenance:

– Use GPS guidance or simple marking systems (flags, paint) to plan passes

– This ensures uniform coverage and prevents missed spots or excessive overlap

– Some modern mulchers integrate with telematics for real-time monitoring of performance and fuel use

3. Schedule Preventive Maintenance

A simple maintenance routine can extend mulcher life by years:

– After every use: Clean debris from the rotor, housing, and skid shoes

– Every 4–8 hours: Grease rotor bearings and other moving parts

– Regularly: Inspect and replace worn teeth, check belt tension, and verify hydraulic connections

Follow the maintenance schedule in your mulcher operator’s manual for exact intervals and procedures.

How Mulching Attachments Deliver Value

As a manufacturer of excavators, skid steers, track loaders, and other construction equipment, mulching attachments are designed to:

– Match the hydraulic and structural capabilities of carriers

– Use durable materials (AR400 steel, high-quality bearings, and robust motors)

– Offer simple, reliable quick-attach systems for fast changeovers

– Support global customers with clear specs, manuals, and dealer support

Whether clearing a small lot or preparing a large construction site, a properly matched mulching attachment can significantly reduce job time and operating costs.

Take Action: Get the Right Mulcher for Your Machine

If you’re using a skid steer, compact track loader, or excavator and want to add mulching capability:

1. Check your machine’s hydraulic flow (GPM) and pressure (PSI)

2. Determine the typical vegetation and terrain you’ll be working in

3. Contact your dealer or technical support to match the right mulcher model and teeth type

Ready to boost your land-clearing productivity? Contact Certeg today to discuss the best mulching attachment for your skid steer, track loader, or excavator, and get a compatibility check for your specific machine model.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I know if my skid steer has enough hydraulic power for a mulcher?

Calculate hydraulic horsepower using GPM × PSI ÷ 1,714. Then compare that number to the mulcher’s minimum and maximum flow/pressure requirements. If your machine’s HP is below the mulcher’s minimum, it will underperform and overheat.

2. Can I use the same mulcher on both a skid steer and a compact track loader?

Yes, in most cases. Both skid steers and compact track loaders use the same universal quick-attach system (ISO 24410). However, you must still match the mulcher’s weight and hydraulic requirements to each machine’s specs.

3. What’s the difference between a disc mulcher and a drum mulcher?

A disc mulcher uses a large steel disc with teeth around the edge and is very aggressive on dense brush and small trees. A drum mulcher uses a rotating drum with teeth and is better for fine mulching and working close to the ground. The choice depends on your typical job and desired mulch finish.

4. How often should I replace mulching teeth?

Replace teeth when they are worn down by more than 50% or show cracks or breaks. In rocky or abrasive conditions, teeth may need replacement every 50–100 hours. In softer conditions, they can last 150–200 hours or more.

5. What maintenance is required on a mulching attachment?

Key maintenance tasks include:

– Cleaning debris after each use

– Greasing rotor bearings every 4–8 hours

– Inspecting and replacing worn teeth

– Checking belt tension and hydraulic hoses

– Following the maintenance schedule in the operator’s manual

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