Yes, Iron Wolf makes a model for skid steer. See:
www.ironwolf.com/mulcher
Of course, to me, this solution has the same problem as any solution designed to cope with both rocks and trees: requires a lot of power, not efficient at mulching trees. Using pointed rock teeth like theirs is good if you have to make a path in heavily rocky conditions and need to both crush rocks and trees at the same time. Other than that, for strictly mulching vegetation, I feel it's as logical to use these tools as using a mining pick to knock down a tree. It can be done, it's just that axes are more the kind of tool I'd rather go with.
I know it's not the way many people think, but, to me, whatever front-mount you use, it should be kept for nicer terrain conditions. For rocky conditions, an excavator-mount is more appropriate (better view, more control, can clear vegetation cover before going close to ground and avoid rocks...). But I understand excavators are more expensive per hp than skid steers, so the contractor doing clearing only from time to time will prefer to go with a skid steer solution, even if not as effective as dedicated solutions can be.
As far as parts availability, I agree with you, Randy. Some companies are supposedly specialized in making mulching machines or attachments, yet they want to make a living at selling standard and common stuff like bolts and washers. Probably the kind of businesses run by MBA's who think about money only. Note that some customers will still prefer to buy bolts and washers from the manufacturer, so if anything fails, then they can sue the manufacturer
You mentioned something about cost per hour in your first post. It's important that peoples come to consider different solutions based on their cost per hour, and then their cost per area cleared. If one's cost per hour is 50% higher than the competitor, but it can do twice the production, isn't that one solution the best? Ok, I oversimplify, yet it's good to see that you're actually aware of the importance of cost per hour, and not just the price tag to buy the head...
And when calculating cost of operation, it's good also to consider:
- bolts, nuts, washers replacement;
- bearing replacement;
- seals replacements;
- even maybe the rotor, and the hydraulic motor replacement;
- depreciation of the machine;
- financing costs to buy the machine.
Then you can calculate a much more realistic cost of operation per hour. And then per acre cleared.
Just to give you numbers I know:
The estimated cost of operation per hour of our DAF-180D, which was* priced at 30500$ USD and designed for +/- 75 hp skid steers, is 22.10$ USD (including everything mentioned above). Its estimated cost per acre cleared is between 60$ and 89$.
In comparison, the estimated cost of operation of our largest excavator-mount DAH-150E, which costs easily around 45000$ USD without installation and is designed for 130 hp excavators and bigger, is 15.78$ USD. The estimated cost per acre cleared varies between 53$ to 80$.
Lawsuit-happy-world notice: these estimates are not promises, actual results may vary, my lawyer is rich, etc...
I say the DAF-180D was priced, because it's no longer available in Canada or the US using our actual technology.
So, skid-steer-mount or excavator-mount? It will depend on the kind of work you need to do, and the number of hours you expect to work each year.
Good luck!
Frederic Denis
DENIS CIMAF Inc.
www.deniscimaf.com
