The Bobcat forestry cutter is a complete tree and brush management tool.
If the job is selectively removing trees from a building site, clearing a
right-of-way for rotary utility, or creating a fire break through thick
brush, the Bobcat forestry cutter can do the job. The Bobcat forestry cutter is
available for use on larger skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, and the
all-wheel steer, equipped with high flow auxiliary hydraulics. It is offered in 50-
inch and 60-inch width. The 50-inch width allows this cutter to get into tighter
openings, and allows the operator to be more selective while cutting. The
narrower drum also has a shorter recovery time when compared to the 60-
inch model. Check with your Bobcat dealer for the model and options necessary for
your application. Before the forestry cutter is used, the loader must be
equipped with a forestry application kit that protects the operator and the
machine. Clean debris, leaves, branches, and flammable material from the loader and
cooling system daily to prevent overheating, loss of performance, or
engine damage. See the forestry cutter maintenance DVD and Operation and
Maintenance Manual for the proper cleaning procedure. When operating the
Bobcat forestry cutter, keep bystanders far away from the unit, as debris can be
thrown several hundred feet. To selectively remove a tree, the Bobcat
forestry cutter should be raised to full height and driven forward to cut off the
top of the tree, then the standing tree can be shredded to the ground by driving
into the tree, backing up, lowering the attachment 12- to 24 inches, and driving
into the tree again. This method assures that the RPM and torque of the rotating
drum and the Bobcat forestry cutter will be maintained. Depending on the size and
density of the tree, other methods may be used. For smaller trees or softer wood, it
is possible the Bobcat forestry cutter may be lowered continuously. The forestry
cutter can be used on trees from 4- to 12 inches depending on the duration
of the work. To shred the top of the tree which was initially dropped to the
ground, lower the forestry cutter to the ground, roll back slightly, and drive over
the tree. If mulching is desired, raise the Bobcat
forestry cutter about twelve inches, then tilt the attachment slightly forward,
driving and reverse over the material. This will throw the material against the
counter combs on the back surface of the cutter housing, reducing the particles to
mulch. Lowering the optional front gate will help retain material when finer
mulching is necessary. The Bobcat forestry cutter also has the ability to
till the mulch right into the soil. Whenever operating the Bobcat forestry
cutter, be sure to check the work area for overhead wires or other obstructions.
Large sections of downed trees or branches should be processed into
shorter sections or chunks before attempting to mulch. This is best
accomplished by quickly dropping the forestry cutter onto the tree to make
chunks that are only a couple of feet in length. When trees are lying on the
ground, just drive over them with the forestry cutter and rip them to shreds,
or tear it to pieces by repeatedly hitting it from the side. Again, size and
density of the material will dictate the method of operation. The objective is to
keep the RPMs of the rotating drum high so momentum and torque are not lost.
Keeping an eye on the pressure gauge mounted on the Bobcat forestry cutter
allows the operator to see when a drum is approaching relief pressure. If this
happens, it will cause the hydraulic oil to bypass, generating heat and losing
productivity of the drum. For removing brush, the forestry cutter is raised
above the material, lowered ,then driven over the material. The 50-inch or 60-inch
cut makes short work of the brush that can clog a road or disrupt electrical or
telephone service. This same action will create a firebreak that can protect
homes and businesses from wildfires. With this versatile tool, it is not necessary
to take the tree or brush to a chipper or a burn pile, when you can take the
Bobcat forestry cutter to the tree or brush. The final product
is mulch that can be tilled into the soil or removed with a loader and bucket.
The Bobcat forestry cutter is a very efficient method of dealing with
unwanted trees and brush. Looking over the site now that the
Bobcat forestry cutter has done its job, trees have been selectively removed,
stumps have been removed and mulched, the road has been widened by removing brush
and trees. This could be done for utility clearing or for developing a fire break,
also. This site is beginning to be developed into a productive, efficient
horse pasture. It is being done with a loader and Bobcat forestry cutter. No
chipper, no trucks for hauling, and no burning required. One person with a
Bobcat loader and Bobcat attachment can do the whole job.