Torrent excavator mulcher

[PLMLLC]

Has any one used a Torrent mulcher for an excavator? I am looking at the EX30 for a CAT 305.5. I have run into a few places banks and along brooks that it would be very handy on.... Or if someone has used a different mulcher on a mini, how was it? Would like to stay with a mini due to the ease of transporting. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[yellowdogsvc]

From an earlier thread answered by Cooter. You can search for it and there are some even older threads, too, that will point you in the right direction. Also, if you check out lawn site dot com under heavy machinery and paving, there are a few threads..

What are the specs on your machine?

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Re: Mulcher vs flail mower vs rotary mower for compact excavator?

I will give my opinion of the 3 and the differences.

Rotary cutter is very fast but will not leave a a well processed finished product.

Flail mowere are great for grass vines and small trees( thing 1 to 2 inch), slower than rotary but leave a beeter finished product, will not be effective mulching trees.

Mulcher. Will leave the best finished product, marginal on grass, good on underbrush, the best choice for trees.

Limited to 20 gpm it will never be a barn burning in the mulching department. 2 too 4 inch stuff will be fast. 5 too 6 inch stuff will be slower but doable.

I have a couple 100 hours on my Torrent with a Kx161 and I chose it over the other 2 choices and have never looked back.

 

[lumberjack1986]

I have a Rockhound 40EX HammerHead (flail) currently, and will be getting their F26 Defender (fixed tooth mulcher) at some point. My ex is a KX057, essentially the same size as your machine. Stability wise, I have worked over the blade on some 40* slopes, across the tracks the machine starts getting tippy around 15-16* (reaching down hill).

3-4" is the max with the flail, the mulcher size is limited mainly by your patience.

Here is a playlist of my videos with the 40EX. After I get the Defender, I figure I'll have the best of both worlds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VRFryW7Gz0&list=PLnj0o7fheTq90Ea7KQIcfmu4qAi3B6NOV

 

[Cooter Brown]

I have a Rockhound 40EX HammerHead (flail) currently, and will be getting their F26 Defender (fixed tooth mulcher) at some point. My ex is a KX057, essentially the same size as your machine. Stability wise, I have worked over the blade on some 40* slopes, across the tracks the machine starts getting tippy around 15-16* (reaching down hill).

3-4" is the max with the flail, the mulcher size is limited mainly by your patience.

Here is a playlist of my videos with the 40EX. After I get the Defender, I figure I'll have the best of both worlds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VRFryW7Gz0&list=PLnj0o7fheTq90Ea7KQIcfmu4qAi3B6NOV

I have the Torrent on a KX161 and it is not the least bit tippy. The Torrent is lighter than the rock hound heads so that makes a difference.

 

[Cooter Brown]

Here are some pohotos.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/107543230@N03/

 

[Cooter Brown]

From an earlier thread answered by Cooter. You can search for it and there are some even older threads, too, that will point you in the right direction. Also, if you check out lawn site dot com under heavy machinery and paving, there are a few threads..

What are the specs on your machine?

*************************
Re: Mulcher vs flail mower vs rotary mower for compact excavator?

I will give my opinion of the 3 and the differences.

Rotary cutter is very fast but will not leave a a well processed finished product.

Flail mowere are great for grass vines and small trees( thing 1 to 2 inch), slower than rotary but leave a beeter finished product, will not be effective mulching trees.

Mulcher. Will leave the best finished product, marginal on grass, good on underbrush, the best choice for trees.

Limited to 20 gpm it will never be a barn burning in the mulching department. 2 too 4 inch stuff will be fast. 5 too 6 inch stuff will be slower but doable.

I have a couple 100 hours on my Torrent with a Kx161 and I chose it over the other 2 choices and have never looked back.

I will add that in my opinion the Flail mower will lose it's advantage in grass once the knives get dull.

 

[PLMLLC]

Thanks. I am really looking at the Torrent. I run a CAT 299D XHP with the CAT HM415 mulcher. I want to stay with a mulcher. I am sure I can figure out how to mount my brushcutter onto the 305 if necessary but want that mulcher. I like the finish and that is what my clients hire me for. The price seems to be fair as well. Cooter, how has the reliability been on the Torrent?

 

[Cooter Brown]

Thanks. I am really looking at the Torrent. I run a CAT 299D XHP with the CAT HM415 mulcher. I want to stay with a mulcher. I am sure I can figure out how to mount my brushcutter onto the 305 if necessary but want that mulcher. I like the finish and that is what my clients hire me for. The price seems to be fair as well. Cooter, how has the reliability been on the Torrent?

The only 2 issues I have are more design than reliabilty. There is a small gap between the cuuting drum and the body that stuff finds it's way into because of the material I am cutting. Also due too the low amount of hyd hp availble with our size machins if the rotor slows it can grab stuff and suck it up into the drum wedging it between the drum and body. As much operator error as anything. I am having a set of plates made too close up the gap to help the forst problem.

The head is all welded and direct drive so reliabilty is it's strong suit. Teeth are a little pricey but they last well. Email your number and we can talk.