Mulching rates

WestshoreConstruction · Dec 26, 2013

The 299 isn't in the same class as the 770. A 870 is the same. Test the 870 before you commit to a 770. Same frame as far as I know but more power

PLMLLC · Dec 26, 2013

I understand its not the same and I have considered it. When it comes down to specs I think the 770 is suited better for what I want. The 870 is considerably wider than the 770 and the mulching head itself. Not good for being in the trees. Also the 870 has 7 more hp and weighs 2000 lbs more with only .5 gpm gain. The power to weight ratio is essentially the same as well as the gpm. Hence I will go with the 770. I just don't hink I can get myself to throw down the extra on the CAT. No other dealerships close by so those are my options

yellowdogsvc · Dec 27, 2013

I don't think you will be disappointed with the 770. If you get the mulching head from Bobcat, you have to get their forestry kit which adds $$ to the package but in your location, with bigger trees, you might want the extra roof protection.

The 770 is definitely a refined machine. Lift the cab and look at the guts. Well designed. CAT had a major redesign in 2008 and then again in 2012 from C to D series and changed a lot. Bobcat's basic design with the cooling system hasn't changed in 14 years aside from the addition of the hydraulic fan back in the K series and now tilt-up radiators. Bobcat still pulls air in the same way and that works and is easy to keep the radiators clean.
The Bobcat cab seals up pretty good (not perfect) and the air ride seat option is worth it but I thought the CAT seat was more comfortable (I put 200 hours on the CAT air ride). The Bobcat controls are easy, comfortable and the machine logistics are easy to read and keep track of. Visibility is okay.. They all have a big rear end now to accommodate the EPA crap.

PLMLLC · Dec 28, 2013

I will get the head from Bobcat. The forestry kit is all included in the pricing and a definite thing to have. 2 little kids at home and the more I can do to protect myself the better. I felt like the visibility in the bobcat was better. The CAT had an aftermarket back up cam but it was hard to tell how close I was things. The CAT guy called me yesterday and it is a great machine I am sure but its 20k more. Thats a lot of money to make up.

Marek · Dec 28, 2013

If its a 770 with a forestry package you are looking for call Robbie Smith at Metro bobcat , I heard he had one coming in. The bobcat head is a fecon design that uses teeth that were originally only available from bobcat dealers . That may have changed. I priced out the 770 and the Cats , the Bobcat was 77k which included the almost 8k forestry package. Our machine and the bobcat were only a couple k apart and when we signed Cat had 0 percent vs 1.9 at Bobcat

yellowdogsvc · Dec 29, 2013

One thing to consider, on all the modern machines, is the big azz end. I probably have 12,000 hours in Bobcats and the visibility just gets worse and worse. CAT was bad, too, so it's not brand specific and probably why CAT offers a camera. Get the mirror if you get the bobcat. Not the best but it gives me an idea of what's behind me. I used to rarely back into things, now it's more common, and luckily Bobcat made a good bumper out of their frame instead of using the door as the rear bumper. Cat has always had a good bumper. Hopefully the D series continued that.

kevindalley · Dec 23, 2017

I have used a tree sheer attachment on my bobcat to cut down the cedar on about 90 acres of our property. Now it's time to get rid of the cedar. Since i'll be mulching trees already on the ground, any estimates on how long this will take? The coverage was pretty thick, so there are lots of trees...

thanks

treemuncher · Dec 23, 2017

kevindalley said:
I have used a tree sheer attachment on my bobcat to cut down the cedar on about 90 acres of our property. Now it's time to get rid of the cedar. Since i'll be mulching trees already on the ground, any estimates on how long this will take? The coverage was pretty thick, so there are lots of trees...

thanks

Assuming that you are dealing with 4"+ sized stems: About the same amount of time, or more, as if they were standing. You have not gotten rid of any wood yet or changed any volume to be mulched. You can't reach up and start cracking the main stem like you could have while it was standing in order to speed up the mulching on larger trees.

You can save yourself time and money by pushing them into piles and throwing a match at them or push them off into a ditch. Use the mulcher to get the stumps down to grade so that you can maintain with a bush hog.