The short answer is: Almost certainly not. While a 72″ mulcher might physically attach to your skid steer’s universal quick-attach plate, attempting to run it on a standard-flow hydraulic system is a recipe for catastrophic equipment failure. In this guide, we’ll explain the “Common Mistake” of buying too big and how to properly match your machine to our Raytree and Wolverine mulcher lines.

The GPM Gap: Why Flow Matters More Than Size

In the world of construction equipment, hydraulic attachments are powered by flow (Gallons Per Minute, or GPM) and pressure (PSI). Drum mulchers are “high-demand” attachments; they require immense hydraulic horsepower to keep a heavy steel drum spinning at high RPMs while shredding hardwood.

Standard-Flow vs. High-Flow

• Standard-Flow: Typically ranges from 15 to 25 GPM. This is plenty for buckets, pallet forks, and light-duty augers.
• High-Flow: Typically ranges from 30 to 45+ GPM. This is specifically designed for power-hungry tools like cold planers, rock saws, and, you guessed it, large drum mulchers.

The Common Mistake: If you try to run a 72″ Raytree drum mulcher (which typically requires 30-45 GPM) on a 20 GPM machine, the drum will stall the moment it touches a sapling. Even worse, the “back pressure” created by the mismatched motor can cause your skid steer’s hydraulic pump to overheat and eventually self-destruct, leading to a repair bill that could cost more than the attachment itself.

“Do This, Not That”: Selecting the Right Mulcher

To protect your investment and ensure jobsite efficiency, follow these compatibility rules.

DO: Check Your Machine’s Data Plate

Before shopping, look at the manufacturer’s specs for your skid steer. You need to know your Auxiliary Hydraulic Flow rating.

• If you have 17–23 GPM: You should look at Brush Cutters (deck mowers) rather than heavy drum mulchers. These are designed to clear tall grass and light brush using lower flow.
• If you have 25–30 GPM: You may be able to run a “Medium-Flow” compact mulcher, usually in the 48″ to 60″ range, provided the motor is specifically rated for that GPM.
• If you have 35+ GPM: You are in the clear for the Heavy-Duty 72″ Drum Mulchers.

DON’T: Over-size the Attachment for the Chassis

Even if you have the flow, a 72″ mulcher is incredibly heavy. Using a massive attachment on a small-frame mini skid steer can throw off your center of gravity, making the machine tip forward and reducing the traction needed to push into the brush.

ROI Spotlight: Raytree Drum Mulchers

At Coastal Machines, we stock Raytree mulchers because they offer an exceptional balance of durability and hydraulic efficiency.

• Optimized Motors: Raytree units are available with various motor configurations to help match your specific machine’s output.
• Replaceable Teeth: Investing in a mulcher with high-quality teeth means less downtime for sharpening and more time clearing land.
• Safety Features: Our units include pressure gauges so the operator can monitor hydraulic load in real-time, preventing the “pump-destroying” heat buildup mentioned above.

Shop Smarter, Not Bigger

Don’t let the desire for a “wide cut” ruin your skid steer’s hydraulic system. Matching your GPM to the right attachment is the only way to ensure a long life for your machine and a high ROI for your business.

• Find Your Match: Shop Mulchers & Brush Cutters
• Need a High-Flow Machine? Browse Our Skid Steer Inventory
• Finance Your Upgrade: Get Pre-Approved Today