When looking to purchase a mini excavator brush cutter, there are a number of things to consider such as the weight of your machine, the auxiliary flow, and your expectations.
Is your machine heavy enough to carry the mini excavator brush cutter at full reach?
When choosing a brush cutter, you need to consider whether or not your machine is heavy enough to handle the cutter. The wider the cutter, the heavier the machine will need to be to accommodate it. Use the following rule of thumb when choosing a cutter:
- 36” minimum operating weight recommendation – 6,000lbs.
- 42” minimum operating weight recommendation – 7,300lbs.
- 50” minimum operating weight recommendation – 12,000lbs.
Is the auxiliary flow of your machine within range for the mini excavator brush cutter?
Minimum auxiliary flow recommendation – 13gpm.
For machines with less flow than this, feel free to ask us about your machine. In some cases, we have found that smaller machines will still run the head, depending on how the manufacturer arranges the hydraulic pumps.
Maximum auxiliary flow recommendation – 23gpm.
For machines with more flow than this, feel free to ask us about your machine. With most larger machines, it is possible to restrict the flow and pressure to within safe operating range. In some cases, you can automatically restrict flow and pressure from within the cab.
Is the total flow of all hydraulic pumps close to double the auxiliary pump?
This is important so that you do not drastically reduce the volume of hydraulic oil going to the brush cutter when operating another function such as boom or drive.
All brands respond differently when operating attachments, based on how their pumps are set up and whether or not a priority valve is installed.
What are your expectations?
Generally, mini excavators will not produce the hydraulic flow of a skid steer until you get into the 80 class size machines. Therefore, you are not going to get the same cutting torque as you would see with a compact track or skid steer machine.
The attachment and the standard movement of your machine may have restricted performance since they are both powered by the same hydraulic oil. When working with a bucket, the undercarriage and boom have access to all of the hydraulic flow. However, when the mini excavator brush cutter is using half of that to turn the blades, you will most likely experience a slower drive speed, and a harder time booming up or down. Booming down and swinging are usually the least affected functions.
Can I mount the brush cutter to my mini excavator?
Yes, Blue Diamond offers most mounts for factory pin or quick coupler style mounts on all major brands.
We can also make most aftermarket quick coupler mounts.
Just give us a call and ask! We will do what we can to find the mount you need.
You can also choose to purchase this machine without a mount, and the mount will include a flat plate that can be welded on the correct ears for your coupler.
What if one of the three models doesn’t fit my mini excavator?
Give our Customer Service team a call and ask them what experience they may have had with your machine in the past. We may be able to configure an attachment compatible with your machine.
Remember that you do not a case drain line installed on the Blue Diamond mini excavator brush cutter! This saves on both time and money on set up.
CALL THE BLUE DIAMOND SALES TEAM TO DISCUSS YOUR MACHINE CAPABILITIES TODAY!
Editor’s Note: We originally published this post in 2016 and we have since completely revamped and updated for both accuracy and comprehensiveness.