Hydraulic Cutter for Excavator
kthompson
Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 5275 South Carolina Pics |
2007-08-09 144517
Have any of you adapted, made or used a hydraulic cutter suitable for use on a mini excavator for such as tree limbs and ditch banks? If so any and all info would be appreciated. kt
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Hydraulic Cutter for Excavator
earthwrks
Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 3853 Home Office in Flat Rock, Michigan Pics |
2007-08-09 144518
Haven't made one or used one but they are common around here. Keep in mind a modified, regular rotary cutter with a hydraulic motor probably won't work well for too long as the deck will get banged and bent up since the excavator won't be able to float like a tractor would allow it. ....
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Hydraulic Cutter for Excavator
Murf
Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 7249 Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada Pics |
2007-08-09 144527
Kenneth, I've made 2 such devices.
The first is not exactly what you are aiming at I think, it was like a big pair of pruning shears that went on in place of the bucket (on a bigger machine) and allowed you to slice off a branch up to about 18" in diameter.
The second was a hydraulically powered flail mower 2' in width for clearing trees and such back from along roadways.
The simplest (and therefore the cheapest) way to cut ditch banks IMHO is to use one of those tow-behind bush hogs with the engine right on top. These can also be mounted on a simple boom and 3pth mounted.
Best of luck. ....
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Hydraulic Cutter for Excavator
kthompson
Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 5275 South Carolina Pics |
2007-08-09 144535
Murf,
I do have some major limbs that need to be cut. Can use pole saw to cut those and then use smaller cutter to keep the new growth trimmed.
On the cutter with the gas engine on top, any idea how much of an angle they can take and not damage the engine? kt ....
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Hydraulic Cutter for Excavator
Murf
Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 7249 Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada Pics |
2007-08-09 144542
Kenneth, they are a standard (usually B&S) vertical shaft gas engine, in the 12-16 hp range.
I think the regular (read slinger type oil system) engine can run on about a 30° angle with no problem indefinitely provided the oil is up to the full mark.
If it is a positive pressure type engine (with an oil pump) you should be fine to about 45° tilt, again, as long as the oil is up to the full mark.
In most cases I think you will have fuel problems before you have any issues with oil. If you have to run on a steep angle you could always make up a slightly raised engine mount and use a couple of flex joints to pivot the engine to a flatter attitude.
Best of luck. ....
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Hydraulic Cutter for Excavator
kthompson
Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 5275 South Carolina Pics |
2007-08-10 144574
Murf, per Swisher web page they recommend max of 15 degree slope for the engine but tell you to check with the engine mfg themself.
Noticed Northern Tool sells Swisher and the specs on how large of diameter it will cut is different between Northern Tool's summer catalog and Swisher's web site. kt ....
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Hydraulic Cutter for Excavator
Murf
Join Date: Dec 1999 Posts: 7249 Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada Pics |
2007-08-10 144575
Me thinks the guy that says 15° is the same guy who gets to repair it under warranty has much more to do with it than logic or science does....... ;)
Best of luck. ....
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