Upgrades and Safety Innovations to Heavy Construction Equipment

Basic Differences Between Disc and Drum Mulchers

25 January 2022

Veronica Leon

Mulchers or forestry mulchers are essential pieces of equipment for a range of forestry management projects. From land clearing to site preparation and cleaning up after heavy storms, etc., forestry mulchers are the perfect solution to any projects that require clearing out bushes and trees. They feature attachments that make it easy to quickly and efficiently shred large volumes of trees, shrubs, bushes, etc. However, these attachments can also make all the difference when selecting mulchers. Generally, the primary options you will find when considering mulching attachments are drum and disc mulchers. Knowing what differentiates them can help you pick the right choice for your needs. Find out more below.

Structural Differences

Knowing the physical or structural difference between the two mulchers gives you an idea of how they work. As the name implies, disc mulchers consist of a large disc-like attachment containing mulching teeth. On the other hand, their drum counterparts feature cylindrical attachments equipped with carbide or hardened steel teeth. They also have depth control rings that control the bite size when the machinery is operating.

Cutting Capacity

The cutting capacity of these two types of forestry mulchers varies. Generally, the cutting capacity of disc mulchers is larger than their drum counterparts. That means they are ideal for cutting through thicker trees and vegetation quicker. This cutting capacity can be attributed to the equipment's high-powered capability. Unlike drum mulchers, disc mulchers can store energy, combining it with hydraulic power to provide a much higher cutting capacity.

Cutting Width

How wide of an area would you like to clear at once? Drum mulchers tend to have the edge over their disc counterparts in cutting width. Their larger cutting width allows them to mulch a much wider path than disc mulchers, enhancing productivity.

Manoeuvrability

Manoeuvrability is another critical aspect to keep in mind when choosing your forestry mulcher, mainly if you have limited space on your site. Generally, drum mulchers tend to have a compact design and depth. Therefore, they allow for better manoeuvrability. Their design also enhances visibility, further making them much easier to manoeuvre in tighter spaces. That is, they don't have a deck that can inhibit an operator's view when the drum is on the ground.

Cost

Mulchers can be expensive. Therefore, it would help to consider costs when buying on renting one. Typically, disc mulchers tend to be less costly than drum mulchers, making them an ideal choice if you are on a budget.

Contact a local heavy construction equipment supplier to learn more about mulching equipment.

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