First Run 2019 Bobcat & Fecon FGT Forestry Mulcher

Clevinger Forestry Services, LLC specializes in tree and brush clearing using the Bobcat T-770 Forestry Mulcher.
Clevinger Forest Services is located in Clarksville, TN
Office: [phone]
Cell: [phone] (call or text)
www.cfsmulching.com

[@Scott924m]

glad your back it's been a minute missed your videos nice new machine .

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

scottey74 Thanks, Scottey. It has been a while. I've been doing a lot of jobs that just aren't conducive to making a video of. And my old machine was down a few weeks getting the mulcher head bearings replaced. I'll improve on my video skills👍👍

[@michaelmoten5916]

I have spent a lot of time watching your videos. I find them very informative. Thank you for taking your time to share with us.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Glad you like them!

[@johnearhart8811]

Congratulations on your new machine! I know I love my Take TL12. Im sure it will not take long for you to get used to it. Good luck! Keep the videos coming, i love watching you work the forest. Awesome Job!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

John Earhart Thanks, John. This new Fecon head runs like a tornado! It's doing a great job. My Bobcats have been reliable. I always hear good things about the TL12 too. Everyone I hear says they are reliable and strong. I've never seen a dealer anywhere around my location though to check one out.

[@fiveoaksfarmofgeorgia7605]

You know a machine is a good one when the operator runs out and buys a new one just like the one he had. Thanks for sharing.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Five Oaks Farm of Georgia When you find a reliable machine, there's no need to take chances on something different. I appreciate you watching👍

[@drewgardner81]

Congratulations on the new machine.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

skidsteerdrew Hey thanks, Drew. I'm just a squirrel trying to get a nut out here too😂 I've been following your KZbins too. Hope it's generating some business for you, brother.

[@TylerBemis]

Love this combo beautiful machine. Nice work!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Tyler Bemis Appreciate that, Tyler. Hope it gives me years of trouble-free operation. 🙏

[@bigdicksplace]

Just cleared some of my property in Southern Delaware using a skid steer and brush hog. Anyway, to clear the road 450' in and clear out the lot 150' x175', I put right at 7 work days total into and that includes building the driveway. Thanks so much for the lessons.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Dick That is awesome, Dick! I'm sure you felt very gratified when you were finished, too. There's nothing better than working your own land and creating something from nothing. Excellent!

[@larrywiley1804]

Thank you for an extremely informative video. Good to go sir.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Larry Wiley Glad it was helpful, Larry. Appreciate you watching.

[@southernfarmer8526]

Very relaxing and informative watching your videos, thanks!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Southern Farmer85 I really appreciate you watching👍

[@southernfarmer8526]

Definitely got me looking at going w bobcat for a track skid steer. Is the t770 a def machine?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Southern Farmer85 Yes it takes DEF. i think they all went to DEF since around 2012-14. Bobcat makes the best skidsteer. Very well engineered.

[@mikepici5553]

Thanks for another good vid

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Michael Pici Thanks, Michael. I really appreciate you following my videos👍

[@jakeellsworth2220]

Thanks for making these videos Mr Clevinger, I really enjoy them. Congrats on the new rig

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Jake Ellsworth Thanks, Jake. I'm glad you enjoy my videos, and I really appreciate you watching💯👍

[@tiptoplandsolutions1421]

Welcome to the world of Fecon,..🤠🤙

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

TipTop LandSolutions This FGT is running like a tornado. So far, so good.

[@evanziemer1967]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 what's the difference between a FGT and a DCR Fecon head? I'm currently doing a business plan laid out by you. Then I'll get the exact same setup as yourself 👍 I love all the insights you share. Please keep it coming bud.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Evan Ziemer The FGT is considered a smooth drum mulcher, since the tooth holders are welded onto a smooth drum. The advantage of a smooth drum is that they are easiest to get debris and mud build-up off of them. The DCR stands for Depth Control Rings. These are still drum-type mulchers, but they have steel rings around the drum aligned with each cutting tooth, that limits the depth of bite into the wood that each tooth will cut. A DCR head is best when used with knife-type cutter teeth, as opposed to carbide teeth. The advantage of a DCR with knife teeth is that they will produce a more uniform, smaller mulch material result. There's also a third type of drum mulcher called a paddle wheel style, like the Fecon HDT. This type of drum mulcher is supposed to be good in viney/stringy wood material, and also give a better mixing action of the mulch into the soil.

[@cavubobnaylor4167]

Excellent narration!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Glad you liked it!

[@b737drvr]

Great video! I am so jealous of your new machine and mulcher! Not jealous of the payments on that setup though!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

b737drvr Thanks! It's been running great. I don't like the payments either, but it's all working out.

[@Grggeorge]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 just pay cash so it’s paid off

[@homestead_diy]

Nice machine.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Thanks. It works great for this application.

[@ropehnd]

Always enjoy your videos not sure how there are any dislikes.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Brennan Butler Thanks, Brennan. Glad you enjoy my video. There's all kinds of people out there who probably hit the dislike button. Some people hate seeing trees mulched down. Some people think I'm destroying wildlife habitat. Some people don't like my camera angles, think I should be using a drone. Some people say I talk to much. Some people are just way smarter than me and can do my work better than me. I just like to think that it's only old girlfriends😂

[@ericdaniels4912]

Wanted to say thanks for your videos...especially the ones on how you get unstuck. That’s inevitable and I’ve used some of your tricks to get myself out lately. I am NOT a pro, but I have an older ASV RC100 with an FAE head that I use for clearing hunting and timberland we have in south Alabama, mainly to build access roads. I taught myself how to use that system so have had no training other than playing around with it with a primary goal of not killing myself. I don’t have the same kind of time pressures you do so I wanted to ask about your technique: when I come up to a tree, I raise the head about 8 to 10 feet and slowly pivot the head forward so the cross bar on top gradually applies pressure to the tree, pushing it slightly forward before I hit it with the teeth, so the tree falls forward. I’ve watched a lot of your videos and notice that you seem to keep the crossbar up and come straight down...wanted to ask why you do it that way? Is it because you tend to make your approach going downhill? Do you think I risk damaging the mulching head with the technique I’ve been using? Thanks!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Eric Daniels Hey Eric- I appreciate you watching my videos. I try to make them informative and useful, so It's good to hear you got something from them. Your technique of raising the drum and tilting the head forward is just fine. I found out a long time ago, that if I raise the boom and tilt the head forward too far, then the mulch gets shot straight down and hits my my windshield and roof, and it would put nicks in my windshield. So I just keep the head tilted back when I raise it so it shoots away from the machine. My technique is: I drive up to about 1-foot away from the tree with the mulcher on the ground (it's bad news to ever drive around with your boom raised. Risk tipping over), then I raise the boom up as high as I can as long as there are no branches/obstructions above the drum that will grab the hoses, then I slowly drive the machine forward until the drum pushes the tree trunk forward and cuts off the top. Then I back up a foot to let the tree stand up straight, then I slowly lower the mulcher head down the tree trunk listening for any slowing of the drum/engine RPM. I try to never bog the drum down to a stop. I try to keep the RPM's up. If I'm on any type of slope, then I stay very aware of tipping, and I don't raise the drum as high. There have been operators killed using these mulchers, almost always because they didn't have the polycarbonate laminated front safety windshield, and mulch wood pieces shot from the drum penetrated the standard plastic windshield , or no windshield at all, and hit the operator in the chest or head. So I always respect the machine and stay focused.

[@carlj3515]

Welcome back.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

carlj3515 Thanks, Carl. It seems I've been doing a lot of jobs lately that were just not photogenic enough to rate a video😆

[@carlj3515]

Clevinger Forest Services, LLC so glad your back in the saddle agin.some you have to pick and choose on what would make good video or not.Thank you for adding in the little” this is why I do this or that” 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

carlj3515 You bet, Carl. I appreciate you watching👍

[@carlj3515]

Clevinger Forest Services, LLC watch’ and learning.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

carlj3515 👍👍

[@brianjudd812]

Great video!! Watch everything you post. I may have missed it in the video but why the change in head?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Brian Judd Thanks, Brian. I really appreciate you watching my videos. Don't forget to hit the like button so KZbin algorithm shows the video to other viewers. I had my original 2014 Bobcat/Fecon head for 5 years. It has been bullet proof and reliable. The main drum bearing just went bad, so I had them replaced. That was the only issue I had with it in 5-years. It was time to trade my machine in, so I just wanted to try a different mulcher head. I wanted the Fecon DCR, but the Fecon guy said running carbide teeth on the Depth Control Ring drum tended to break the teeth when used in rocky soil, which I am in. So I went with the FGT drum. I think the Fecon head is super sturdy, and it's got an adjustable hyd motor to keep the drum speed at the spec RPM of 1900+/-100. And that's a 20" diameter drum. So that is good inertia generated. It fits well with the type of work I do, in the environment I use it in.

[@silvergrizzly316]

Hey Dave it's been a while my friend!! Very NICE setup ya got there. Like to see move vids but you do what you have time for and I'll keep watchin brother!!! Take care and God Bless. Be safe. ~Jay.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Silver Grizzly Hey Jay- I really appreciate following my videos. It's just good to know that people out there find them helpful. I need to get a personal assistant who is better running the cameras than I am😂

[@sterlingsilver5937]

Thanks!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

👍👍

[@paulanthony9345]

nice setup,,,,wish i had it here in philippines....ny farm is in jungle

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Paul Anthony Thanks, Paul. Yea, one of these mulcher machines would probably come in very handy managing the jungle vegetation.

[@doug9418]

Oof duh, what a job. 🇺🇸 God Bless 🇺🇸

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Doug Bucher I guess I'll take "Oof duh" as meaning you liked the video😂 I appreciate you watching, Doug, thanks!

[@allihatw]

I’m currently looking at a Bobcat T770 and Kubota SVL 95-2, both with fecon DCR heads. Do you have any experience with the Kubota or do you have any advice on the Bobcat? This will be my third Bobcat, both of my previous machines were older smaller so this is my first new bigger machine. Thanks.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I'm on my third Bobcat T770, so I'm very happy with their capabilities to handle forestry mulching, and any other related work. I find them reliable and the operator maintenance is very easy. It's solid, comfortable, and has good visibility all around the machine when working in the woods. And Bobcat dealers have trained mechanics for these machines, which is important to me. A T770 or T870 both have the horsepower to easily run mulchers. I've never run a Kubota SVL, but I haven't heard good things about them from other operators in this business, as far as using them for forestry mulching. It seems like people buy them for the initial lower purchase price and high horsepower, but are frustrated when they break-down since most Kubota dealers are set up for tractors, not skidsteers, so you don't get good maintenance support. I buy my machines new, and keep them for the full term of the full maintenance warranty that I get with mine, then trade them in for a new model. That's just how I do it. I love the Fecon heads. Can't go wrong there. I use a FGT drum with carbides for the conditions I work in. A DCR drum would work great too.

[@WeGoOutdoors]

Really enjoy your videos Great content!! Do you prefer the fecon head or was the bobcat head just as good? I do really like the safety feature with the Bobcat head for when you get out of the machine it stops the head from spinning. Also, how much is a new T770 running now adays with a mil her head and forestry kit? Your new machine looks really great. Your videos always impress me on how well that bobcat can run those mulches.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I did like that quick shut-down feature on the Bobcat heads, too. My original Bobcat head was a 2014 model, so I don't know if any upgrades or design changes have been made on them. I do like the design of this 2019 Fecon BH74 better. It's built more robust, but its 400 lbs heavier that the Bobcat head was. I like the push bar better. It has bolt on skid plates. Has two rows of counter tines inside the liner. A bigger hydraulic motor. Better access door into the top of the case to get to the hydraulics. The hoses are routed better out of the top of the head, and the snubber cord (the bungie looking cord) holds the hoses up which relieves the stress on the quick-disconnects. I haven't had a quick disconnect leak yet in 400 hours on this head. The drum RPM is 1900+/-100 RPM which is a litter faster. And this FGT drum can take both carbides and blade teeth. So overall I'd say I do like the Fecon better. But I had close to 4000 hours on the Bobcat head with few issues.

[@WeGoOutdoors]

Thanks for the response and detailed info. Sounds like there are a lot of design differences that I wasn’t aware of. That’s another tough decision for me is whether to get a head that runs knives or carbides. I do like the hybrid idea of running knives on the outside teeth and carbides in the middle. I’m just surprised people aren’t reporting more issues running knives on these heads that don’t have the depth control drum that’s notched all the way through to prevent deep cutting.

[@jeremywatson8306]

What was your hydraulic temp at full throttle while operating?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Jeremy Watson I've had it out on three day jobs so far. Running all day mulching, air temps between 88-92 degrees out, and the hydraulic temps were in the 180-192 range. I took photos of my displays at 2 machine hours, at idle, at full RPM, full RPM with mulcher engaged, and full RPM mulching trees for a few hours. I put all these temps and pressures on an Excel spreadsheet so I have a record of good baseline numbers, so I have this data for future reference to compare it to. Hopefully this will be useful in detecting any bad trends, and being able to troubleshoot the issue before it gets out of control or failure.

[@carlj3515]

Follow in CA.has a small cordless leaf blower for on site quick blow out.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Leaf blowers are a good idea for cleaning these machines out in the field.

[@chrisriggins293]

Hey man, I too really enjoy your videos. My little brother is looking into getting into forestry mulching and the Bobcat salesman is trying to sell him on the new T76 bobcat. He says the larger units with all of the DEF equipment on them are trash and that the smaller T76 will do fine with a forestry head. What are your thoughts based on your experience? Thanks in advance!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Not enough horsepower (74hp), hydraulic pressure, or hyd GPM flow to effectively run a forestry mulcher. I wouldn't go below 92 HP or 37 GPM flow. Can a T76 do it, maybe for a personal land use, but not recommended for a working, professional business.

[@ryanwagner1831]

How much did the fecon ftg mulcher cost you cause I’m pretty sure this is the mulcher case Construction Equipment supply’s with their skid steer loaders and compact track loaders except it’s painted gray and says case Construction on it thanks Dave keep up the great work and KZbin’s I love that In cab view with that chest mounted GoPro

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Ryan Christopher Wagner I paid just over $22,000 for this Fecon FGT mulcher head. It's a new 2019, and I ordered it through Bobcat with the machine. Fecon very well could be making heads for Case. Fecon makes the Bobcat branded mulcher head, too. I'm surprised you noticed the chest mounted GoPro view. I just got the chest mount. I think it will be a better view than the head mount for most of the things I do. And customers won't give me funny looks like they do with a camera rig on my head😆

[@renato4002]

What max temp do your Bobcat hydraulics run at when running mulcher?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Hyd temps when running the mulcher normally run in the 190-200F range.

[@sanfranciscobay]

How nice it must be to have a new machine. Like having a girlfriend who loves you and does everything possible to make your life easier.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

SanFranciscoBay HAHA! Too funny!

[@brianfitzpatrick8448]

Great video thanks. Would I need any special license to do this work in New Jersey?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I live in Tennessee, so I wouldn't know about NJ requirements. But your local city or county clerk office or Department of Revenue will know what business license you will need. Its also possible you would need a CDL (Commercial Driver License) depending on the total weights of your equipment, trailer, and truck.

[@Towman1151]

on the t770 do you have to constantly hold the trigger or does it stay on with one click?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Hey Vinny- The T770 runs the mulcher head with one click of the right trigger to get it turning, then one click to stop it.

[@Towman1151]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 ok thank you I was just curious of that

[@larrywiley1804]

Does the drum eventually stop rotating?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Larry Wiley Yes, it seems to be taking 3-4 minutes to free-wheel to a stop.

[@WILLIELEWIS40]

Great video how much would it cost to have a acre and a half cleaned off like this

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

If the trees and brush are about the same sizes and density as what is shown in this video, then it would take me about 9 hours to clear 1.5 acres. I charge $150/hour here around Clarksville, Tennessee.

[@calstyl2]

Feelings on the Doosan motor vs the kubota.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Rob Schell I believe Bobcat runs the Kubota engines in their smaller skidsteers, and Doosan engines in their bigger machines. I've only ever run T770's for my business so they've always been Doosans. Never ran a Kubota engine machine. So I'd say for the 5000 or so hours that I've run them, they been very reliable. Only had one bad issue, and that was a output shaft bearing failed and put metal shavings ing the engine and oil filter. Replaced the engine and it was under warranty. Otherwise, no engine issues, no computer issues, no fuel or engine electrical issues.

[@TheBaconificator]

Great video, very informative!! Have you considered the Loftness G4 head in your research? If so what are your thoughts about it? Thank you.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

TheBaconificator Thanks for watching. I've never used the Loftness G4, but it looks pretty good. Here's a good video explaining it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIDMmp2bm6mWaNU At a certain point, there is not much difference between the good quality mulching heads. You want them to have very robust steel construction, good variable speed hydraulic motor with an easy adjustment to change the drum RPM if needed, easily replaceable teeth, allows for different teeth options (carbide or knives), replaceable skid shoes, a good push bar, easy access to the inside of the mulcher hydraulics, and a good design for how the hydraulic hoses come out of the mulcher and connect to the machine. And all mulching heads need to be "tuned" to your specific machine, so that procedure should be clear and simple to accomplish.

[@brentregister5342]

Great Video sir!! Very informative as always!! If you don’t mind me asking, why did you go with the 770 over the 870? I’m in the process of looking at a new skid steer and trying to learn as much as possible about what’s on the market now! Your insight would be greatly appreciated!!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Brent Register Glad you find my video helpful. I answered this question below, but I'll add it in here to for you. If you are looking for information, I would say to not only watch the rest of my forestry mulching videos, but more importantly, read through the comment sections of each video. People have asked me all kinds of questions over the years, and I've always given my straight-forward and thorough answers based on my experience. Good stuff in there. Why I chose the T770 over the T870: First, I demoed the 770 & 870 with a mulcher, and honestly I really didn't feel any significant difference mulching, even though the 770 is 92HP, and the 870 is 100HP. The biggest factors for me were weight and size. The 770 weighs about 10,400 lbs. the 870 is about 12,900 lbs. This weight difference would have made me go up another trailer GVWR size and also pushed me way over the 26,001 lb CDL limit. Ground pressure was a factor too. The T770 is 4.2 psi. The 870 is 4.9 psi. This is important in the soft ground in forests. The 770 also has a 44 gallon fuel tank that can take me through an 8+ hour day of mulching at 4.9 GPH. The 870 has a 32 gallon fuel tank. There was also a big price difference. So overall, the T770 was just a better fit for me in performance bang-for-the-buck to do the work requirements I have for my business. Horsepower, hydraulic pressure and flow are very important for mulching performance, no doubt. But a lot of these types of decisions should be based on what your business goals are, and the scope of work requirements you have.

[@brentregister5342]

Clevinger Forest Services, LLC Ok! I had always just considered HP, Torque, etc. Hadn’t considered some of the other things you mentioned! Makes a lot of sense! I will definitely watch some more videos and also read more of the comments! Hope to see another video soon! Thank you so much for your response!! God bless!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Brent Register You bet, Brent. Good luck to you.

[@hoytballard5504]

I got a 770 but with the crappy Bobcat mulcher. Did you wind up selling your bobcat head or did you keep it?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I traded my original 2014 Bobcat head in with my 2017 machine, and got a 2019 T770 with the Fecon head.

[@hoytballard5504]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 Just wondered. I partly chose this set up based on your videos believe it or not. I'm very much underwhelmed regarding the performance and some of the dealer issues. This Bobcat head has been back to the dealer five times for issues regarding fitting issues. All covered under warranty but I'm not real impressed with their build quality. The machine itself went down for two weeks because a pin bolt broke and the arm pin came out and the arm came down on the cylinder rod eye and crushed two hydraulic lines. They tried to say lack of lubrication but their is grease all down the sides of this machine. I buy their highest grade grease and carry three grease guns on the truck so they paid for the complete repair which included a new cylinder. BTW I grease every 4-8 hours. I bought their hydraulic soil conditioner for $10K+ and three hours into using it it sprang a big leak and wouldn't turn left. So that was at the stealership for a solid month. I mean these guys in the Atlanta locations are really nice people but they are overwhelmed with work considering the size of the town and the fact they only have two locations with a southside store fixing to open tomorrow. Of course that doesn't mean any faster service. Another negative issue is their parts and filter prices. I looked at a CAT 299 before this and was reluctant because of the CAT price, but operating costs on the 299 probably would come out cheaper. Don't know if I'd have any less problems though. With all that being said I not saying I wouldn't buy another Bobcat. CAT talks a big game and yes they have many more locations but it doesn't mean you're going to get out any faster. Mulching is only half of what I do so I'm always going to need a CTL platform for the work. I respect that you've found a platform that works for you. I just wish Bobcat would up their game somewhat and increase performance and build quality in their platform. I don't want to invest in too many more 7 pin bobcat attachments and then have to jump ship. Of course they sell Rayco and that's what they want you to go to next.

[@kenh9508]

I was considering renting one of these machines for clearing some land. 1K per day rental + fuel + operator. I better come up with a new plan. Looks like an acre a day would be a best case scenario.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Ken H $1000+/day is not a bad price depending on where you are located. In my area around Clarksville, TN $1200/8 hr day is a fair price with an experienced operator, but other areas may charge $1600-$2000/day. So it comes down to doing the math to make the right decision. The amount of acreage that can be cleared in a day varies widely depending on the type of material, density of material, and the terrain, as well as the type of machine and experience of the operator.

[@rongrey7449]

Ken H I hired one and he did 2.5 acres $2k

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Ron Grey Again, the amount of acreage that can be mulched in a day with a skidsteer-sized machine depends on the type and density of the material, and the terrain.

[@daven1151]

If I had to guess your auxiliary circuit will not slow the engine rpm much. It will just slow the head and the oil will hit the bypass valve.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Dave N Yea, I'd say that's true. It looks like the drum is just allowed to freewheel to a stop. I'll have to get use to that.

[@daven1151]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 I was talking about your engine rpm when u said it was staying at 2400 rpm. Auxiliary circuits are normally run off a gear pump that doesn't have the ability to slow an engine down much. The piston pumps that run the drive motors have the psi and flow to stall the engine if the electronics dont step in and destoke the motors.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Dave N On these mulchers, when you bog the mulcher drum down under load, the engine RPM do drop, in fact. It'll drop the engine RPM from 2400 down as low as 1900 or something like that. I don't watch the RPM, I just listen for it. I push the mulcher into the wood until I hear the RPM sound change then I unload it.

[@daven1151]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 bobcat must use a good pump. I wish case did. I'm having a custom pump built for mine.

[@oscarcovarrubias2286]

Where would you recommend buying that mulched? And also what’s the price range on them? I just bought a 770 and next I need is the mulched.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I bought this Fecon mulcher head through my local Bobcat dealer. This mulcher head is a Fecon BH74SS with the FGT drum. It cost about $23,000 in 2019. If you want a Fecon head, you can go to fecon.com and click on Find a Dealer.

[@nighted7421]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 Man, I wished they still cost $23,000. My dealer has a new one in stock, they want $36,500.

[@BigDig88]

Which head was better the bobcat head or the one in that video?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I like the Fecon FGT mulcher better. I have had ZERO issues with it for the 1000+ hours I’ve run it.

[@johnn.2240]

Hey nice place you have there Dave. I love your new 770 as well. I was wondering if you wanted a cleaner mulched area if you could either 1. Use knives iso carbide teeth or 2. Use a broom attachment and sweep all the remaining mulch into a burn pile or into a pile to be re- mulched. Thanks.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

John N. Thanks, John. Yes, using knife-cutter teeth will make a smaller, more uniform sized mulch. I use carbide teeth because I work in a region with rocky/cherty soil, and the carbides are more suitable and durable. Knifes are better suited for areas that are not rocky, since they wear easier. As far as getting a "cleaner" mulched area, that depends on what the end goal of the property owner is. But a forestry mulcher is not a finishing process, like a landscaper or tree services are. A mulcher is an economical, bulk woody material mastication process. If the area is not densely covered, then it only leaves a very thin layer of mulch. If it's densely wooded, then it will leave mulch several inches deep. All of this mulch will decompose into the soil over a period of months. If the property owner has an immediate plan for the ground, then the mulch can be scraped off of the area with a bucket, etc., and then the soil further worked for plan tinting.

[@sanfranciscobay]

I always wonder about efficiency because I don't like working hard unless I have to. Would it have been faster to bring a truck towing a chipper, chainsaw the trees down, winch them to the chipper, chip them on site, then go in there with the mulcher and clean up the stumps? I know if would involve more equipment and people, but if you were in business and owned all the equipment, what would be faster and more efficient?

[@Rickimusic]

Not faster but a lot nicer with a chipper. Note all of the big pieces of wood that the Fecon leaves on the ground compared to what a chipper would do with those small pines. Might be the carbide does not cut as nicely as knives so I would guess, with rocks everywhere, a chipper. A lot more money for said chipper and hand work tossing in smaller pieces. Out in the lower 40, it does not much matter I suppose, hence the Fecon.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

The type of equipment used for a particular job depends on what you are trying to accomplish. There are optimal tools for different jobs. I would say that forestry mulchers are just bulk material mastication process. It reduces a large volume of material down into a much smaller volume. There is nothing neat about mulching, it's not a "finish product" result that you would expect from a landscaper, or a tree service with a chipper where they use a lot of labor to clean up and remove the material in a more precision way. But a forestry mulcher will clear a much larger volume at a much cheaper price than a tree service or landscape operators. I don't work in people's yards, and I recommend others to customers who need "finish" work. My typical customers are farmers, or land-owners with acreage, and builders-developers. These customers need bulk material taken down as cost effectively as possible, because they understand that mulching is one step in a series of steps to their end goal. A Tree service, where I'm located, will charge $800-$1200 to remove one larger tree from a yard, and run it through a chipper, and clean up the area when they finish. For $1200, I can clear 1-acre of forest of everything 8" and smaller trees, or clear 4-acres of over-grown field with 4-8 year old growth, or about 1-1/2 miles of fenceline. So forestry mulching machines are the most efficient and cost effective method to use for the right purpose. The fields you see in this video was total forest 5 years ago. I had it logged, and I did the rest of the work with this machine to turn this land into a farm with nice pasture.

[@sanfranciscobay]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 How about wrapping a chain around the stumps, pull them out of the ground with your Bobcat, drag them to a nearby chipper and chip them? Would that method be faster or more efficient if you had access to employees and a chipper? Will the trees grow back later because the roots are still underground with a mulcher?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Ricki Forestry mulching machines are not finishing machines. They are for economically taking down acres of vegetation and trees. This isn't a lawn or tree service, which are finishing process services.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

SanFranciscoBay Not sure what you mean by faster. If you are doing the extra steps of wrapping chains around stumps, pulling them out, dragging the stumps to a chipper, then throwing them in a chipper, then I say that is obviously not faster than mulching brush and trees down flush to the ground. Whatever methods and degree you want your property cleared depends entirely on what the customers goals are with the property. There is no method "faster" or more economical than one machine operated by one person doing the work. And yes, even after mulching an area, nature will grow back unless you maintain the area that was cleared.

[@ISXCUMMINS565]

Great informative video... Is your old machine available for purchase in Clarksville?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

ISXCUMMINS 565 Thanks, ISX. Just wanted to think out loud about all of my thoughts about this machine, and some other info on how I do things. No, my old setup is not available. I trade my machines in at the dealer and roll over the equity. I'd probably do a little better selling the machines myself, but that's a crap-shoot, and I like to stay on my timelines.

[@ISXCUMMINS565]

Clevinger Forest Services, LLC That’s what I was thinking but the dealer is the one in Clarksville where the old machine is? I’m on the market for a machine like yours for my farm but I want to go used not new but I don’t just want any used machine, I know you take care of your machines that’s why I’m interested

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

ISXCUMMINS 565 Oh, I didn't know you were that close to Clarksville. Yes it's at Bobcat of Clarksville. My sales rep is Randal Hite, [phone]. Great guy. I don't know if they re-sell the machines on-site, or sell them to whole-sellers. But he'll be able to help you out with it. I was just there today and the machine is still in the yard.

[@gwolf7716]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 great informative videos. Would you say a machine used for forestry mulching lives an easier life than most? I’ve rented several bobcats for digging and grading and I assume those jobs are more abusive especially in rentals. Can you comment on the impact of running the RPMs at that speed long term? Again, I appreciate the videos.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

@@gwolf7716 I’d say that mulching is only harder on a machine in two ways- 1) there are more medium frequency vibrations going through the machine due to the mulcher drum, which can loosen things and possibly wear pin joints, and 2) trees and branches in the forest environment tend to grab and push on parts of the machine, so things can get bent and broken. But a good operator will minimize that. Mulching is EASIER on the machine because you normally operate in soft soil environments, so you get much less wear on tracks and undercarriage. I’ve never had to replace a worn roller, and I’ve never broke a track, and at 2000 hours still have better than 50% tread left. And although you run the hydraulics at full power most of the time, its still pretty uniform stress. Its not a high impact loading like you get pushing into rock/dirt piles, and bucking the machine around. My thoughts on running the engine at full RPM- first of all, you have to run full power to operate a mulcher. Again, Even though its full RPM, I think its better when its running at a steady state, compared to constant changes in the RPM load demands all day long. I just make sure to change my engine oil more often than required.

[@collinknell5737]

Hello How does the new BH74 compare to the Bobcat branded Fecon? Similar performance? Tooth cost? Would you ever purchase a bobcat head again? And what dealer did you purchase through? Thank you Collin Eastside Land Management

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

collin knell Hey Colin- I like the Fecon BH74 better than the Bocat/Fecon head. Of course, This is a 2019 Fecon, compared to the 2014 Bobcat/Fecon head I was using. So I'm not sure if there have been upgrades to the Bobcat head. They are similar in that they both have FGT style drum rotors, with dual-carbide tipped cutter tools. Things I like better about the 2019 Fecon head over the Bobcat head: -bigger hydraulic drive motor -drive motor has an easy adjustment to increased drum RPM, and there is a simple written procedure how to do this -the head is designed better to resist cracks caused by torquing -skid plates are bolt-on replaceable -better designed push bar. And a more robust mounting design to the head -hydraulic hoses are routed solidly and vertically out of the head which reduces hose movement and leaks. -the two access covers on top of the head are better designed. Better sealed from debris, and better fastening system. They are not obstructed by the hyd hoses. -the teeth only use one, larger bolt -the teeth are designed better. They are slightly larger than the tooth mounting holder so as the tooth wears down it does not wear down on the tooth mount. -only has three hyd hoses, and no electrical cable. So it takes the chance of going down for a broken electrical cable out of the equation -this drum RPM is designed to run 100-200 RPM faster than the Bobcat. RPM matters. -has an easy written procedure to tune this head to your specific machine's hydraulic pressure and GPM flow. This is important These are the biggest improvements that I like. I only have about 170 hours on this new head-teeth, so I haven't bought any new teeth and don't know the cost. I expect that the teeth with be very close in price though, since they are very similar in size/shape. My bobcat head was fairly maintenance free, but I did need to weld the frame a few times, weld a broken push bar, welded on new skid plates, and had leaky hydraulic hose fittings. I finally traded it in after I had to replace the two main drum bearing. So it was just time for a new one. I had it for 5 years and had somewhere around 4000 hours on it. But over time, I did see some of the weak areas of the design. Hopefully this head will last me at least 5+ years.

[@collinknell5737]

Thank you for the reply! I really enjoy your videos and info. When you purchase a machine every few years do you pay cash, finance or lease. Looking at Bobcats leasing options they look pretty good.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

collin knell I'm on my third machine. For my first machine, I put down $20K and financed the rest. Then each time I purchase a new machine, I have more equity in the machine and roll it into the trade-in. I prefer to have new machines because There are large depreciation deductions to take during tax time, which is a great offset to revenues. Also, newer machines have fewer issues. You can't take the depreciation deduction if you lease the machine. So there are pros & cons to either purchasing or leasing. The way you choose depends on your specific set of circumstances.

[@jnuz65]

Great video! I want to purchase the same exact set up soon!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

John N Thanks, John. Do some deep breathing and yoga before you go to price them, though😂 It is a great, all around tool to have, especially if you own land to maintain. A grapple and a toothed bucket are very useful to have, and every other attachment you might need can be gotten at Bobcat.

[@jnuz65]

Mr.Clevinger, just a question, why did you go with the Fecon head and not the bobcat head?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

John N My Bobcat mulcher was my original head I've used since 2014. It has been a very reliable mulcher. I just wanted to try something different and new. I like how robust and reliable the Fecon head is, but I could have gone either with a Fecon or FAE. I run carbides, so I wanted a mulcher that would give me options to use different teeth. I also like that this Fecon has a 20" diameter drum and runs at 2000 RPM, it has replaceable skid plates, and has lots of counter tines inside of the drum liner.

[@rongrey7449]

Specs on Bobcat/ hydraulic flow and cost.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Just look it up, bro.

[@awy1977]

Thanks for the video. With the new rig, are you still at the same limitations tree wise? I know before you said 8" diameter was your max. Are you keeping the same rates for your work or did you have to adjust?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

awy1977 For my personal business goals, I focus on working with farmers, land-owners, and builders/realtors. I have no intentions on growing into commercial size work- like clear cutting 100 acre housing/business development sites, clearing hundreds of miles of power line ROW's etc. etc. I prefer the smaller customers. I keep to clearing everything 8"-diameters and smaller. This is 90% of the material in a typical growth forest. My favorite jobs are over-grown farm fields that are too far gone to bush hog. Terrain is normally very good and flat, and no hazards. These are the customers I target and specialize in. So the equipment I use is suited to my business goals. My pricing strategy when I started in 2014 was to start at a market penetration price point (that was above my Owner-Operator Cost + Profit) to build a reputation, then I gradually raise my pricing incrementally every year. I track data such as revenues, #of customers, annual work hours, etc, etc. I will keep raising my prices until I see a noticeable drop-off in metrics. This is my strategy for finding the economic pricing for Supply-Demand equilibrium in my market. I don't necessarily have to raise my price just because I'm operating new equipment. It all depends on what the Owner-Operator Cost calculation numbers come out to be. I do this calculation first, so I have the information to make the right business decision before purchasing stuff. I also take my end of year taxes into account, as well. Having good tax deductions, means you don't have to pay as much into taxes. This is all part of the mix.

[@awy1977]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 thanks for an awesome response. I've touched base wth you a couple years back about some property in Western KY, then it got caught up in red tape. I still plan on moving forward with those 10 acres for a retirement home down the road, and if I can ever secure the land, you'll be the guy I recruit to get it clear. Thanks again for the answer!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

awy1977 Sounds great. Good luck with the land. 10 acres is a nice amount to feel secluded and have room to do what you want.

[@codycraft3295]

Any problems with overheating off any kind

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

No, I don’t have any over-heating issues with this machine. I keep the airflow screens and radiators clear, and use good operator technique to not bog the drum down.

[@alfonsosspizza]

Is Bobcat going to replace the T770 with a new model ?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Bobcat came out with a new R-series machine. My 2019 T770 is an M-series. Sounds like the new R-series will have some good engineering improvements. I haven't seen any specs on them yet.

[@jakeruchti1]

Any chance you could make a video on why you chose the 770 over the 870?

[@MerrittSkidSteerServices]

Rustic Acres - Most of the answer has to be weight. Last I checked, he doesn’t have a cdl, which would be virtually required with the 870. I can haul the 770 with the Bobcat mulcher head and be fine, but it takes my entire rig fairly close to the 26k weight limit. The 870 weighs approximately 2500 lbs more than the 770, which would put almost any rig over 26k.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Rustic Acres First, I demoed the 770 & 870 with a mulcher, and honestly I really didn't feel any significant difference mulching, even though the 770 is 92HP, and the 870 is 100HP. The biggest factors for me were weight and size. The 770 weighs about 10,400 lbs. the 870 is about 12,900 lbs. This weight difference would have made me go up another trailer GVWR size and also pushed me way over the 26,001 lb CDL limit. Ground pressure was a factor too. The T770 is 4.2 psi. The 870 is 4.9 psi. This is important in the soft ground in forests. The 770 also has a 44 gallon fuel tank that can take me through an 8+ hour day of mulching at 4.9 GPH. The 870 has a 32 gallon fuel tank. There was also a big price difference. So overall, the T770 was just a better fit for me in performance bang-for-the-buck to do the work requirements I have for my business. Horsepower, hydraulic pressure and flow are very important for mulching performance, no doubt. But a lot of these types of decisions should be based on what your business goals are, and the scope of work requirements you have.

[@MerrittSkidSteerServices]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 That's interesting about the size of the fuel tank. I hadn't seen that. You would definitely need to plan around your fuel every day if you had to fill up halfway through.

[@jakeruchti1]

Clevinger Forest Services, LLC awesome info thanks

[@jakeruchti1]

Merritt Services thanks for the info!

[@larrywiley1804]

What abt re growth from stumps?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Larry Wiley People who pay to clear brush and trees will have a plan to maintain the area to stay clear, either by mowing, planting, or livestock. Obviously, nature will always regenerate itself. But if tree stumps are not allowed to sprout leaves, then the stumps will die and rot away.

[@blakewallace9321]

new to the channel great video.......what would that setup cost, what would be a good price to pay?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Thanks for watching my channel, Blake. Lot's of good information both in the videos' and the comment sections. The machine in this video is my 2019 Bobcat T770 with a 2019 Fecon BH74 FGT mulcher. Total purchase cost new for the package in Tennessee was roughly $105,000.

[@nighted7421]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 Its unbelievable how much the cost of this equipment has increased. The same setup now in 2023 brand new, $145,000 ish.

[@chrise4994]

The Polaris steering wheel is caddywhompus

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

It still works fine. Lol

[@chrise4994]

Clevinger Forest Services, LLC mine is the same

[@landclearingandecomulching2887]

When you had a bobcat mulcher was it single speed or two speed

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

My original 2014 Bobcat mulcher head was a single speed. I have no knowledge or experience about the performance difference is between single or two-speed head is.

[@landclearingandecomulching2887]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 no problem thanks looking at buying a bobcat mulcher and they only have a single speed one in stock they said it might bog down on bigger trees compared to to speed did you have any over heating issues with it ect

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

@@landclearingandecomulching2887 No, I didn’t have hydraulic over-heating using the Bobcat single speed mulcher. My current Fecon is single speed. I’d say most over-heating is due to the operator or maintenance practices. I stick to tree sizes that my machine is designed to mulch, which is 6”-8” diameters. And I don’t continuously bog the drum to a stop for long periods of time. This impedes the hydraulic fluid from cycling through the hydraulic cooling radiator. The other causes of over-heating are dull teeth, and debris obstructing the air-flow through the cooling radiators. Bobcats are engineered to operate all of their implements. Not all skid-steers are designed for mulching. And not all operators stick to mulching only what their machines are designed for.

[@landclearingandecomulching2887]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 ok no problem I used run a AHWI mulcher and had nothing but over heating issues with it on my bobcat T770 and bought cat 299xhp still over heating till it caught on fire still have the bobcat T770 no sure to run fecon or the bobcat mulcher thanks enjoy your videos

[@thethrill04]

How are you liking the Fecon head, Dave?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Thethrill04 I like this 2019 Fecon head w/FGT drum much better than my original 2014 Bobcat/Fecon mulcher head. The Bobcat heads may have been upgraded since 2014, though. This 2019 Fecon head has a much more robust design that I like. The FGT drum has a single bolt for the cutter teeth that can accept both carbide and knife teeth. The liner has additional rows of counter tine cutters. The skid plates are replaceable. The head body is better designed to resist torque/twist and cracking. The hydraulic drive motor is larger. The drum RPM can be adjusted very easily. The drum RPM is 200 RPM faster than the bobcat head. The hoses are routed better coming out of the head. The two access panels on top of the head are designed better with better seal and locking mechanism. The push bar is a much better design than the bobcat head. Only negative is that the Fecon head weighs about 300+ pounds more than the bobcat head.

[@thethrill04]

Clevinger Forest Services, LLC thanks so much for such a detailed reply. Local dealer wants $32k for the 74” FGT. I seen you gave $22k for yours, is it a 60”? I think model on this one is BH74 maybe?

[@carlj3515]

Did you get a chance to look up auto greaser?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

carlj3515 Yes, I did check out a video on it. That's a good idea. They don't make them for little ole skidsteers though.

[@carlj3515]

Clevinger Forest Services, LLC shame they don’t. Well you need to get out the seat every hour or so.You know stretch out,get fresh air,kick the tires,squirt he dirt,quick walk around.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

carlj3515 That's about the right procedure😂

[@tobygangluff]

I would really like to get in this business

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Toby Gangluff Everything begins with a dream! 👍And then a lot of research and homework😂

[@user-dt9qe8wo6u]

Perfect for protesters?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

That has been suggested many times...

[@budbrown1820]

Is there a fecon dealer in Tennessee

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

The Fecon website has a Find a Dealer function to search your area. I get Fecon parts from Power Equipment Company in Nashville. I actually bought my Fecon mulcher head through my local Bobcat dealer in Clarksville, TN

[@jaxturner7288]

No brake on the fecon head? Seems like that would be a standard feature from any company that really cared about safety... it’s even 200 pounds heavier? From here I’ll say I liked the bobcat head better but I don’t care if you’re mowing your front lawn with a push mower, I’ll watch it, be thankful and probably even learn something.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I didn't like the idea of the drum free-wheeling when you turned it off either, but I adjusted the way that I operate with it to compensate. I didn't like the increased weight either, but you can really see the difference in how the Fecon is engineered more robust than the Bobcat head. I really do appreciate bulletproof engineering when it comes to operating in forests. Weak machines will get destroyed in the forest environment.

[@jaxturner7288]

Clevinger Forest Services, LLC oh buddy I’m with ya on the extra durability thing since I’m less experienced and more clumsy in the woods than you. I just thought since you had zero durability problems with the bobcat head, the fecon head being heavier and missing the safety feature probably didn’t pay off in your situation. Like I said I’ll smile no matter what you run as long as you share the video. 👊

[@mgtowski395]

Any experience with FAE or CIMAF?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Mgtowski I've never used an FAE or Cimaf. I could have gone either way between a Fecon or FAE. They are both good. I need to run carbides in my area, so I didn't consider Cimaf, which I believe, only run knives. And it's way more expensive, and to some degree I think it's just splitting hairs over which has the best performance. I wanted to try the Fecon DCR, but the Fecon rep said that running carbides on their DCR has a higher tendency to break at tooth and/or tooth holder off the drum, so I went with the FGT drum. I don't know if that's a symptom of all brands of DCR heads or not.

[@mgtowski395]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 Thank you, sir.

[@mgtowski395]

@G&G site service llc lee country 239 Thank you.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Mgtowski You bet, MG. Thanks for your question, and for watching👍

[@spicher40]

What about rocks ?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Rocks are never a good combination with high speed spinning metal. I'm in a part of Tennessee with cherty/rocky soil, so I run carbide teeth that are more durable with rocky soil. Clay based rocks will be busted up by carbides with no damage. So will bricks and concrete blocks. But I try to avoid them so I don't prematurely wear the teeth. Limestone type rock will destroy a carbide tip in a second. Iron man-hole covers will break the teeth and possibly the teeth holders, right off of the drum.

[@toddcaskey9984]

Is it a good business to get into? Is your size good or do u wish you had more ( bigger company ) ?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Todd Caskey A smart, go-getter can do fine in the forestry mulching business. But some people couldn't make a profit selling ice cream in Disney World. This machine is perfect for my needs and my business plan and goals. The size, type, and number of pieces of equipment and employees differs with each individual business operator.

[@toddcaskey9984]

Clevinger Forest Services, LLC basically I’m asking Are you glad that your a one man show ? Do you do good ? Meaning. Do you make a profit. I don’t care or want to know how much you make , I’m just asking if it’s a worth while business to get into and is it pretty profitable or at lease worth while. I live in western ny near Buffalo.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Todd Caskey I can only speak for my experience in my personal situation. I'm 57, kids are grown and married, retired from the military so I have other income. My business plan is focused on being a one man, one machine operation. I work a niche market of non-government customers that are farmers, land-owners, and builders/realtors. I don't do contract work. I only do forestry mulching. I don't do chainsaw work, hauling off large trees, dirt work, snow clearing, etc. Only forestry mulching. I do not want to expand with adding employees or other equipment. I know how to run a business, economics, and managing projects. I do between 500-600 per year. Been in business since 2014. Have about a 35%-40% profit margin. I did my research before I started this business, and it has worked out fine for me according to my plan. I can't speak to how any other people make out in this business. But some thrive, others fail. I get asked this question by a lot of people. Uncertainty is part of any business start up. But some people want to be spoon fed every bit of research and business plan details to the point where they want to be made comfortable. In my opinion, people who desire to be given this level of comfort from someone else, is not equipped to be an entrepreneur who can operate their own business. A serious entrepreneur does the research to answer all of their specific business questions and manage their risks.

[@toddcaskey9984]

Clevinger Forest Services, LLC great response , I’m basically the same as you just 52 . I will have to do research on the area. I would want to do a one man show / operation also. I am just looking for possibly a business adventure. I’m wondering about getting jobs here that don’t involve tree removal and full clearing. I’m just wondering if people would want just what you provide here and if I could stay busy at that, with out all the other services. I am sure their is work here , I have plenty just for my self ie my land and my fathers. How did you research it for you to pull the trigger ? I can tell you are super business Savvy. I loved your breakdown for costs , very informative. Well thanks for taking the time to respond to my inquiries. Very good job with all your videos , preparation and thoughts . Todd

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Todd Caskey Thanks, Todd. It all started for me 6-7 years ago. I own 55 acres of forest, and I was looking for a machine that could help me develop and maintain my property. These skid-steer sized mulchers were relatively new. I could not find anyone who had this business that I could hire. I found the Bobcat had forestry mulchers to rent, but they cost $1000/day+. I needed a lot of work done, months of work. So I saw this as an opportunity. If I needed this work done, then other land owners must need it done. I talked with my neighbor's who have farms. Farmers hate trimming fields with polesaws, so when I showed them this forestry mulcher, they didn't know that capability existed and said it was a great idea. I also talked with a few builders to see how they cleared building lots and what they paid for that service. They liked the idea of forestry mulchers too, since dozers make a mess and it costs a lot to haul off the trees and they also hated piling trees up on the edge of a property. That was enough for me, I bought one. Most people don't know this capability exists, and they need their properties cleared. I clear lots for several builders. It is cheaper overall for me to first clear 90% of the material off of a lot, and then for them to hire a dozer or excavator to remove the last 10%. It's also a possibility for you to team up with another company when you have customers who want the big trees removed too. I know lots of guys who do this, and it keeps you from hiring employees and buying or renting more equipment. I work with a couple of landscaping companies who will bid jobs and then call me in to help them with the bigger stuff that they can't handle. Lots of ways to skin a cat.

[@zacd7094]

Why is the dealer recommending against a t770 with a mulcher

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Probably because they want you to buy the T870. It does have more Horsepower, but also weighs more, has a wider/longer footprint, and costs more. I wouldn't go less than the 92 HP that the T770 has for forestry mulching, but other than that, buy what fits your needs and you can afford.

[@zacd7094]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 I think I’m gonna go with a t66 says he can get me in one for under 80k.. pretty nervous to make the leap and payment. I plan to buy a small brush cutter, and maybe grapples. I think it comes with a bucket what kind of jobs should I target?

[@palhein-reim7430]

Up here in the Northeast I’d imagine you’d need to be mindful of rocks ...

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Yes, rocks and high-speed spinning metal don’t work well together, especially hard rocks like limestone. Limestone will wear the carbide teeth off in seconds. Other “softer” rocks are less damaging, but significantly lessen the life of the teeth. The operator has to always watch what they’re getting into.

[@russellhopperton1907]

No oil cooler?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Don't need an aux cooler. I keep the screens and radiators cleaned off so the air flow is not restricted. I make sure the cutter teeth are sharp and serviceable. And I only cut trees up to 6"-8" diameters because that's what this Bobcat T770 is engineered to do. And I keep the drum RPM up when I'm operating it so the drum doesn't get bogged down. Bogging the drum constantly will restrict the hydraulic fluid from flowing through the radiators which results in higher hydraulic temperatures. Lastly, all skid steers may not be engineered to handle the demands of a forestry mulcher.

[@russellhopperton1907]

Clevinger Forest Services, LLC must be a smaller unit. We have the largest Fecon head on a Gehl VT 320 and Fecon themselves required the cooler.

[@johnkovac4436]

need price first off at least ball park prices as compared to competittor

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

john kovac Generally speaking, a forestry mulcher operator will charge anywhere from $125-$250 USD per hour for this size machine, depending on their location, market, and cost structure. And many operators charge by the job or day-rate, so the hourly rate makes no difference.

[@johnkovac4436]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 I have 4066r John Deere 66 hp with skid steer attachment loader can I run on my tractor and how much to buy new?

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

john kovac Hi John- If you want to run a forestry mulcher attachment on your tractor, Fecon makes the same type mulcher that works off of the tractor PTO. The Fecon attachment in this video cost $22,241 USD (2019). You can find them on Fecon.com

[@johnkovac4436]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 thanks for info need to put out there in public so when guy buys this serious investment he can chrage 250 hr without customers complianing beause public knowlege what this attacchtment costs

[@johnkovac4436]

whats flow rate required as my 80000 john deere should runs this attachment as why i paid for extra hydrylics for this kind of acctachment insteat of pto

[@black07rr]

Can these be rented

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Most Bobcat dealers in the US do rent these forestry mulching machines. Not all do. I don’t know if other manufacturers rent forestry mulching machines. They can be a handful for inexperienced customers, and they are expensive to fix, so many dealers don’t rent them.

[@black07rr]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 that was my concern was if they would due to repairs from people not using them correctly or biting off more than they can chew and hurting themselves. I have some trails I want to clear and only need one for a weekend

[@justinbrand6585]

Hope that doosan works out for you.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Deathmekanic 88 Me too! This is my third T770 in 5-1/2 years, and I've only ever had one Doosan engine related problem. But it was a big one. The main bearing supporting the engine output shaft went bad and ate itself. Had to replace the engine. Under warranty. Other than that, they've run good for me. I don't even remember any significant type of fuel or electrical issues. My biggest maintenance issues have been leaking hydraulic fittings, hydraulic lines getting wear holes, and me breaking or bending different parts.

[@justinbrand6585]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 we run a t770 with the Bobcat / fecon head and have those same issues as far as hydraulics but our machine is a little older with a kubota

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Deathmekanic 88 My leaking quick disconnect fittings have not happened in a while since I changed the way I operate the machine. I just stay more aware of what's on the left side of the machine near the hydraulic lines so they don't get pulled and pushed by tree limbs and branches, so the fittings aren't getting jerked around. And I definitely keep the male & female fittings cleaned off when I disconnect the the lines so dirt isn't getting inside the coupler mechanisms and jamming them up.

[@justinbrand6585]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 we upgraded to larger fittings and haven't had any issues mainly just run holes and the stupid electrical plug for the bobcat head.

[@justinbrand6585]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 how are you liking the fecon head vs. The bobcat one

[@carlj3515]

First aid/ifak

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

carlj3515 What's that mean??

[@jackofall2305]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 ifak stands for an intermidiate first aid kit. Mostly in the gun world they are good for plugging holes to stop bleeding and help prevent death. With the danger of this job i would agree taking a course like "stop the bleed" which many fire departments give for free and keeping a ifak in the machine would be a good idea.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Rino Mei Yea, that's a good idea!

[@carlj3515]

Clevinger Forest Services, LLC .Yes to gun related things(ifak). As you said a stop the bleed class. I was thinking more the tourniquet and pressure dressing on hand. Some times your out in the middle of nowhere and thing go sideways. Remember when seconds count,emergency services are minutes away.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

carlj3515 I carry a roll of shop towels in my machine, and I wear a military friction belt. That's my emergency stop the bleed kit🙏

[@drakewalker8047]

You are going to find out real quick anything but an asv overheats and you will spend 50% of your time waiting for your engine to cool. All.skidsteers besides the asv 120 cannot.handle running those mulcher heads for over 5 hours straight without melting. The asv can go all day So.its a question if 20k more dollars is worth 50% of your hours on a job

[@thethrill04]

If you had watched Dave's videos prior to this, you would know he has SEVERAL years experience doing this and running this setup. I wouldn't be so quick to assume he has yet to learn how is machine handles various situations. ASV certainly has great power, but their machines are hardly reliable and the company has been ran into the ground. It's years to early to see how this merger with Yanmar will pan out. I would hardly suggest a product from a company in the middle of such chaos. They also very much lack in dealer support. Especially in contrast with the big brands. These 75hp+ units do fine with mulchers for what they are intended to do. If in much heavier and demanding situations, one should step up to a dedicated machine anyway.

[@MrPancake0825]

ʕ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°ʔ

[@MrPancake0825]

@@thethrill04 Good reply that I agree with. I think Mr Walker is just a troll.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Drake Walker I've got this, junior. I didn't ask for advice.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Terry W Mr. Walker sounds like an employee who collects a paycheck running his boss's equipment and thinks he knows more than his boss on how to run a business. He's THAT guy.

[@davidsonlankford1168]

Seems like it is Way too slow or operator not trained properly.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Davidson Lankford This video was a first run test demonstration to see that it was running within the machine design specs. Thought that was obvious.

[@davidsonlankford1168]

Wells that all fine and dandy but what we want to see is high performance action not research.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Davidson Lankford That's what YOU want to see. Don't speak for anyone else. Why do you feel the need to leave a dumb-ass comment? If you don't like this video, then turn it off, and move along. It's that simple bro.

[@davidsonlankford1168]

Clevinger Forest Services, LLC : OK. We will score it as operator error. Keep working hard and you will eventually make it to the big league.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Fool.

[@tyclark8162]

It's diesel not gas.

[@jixjoe]

I want to see someone run the mulcher thru real brush not these yards with with a couple of little trees , go thru my acres see what it does heavily wooded not these twigs guys run it thru

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

joeg Last This size forestry mulcher is designed to clear material up to 6"-8" diameter range. If you want to clear larger diameter trees, then there are bigger machines for that. These machines fill the gap between what a tractor w/bushhog can clear, and the large industrial sized machines.

[@sergeroitman5017]

the language for the narration is so languid, a younger person would be much better for the job!

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

I'll work on getting younger then.

[@nighted7421]

Nothing wrong with the way this video was narrated. A younger person, generally, would have less experience under their belt as an owner operator, and would not be as capable to share invaluable information/data. I prefer to listen to people with gray hair, more than someone who does not.

[@buddyknight7579]

You need to learn how to run one before you tell other people how too

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Yea. Ok. I've only been running mulchers for about 4000 hours. What's your background?

[@kevindavis8016]

DCR is much better head.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

The Fecon sale rep did not recommend the DCR since I work in rocky soil. He said DCR heads tend to break the tooth holder off or chip the teeth when used in rocky soil, since the impact forces are concentrated on a much smaller area of the cutter tooth. This makes sense to me from my college engineering days. And I do see on the forums that a lot of guys with DCR heads are breaking the holders off of the drum. I find it much easier to get debris off of this smooth drum too. So it's working fine for me.

[@kevindavis8016]

@@clevingerforestservicesllc1164 I have both heads, an from past experience you can fine tune a property with the dcr head an ruff cut with your particular head or FC707 head. Experience over engineering Guaranteed. Engineers can put it on paper and I can Build it.

[@caseycoleman6785]

Anything Fecon is junk. They use proprietary replacement parts which are twice the cost, customer support is awful, electronics are cheap and way overpriced to replace, they advertise made in America, but hardly anything is. Just an awful company.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Interesting input. My experience with this Fecon mulcher has all been positive. Can you provide some context to your comment, such as what you do for a living relative to forestry mulching? Are you an operator? A product sales rep? I’m curious.

[@tree356]

Get busy... stop explaining so much. We come here to see the machine work.

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

Tree Go pound sand.

[@outdoorswithlarryrobin]

Just subscribed, we have a bobcat T650 with the CID extreme 🪵🚜👍🏼🇺🇸

[@clevingerforestservicesllc1164]

These machines are a great tool for your land, and to be in business with!