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Chipping away: Choosing the best drum mulcher for your needs

For anyone involved in land clearing, vegetation management, or utility/roadside maintenance, a drum mulcher is an essential tool, but which drum is best for your particular needs? This is a common question among land management professionals.  

Each type of drum mulcher is tailored for different functions and comes with its own advantages. To assist in the selection process, following is an overview of model differences, features, and benefits. 

Depth control vs. open drum: A comparison

There are two common types of drum mulcher attachments – depth control and open drum. Understanding the functions, features, and intended applications of each will help you determine the best attachment for your vegetation management needs. Both options come in varying widths for tackling different-sized jobs.

For example, Diamond Mowers offers both options with cutting widths ranging from 30” to 72” that efficiently process trees, brush, and undergrowth up to 9” in diameter. Additionally, both styles of mulchers attach to most skid-steer brands and are compatible with different types of mulching teeth, allowing users to interchange them for various applications.

The key differences between depth control and open drum mulchers lie in their operation and applications. For instance, Diamond’s open drum model works in unison with carbide teeth, excels in applications involving heavy ground engagement, and is at its best when mulching smaller material into a slightly larger, stringier end product.

Conversely, depth control mulchers are optimized for sharp steel teeth and shine in high-production environments with limited ground engagement. These mulchers are more appropriate for users who take down larger materials and prefer a fine, aesthetically pleasing mulch.