Bobcat has launched the new Forestry Cutter attachment for use with the high-flow versions of the company’s new T320 compact tracked loader and S330 skid-steer loader, together with the existing S300, T250, T300 and A300 models. 

The new Forestry Cutter is ideal for fast removal of thick undergrowth and is designed for continuous use in cutting and mulching bushes and trees.  This is a major expansion of the Bobcat range of attachments for forestry, estate management, amenity and landscaping work, which includes woodchippers, stump grinders, brushcutters, flail cutters, augers and tree transplanters.
The product has 24 fixed carbide cutting teeth offering a cutting width of 1,524 mm and is designed for continuous work on bushes and trees 100 to 130 mm in diameter, intermittent use for plants with a diameter from 180 to 230 mm and occasional use on trees 250 to 305 mm in diameter.  In addition to an operating weight of 1,262 kg, the Forestry Cutter has compact dimensions with a width of 1,833 mm, a height of 1,600 mm and a length of 1,288 mm.  The flow rate required by the Forestry Cutter is 118 l/min and the tip speed at this rate is 2,616 m/min.  A pressure gauge visible from the cab helps the operator to run the attachment at peak efficiency.   
To ensure safe operation of the new Forestry Cutter on the S300, S330, A300, T250, T300 and T320 loaders, it is designed for use as part of a forestry application kit which protects the loader and operator from flying objects and debris.  This features a bullet-proof forestry laminated polycarbonate door, which must be installed to operate the Forestry Cutter attachment.  A safety feature stops the drum from turning if the door is opened.  For work in confined spaces in woodland and forests, front and rear light guards are added to the loader as part of the forestry kit to keep lights out of harm’s way and a hydraulic quick coupler guard protects the couplers, hoses and wire harness from falling trees and branches.  A level II FOPS protects the operator and the cab from falling trees and objects (ISO 3449) and top and rear polycarbonate windows add further protection for the operator, whilst maximising visibility. 
Though daily maintenance is essential in this type of work, a debris screen on the radiator ensures continuous operation and makes cleaning up easier.  A muffler guard is also installed on the loader to protect the tailpipe from damage and to reduce material build up in the engine compartment.  Lift cylinder debris shields protect the lift cylinders and again reduce material build up in the engine compartment. 
The Forestry Cutter is easily attached by means of the hydraulic couplers, electrical connector and the proprietary Bob-Tach mounting frame on the Bobcat loaders.  All functions of the Forestry Cutter can be fingertip controlled from the operator seat without requiring the operator to remove their hand from the loader steering levers.  The Forestry Cutter has a hydraulically-adjustable front gate that can be opened while cutting debris and then closed to retain material and provide a finer mulching action.