Forestry mulchers: what are, advantages and applications
NEWS · 07 February 2025
The forestry mulcher is an essential agricultural machine for the efficient management of woodland and green areas. Designed to shred trees, bushes and plant residues, it facilitates soil maintenance and preparation for new tillage, cultivation or forestry work.
What is a forestry mulcher?
A forestry mulcher is a piece of mechanical equipment mounted on tractors or specialised vehicles, equipped with a rotor with mobile or fixed tools that, rotating at high speed, chops up woody material of various sizes. This operation reduces the volume of plant residues, turning them into material that can be easily decomposed or used for other purposes, such as biomass production.
What is the purpose of a forestry mulcher?
The main functions of a forestry mulcher include:
- Undergrowth maintenance: removes bushes and shrubs, keeping the undergrowth clean and preventing fires.
- Soil preparation: cleans areas for new plantations or forestry work, removing plant residues and small trees.
- Management of pruning residues: shreds branches and pruning waste, facilitating their natural decomposition or use as mulch.
- Creation of forest tracks: facilitates the opening of paths and roads within forest areas, improving accessibility.
Features to consider when choosing a forestry mulcher
The choice of a forestry mulcher depends on various factors:
- Tractor power: it is essential that the mulcher is compatible with the available tractor power. For example, models such as the TM and TL are suitable for tractors from 60 to 160 HP, while the TF/DT SPECIAL and TN/DT SPECIAL mulchers are designed for tractors from 130 to 260 HP.
- Size of material to be shredded: for logs and shrubs up to 40 cm in diameter, a mulcher with a large rotor and sturdy frame is recommended. Professional forestry mulchers are designed to suit many applications, including the maintenance of agricultural land, green areas and undergrowth.
- Working width: the choice of width depends on the size of the area to be treated; larger widths cover more area in less time. Forestry mulchers are available in different working widths, such as 120 cm, 140 cm, 160 cm, 180 cm, 200 cm, 210 cm, 225 cm and 250 cm.
- Type of soil: for stony or uneven terrain, a mulcher with a reinforced frame and wear-resistant tools is preferable. Compact forestry mulchers allow shredding bushes, trees and branches up to 20 cm in diameter, even on stony ground.
Forestry mulcher applications
Forestry mulchers are used in different sectors:
- Agriculture: in the management of orchards and olive groves, for shredding pruning residues and cleaning the soil.
- Forestry: in forest maintenance, for thinning vegetation and preparing the ground for new plantations.
- Public green maintenance: used by local authorities to maintain parks, gardens and urban green areas.
- Fire prevention: by removing dry plant material, they reduce the risk of fires in wooded and rural areas.
- Infrastructure construction: in the construction of roads, power lines or other works that require the ground to be cleared of vegetation.
Advantages of using a forestry mulcher
The use of a forestry mulcher offers many benefits:
Versatility
The forestry mulcher is able to operate on different types of soil and vegetation, making it suitable for both agricultural and forestry work. Its ability to shred materials of varying consistencies makes it indispensable for those who require multi-purpose equipment.
Operational efficiency
Thanks to its robust construction and optimised design, this machine enables cleaning and maintenance work to be carried out on large areas in a short time, increasing productivity and reducing operating costs.
Durability and reliability
Constructed from high-quality materials, the forestry mulchers guarantee a long service life, withstanding the wear and tear and stresses typical of heavy-duty work. Routine maintenance is simple, ensuring constant and efficient operation.
Environmental sustainability
Shredded residues can be left on the ground as a natural mulch, improving soil fertility.
Maintenance and safe use of forestry mulchers
To guarantee optimal performance and safety during use, it is essential:
- Regular inspection: periodically check the condition of the tools, rotor and frame for wear or damage.
- Lubrication: ensure that all moving parts are properly lubricated to reduce wear and prevent breakdowns.
- Training: Operators must be properly trained in the safe and correct use of the forestry mulcher. Proper training helps prevent accidents and optimises work efficiency.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE): operators must wear protective equipment such as helmets, safety glasses, gloves, earplugs and safety shoes to reduce the risk of injury.
- Take safety measures: it is important to follow the instructions in the user manual, comply with local safety regulations and check that the work area is clear of unauthorised persons before starting the machine.
Final considerations
The forestry mulcher is an indispensable solution for the sustainable management of forest and agricultural areas. Thanks to its ability to efficiently shred plant material of different sizes, this machine not only facilitates land maintenance, but also contributes to the utilisation of residues as a resource. Choosing the right forestry mulcher for one's needs requires a careful assessment of the technical specifications, the type of work to be performed and the characteristics of the terrain.
Zanon, with over 60 years of experience and innovation in the agricultural machinery sector, offers a complete range of mulchers designed to meet every need.
Do not hesitate to contact us to receive personalised advice and find out which forestry mulcher model is best suited to your work. Our team of experts is at your disposal to guide you in your choice and provide you with all the necessary information.