MOUNTING THE MULCHER ON THE EXCAVATOR: HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Here is a guide explaining how to mount the mulcher on the excavator. The operation might seem quite complex, but by following a few basic steps, setting everything up carefully and having basic preparation, you can complete everything safely and reliably. Before proceeding with the installation of a mulcher on an excavator, it is a good idea to prepare the necessary equipment, wear protective equipment, and pay attention to the steps to be followed and their order.

Important recommendation before starting any kind of operation

Safety is a top priority when working with heavy equipment. Before beginning the installation of the mulcher, it is good to be clear about the main safety lines:

• Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, safety shoes, long pants, work jacket and helmet.
• Operate in a clean, orderly and unobstructed work area around.
• Make sure the excavator is turned off and stabilized before starting work.
• Preferably work with another person nearby to ensure that there is always someone available in case of an emergency and to have help in the various operations to be performed.

1. Preparation and planning

Before starting to mount the mulcher on the excavator, it is essential to organize the work as well as possible, planning the operations and preparing all the necessary tools. Here are some relevant aspects to consider beforehand.

• Locating the excavator: it is most important to choose the excavator based on its compatibility with the mulcher to be mounted, checking the model and its technical specifications.
• Choosing a mulcher: since there are different types of mulchers, it is incumbent to choose the one best suited to your needs, depending on what you will be cutting. Grass, branches, brushwood, brambles, may require different types of mulchers.
• Preparation of tools: it is advisable to prepare all the necessary tools for the installation of the mulcher, including the following:
  • Wrenches and ratcheting wrenches
  • Screwdrivers
  • Hammer
  • Pliers
  • Protective gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Other safety devices, if any
  • At least a mop
  • Lubricant

Removal of previously installed equipment

If the excavator already has an attachment mounted, it must be removed before proceeding with the installation of the mulcher. Obviously, disassembly should be done with the excavator off, cold, with the machine stable in a safe environment. It will be necessary to uninstall the existing equipment by unscrewing bolts or by acting on other systems typical of the system. Before acting, it is necessary to know the exact sequence of disconnecting the hydraulic lines to avoid damage and unnecessary oil leakage.

Excavator preparation

It is a good idea to prepare the excavator for the new installation before making the connections.

• Set up the service system of the operating machine in a one-way direction (shredder-hammer system) by acting on the control taps and levers.
• In case the machine is equipped with an on-board computer, set up the service system before connecting the equipment.
• Check the back pressure on the “return” with the machine at maximum speed. To make such a check, it is advisable to join the supply to the return with a hydraulic hose. The maximum back pressure figure should not exceed 10 Bar. It should be borne in mind that exceeding this back pressure value causes damage to the engine’s functionality, resulting in oil leakage.

Preparation of the mulcher

Taking it for granted that the mulcher to be assembled is fine, clean and with the cutting elements well sharpened, a further check is also advisable on the hydraulic components and hoses, verifying that they are not damaged. In addition, a dose of lubricant is always best used to enable not only easier assembly, but also to ensure smoother operation of the moving mechanical parts when they will be activated.

• Fasten pins and tighten bolts: the pins should be inserted into their slots, and then you will insert the bolts into the fastening points, without tightening them fully. This simple “trick” allows you to make sure the parts are well aligned and, consequently, adjust them as best you can before tightening the bolts.
• Tighten screws and bolts: use the appropriate wrenches (previously prepared) to “lock” the bolts and pins securely. A final tightening check (perhaps with a torque wrench if you have it) is an additional way to be more confident about fasteners.
• Connect the hydraulic circuit: connect the pipes starting with the drainage pipe, then the return pipe and finally the delivery pipe.

3. Final verifications

Now that the mulcher is installed, it is a good idea to perform a final 360-degree check to make sure everything is in order before powering up: blades, fasteners, fluids (oil and other lubricants). Then you can proceed with a test run, starting the machine at low rpm, before bringing it up to typical working speed.

In conclusion, we can say that mounting a mulcher on the excavator may seem like a challenging task, but with the right preparation and attention to detail it is possible to complete the task safely and effectively. Following the steps described in this article will help to do a proper job and safe use of the equipment.