TopCat Mulcher - Hydraulic Radiator FAIL!
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- The Hydraulic Cooling Radiator has a leak. The unexpected and disappointing reason might surprise you. Not what you might think would cause a radiator leak.
Link to Agrotk - Supplier of TopCat Mulchers and parts
agrotkindustri...
Radiator: agrotkindustri...
Teeth: agrotkindustri...
Drive Belt: agrotkindustri...
Merry Christmas. 🎄☃I bought myself 🎁 a 2023 DIGGIT TH76 FORESTRY DRUM MULCHER Mulcher for $2040us Nov 28. The 2023 TOPCAT SSFM81 Drum Mulchers went for $4400-$4700us. Prices include buyers Fee and tax. Today(Friday) Dec 8 an auction 45 minutes away from me Sold the only TopCat Drum Mulcher in it for $4078us(inc Fee & Tax). I had to drive 400 miles round trip to get my Mulcher! Mine is a different design than the TopCat. I call it the Zipper...🤐... That's what I think of when I look at it. I was doing 60mph in snowy🌨❄ conditions and almost wiped out my truck 🥴in front of a few Tractor Trailers...😬...! The accident would have likely included Tractor Trailers and other vehicles coming in the opposite direction. No divider on that Highway in that area. Maybe 20ft in between both roads though. I was sure I was going to roll the truck...😮...! My truck is a 6ft short-box reg cab Dodge p/u. I did not realize that the truck was way to light on the front end...🤪...!
GEEZZZ that must have been a tense moment. But, sounds like to got out of it okay. Curious to hear your experience with the Diggit. At $2040.00 that could be an amazing deal. Be sure to let us know how that goes. and have a great year.
@@topcatmulchers3802 Thanks. Happy New Year. Yes...Very tense on the Hwy! I'll let you how it goes with the Mulcher. I also bought a New Skid Steer Tree Shear with grapple arms to hold the tree for $500 at a local auction 2 1/2 weeks after buying the Mulcher. It's like the Topcat Shear. Maybe made by the same company. Only one in the auction and lucked out on the price! My Skid Steer has a fuel system problem that needs to be figured out so attachments not getting tried out for a while.
SSFM81 TopCat Mulcher in the auctions I've seen have a features & specifications list supplied by AGROTK zip-tied to the Mulcher. Says Flow Range 24-32 GPM.
I have seen the list on some, I think the url is tiller-king.com, which takes you to the AGT site. And, yes, there seems to be some confusion on that. I got the specs off of the hydraulic motor in my TopCat, had it translated to english and found the manufactures spec sheets. It is rated for high flow. Though, you can run the mulcher at standard flow, it will work. However, the max pressures on the gauge tend to hit max more often on standard flow. Not sure why, other than the higher RPM's of high flow take advantage of the momentum of the drum to cut through the material.
@@topcatmulchers3802 Good to know that. I might buy one at next local auction if it sells around $4050 like the last auction here.
I'm weary of the Disk Mulcher now because of the balance issues others have had. SSFM81 TopCat Drum Mulcher went for $3800(plus buyer fee) Wednesday July 26. Unfortunately for me it would be 24 hours solid driving time round trip to the auction site if I had bought one. Likely have to wait to bid on Drum Mulcher in October at local auction but might not even be any in the auction. I think the seller of them kept the drum Mulchers out of the last auction locally because of them not selling high enough previously. Only one used Name Brand Drum Mulcher for sale near me that's $15,000 and has approx 60 cutters costing $100 each. Nothing aftermarket will fit in it. The way they bolt in is purposely designed to be difficult to make by aftermarket suppliers.
Keto, I have watch the prices at the auction drop as well. Going from an average to $14k sell price, to $3,800.00 is a big drop. The RB Auction in Houston sold all 4 at auction for around $4,500.00 ea. I hate to see Agrotx (TopCat) loose the business/revenue. Not sure, but somehow I think getting the info (UA-cam) about the TopCat has more savy shoppers re-thinking or at least getting the purchasing in line with the value of the product. I think an $8k price tag for the TopCat SSFM-81 drum mulcher is reasonable. It has issues, it is not perfect, but it will get the job done for the DIY user.
So I ran a FAE mulcher for over 500 hours and I’m pretty certain it had no coolers at all. The machine operating the equipment should have a cooler capable of keeping the fluid temps controlled. So with that being said I wonder if you could just delete that cooler and let the skid steer do the cooling.
Landon, that is a great point and something I have not yet pointed out. I have been running without the radiator. It is easy to bypass the radiator with the existing hoses. I have just been keeping and eye on the skid steer hydraulic temp gauge and so far temps look normal. HOWEVER, I have been running shorter work cycles and stop about every 20 minutes +/- to give system time to cool. Very good advice, hopefully others will see this and consider as an option .vs. sitting with a dead mulcher.
@@topcatmulchers3802 awesome anytime you can delete something that’s not needed you will improve reliability! I’d run that mulcher 4-8 hours a day steady every week but I know a known name brand isn’t fair to compare to a budget friendly mulcher. I’m looking forward to see how this mulcher holds up to a couple hundred hours of use.
i am in agreement. I think this unit will run fine without a rad. just keep and eye on temps.
I ran mine without the fan running and the temps would get close to red but would only be running for an hour or less. Bobcat t590 high flow
@@nayBobb do you have to run it at full throttle?
At auction Today that is 45min away from me, Two 2023 DIGGIT TH76 FORESTRY DRUM MULCHERS went for $1850ea us(inc Fee & Tax). I would have saved approx $375 over buying one of these instead the one I had to drive 7 hours round rip to get! Can't go back in time though! Thought about buying both of these for resale but people can go nuts even if they sign an "As is" "Where is: agreement and there' a potential of someone stealing them! I have not yet used the one I previously bought. I would feel more comfortable buying more of them if mine works good.
Keto, wondering how the DIGGIT mulcher has worked out. Have you had a chance to test it?
@@topcatmulchers3802 Have not tried it yet. Cold & Wet winter in my area and my Skid Steer has tires so will need a few weeks of summer like weather to dry things out. Might work with my tire chains on though but Mulcher weighs 2100 Ibs approx so might get stuck very quick! Same Mulcher is selling in current auctions for 2x what I paid!
Hello; I sold the Diggit Mulcher on Ritchie Brothers online auction. Never tried it. It had to many welds with very bad penetration and also looked to light weight overall for my liking. Could not get anyone to look at it after privatley advertising it and also was concerned about an angry person coming back on me if disappointed with it. Lost about $650 on it. 4 other New Diggit Mulchers came up about 50 lots after mine. They sold $75-$125 higher than mine. I was disappointed when I saw they were in the auction. Thought I could break even on selling mine but they impacted my sell price imho. I also sold the Greatbear Tree Shear there. Went for double what I paid but there's an auction Fee that eats up some of the profit. Went for $900. I did not like that it had an electronic plugin on it. Just something to break or malfuntion and then it's scrap metal! A New Topcat SSFM81 Mulcher sold there for $2300.... On a good note, my used and never used by me Bobcat quick attach Cement Mixer went for $1950..... Came with a 2014 JCB 260 eco Skid Steer Project I bought. I made a bit more than half the JCB purchase price by selling the attachments it came with.
I think I like the Disk Mulcher better than the Drum Mulcher. Came close to bidding on a Brand New TOP CAT SSDFM60 80 in Disc Skid Steer Mulcher Today. One went for $ 2300 and one for $ 2500. I had watched a video on the Rut Manufacturing Skid Steer Forestry Disc Mulcher Annihilator(Listed for $ 16,148 online). The man that uploaded the video returned his Top Cat Disc Mulcher to a retailer because of a Very Major Balance issue. I never thought about a possible balance issue with a Disk Mulcher. I'm debating whether I'll buy a TOP CAT SSDFM60 80 in Disc in a few months at the next auction if it goes around the same price at that time. I am thinking that they might be sending their defective ones to the auction! 🤔The retailer the man bought his Top Cat Disk Mulcher from may have bought their inventory from an auction.
Keto, I have always wanted to try the disc mulcher, but not able to justify cost to own two mulchers.. :) I have seen the UA-cam video of the TopCat Disc Mulcher that had balance issues AND I have had a Disc Mulcher owner contact me about balance issues. I am assuming not all TopCat disc mulchers have that issue. There are companies that specialize in balancing disc mulchers but i have no idea how much that might cost. If yoiu end up getting one, please let me know how it works out. Thank for sharing your thoughts on this, hopefully it can help others.
@@topcatmulchers3802 I watched a video this morning by the manufacturer of Skid Steer Disc Mulcher 'THE RAGE' doing a Demo on Dirtmonkey Channel. Got a chunk of wood severely jammed in it. Kind of turned me off! I read a comment by someone that had his Top Cat Disk Mulcher balanced & he said "$ 4000 later its still not completely balanced as the disk is warped!" 👉Another issue could be snapping the motor shaft. Seem to me it's far more dangerous to operate than a drum mulcher. I doubt the disk on the Top Cat is made of the quality steel that it should be. Watching an online auction that's 12 hrs away from me. Ends Wednesday. Next auction near me is in October.
Hydraulic Bypass Relief Valve could keep the pressure below the cooler burst pressure.
Great suggestion. I am wondering if you know of any videos or info that could guide me on how to do that. I had the radiator repaired, but it only lasted a couple of days. So, I am going to need to do something. As are other TopCat owners.
@@topcatmulchers3802 Can search UA-cam Hydraulic Bypass Relief Valve. Could get a Relief valve that's set at below what you think the burst pressure is. Would go before the inlet and bypass back to the return line. Might be able to get one that is set to a fixed value or adjustable. Fixed value bypass would probably be the cheaper one. Need to decide what pressure is causing it to burst and then get a relief valve a fair bit lower than that pressure. I've never had an issue like that. Best to have someone very knowledgeable with hydraulic systems confirm this is a solution for the problem.
i jist took the cooler out. The skidsteer already has a hydraulic oil cooler
Your airflow thru the cooler should be from the top down. There is an arrow showing direction of airflow on the front of cooler.
Do you really need a Rad. Does the skid steer not already have a cooler for the hydraulics. Would that not be sufficient?
You make a great point. When the rad failed, I just made assumptions that since it was there it was needed. I did eventually, after 2nd failure, bypass the rad and kept eye on the skid steer hyd temp. seems to handle it just fine. obviously keeping fluid as cool as you can is better, but so far I am running without and not seeing an issue. Still, that might be fine for my Takeuchi, but does not mean every skid steer will be okay. I also learned that most mulchers do not have a rad, so to your point I would say you are correct.
@ I made a pull behind grader for my tractor and there is no real cooler on it so put a rad on it. And it did the same wouldn’t handle the pressure.
Unless I'm missing something, the outflow pressure of any hydraulic device should be very low. Essentially just dumping oil back into the tank.
I wonder if there is a restriction somewhere in the system, perhaps even in the radiator that is causing over pressure.
Does the device shutoff on the skidsteer stop the return of oil?
That is how I understand it, but thinking this is an issue I brought on myself. I realized that on occasion I was "reversing" the flow to clear out stuck debris (force the drum to turn backwards) and to decrease the pressure in the lines just before disconnecting to help with reconnecting latter. Thought was that I am then pushing nearly full pressure direct to the radiator. I am wondering if there is supposed to be a valve that prevents the reverse flow of the fluid.
@@topcatmulchers3802any plans on more videos? Perhaps a comparison or time lapse. Adding different teeth.
Nathan, yes. shamefully I have some video still waiting to be put online showing results of the FAE teeth. I am just have trouble making time to get this done. Since my accident, I struggle keeping on task and things take me much longer to finish. BUT, input from viewers like you will help push me to getting it done. THANK YOU for the reminder
@@topcatmulchers3802 hope things get better! I really enjoy the videos!
@@topcatmulchers3802 Ok, well let's get an update before the end of the year :)
I will preface this by saying that I am not a hydraulics engineer - however - some thoughts.
I would assume that the radiator is in the return to the hydraulic tank because then it doesn't have to deal with the very high pressures being fed to the motor - and would explain why it looks like it will only handle 600PSI
The return pressure is going to be affected by the flow rate, so length of return hose, diameter of hose, and the resistance of the radiator itself. if there is any blockage or restriction in the hose, or radiator, then that will increase the pressure, possibly leading to failure. .
I can see a couple of solutions - add a second radiator, and a second return hose (or increase the size of the return hose) from the radiator all the way back to the hydraulic tank, which would halve the return pressure and reduce the stress on the radiators. (as well as improving the cooling). You could also add a bypass valve as well to protect both radiators but if the bypass valve is being used then there will be reduced cooling. Looking at the video you could probably fit a couple of radiators back to back without too much engineering of brackets etc. Of course if the radiators are just poorly constructed and only last 2-3 years (possibly clogging up inside and or corroding) then you may have to resign yourself to treating then as a service item and just replacing them.
Another solution would be to dump the radiator and add a separate low pressure high flow pump and radiator circuit connected to the oil reservoir that takes the oil out of the hydraulic tank and cools it. The downside is that it probably involves a bunch of engineering that you may not want to do. The up side is that it would cool for anything.
As I said though - it all involves work and experimentation - personally I would be intrigued to measure what the return pressure is and get a rating for the radiator from the manufacturer.
Thank you for the details. I had not thought of adding a second radiator, as you are correct, there is plenty of room in there to do so. The radiator is on the return to hydraulic tank side. It sits down stream (exit side) as the fluid leaves the hydraulic motor. So based on that, it should not need to handle the full 3000psi. I did realize something though. The early failure could be my fault. One issue with the unit is when when reconnecting the hydraulic couplers after unit has been sitting, it is impossible to do so without breaking the seal on one of the lines and letting the fluid bleed out, thus relieving pressure. Takeuchi has a procedure for helping prevent this that you can run BEFORE you disconnect the line. The process involves pressing button that reverses the flow of the fluid, then there is a switch that lets you dump into the reservoir. Releasing the pressure in the lines. It occurred to me, that when I do that, the radiator is now on the FRONT side of the hydraulic motor, that is fluid now flows through radiator on its way to the motor .vs. on the outflow side of the motor. I am wondering if this creates a higher than expected pressure in the radiator. I agree with you, it would be good to know what the pressure is on the Outflow/radiator side. I am looking for details on how to add permanent a pressure gauge on at the radiator side.
I just bypassed the oil cooler on my Top Cat
I did the same. Has been working just fine so far. Not seeing any overheating in my hydraulic temp monitors.