Skid Steer Feller Buncher Attachment: Complete 2026 Buyer’s Guide for Fast Tree Removal

Turning a Skid Steer into a Tree-Cutting Machine

A skid steer feller buncher attachment turns a standard machine into a controlled tree cutting and handling system. Instead of cutting trees one at a time and dealing with them on the ground, you cut, hold, and place in one cycle.

This guide is for landowners, contractors, and forestry or ROW crews who already understand clearing work and want faster production with fewer passes.

You will learn how these attachments work, what specs actually matter, and how to choose the right setup based on your machine and workload.

What Is a Skid Steer Feller Buncher Attachment?

A skid steer feller buncher attachment is a front-mounted cutting head designed to grab, cut, and hold trees so they can be placed in a controlled pile.

Core components include:

• Cutting head (disc saw, bar saw, or shear)
• Clamp or bunching arms
• Mounting plate for skid steer connection
• Optional tilt or rotation depending on model

Unlike a mulcher that processes material in place, or a chainsaw that requires manual handling, a feller buncher is built for controlled removal and staging.

How a Feller Buncher for Skid Steer Works

The workflow is simple and repeatable:

1. Approach the tree
2. Clamp the trunk
3. Cut at the base
4. Hold and move the tree
5. Place or stack in a pile

Cutting systems vary:

• Disc saw: Fastest cutting, best for production, requires higher flow
• Bar saw: Cleaner cuts, more maintenance on chain and bar
• Shear: Lower flow requirement, slower cuts, best for smaller material

Most skid steer units are designed for trees up to around 20 inches depending on model and machine capacity. Ideal use cases include thinning, land clearing, utility corridors, and storm cleanup.

Understanding this workflow helps clarify how feller bunchers integrate into broader clearing projects. 

This guide down why these attachments have become essential tools for contractors and landowners and puts the operation of feller bunchers in the context of real jobsite productivity and workflow planning.

Benefits of a Skid Steer Feller Buncher vs Traditional Tree Removal

Skid steer feller buncher attachments turn a standard machine into a highly productive tree-cutting tool. Unlike chainsaws or manual methods, they allow operators to cut, hold, and place multiple trees efficiently, reducing labor and improving safety.

Speed and Productivity

• Multiple trees can be cut and staged per cycle, versus one-at-a-time manual cutting
• Faster clearing reduces overall project time, especially on large sites

Safety Advantages

• Operator stays safely in the cab, away from falling trees or limbs
• Controlled direction of fall reduces risk to people and equipment

Cost Efficiency

• Fewer labor hours required compared with traditional chainsaw work
• Ability to stack or stage trees efficiently can reduce handling and transport costs

Versatility

• Can complement or replace larger tracked feller bunchers on smaller sites
• Compatible with multiple skid steer models and complementary attachments like grapples or mulchers

Using a skid steer feller buncher is not just about cutting trees — it’s about increasing efficiency, reducing risk, and lowering total project cost. 

Insights from the Skid Steer Attachments for Land Clearing show how feller bunchers fit into a broader clearing workflow alongside mulchers, grapples, and other tools that improve overall productivity.

Key Specs to Check Before You Buy

Machine Requirements

• Skid steer size: Most disc saw units require 12,000 lb class machines or higher
• Hydraulic flow: Standard flow works for shear heads, but disc saws typically need around 35 GPM
• Hydraulic pressure: Must match the attachment requirements
• Electrical controls: Some models require auxiliary electrical for full operation

Cutting and Handling Specs

• Maximum tree diameter: Commonly up to 20 inches for skid steer models
• Cutting system: Disc for speed, bar for precision, shear for simplicity
• Clamp design: Determines how many stems you can hold per cycle
• Head weight: Heavier heads reduce stability on smaller machines

Types of Skid Steer Feller Buncher Attachments

Disc saw heads

High production, fast cuts, require high flow and larger machines.

Bar saw heads

More precise cuts, higher maintenance due to chain wear.

Shear-style heads

Lower cost, lower flow requirement, better for smaller diameter work.

Fixed vs tilt or swing

Fixed mounts are simpler and more durable. Tilt or swing adds control in tight or uneven terrain.

Matching Feller Buncher Attachments to Your Work

Landowners and Small Acreage

For occasional clearing, fence lines, and storm cleanup:

• Prioritize lower weight
• Choose shear-style heads
• Avoid high flow dependency unless your machine supports it

Tree Services and Contractors

For lot clearing and development:

• Focus on cycle speed
• Look for disc saw heads
• Ensure durability under daily use

Forestry and ROW Work

For thinning and long corridors:

• High flow is required
• Stronger heads with bunching capability matter
• Efficiency in stacking and placement becomes critical

Recommended Skid Steer Feller Buncher Attachments

Baumalight ISH/ISR Series Tree Shear With Buncher For Skid Steer

Specs:

• Machine Class: Standard-flow skid steers
• Cutting Type: Shear-style
• Max Diameter: Small trees

Best Use Case:

• Fence lines
• Property maintenance
• Light brush clearing

The Baumalight ISH/ISR Series Tree Shear With Buncher For Skid Steer is ideal for operators who need a low-maintenance, reliable attachment for smaller-diameter clearing. While it’s slower than disc saw heads, it provides consistent performance in light clearing and brush management.

Baumalight FBS752 Feller Buncher Tree Saw for Skid Steer

Specs:

• Machine Class: 12,000 lb+ skid steers
• Flow Requirement: 35 GPM
• Cutting Type: 52” disc saw
• Max Diameter: 20”

Best Use Case:

• Contractors clearing multiple small-to-medium trees per cycle
• General land clearing
• Forestry work

The Baumalight FBS752 Feller Buncher Tree Saw for Skid Steer balances speed and capacity while keeping operation simple. Its 36-inch throat and bunching arms allow efficient multi-stem handling, making it a versatile choice for contractors and forestry crews.

Baumalight FGS952 Feller Buncher Tree Saw for Skid Steer

Specs:

• Machine Class: 12,000 lb+ skid steers
• Flow Requirement: High flow
• Cutting Type: 52” disc saw
• Max Diameter: 20”

Best Use Case:

• High-volume clearing
• Daily operations
• Dense timber or heavy-duty clearing

The Baumalight FGS952 Feller Buncher Tree Saw for Skid Steer is designed for crews needing sustained operation with minimal downtime. Optimized for high-flow machines, it delivers consistent cutting performance in high-volume applications.

Baumalight FBXD752 Feller Buncher Tree Saw for Excavator

Specs:

• Machine Class: 45,000–65,000 lb excavators
• Cutting Type: Disc saw
• Max Diameter: 20”
• Rotation: 360°

Best Use Case:

• Large-scale forestry
• High-capacity clearing
• Precise handling of larger trees

The Baumalight FBXD752 Feller Buncher Tree Saw for Excavator is ideal for operations scaling beyond skid steers. The full rotation and heavy platform provide stability and control for handling large trees in high-capacity clearing scenarios.

Skid Steer Feller Buncher Attachment Comparison Table

 

Feller Buncher Attachment vs Mulcher vs Grapple Saw

Feller Buncher Attachment – Ideal for quickly cutting and staging whole trees.

Mulcher – Best for grinding brush and smaller vegetation into mulch.

Grapple Saw – Perfect for precise tree cutting and material handling near obstacles.

Understanding how feller bunchers, mulchers, and grapple saws complement each other can help you sequence work efficiently, reduce passes, and maximize machine time. 

Operators often benefit from reviewing the Skid Steer Attachments Guide to see how different tools perform across common tasks and machine classes.

Safety and Best Practices

Operator Safety

• Always wear required PPE: hard hat, gloves, eye protection, and steel-toed boots
• Ensure operator training and familiarity with the skid steer and attachment

Worksite Safety

• Establish safe operating zones and keep bystanders clear
• Evaluate slopes and terrain stability before starting work

Pre-Job Checks

• Inspect hydraulic connections, locking pins, and attachment mounts
• Verify cutting components and teeth are in good condition

Tree Handling

• Approach dead or damaged trees carefully
• Avoid kickback, pinching, or uncontrolled falls

Maintaining safe practices protects both the operator and equipment. Following these guidelines consistently reduces accidents and ensures that every clearing project proceeds efficiently and without unnecessary risk.

Maintenance Essentials

Daily Inspections

• Check hoses, couplers, and hydraulic connections for leaks
• Inspect cutting components, teeth, and blades
• Verify locking pins and attachment mounts

Lubrication and Greasing

• Grease pivots, bearings, and moving parts according to manufacturer schedule
• Apply lubrication before heavy or prolonged use

Component Maintenance

• Replace worn teeth, blades, or bars promptly
• Keep cutting heads clean and free of debris
• Store attachments in a dry, protected area to prevent corrosion

Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your feller buncher attachment but also keeps it running safely and efficiently. Small, consistent checks can prevent costly downtime and ensure your machine is ready for any clearing project.

Budgeting and Total Cost of Ownership

Initial cost varies by type and size, with disc saw units at the higher end.

Operating costs include:

• Teeth or blade replacement
• Fuel consumption
• Routine maintenance

The key factor is output. Higher production reduces cost per acre or per job, especially compared to manual cutting.

How to Choose the Right Skid Steer Feller Buncher Attachment

Choosing the right feller buncher attachment starts with understanding your skid steer’s capabilities and the work you need to accomplish. Begin by confirming your machine’s operating weight and hydraulic flow. Standard-flow skid steers can run shear-style heads or smaller disc saws, while high-flow machines can handle larger disc heads for faster production. 

Next, consider the size and density of the trees you plan to cut, including the maximum diameter and the volume you typically handle, to determine whether a shear, disc, or bar saw head is most efficient.

Mounting style also impacts performance. Fixed mounts are durable and straightforward, while tilt or swing mounts offer greater maneuverability for tight corridors or angled cuts. 

Clamp design and rotation features should be evaluated based on whether you need to bunch multiple stems or precisely place cut trees.

Finally, weigh production versus maintenance. High-flow disc heads cut quickly but require more hydraulic capacity and upkeep, while shear-style heads are simpler and lower maintenance but may slow clearing rates. 

Following these considerations ensures you choose a skid steer feller buncher attachment that matches your machine, fits your job, and maximizes efficiency without unnecessary complexity.

Ready to Upgrade Your Skid Steer?

If you’re ready to increase efficiency, reduce labor, and tackle tree clearing with confidence, it’s time to explore your options. You can browse our selection of skid steer feller buncher attachments to find the right model for your machine and job type.

Have questions or need guidance on which attachment fits your skid steer? Don’t hesitate to contact our team for expert advice and support.

FAQ Section

Can a standard-flow skid steer run a feller buncher?

Yes, but typically only shear-style attachments. Disc saw units usually require high flow.

What size trees can a skid steer feller buncher handle?

Most models are rated up to around 20 inches depending on machine capacity.

Do you still need a mulcher if you have a feller buncher?

Yes if you need to process material on site rather than remove or stack it.

Is a dedicated tracked feller buncher always better?

Not for every job. Skid steer attachments offer flexibility and lower cost for many operations.

How much flow is enough for productive use?

For disc saw heads, around 35 GPM is the typical baseline for consistent performance.

Suggested Readings

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