The 2,450-lb Erskine heavy-duty forestry mulcher attachment cuts a 60-in.-wide path. Its variable-displacement hydraulic motor accepts flows from 33 to 41 gpm, allowing it to run off the hydraulic systems of most high-flow skid-steer loaders. The V14-110 motor has other features that make it attractive to Erskine. The motor shift pressure can easily be adjusted at the Parker Hannifin facility, at Erskine’s plant, or in the field — with just a wrench and screwdriver. The adjustment screw is located under a tamper-resistant plastic cap. (However, users should not change the settings without proper training.)
This adjustment feature allows Erskine to purchase one motor with a preset displacement range and then have it tuned for two different shift pressures dictated by the maximum operating pressure of the loader on which it will work. This adjustability helps the firm maintain a smaller inventory and shorter lead times.
The V14-110’s displacement range (minimum to maximum) can be adjusted, a feature not utilized by this application. Instead, two different-sized sheaves are used to change the speed ratio between the motor and cutting head.
One final plus: Due to the motor’s efficiency, no secondary cooler is needed on the cutting head. Coolers add considerable cost and decrease the overall hydraulic system efficiency.
Shane Voxland, Engineering Manager at Erskine Attachments Inc., Erskine, Minn., described this design evolution. Learn more about the company and its products at www.erskineattachments.com