What Skid Steer Attachments Require High-Flow Hydraulics?
Not all skid steer attachments are created equal—and not all can run on standard hydraulic systems. If you’re planning heavy-duty work like mulching, trenching, or grinding, you’ll likely need high-flow hydraulics to get the job done efficiently. In this guide, we’ll break down which attachments require high-flow, why it matters, and how to choose the right tools.
What Is High-Flow Hydraulics?
High-flow hydraulics refers to a skid steer’s ability to deliver a greater volume of hydraulic fluid per minute, typically over 25–45 gallons per minute (GPM). More flow = more power. This allows the attachment to operate at full speed and torque under heavy loads. Machines with high-flow capability are usually labeled as such, but you can check the spec sheet to confirm your GPM rating.
Why High-Flow Matters
Many attachments require more power than standard-flow skid steers can deliver. If you try running a high-demand tool on a standard-flow system, it’ll run sluggishly or not at all. Worse, you risk damaging the motor or burning out the hydraulics.
Key benefits of high-flow hydraulics:
- Faster work completion
- Higher torque for dense or resistant materials
- Longer life for the attachment due to reduced strain
- Better performance in commercial or industrial-grade jobs
Skid Steer Attachments That Require High-Flow
Here are some of the most common attachments that require high-flow hydraulics to operate properly:
Forestry Mulcher
Skid Steer Forestry Mulchers are power-hungry. They need high-flow to keep the drum spinning fast enough to shred thick brush, small trees, and heavy vegetation. A standard-flow won’t cut it—literally.
Cold Planer
Cold planers are designed to mill through hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete. For optimal performance and to maintain consistent cutting depth and speed, a high-flow system is recommended. High-flow provides the power needed for clean, fast cuts, especially during heavy-duty or continuous use.
Stump Grinder
Grinding stumps demands torque. Without high-flow, the grinder can bog down, stall, or fail to cut cleanly through hardwood.
Trencher
Trenchers working in compacted or rocky soil need high-flow to maintain blade speed and avoid overheating the motor.
Snow Blower
To clear snow quickly and throw it far enough, a high-flow motor is essential. This is especially true in commercial plowing or heavy snow regions.
Power Rake
While some rakes run on standard-flow, high-flow models offer better performance in soil prep, gravel leveling, and turf removal.
Do You Have a High-Flow Skid Steer?
Before buying a high-flow attachment, double-check your machine’s capabilities:
- Look for a high-flow switch or control setting
- Check your machine’s GPM rating (often found on a metal plate or in the manual)
- Confirm with your dealer or manufacturer
If you don’t have high-flow and still need these tools, consider renting a compatible skid steer or upgrading.
Skid Pro’s High-Flow Attachments
At Skid Pro, we manufacture and sell a full line of high-performance attachments compatible with high-flow skid steers. Our most popular options include:
- SP900 Forestry Mulcher – Ideal for aggressive land clearing
- High-Flow Cold Planer – Built for road and surface prep
- Open Front Industrial Brush Cutter – Perfect for thick vegetation and small tree removal
- Double Auger Snow Blower – Clears snow with two-stage performance and extended throwing distance.
- Road Saw – Built for precision cutting in concrete or asphalt with high RPM and depth control.
These tools are engineered for durability and performance, with high-quality components that hold up under pressure.
Final Thoughts
If your work demands high power and efficiency, upgrading to high-flow attachments is a smart move. You’ll save time, reduce machine strain, and get professional-grade results. Check your skid steer specs, choose the right attachment, and let Skid Pro help you power through tough jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between standard-flow and high-flow?
A: Standard-flow is typically 15–25 GPM. High-flow starts at 26 GPM and can go over 40 GPM. More flow means more power.
Q: Can I use a high-flow attachment on a standard-flow machine?
A: No. The attachment will underperform or get damaged. Always match the tool to the machine’s capabilities.
Q: Does Skid Pro offer attachments for both flow types?
A: Yes. We offer both standard and high-flow compatible models. Browse our attachments catalog for details.