Slashers vs Mulchers - which is better for my property?

Nov 30, 2023    Posted by Brittany Cunningham

At Delmade we offer both Slashers and Mulchers and both units have their place on the farm depending on what you are trying to achieve. Let’s talk about how the two compare.

Slashers vs Mulchers. Is a slasher or mulcher better for my property and what is the difference between a slasher and a mulcher?

What is a Slasher?

A slasher is a workhorse designed for cutting through vegetation. A slasher uses a central gearbox to drive typically one or more rotors with fast spinning blades.

Slashers are great for tackling vegetation, long grass and some brush. A slasher will leave a windrow or clumps of material that will break down over time.

What is a Mulcher?

A mulcher operates on a different principle from a slasher, using a long horizontal rotor with a series of blades. The rotor on a mulcher operates using more of a shredding mechanism which breaks the material down dense and fine.

Mulchers are great in heavy brush, vegetation and noxious or destructive weeds such as blackberries, gorse or tussocks/sags. They also leave a nice even finish.

Comparison between Slashers and Mulchers

Let’s talk about how the two compare in these areas:

• Results/Output
• Blades
• Sizes - Working Width
• Durability and Build of the Body
• Price + Price of Spare Parts
• Working Environment Terrain Adaptability
• Maintenance

Results/Output

A slasher will perform well in general clearing of long grass and some brush. A slasher will leave a windrow of material behind so if you want an even finish or even output of material a mulcher is probably a better solution, but the slasher windrow does eventually mulch down.

Slashers will still perform well on tussocks/sags and blackberries. The output will be a little rougher than that of a mulcher.

A mulcher is great for cutting heavy growth and chopping it down to a fine finished product. This product is spread evenly over the width of the cut and does not clump or windrow like a slasher may. This equates to a faster breakdown of the cut vegetation and is less likely to promote grubs. The output material from a mulcher is also great for microbial activity because it’s so finely chopped and will help improve soil fertility.

The downside of a mulcher is that it is not as effective in topping or cutting tall grass. For this, a slasher is faster and will do a better job leaving a better finish with less “Stalking” behind the tractor wheels.

Blades

A slasher is fitted with a smaller rotor which is typically central on the slasher unless it’s a dual rotor machine where they are evenly spaced. The rotor has two blades one on each end and operates in a circular motion to cut the grass.

Blades will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, with some preferring flat blades while others prefer stepped or twisted blades.

A mulcher is fitted with a long rotor that sits horizontally. A mulcher can be fitted with a variety of different blades for different applications from a more standard grass blade to scrub and brush blades, stubble blades or blades suited to prunings.

There is a little more finesse with mulcher rotors as typically these need to be electronically balanced. A correctly balanced rotor will deliver the best performance with less vibration. Balancing rotors does need to be done by specialist equipment. However, typically balancing once at the factory will be enough to last a lifetime of use.

A mulcher's blades will typically last a lot longer than a slasher's but, because there are so many of them, they are more expensive to replace.

Material from a slasher will be cut and is often longer, while material from a mulcher will be shredded or mulched into shorter lengths that will break down faster.

Sizes - Working Width

Both slashers and mulchers come in various sizes adaptable to different applications. Generally, size will not affect the choice between a slasher or a mulcher.

Durability and Build of the Body

Both slashers and mulchers are exceptionally durable when matched correctly to the task at hand and the tractor being used to power them.

Slashers, with their robust and straightforward design, handle rugged use in different farming conditions and have less componentry to maintain.

Mulchers, with a potentially more complex build, can have marginally higher maintenance in demanding conditions to ensure longevity.

Price + Price of Spare Parts

Typically, 6 to 10 foot slashers will cost less than a similar sized mulcher. So, if price is the most important factor in your consideration a slasher is probably a better choice for you. It is important to consider the finish as well as the initial price. If you choose a machine not suited to the task at hand simply because it has a lower price point you may need to expend more on maintenance over the lifetime of the machine.

When considering the big flex wing folding units the pricing is fairly similar - depending on the quality and durability of the machine.

Blades on a slasher will typically cost you less overall simply because a mulcher requires so many more blades than a slasher. However, blades will typically wear/break faster on a slasher and need to be replaced more often. This is simply because a slasher will often be used in rougher, rocky terrain whereas a mulcher wouldn't typically be put into those types of conditions.

Working Environment Terrain Adaptability

Slashers may be better if rocks or stones are present due to the swing back blades taking the hit first and often giving time for the operator to react and lift the machine.

While a mulcher is great for chopping up thicker or heavier material. If you have a lot of rock, a slasher is probably going to be the better choice for you.

Maintenance

When it comes to maintenance both machines require gearbox care. Slashers (depending on the manufacturer) recommend an oil change at 50 hours of work and then every 500-800 work hours thereafter. Mulchers typically (depending on the manufacturer) recommend checking the level after 50 work hours and then carrying out a complete oil change every 400 hours of work thereafter. 

It is recommended that a blade check is completed after every 8 hours of slasher use and then the clutch is freed up annually or after a long period of storage.

Most slashers use a slip clutch while most mulchers rely on belt slippage for protection against object strikes and jamming.

A mulcher does require a little more maintenance such as tightening all screws after the first 8 hours of use. Then every 8 hours of work thereafter a full grease, including greasing the rotor and Carden shaft cross journals and checking the blade tightness.

Both slashers and mulchers also require standard visual care - i.e., ensuring rotors are clear and free of debris, checking for any structural damage, ensuring wheels run free etc.

Next Steps

When it comes down to it, the two most crucial considerations between a slasher and a mulcher are the results you wish to achieve and the working conditions. Do you simply need to lop some grass and trash, or does it need to be mulched down finely? Also, take into account the conditions you'll be working in— is it stony, undulating ground or thick, dense areas with gorse and blackberries?

Unsure if a slasher or mulcher is the best unit for you reach out to the Delmade team we are very happy to answer questions you may have. You can also check out our learning centre for more information or click here to submit your question to be answered! Phone 1800 335 623.