Hydraulic Flow for Skid Steer Attachments: Maximize Power & Performance

Hydraulic flow for skid steer attachments might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it has a big impact on how well your equipment runs. If the flow rate doesn’t match what your attachment needs, you could end up with poor performance, damaged parts, or unexpected downtime. Whether you’re clearing thick brush or doing detailed landscaping work, knowing how hydraulic flow affects your attachments helps you get the most out of your skid steer.

Looking for durable, high-performance attachments designed to match your machine’s hydraulic flow? At RUT Manufacturing, we create solutions built for both low and high-flow equipment. Keep reading to learn why hydraulic flow should be at the top of your checklist when choosing attachments. Call us at 336-859-0328 to get a quote or ask our knowledgeable staff any questions.

What Is Hydraulic Flow & Why You Should Care?

Hydraulic flow is basically the amount of fluid moving through your skid steer’s hydraulic system, and it’s measured in gallons per minute (GPM). It works hand in hand with hydraulic pressure (measured in PSI) to power your attachments, giving them the force and speed needed to get the job done.

Take a brush cutter or mulcher, for example. These tools rely on the right mix of GPM and PSI to spin at the right speed and cut through thick vegetation. If the hydraulic flow doesn’t match what the attachment is built for, performance takes a hit. You might deal with slower progress, poor cutting power, or even early equipment damage. Picture trying to clear heavy brush with an attachment made for 30+ GPM, but your machine only puts out 20 GPM. You’ll end up frustrated, behind schedule, and possibly looking at costly repairs.

High Flow vs. Low Flow Skid Steers: What’s the Difference?

When picking attachments for your skid steer, it’s important to know the difference between low-flow and high-flow hydraulic systems.

Low Flow Systems 

These usually run between 15 and 25 GPM and are standard on a lot of skid steers. They work well with attachments like trenchers, snowblowers, and augers—tools that don’t need tons of hydraulic power but still get the job done reliably.

High Flow Systems 

High-flow systems push out 26 GPM or more and often come with higher PSI. They’re built for tougher jobs. Heavy-duty brush cutters, mulchers, and industrial grapples perform best with this extra power, giving you better cutting strength and faster results.

But choosing between low flow and high flow isn’t just about the attachments—it’s also about the kind of work you’re tackling. If your projects are mostly light landscaping, a low-flow skid steer will probably be enough. For bigger jobs like large-scale land clearing or demolition, though, you’ll want the muscle that comes with a high-flow system.

Matching Attachments to Hydraulic Flow: What You Need to Know

Choosing the right attachment isn’t just about its features or price. Every attachment has specific GPM and PSI needs that affect how well it works with your skid steer. Before buying, make sure your machine’s hydraulic system matches those requirements.

Hydraulic flow affects three main things:

1. Cutting Power: Attachments like mowers and mulchers need a consistent flow to keep their RPM steady. If the GPM is too low, you’ll lose cutting strength.
2. RPM (Rotations Per Minute): Higher flow rates help attachments run at the speeds they’re designed for.
3. Efficiency: When flow rates don’t match, your work slows down, and your machine can take unnecessary wear and tear.

For example, a brush cutter made for 15–20 GPM will handle light brush just fine with a low-flow skid steer. But if you try to run that same cutter on a high-flow skid steer (30+ GPM), you could end up damaging the equipment. Knowing how these numbers work together helps you avoid problems and keeps your gear working smoothly.

Skid Steer Compatibility Checklist

Before you buy any attachments, it’s a good idea to run through this quick checklist to make sure everything will work smoothly with your skid steer:

• What’s your machine’s GPM and PSI rating?
• Does your skid steer have a high-flow or standard (low-flow) hydraulic system?
• Is the attachment you’re looking at designed to handle your skid steer’s flow rate?
• Take a close look at the specs on RUT Manufacturing attachments to confirm they’re a good match.

Asking these questions helps protect your investment and makes sure your skid steer and attachments work well together on the job.

Why Choose RUT Manufacturing for Hydraulic-Powered Attachments?

At RUT Manufacturing, we pride ourselves on producing attachments that are built to handle real-world demands. Here’s why we’re a trusted partner for businesses across the country:

• Built in the USA: Every product is crafted with high-quality American-made steel and components, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance. 
• Designed for All Flow Types: Whether you’re using low-flow or high-flow machines, our attachments are built to perform. 
• Expert Support: Our knowledgeable team will help you choose the ideal attachment for your specific needs, from brush cutters to mulchers. 
• Veteran-Owned Business: We understand the importance of reliable tools on the job site because we’ve been there ourselves.

No matter the challenge, RUT Manufacturing is here to deliver equipment that matches your hydraulic flow requirements and exceeds your expectations.

Don’t Let Flow Mismatch Slow You Down

Hydraulic flow is more than a technical detail; it’s the backbone of your skid steer’s performance. Understanding hydraulic flow and matching it to the right attachments ensures optimized efficiency, reduced wear and tear, and better project results. Take the time to understand your machine’s flow rate and choose attachments accordingly.

Not sure where to start? Contact RUT Manufacturing today at 336-859-0328. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect attachment built for your flow rate and your jobsite demands.