IronCraft FDM44 Guide

August 2023
Read and understand the manual. This manual provides information and procedures
to safely operate and maintain the Forestry Disc Mulcher.
OPERATION AND PARTS MANUAL
Scan QR code for a digital version of this manual
FORESTRY
DISC MULCHER
20-30 gpm 30-44 gpm 32-44 gpm 45-60 gpm
FDM44 FDM44 FDM60 FDM60

Ironcraftusa.com Ironcraftusa.com1.1 Welcome2 3Table of Contents
WARNING
READ AND UNDERSTAND MANUAL.
To prevent personal injury or even death, be sure you read and understand all of the
instructions in this manual and other related OEM equipment manuals! The disc mulcher,
if not used and maintained properly, can be dangerous to users unfamiliar with its
operation. Do not allow operating, maintaining, adjusting, or cleaning of this disc mulcher
until the user has read this manual and has developed a thorough understanding of the
safety precautions and functions of the unit. This disc mulcher is designed for the specic
purpose of tree removal. DO NOT modify or use this disc mulcher for any application other
than that for which it was designed. Disc mulchers maintained or operated improperly or
by untrained personnel can be dangerous; exposing the user and/or bystanders to possible
serious injury or death.
INTRODUCTION
1.1 WELCOME
Congratulations on your choice of an IronCraft Forestry Disc Mulcher. This equipment has been
designed and manufactured to meet the needs of discerning users. Many features incorporated into
this disc mulcher are the result of suggestions made by customers like you.
Read this manual carefully to learn how to operate the disc mulcher safely and how to set it to provide
maximum mulching eciency. By following the operating instructions, in conjunction with a good
maintenance program, your IronCraft disc mulcher will provide many years of trouble-free service.
1.2 SAFE OPERATION
Safe, ecient, and trouble-free operation of your disc mulcher requires that you, and anyone else
who will be using or maintaining the unit, read and understand the information contained within the
Owner’s Manual. Use this manual for frequent reference and to pass on to new operators or owners.
Upon reading this manual, all users should sign the “Safety Acknowledgement Form” at the end of this
manual. Please record your model and dealer information on page 5. You will be asked to provide this
information when ordering parts or requesting service. If you need more information on this product,
contact your local dealer or visit www.ironcraftusa.com.
STORE THIS MANUAL IN THE DOCUMENT
CANISTER ATTACHED TO THIS MACHINE.
CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.1 Welcome 3
1.2 Safe Operation 3
1.3 Model Comparison 4
1.4 Specications 4
1.5 Register This Product 5
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.1 Introduction 6
2.2 Safety Alert Symbols 7
2.3 Safety Pictograms 8
2.4 General Safety Instructions 9
SAFETY SIGNS AND LABELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.1 Safety Decals 10
3.2 Safety Sign Locations 11
3.3 Skid Steer Loader Requirements 12
Nomenclature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
operating procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
4.1 Unpacking Your Forestry Disc Mulcher 14
4.2 How To Mount Disc Mulcher 15
4.4 How To Start And Stop The Disc Mulcher 16
4.3 How To Dismount Disc Mulcher 16
4.5 Initial Use Procedure 19
4.6 General Operating Tips 21
4.7 Tree Cut Procedures 22
4.8 Tree Cutting Tips 25
Maintenance Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
5.1 Maintenance Overview 26
5.2 Maintenance Schedule 27
5.3 Storage tips 28
5.4 Mulching Disc Maintenance 29
5.5 Gear Box Maintenance 30
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Parts Information 33
Limited Warranty 36
SAFETY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
MAINTENANCE LOg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Revised September 29, 2023
©2023 IronCraft Attachments. All rights reserved.
www.ironcraftusa.com

Ironcraftusa.com1.5 register this product 5Ironcraftusa.com1.3 model comparison 4
1.3 MODEL COMPARISON
1.4 SPECIFICATIONS
Specications subject to change without notice.
forestry disc mulcher
20-30 GPM 30-44 GPM 32-44 GPM 45-60 GPM
Model FDM44 FDM60
Working width 44" Quadco Disc 60" Quadco Disc
deflector plate 1" Hinged
tree diameter Cuts up to 8" Cuts up to 14"
FDM44 FDM60
Model 20-30 GPM 30-44 GPM 32-44 GPM 45-60 GPM
weight (lb) 2,060 2,468
mss/ ctl Lift weight (lb) 10,000
Mss/Ctl Lift Capacity (lb) 3,000
Mss/CTL Power 90 HP
MOTOR SIZE 100 CC 150 CC 150 CC 200 CC
MULCHIng capacity 4" 6"
TREE CUTTING CAPACITY 8" DIAMETER 14" DIAMETER
DISC SIZE 44" 60"
DISC WEIGHT 532 LBS 940 LBS
78”
37” 82”
FDM60FDM44
56”
37” 52”
MODEL
SERIAL
PURCHASE DATE
DEALER NAME
ADDRESS
PHONE NUMBER
1.5 REGISTER THIS PRODUCT
https://www.ironcraftusa.com/warranty/register-warranty/
“Why would i want to register my machine?” you ask. It’s a valid question.
We used to ask ourselves the same thing...
You need to register your new product within
30 days of delivery. Without registration, your
warranty claims will not be honored.
Registering your machine means you get the full
benets of the warranty terms we oer.
Scan this code for an easy-peasy registering
process. You’ll be glad you did.

Ironcraftusa.com2.2 Safety Alert Symbols 7Ironcraftusa.com2.1 Introduction 6
Although every eort has been made to ensure a safe product, every possible circumstance that could
pose a potential hazard cannot be anticipated. The safety warnings in this manual and on this product,
are therefore not all-inclusive.
In addition to the safety messages presented in this section, you must also read and understand the
safety messages presented in the other sections of this manual.
The Forestry Disc Mulcher is designed and manufactured with safety in mind. However, improper
use and operator error can result in death or serious injury. It is important that you read and fully
understand the safety instructions and operating procedures presented in this manual before
operating this mulcher. Accident prevention is a combination of good judgement, common sense,
awareness and proper training!
Forestry Disc Mulcher Skid Steer Operator
implement, attachment,
machine, disc mulcher,
mulcher, mulching head
skid steer loader,
skid steer tractor,
loader, prime mover
user, personnel
SAFETY INFORMATION
2.1 INTRODUCTION
The following terms are used interchangeably throughout this manual.
BEFORE YOU OPERATE THIS DISC MULCHER:
1. KNOW how to safely operate your skid steer loader.
2. READ and UNDERSTAND the safety instructions and operating procedures contained in this manual.
3. ACKNOWLEDGE your understanding of all safety instructions presented in this manual by
signing the “Safety Acknowledgement Form” at the end of this manual.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury.
DANGER
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury. This signal word is limited to the most extreme situations.
NOTICE
Indicates that equipment or property damage can result if instructions are not followed.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Safety instructions (or equivalent) signs indicate specic safety-related instructions or procedures.
This manual contains DANGERS, SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS, CAUTIONS, IMPORTANT NOTICES,
and NOTES which must be followed to prevent the possibility of improper service, damage to the
equipment, personal injury, or death. The following key words call the readers’ attention to potential
hazards. Hazards are identied by the “Safety Alert Symbol” and followed by a signal word such as
“DANGER”, “WARNING”, or “CAUTION”.
This is the safety alert symbol and will be accompanied with a descriptive pictorial. It
is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that
follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
2.2 SAFETY ALERT SYMBOLS

Ironcraftusa.com2.4 General Safety Instructions 9Ironcraftusa.com2.3 Safety Pictograms 8
2.3 SAFETY PICTOGRAMS
Pictograms are graphic symbols meant to alert you of a potential hazard. Read and understand the
hazard description for each of these symbols.
PINCH HAZARD:
Keep clear of skid steer and disc mulcher machine to prevent death or serious
injury from pinching of moving parts.
FLYING DEBRIS HAZARD:
ONLY operate this machine using a skid steer that has a shatter proof cab to
prevent death or serious injury from objects being thrown.
OPERATING MANUAL:
Operators must read and understand the safety instructions in the operating
manual to prevent death or serious injury.
EYE PROTECTION & CARDBOARD:
Operators and Maintenance personnel must wear proper eye protection and use
cardboard or wood to investigate hydraulic leaks to prevent death or serious
injury from being injected with high pressure hydraulic uid.
HIGH PRESSURE FLUID
INJECTION HAZARD:
Operators and maintenance personnel must not place ngers or hands directly
over a hydraulic leak to prevent death or serious injury from being injected with
high pressure hydraulic uid.
NO BYSTANDERS:
DO NOT operate this machine near bystanders. Bystanders must stay back at least
300 feet from the machine to prevent death or injury from objects being thrown.
CRUSH HAZARD:
DO NOT place any part of the body under the machine or skid steer arms to
prevent death or serious injury from being crushed.
SAFETY CHAIN:
Must be installed to prevent the mower deck from being raised more than 2 feet
from ground level.
2.4 GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ALWAYS
watch for overhead power lines.
DO NOT
place hands or feet under mower deck
while blades are spinning.
NEVER
operate this disc mulcher when
bystanders are within 300 feet of your
work area. Flying debris could cause
serious injury or death.
NEVER
position your body or limbs under an
unsupported cutter deck.
DO NOT
allow this machine to contact buildings,
utilities, large rocks or tree stumps or you
may loose control of the skid steer loader.
DO NOT
allow riders on the skid steer loader or
on this attachment.
NEVER
use drugs or alcoholic beverages while
operating or servicing this machine.
ALWAYS
operate this attachment during daylight
or well-lit areas.
ALWAYS
wear work gloves when handling cutter
blades as they are often very sharp.
INSTALL
this disc mulcher on a skid steer
loader equipped with a thermoplastic
polycarbonate door panel and side
panels only.
PREVENT
the skid steer loader and implement
from rolling forward, by stopping the
engine and setting the parking brake
when exiting the skid steer loader.
INSPECT
implement for missing hardware prior
to using this machine.
DO NOT
allow children to play on or around
this equipment at any time. Store this
implement in an area not frequented
by children.
ALWAYS
wear the proper personal protection
equipment while operating or
servicing this machine. NEVER operate
or service this machine with bare feet,
sandals, or other light footwear.
ALWAYS
use eye protection while operating or
servicing this machine.
DO NOT
speed! Keep your driving speed
between 2 and 5 mph.
DO NOT
operate this machine during lightning
or severe weather conditions.
Below are general safety instructions that relate to the overall operation and maintenance of this
machine. It is important that you read and understand each message to prevent serious injury or death.

Ironcraftusa.com3.2 Safety Sign Locations 11Ironcraftusa.com3.1 Safety Decals 10
6






3.1 SAFETY DECALS
The safety decals axed to this machine are in place to keep you safe. DO NOT ignore these decals. Read
and understand each decal’s safety message. The following safety decals are axed to this machine:
1. 2.
3.
5.
• Decals must be kept clean and legible at all times.
• Operators must inspect the machine for safety decals.
• Replace missing, worn or damaged decals immediately.
• Use care when cleaning the machine. When using a hot pressure washer make sure water jet is
not too close to the decal as this may cause the decal to peel.
• When replacing parts, be sure safety decals are in place prior to using the machine.
• Make sure metal surface is dry and free of dirt and grease before applying a new decal to
this machine.
• Contact your local dealer to order replacement decals.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY SIGNS AND LABELS
6.
SCAN TO
VIEW
OWNER’S
MANUALS
3.2 SAFETY SIGN LOCATIONS
Item Type Description QTY.
1 INSTRUCTIONAL Scan to View Owner’s Manual (not shown) 1
2 DANGER Danger Combo Label 1
3 DANGER
Auxiliary Hydraulic Flow Not to Exceed Notice Label
Note: When ordering, choose the proper decal for
your model.
1
4 DANGER Stay Clear 300 Feet Warning Label (6” x 6”) 1
5 LOGO IronCraft Logo Decal (not shown)
Note: Non-Safety Decal 1
6 DANGER Stay Clear 300 Feet Warning Label 2
32-44
GPM

TO PREVENT MACHINE
DAMAGE AND FOR
OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE,
MAINTAIN A HYDRAULIC
FLOW RATE OF:
!
DANGER STAY BACK 300 FEET
DANGER
WARNING
Check that all hoses and fittings are
tight before applying pressure.
Relieve pressure before servicing or
removing hoses.
DO NOT use your bare hand when
checking for leaks. Always use
cardboard.
Wear proper eye protection when
checking for leaks or when servicing
the hydraulic system.
HIGH PRESSURE FLUID HAZARD
FALLING OBJECT HAZARD
This attachment must be properly
connected and secured to the skid
steer loader per OEM instructions.
To prevent serious injury or death,
ensure attachment is securely
connected to the skid steer loader
before raising the loader arms.
Escaping hydraulic fluid under
pressure will penetrate body
tissue causing serious injury
or death. Seek immediate medical
care with this type of injury.
THROWN OBJECTS HAZARD
Bystanders must stay back
300 feet from machine
while blades are rotating.
Safety chain must be installed
before operating.
Brush cutters can fling rocks, debris
and other objects at high speeds
over great distances, which could
result in death or serious injury to
bystanders.
Failure to follow operating
instructions could result in
serious injury or death.
READ OWNER’S MANUAL
Read and understand the
owner’s manual before
operating or servicing
this machine.
4.
3
4
2

Ironcraftusa.com Ironcraftusa.com3.3 Skid steer loader requirements 3.3 Skid steer loader requirements12 13
3.3 SKID STEER LOADER REQUIREMENTS
Requirements
Skid Steer Lift Capacity 3,000 lbs
Skid Steer Loader Weight 10,000 lbs
Impact Resistant Cab Enclosure
Follow the operating instructions in your skid steer operator’s manual.
WARNING
Ensure your skid steer loader is in good operating condition. The Forestry Disc Mulcher
should only be used on Skid Steer Loaders that meet the following requirements:
NOTICE
A skid steer equipped with tracks (COMPACT TRACK LOADER) will provide superior stability in this
application.
All operators should wear hearing protection, safety glasses, hand protection
and dust mask while operating this machine.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) REQUIREMENTS
8
Item Description
1Push Bar
2 Disc Assembly
3 Mulcher Disc Holder
4 Tooth
5 Hydraulic Hoses
6Deector
7 Deck
8Attachment Bracket
9 Document Canister
10 Motor Cover
NOMENCLATURE
9
7
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
Tracked
VS.
Wheeled

Ironcraftusa.com4.2 how to mount disc mulcher 15Ironcraftusa.com4.1 unpacking your forestry disc mulcher 14
OPERATING PROCEDURES
4.1 UNPACKING YOUR FORESTRY DISC MULCHER
Your attachment arrives from the factory strapped to a wood pallet, and requires no nal assembly.
Use a pair of tin snips to remove the steel strapping.
CAUTION
Shipping straps are under great tension, and could lash out uncontrollably when
cut causing injuries to your body or bystanders. Wear safety glasses and gloves while
removing the steel straps.
Refer to your skid steer operator’s manual for specic instructions on how to mount and dismount
your attachment.
GENERAL ATTACHMENT METHOD
1. Enter operator’s cab and start skid steer loader.
2. Tilt the skid steer loader quick attach coupler slightly down and drive forward to the rear of the
mulcher until the top edge of the quick attach coupler connects into the attachment bracket. See
gure 4.2a.
3. Slightly tilt the skid steer quick attach coupler up until the coupler and attachment bracket fully
engage. See gure 4.2b.
4. Activate the coupler pin mechanism to lock the pins into the attachment bracket. If your skid steer
does not have this mechanism, shut skid steer engine o and exit the cab.
5. Push the skid steer quick attach locking levers down until you can see the coupler pins extend into
the slots on the attachment bracket.
6. Connect hydraulic hoses and the case drain hose to the auxiliary supply couplers located on your
skid steer loader lift arm.
4.2 HOW TO MOUNT DISC MULCHER
NOTICE
To keep contaminants from entering the hydraulic system, use a clean cloth to wipe away
dirt and grease from the hydraulic couplers.
WARNING
To avoid serious injury or death, ensure coupler pins fully extend through the slots on the
attachment bracket and that levers are down in the locked position to prevent cutter from
detaching from prime mover.
Figure 4.2a Mulcher Mounting Figure 4.2b Coupler to Bracket

Ironcraftusa.com4.4 How To Start and stop the disc mulcher 17Ironcraftusa.com4.3 how to dismount disc mulcher 16
4.3 HOW TO DISMOUNT DISC MULCHER
1. Turn o auxiliary hydraulic circuit; relieve hydraulic pressure.
2. Park skid steer on a at and level surface then lower disc mulcher to the ground.
3. Set parking brake and disengage lock pins using the lock lever switch (if installed).
4. Turn o skid steer engine.
5. Disconnect hydraulic hoses.
6. Pull latch handles to disengage lock pins.
7. Re-enter cab and start skid steer engine.
8. Tilt mounting coupler forward until mounting bracket is free from mounting plate.
9. Drive skid steer backward to clear mulcher
4.4 HOW TO START AND STOP THE DISC MULCHER
FORESTRY DISC MULCHER CONTROLS
Your Forestry Disc Mulcher is designed to run o the skid steer loader’s auxiliary hydraulic system,
and is activated and deactivated by a control in the operator’s cab. The height and tilt functions of
your disc mulcher are operated with the control handles or pedals in the cab. Consult your skid steer
operator’s manual for instructions regarding these functions.
HYDRAULIC FLOW REQUIREMENTS
When operating the cutter, set the skid steer engine RPM to a speed that will produce the required
ow. Your skid steer dealer can measure the ow available on your machine and recommend a
throttle setting that is compatible with this attachment.
FDM44 = 20-30 GPM
FDM44 = 30-44 GPM
FDM60 = 32-44 GPM
FDM60 = 45-60 GPM
NOTICE
DO NOT exceed the designed ow rate (GPM) of your disc mulcher. Place a check mark in
the box next to your model for reference:
STARTING THE DISC MULCHER
WARNING
To avoid serious injury or death from thrown objects and ying debris, ensure no
bystanders are within 300 feet of the work area before starting this disc mulcher.
NOTICE
If mulcher vibrates while increasing RPM’s, switch o the auxiliary hydraulic circuit and investigate the
cause. Refer to the Troubleshooting Chart on page 40.
Mount the disc mulcher
Complete steps 1-6 on page 15.
Activate
Activate skid steer auxiliary hydraulic circuit.
set engine
Set skid steer engine RPM to slightly above idle.
01
02
03
full throttle
Once brush cutter ramps up to speed, increase skid steer engine to full throttle.
Ensure mulcher is running smoothly.
04

Ironcraftusa.com Ironcraftusa.com4.4 How To Start and stop the disc mulcher 4.5 initial Use Procedure18 19
WARNING
After switching o the auxiliary hydraulic circuit, keep hands and feet clear of the cutter
deck until disc rotation has come to a complete stop.
Raise the mulcher slightly
and set skid steer’s engine to idle.
allow time
for the mulcher to slow down.
switch off
the auxiliary hydraulic circuit.
01
02
03
STOPPING THE DISC MULCHER 4.5 INITIAL USE PROCEDURE
Figure 4.5: After starting skid steer, lift attachment 6 inches off the ground surface
6 inches
NOTICE
Make sure the case drain hose is properly attached to the prime mover’s case drain connection. Warranty
may be void if attachment is ran without the case drain hose connected. Excessive hydraulic pressure
can blow out seals and damage the motor.
Verify that hydraulic hoses are securely locked to the skid steer hydraulic couplers before starting the
disc mulcher.
NOTICE
Before operating mulcher, check the hydraulic uid level in the skid steer and add oil if necessary.
WARNING
To avoid serious injury by hydraulic uid injection into your skin, never use your hand or
other body parts to locate a hydraulic leak. Detect leaks with a piece of wood or card board.