Is the Limb Reaper compatible with my excavator?
The Rotobec Limb Reaper is a lightweight mini excavator grapple saw designed for tree care, land clearing, and disaster relief applications. Built by combining a Rotobec Mini PC grapple with a Hultdins saw, it delivers efficient cutting and material handling in one compact attachment.
Recommended excavator size
The Limb Reaper is best suited for:
- 8- to 11-ton excavators
- Approximately 18,000 to 20,000 lb operating weight
Machines in this range typically provide the stability and hydraulic performance required to operate the Limb Reaper. However, excavator compatibility depends on more than operating weight alone. The RGS-350 saw bundle requires a minimum hydraulic flow of 25 GPM at 3,600 psi, equating to approximately 52 horsepower to properly power the saw system.
Compatible excavator examples
- John Deere 85P
- Hyundai HX85 or HX90
- Kubota KX080
- CAT 308 or CAT 309
- Mecalac 10MCR
- Takeuchi TB290
- Yanmar SV100
- Bobcat E85
- Komatsu PC88MR
- Volvo ECR88D
- Case CX80C
- Kobelco SK85
- Hitachi ZX85
- And more. Ask your Rotobec regional representative to see if your machine is compatible with the Limb Reaper.
Confirming the Blade Configuration
When evaluating whether your excavator is compatible with the Limb Reaper, it is also important to confirm the blade configuration on your machine.
Some excavators are equipped with an angle blade configuration rather than a standard straight blade.
An angle blade can move:
- Up and down like a standard dozer blade
- Side to side to angle the blade for grading or material movement
On certain machines, such as the John Deere 85G, this configuration can affect how hydraulic circuits are routed and how auxiliary hydraulics perform.
How to Confirm Your Blade Configuration
There are two simple ways to confirm if your excavator has an angle blade configuration:
- Check the machine options list
Your excavator’s build sheet or options list will indicate whether the machine is equipped with an angle blade. - Look for the additional blade cylinder
Machines with an angle blade will typically have an extra hydraulic cylinder mounted on one side of the blade assembly, which controls the side-to-side angling movement.
If you are unsure whether your machine configuration is compatible, contact your Rotobec regional representative or dealer for assistance.
Optional: Verify Hydraulic Flow and Pressure
If there is any doubt about hydraulic performance, dealers can quickly confirm the system output.
A simple flow meter test on the hydraulic circuit can verify that the machine is providing the flow and pressure required to properly power the Limb Reaper saw system. The test typically takes only a few minutes and ensures the attachment will perform as expected.
Not recommended for smaller machines
For smaller machines, Rotobec recommends the Mini PC018 Grapple, which is designed to match lower machine capacities without saw operation
What the Limb Reaper is designed for
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Below-bearing cutting of oversized limbs and branches too large for grinders
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Handling and processing storm debris
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Improving efficiency in tree care, land clearing, and disaster cleanup
When paired with the right excavator, the Rotobec Limb Reaper delivers precise cutting, improved productivity, and the durability Rotobec is known for.
