How to Mulch With a Track Loader

You can use a track loader to distribute mulch over many beds. The track loader is like a skid-steer loader with tracks instead of wheels. It is used for a wide variety of outdoor projects. The trick with track loaders is to avoid putting too much pressure on grass or beds, or you'll tear up a yard or landscaping area.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Map your route. Arrange a way to move the track loader to various beds without destroying everything in its path. Put down plywood or other materials to protect the ground, or find durable surface areas that the track loader can access. Decide how you will use the track loader to move between pick-up areas and beds.

2. Make sure the track loader has access to your mulch pile. Dump mulch in a place where the track loader can get right up next to it and scoop.

3. Use the track loader bucket to get enough mulch for one of the beds.

4. Use your pre-described route to bring the mulch close enough to the bed so that you can rake the entire bed by hand.

5. Dump the mulch gradually in a place where it will not cover the landscaping. Bring the bucket down by inches. Tip it gradually, letting small parts of your mulch load fall in various locations across the bed. Have a "raker," who will move the mulch as it is being dumped by the track loader.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have enough mulch. Look at the beds and estimate how much product you need. If you run out and have to take the loader back to a rental place, the job will be complicated.

Resources

• Track loaders.
• Bobcat mini-track loaders: mulching.