Guide to Skid Steer Attachments That Require High Flow

Understanding which skid steer attachments require high-flow hydraulics is essential for getting the performance you need without damaging your equipment. High-flow skid steer attachments provide more power for demanding jobs like mulching, trenching, grinding, and heavy snow removal, but not all machines are equipped to handle them.

Before buying or renting an attachment, it’s important to know if your skid steer supports high-flow attachments and what that means for tool compatibility. This guide walks through everything you need to know.

What is High Flow on a Skid Steer?

Most skid steers run on standard-flow hydraulics, typically operating at around 18 to 25 gallons per minute (GPM). On the other hand, high-flow skid steers push more hydraulic oil, usually 26 to 40+ GPM, depending on the brand and model.

This additional hydraulic flow increases power and speed for certain attachments with hydraulic motors. You’ll find high-flow ports as an added third hydraulic line, and most high-flow systems are integrated at the factory or can be added with upgrade kits (if supported by the model).

Not every job requires high flow capabilities because standard flow attachments may suffice. But when you need them, having the right setup makes a major difference in output and performance.

Why Do Certain Attachments Require High Flow?

Attachments that use a hydraulic motor (not just cylinders) require high-flow hydraulics to keep that motor spinning powerfully and consistently. Without enough GPM, the tool either won't turn at all, will operate slowly, or could damage itself and your hydraulic system.

High-flow tools typically:

• Demand continuous power, not just pressure

• Remove or process dense material (such as trees, concrete, or heavy snow)

• Have higher torque and speed needs than standard flow attachments

Simply put, high flow is about performance.

What Skid Steer Attachments Require High Flow?

Below are some of the most common tools that require or strongly benefit from a high-flow skid steer. If you’re looking for heavy-duty tools built for serious work, you can explore our full range of skid steer attachments and find high-flow compatible options.

Auger Drives

Most standard-duty auger drives operate with standard-flow hydraulics. However, heavy-duty or high-torque auger drives, especially those used for drilling in rocky or frozen ground, often require high-flow hydraulics to generate more torque for deeper, wider, or more resistant drilling.

If you're using rock bits, anchor drives, or oversized attachments, high flow may be necessary for peak performance.

Cold Planers

These tools grind and mill asphalt or concrete. Without adequate hydraulic flow, the cutting teeth slow down or stall, reducing depth, speed, and efficiency.

Forestry Mulchers

Mulchers are used for land clearing and vegetation management. These powerful attachments need high torque and RPM to shred thick brush, saplings, and even small trees. High flow ensures smoother operation without bogging down.

Industrial Snow Blowers

Two-stage snow blowers, especially wider models, need more hydraulic flow to turn the augers and impeller fast enough to move snow effectively, especially when dealing with wet and heavy snow.

Stump Grinders

Stump grinders chew through hardwood with carbide or steel teeth. High-flow hydraulics allow for faster grinding and less stalling as the head maintains consistent speed.

Trenchers and Rock Saws

These cutting tools rely on a motorized chain or blade. With high flow, you’ll get deeper cuts and better consistency in rocky or hard-packed soil.

Soil Conditioners / Power Rakes

These high-flow attachments are used for final grading, breaking up clumps, and smoothing soil. The higher hydraulic flow rates produce a faster drum spin and cleaner finish in fewer passes. If your work involves material like soil, loose fill, or gravel, and you’re not sure which bucket is the right fit,  read our guide on how to choose a skid steer bucket.

Note: Some of these high-flow skid steer tools also come in standard versions. Always check the GPM rating before you buy.

What are the Signs an Attachment Needs High-Flow Hydraulics?

If you are not sure whether an attachment requires high flow, here are common indicators:

• The spec sheet lists a GPM requirement of 25 or higher

• The attachment performs sluggishly on your standard-flow skid steer

• The motor stalls or bogs under pressure

• You hear hydraulic bypass valve noise (a sign of system overload)

• The dealer classifies it as high-flow only

If in doubt, always ask the manufacturer or seller to verify compatibility with your machine.

How Do You Know If You Have a High-Flow Skid Steer?

Now that you know what skid steer attachments require high flow, it’s time to check if your machine can accommodate them. Not all machines come with high-flow as standard equipment. Here’s how to check:

• Review your machine’s manual or manufacturer’s website

• Look at the data plate for hydraulic specs (e.g., 26+ GPM = high flow)

• Visually inspect: high-flow models often have a third auxiliary hydraulics line

• Check for a high-flow decal or button inside the cab

• Contact your dealer with your model and serial number to confirm

Some high-flow machines also offer “high-flow XPS” or “enhanced high-flow” with higher PSI and open-loop systems. These are especially important for milling or mulching in tough conditions.

High-flow machines can also run standard-flow attachments. Just engage the correct flow mode to avoid overloading the tool.

Example: Using the Lowe A-400 High Flow Auger Drive on a Bobcat T870

The Lowe A-400 Planetary Auger Drive is built for extreme-duty drilling, with torque outputs of over 5,000 lb-ft and support for augers up to 48" wide. When paired with a high-flow skid steer like the Bobcat T870, the A-400 delivers maximum performance in tough digging conditions.

The Bobcat T870 offers 36.6 GPM of high-flow hydraulic output and pressure up to 3,500 PSI, well within the A-400’s ideal operating range. At 3,500 PSI, the A-400 produces near-actual torque of 4,676 lb-ft, making it capable of driving large-diameter auger bits through compacted clay, frozen ground, or rocky terrain with ease.

See these when your high-flow skid steer and tool are properly configured:

• High hydraulic flow ensures faster auger RPM (e.g., ~68 RPM at 36 GPM)

• Hydraulic pressure delivers steady, deep torque with minimal stalling

• The protected hose routing and zero-leak motor mount reduce wear in tough soil environments

If you're planning to use extreme-duty auger drives like the A-400 with large-diameter bits and high-resistance soil, matching it to a compatible high-flow machine like the Bobcat T870 is essential for safe, efficient operation.