The Forax GP40 Gas Powered Mulcher doesn’t rely on your tractor’s hydraulics or PTO. It has its own gasoline engine mounted on the mulcher, so it can go on a small carrier without a big hydraulic setup. Here’s what you need to know about that engine.
Engine Specifications
- Power: 14 hp
- Fuel: gasoline (Forax calls for high-grade gasoline)
- Starting: pull start with a choke
- Controls: Fuel ON and Motor ON switches built into the throttle control
- Drive: belt (BX39) and drive clutch to the cutting drum
- Emergency shut off: plunger style
For the rest of the GP40 specs, the attachment weighs 350 lbs and has a 40-inch cutting width with 40 replaceable teeth.
How the Engine Drives the Drum
The engine turns the cutting drum through a belt and drive clutch. Because the engine is self-contained, the tractor or UTV only has to carry the mulcher. Forax lists a maximum tractor size of 40 hp and no minimum.
How to Start It
- Check the engine oil level against the engine manufacturer’s owner’s manual.
- Fill with high-grade gasoline.
- Set the throttle to half and the choke fully on.
- Pull the starter until the engine fires. The drum may start turning right away.
- Throttle down immediately and slowly disengage the choke until the engine idles.
- With the choke off, move the throttle to full. You’re ready to mulch.
Never start the mulcher unless it’s secured to a tractor or other carrier and never approach from the exposed drum side.
How to Shut It Down
- Slowly throttle down so the drum slows with the engine.
- At minimum throttle, wait 30 seconds for the drum to slow down.
- Slide the throttle lever to off.
The drum keeps turning after shutdown, so stay clear and don’t set the mulcher down abruptly. In an emergency, press the plunger-style shut-off to stop the engine immediately.
Protecting the Engine
- Don’t over-tilt the mulcher. Run it level or with the front slightly raised. Tilting it too far can stall the engine and cause engine damage.
- Feed material slowly. A slower feed lets the fast-turning drum mulch more efficiently.
- Keep the belt properly tensioned. Aim for about 1/2" to 3/4" of deflection between the pulleys. If the drum doesn’t turn freely, the belt is too tight and can engage the clutch too early.
- Check the break-in items. After the first 3 hours, inspect belt tension, teeth, and all bolts.
- Follow the engine manual. Forax says to follow the engine manufacturer’s owner’s manual, supplied with your GP40, for maintenance and storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the GP40 engine have?
14 hp.
What fuel does it use?
High-grade gasoline.
Is the GP40 electric start?
The manual describes a pull start.
Does the GP40 need my tractor’s PTO or hydraulics?
No. It runs on its own engine.
Is the 14 hp the same as the tractor size?
No. 14 hp is the mulcher’s own engine. Forax lists a maximum 40 hp tractor.
See the GP40
See the Forax GP40 Gas Powered Mulcher at Forestry Pro Supply.