Flow Rates Explained Standard Flow vs. High Flow Skid Steer Attachments: How to Know What Your Machine Can Run If you are shopping for a skid steer attachment, one of the first questions you may run into is: Do I need standard flow or high flow? For a lot of customers, this is where things get confusing. You know the job you need to get done. Maybe you need to mow brush, clear trails, move material, drill holes, remove snow, or reclaim overgrown property. But once you start looking at attachments, you may see terms like standard flow, high flow, GPM, PSI, hydraulic flow, auxiliary hydraulics, and motor requirements. If you are not sure where to start, this guide will help you understand the basics in plain language. Table of Contents 01What Does Hydraulic Flow Mean on a Skid Steer? 02Standard Flow vs. High Flow: What Is the Difference? 03What Attachments Can a Standard-Flow Skid Steer Run? 04What Attachments Usually Need High Flow? 05Do You Always Need High Flow? 06How Do I Know If My Skid Steer Is Standard Flow or High Flow? 07What Happens If You Buy the Wrong Flow Attachment? 08Standard Flow vs. High Flow Brush Cutters 09Can a High-Flow Skid Steer Run Standard-Flow Attachments? 10Can You Add High Flow to a Standard-Flow Skid Steer? 11Simple Questions to Ask Before Buying a Skid Steer Attachment 12Final Takeaway: Match the Attachment to the Machine and the Job Click a question to jump to that section. 01 What Does Hydraulic Flow Mean on a Skid Steer? Hydraulic flow is what powers many skid steer attachments. Instead of having their own engine, many attachments use the hydraulic power from your skid steer or compact track loader. That hydraulic power moves through the machine’s auxiliary hydraulic system and runs the attachment. Hydraulic flow is measured in GPM, which stands for gallons per minute. In simple terms: GPM tells you how much hydraulic fluid your machine can send to the attachment. More hydraulic flow can help power more demanding attachments. The attachment needs to match what your machine can provide. If the attachment needs more flow than your machine has, it may run poorly, run slowly, or not run correctly. If the attachment is not rated for the amount of flow your machine is sending, you can risk damaging the attachment. That is why it is important to know your machine’s hydraulic flow before choosing a skid steer attachment. ↑ Back to FAQs 02 Standard Flow vs. High Flow: What Is the Difference? The difference between standard flow and high flow comes down to hydraulic output. A standard-flow skid steer is designed to run many common attachments. A high-flow skid steer can send more hydraulic fluid to the attachment, which helps power more demanding tools. Hydraulic Type Common Flow Range Best For Standard Flow Around 17-25 GPM Common attachmentsLighter duty powered toolsGeneral property work High Flow Around 26-45+ GPM More demanding attachmentsHeavy brush clearingMulchingSnow blowingMillingHigh-production work A quick note on GPM: exact flow ranges vary by machine brand, model, year, and configuration. Always check your specific machine before buying an attachment. ↑ Back to FAQs 03 What Attachments Can a Standard-Flow Skid Steer Run? Standard flow is the most common hydraulic setup, and it works for many everyday skid steer attachments. A standard-flow machine may be a good fit for attachments like: Buckets Grapples Pallet forks Bale spears Blades Some augers Some brooms and sweepers Some brush mowers and brush cutters General property maintenance attachments For many acreage owners, farmers, landscapers, municipalities, and property maintenance customers, standard flow is enough for a lot of common work. The key word is match. A standard-flow machine can run standard-flow attachments that are designed for its GPM range. It should not be expected to properly run an attachment that requires high flow. 04 What Attachments Usually Need High Flow? High-flow attachments are usually more demanding because they need more hydraulic power to perform correctly. High flow is commonly used for attachments like: Heavy-duty brush cutters Foresty mulchers Cold planers Stump grinders Snow blowers Rock saws High-production trenchers Other hydraulic motor-driven attachments that need more output High flow is especially important when the attachment is doing aggressive cutting, grinding, milling, mulching, or throwing material. For example, if you are clearing thick brush, cutting larger saplings, grinding stumps, or running a snow blower in heavy snow, a high-flow machine may give you the performance the attachment was built for. 05 Do You Always Need High Flow? No. You do not always need high flow. This is one of the most common misunderstandings when shopping for skid steer attachments. High flow can be helpful, but it is not automatically better for every job. If you are using your machine for general property maintenance, moving material, light brush cutting, grading, clearing trails, or routine chores, a standard-flow attachment may be the better fit. High flow matters most when the attachment requires it. Important reminder: If the attachment is built for standard flow, you do not need to pay for a high-flow attachment just because it sounds more powerful. The better choice is the attachment that matches your machine and the job you are doing. ↑ Back to FAQs 06 How Do I Know If My Skid Steer Is Standard Flow or High Flow? The easiest way to know what your skid steer can run is to look up your machine’s hydraulic specifications. Check your operator’s manual Your machine’s manual should list auxiliary hydraulic flow. Search your machine model online Look up your exact make and model, then search for the spec sheet. Look for high-flow controls or indicators Some machines have a high-flow button, switch, display setting, or indicator light. However, controls vary by manufacturer, and not every machine is labeled the same way. Do not rely only on a button or decal. Use the machine specs to confirm. Call Quick Attach and talk with a product specialist If you are unsure what your machine can run, you do not have to figure it out alone. Call Quick Attach and talk with our product specialist team. They work with skid steer attachments every day and can help you confirm your machine’s hydraulic flow, understand what standard flow or high flow means for your setup, and narrow down attachments that fit your machine and the job. Before you call, it helps to have your machine make, model, year, and hydraulic flow if available. If you do not know all of that information yet, our team can still help point you in the right direction. Call Quick Attach at 866-428-8224 to talk with a product specialist. ↑ Back to FAQs 07 What Happens If You Buy the Wrong Flow Attachment? Buying the wrong attachment can create problems. If the attachment needs more flow than your machine provides, it may: Run slowly Lose cutting speed Stall more easily Take longer to complete the job Produce poor results Put extra strain on the machine or attachment If your machine sends too much flow to an attachment that is not designed for it, you may risk: Overheating Seal damage Motor damage Hydraulic issues Unnecessary wear Costly downtime This is why hydraulic compatibility matters. The goal is not just to buy the biggest attachment. The goal is to buy the right attachment for your machine and your job. 08 Standard Flow vs. High Flow Brush Cutters Brush cutters are one of the most common attachments where customers run into standard-flow vs. high-flow questions. Brush Cutter Type Best For Standard Flow Grass, weeds, trails, ditches, light to moderate brush, general property maintenance, and regularly maintained ground High Flow Heavy brush, dense overgrowth, larger saplings, fence lines, trail clearing, land reclamation, and higher-production clearing work If you are only maintaining your property a few times a year, you may not need the most aggressive high-flow brush cutter. But if you are reclaiming overgrown land or cutting thick material regularly, high flow may be worth considering. ↑ Back to FAQs 09 Can a High-Flow Skid Steer Run Standard-Flow Attachments? In many cases, high-flow skid steers can also run standard-flow attachments, as long as the machine is operated in the correct mode and the attachment is matched to the correct hydraulic setting. This is important: do not assume you can hook up any attachment and run it however you want. Always check: The attachment’s required GPM range Your machine’s hydraulic flow Whether high flow can be turned on or off The manufacturer’s operating instructions The attachment’s motor and hydraulic requirements When in doubt, ask before running the attachment. ↑ Back to FAQs 10 Can You Add High Flow to a Standard-Flow Skid Steer? Sometimes high-flow hydraulics can be added, but it is not always simple or cost-effective. High flow is more than just adding a hose or changing a coupler. It can involve pumps, valves, lines, cooling capacity, controls, and other machine components. In many cases, it makes more sense to choose attachments that match the machine you already have. If you know you will need high-flow attachments regularly, it may be worth looking for a high-flow machine. If you only need occasional property maintenance, a standard-flow setup may be enough. ↑ Back to FAQs 11 Simple Questions to Ask Before Buying a Skid Steer Attachment What machine am I running? What is my machine’s hydraulic flow in GPM? Is my machine standard flow, high flow, or both? What attachment do I need for the job? What GPM range does that attachment require? What material am I working with? Short description goes here. Am I maintaining property or reclaiming overgrown land? How often will I use the attachment? Do I need light-duty, standard-duty, or heavy-duty performance? Do Am I buying the right attachment for my machine, not just the biggest option? These questions can help narrow down your options and avoid buying an attachment that is too much, too little, or not compatible with your machine. ↑ Back to FAQs 12 Final Takeaway: Match the Attachment to the Machine and the Job Standard flow and high flow do not have to be complicated. Standard flow works for many common skid steer attachments and everyday jobs. High flow is built for more demanding attachments that need more hydraulic output. If you are moving material, maintaining property, clearing light brush, or handling routine work, standard flow may be all you need. If you are running heavy-duty brush cutters, forestry mulchers, snow blowers, stump grinders, or other high-demand attachments, high flow may be required. The best attachment is the one that matches your machine, your hydraulic flow, and the work you need to get done. ↑ Back to FAQs We're here to help Not sure what your machine can run? Our product specialist team can help you confirm your machine’s hydraulic flow, compare attachment requirements, and find the right fit for the job. Contact Quick Attach Call a Product Specialist Related View ProductMega Mower X Standard Flow View ProductMega Mower X High Flow View AllSkid Steer Attachments Read More AboutBrush Mowers Read More AboutSoil Conditioners
