A better grapple for what I’m doing?

Hello friends I am exploring a grapple that might work better for me than what I am currently using. 99% of the time I am picking logs off of a pile set by a triaxle log truck. The grapple I have right now is a set of forks with a grapple attached the problem is my sight is limited by the loader frame etc. & always seem to wind up with to many logs on the forks. We have a decent sized 70hp utility tractor but when all those logs roll on the forks it puts a lot of stress on the loader arms & make the rear end light. I feel like it’s also hard on the front axle (difficult to steer) I been looking at the Frostproof grapple & the Wicked grapples. Just wondering if any you have any experience or advice on these grapples for what I’m doing. I’ll try to post some pics of what I’m currently using & the log piles I’m picking off of. Thanks!

 

I think the Frostbite style grapple is better suited for log picking than the wider Wicked grapple. There are a few brands that sell that style grapple. Sundown, Igland, Fransgard, and Titan now does as well.

I almost bought a Fransgard SK-1400 a few years ago. Wish I had now. They've gone up about $500-$600 in the last 3 years.

 

The visibility of the forks on my tractor is not good. I have to stand up to see where they are.
The wicked 55 grapple is lighter than the frostbite. I have seen the videos that say the fb is better for pushing into a log pile and picking logs. There’s only one way to find out if that’s true. From my research the fb is cheaper than the similarly styled grapples from the competitors. If you can get it delivered to a commercial site.

 

Do you have bias towards any of the brands you mentioned? Is one built more ruggedly than the others? Thanks!

 

That’s my problem with the fork grapple, can’t see where I’m at in the pile or how many logs I’m under. Are you liking your new setup? Your probably not using for the same purpose as I am. Thanks!

 

It’s a loaner, so I can return it when I’m done.
No I’m not grabbing from huge log piles.

 

The joys of a tractor style loader. Only way you’re going to get better visibility is use a mini ex or a skidsteer. The arms and frames will always destroy what you’re ultimately after, visibility.

the jcb teleskid is about the only decent compromise of all worlds.

As to actual grapples, look at what Chris from In the woodyard uses. If I was to get dedicated only for log loading, those would be it.

I use a combination rock/ brush double clamshell grapple. I borrowed it from my cousin so it’s showing me it’s strengths and weaknesses for what it’s capable of and about the only weakness I see it’s it built too light. He runs a new Holland machine the same size as my bobcat. Helps we can share attachments.

the double clam shell is plumbed parallel so they both close with the same pressure, but if one side is smaller than the other, it will close accordingly.

This model ( company is no longer in business) flexes and over centers the clam really easy. I could tear it apart if I really wanted to not watching what I’m doing.



works really good for cleaning up slash as well as grubbing out smaller trees and brush for clearing.





That center stack is mostly all 13’6” or longer “16” lined” longs off the property.


I can see a need for three styles of grapples in the wood yard.

Double clamshell like this would be good for loading splits out of a pile and letting the debris/ dirt fall out.

wicked grapple would be good as a rootrake and a landscape rake

and dedicated log grapple like Chris at In the wood yard.

 

Personally, I would NOT buy the Titan. It looks the cheapest built, and the low weight seems to confirm that. 262 lbs. vs 330-350 lbs. for the others. Built in China with low quality components no doubt.

For occasional use the Sundown, Igland or Frostbite would be a great choice I think. All around 42" openings and weigh around 330-350 lbs. Similar price to the Titan.

In my opinion the Fransgard looks the best built, but is also the most expensive. For everyday or very frequent use that's what I'd buy. They offer two sizes, one being much bigger than the other brands offerings at 462 lbs and a 55" opening. Your 5500 is a good sized tractor and could handle the bigger size, but you may like the smaller size of the SK-950 at 330 lbs. and a 44" opening.

 

I just bought a set of forklift forks for my skidsteer. I don’t mind buying the correct attachments knowing someday in the future I’ll likely be using them on a tractor.

IF I were to buy one set of grapples, it will be a Bobcat brand of what I currently use.

when I got my forks, they had the titan brand and Bobcat brand grapples on the ground. As well as a locally made version.

the quality of the product is hands down notable between the three. With titan being the cheapest (worst built) option. How the frame is attached to the implements vs the quality of the steel etc.

This is how the plate is attached on an actual bobcat bucket. Titan is lighter gauge material as well as the eye welds aren’t there.

 

I bought a Titan tree puller attachment. All excited to try it out. Got it hooked up and one of the fittings was spraying hydraulic fluid all over as soon as I went to move the jaws. Made a huge mess. Titan specified I had to send a video of it before they'd send out a new hose. Had my wife video it and had to clean the mess up again. I was pizzed and made it apparent in the video that I didn't appreciate having my wife near high pressure hydraulic fluid. Titan sent out a new hose, and after installing it, I had the exact same issue again. Ended up returning the whole attachment.

 

I have to get a hotsy to clean up my machine. Had a grapple fitting come loose on my machine and soaked everything good.

nothing a stupid $5 crescent wrench couldn’t fix. Just had to tighten it up.

 

Farmchuck Frostbites are made in North Dakota.
I contacted EA attachments to see what I could save for pick up instead of delivery. they knock off 7% which is NC sales tax. The wicked 55 would still cost more than the Fb delivered.

 

My boss has one of these. Very stout. Only grapple I have ever got to use.

Root Rake | Paladin Attachments

 

This was a swivel fitting. It leaked where the swivel turned. No way to tighten it.

 

Yeah, those can get messy quickly. Mine was. 37* flared fitting coming loose

 

Don’t shop on price alone…. I can GUARANTEE the after sales customer support from Everything Attachments is hands down better than most !!

 

Exactly