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Grapple Recommendations

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by lukem, Jan 18, 2025.

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  1. Chud

    Chud

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    Chud, Feb 5, 2025
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  2. WeldrDave

    WeldrDave Military Outpost Moderator

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    WeldrDave, Feb 5, 2025
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  3. lukem

    lukem

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    I ended up getting the Stinger 66". Buy once, cry once.

    I really like the root style with dual lids for odd shapes. Made (well) in the USA. Dealer was awesome, I didn't have to pay shipping, and it came wil flat face couplers already. Worked out to be about the same price to my door as the Homestead that was my second choice.
     
    lukem, Feb 5, 2025
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  4. WeldrDave

    WeldrDave Military Outpost Moderator

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    I looked real hard at the stinger. The ones I was looking hot on were the; Iron Craft, MTL, Catawba, Stinger, Homestead. Many of them had good qualities. Quick attach had some real nice stuff, but they didn’t get back with me with a quote. I Understand they are real pricey $$$$…. I REFUSE to buy any Chinese S#!T. I’m sure for some light stuff and what I’m going to do, it may have been fine. I want to keep my/our money here in America! It’s hard to do, as all of you know but something like this, Americans are going to get my business even though my Tractor is Japanese. goshdarnit, sadly so many things we buy anymore is made else where!
     
    WeldrDave, Feb 5, 2025
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  5. lukem

    lukem

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    Got it hooked up this morning.
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    Last edited: Feb 7, 2025
    lukem, Feb 7, 2025
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  6. lukem

    lukem

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    I was able to grab this 14" x14' log by the end and drag it out. It has plenty of grip.

    I could also pick it up from the top...clam down it from overhead...without any slipping.

    Ground thawed out and started making a mess. I've never seen the ground so soft...it's like the top 3" are somewhere between soup and peanut butter.

    PXL_20250207_154547642.jpg
     
    Last edited: Feb 7, 2025
    lukem, Feb 7, 2025
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  7. lukem

    lukem

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    Got a couple hours of tractor time today with the grapple. Moved a ton of brush and logs into a couple piles. It works great but the operator could use some practice.

    Really like the dual lids for gripping weird size stuff but I did wish it didn't have the gap in the lids. Can't have it both ways I guess.

    Really glad I got a brush guard installed in addition to the factory bumper. Probably saved me a radiator already.
     
    lukem, Feb 9, 2025
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  8. WeldrDave

    WeldrDave Military Outpost Moderator

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    WeldrDave, Feb 12, 2025
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  9. Cold Trigger Finger

    Cold Trigger Finger

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    That is an Amazingly low price on that skeleton grapple bucket !!
     
    Cold Trigger Finger, Feb 13, 2025
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  10. Cold Trigger Finger

    Cold Trigger Finger

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    Pictures. Pictures. Pictures
    Most of it with Cat is . They make their Skeleton Rock Grapple bucket heavy duty enough for Long and hard use on a 299 or 285 . Those machines would pretzel a lightweight brush or Skeleton grapple bucket .
    Not saying that a lighter weight grapple bucket won't live long and work GREAT on a small tractor or small skidsteer. The CAT attachments are made to live with Hard use .
     
    Cold Trigger Finger, Feb 13, 2025
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  11. Cold Trigger Finger

    Cold Trigger Finger

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    I got the 74" Cat , Skeleton Rock Grapple bucket .
    Just need to drive to Fairbanks and pick it up .
    I picked this one because it's got 3" spacing between the tines . For loading splits and small diameter rounds .
    But still open enough for shaking snow and sawdust off , out of a bucket load before dumping into truck or trailer .
    The price of this is high . But I think it will hold up to thousands of cord of work .
    It is heavy at 1172 lbs . But compared to Skid Pro or others . It is very similar weight .
    There are other features I prefer on the Cat as opposed to other brands also .
     
    Cold Trigger Finger, Feb 13, 2025
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