Check these grapples out...BLACK Compact Tractor 48" / 54" / 60" HD Root Grapple Hydraulic - quick attach — MTL Attachments Very reasonable price and shipping. That's the one we have on our L3130 'Bota. Works great for brush, full load of hickory limbs... We also added 2 hooks on top for chain and tongs.
A CAT dealer did that to my employer. He sold them a ridiculously big and heavy grapple for their small skid. It’s all about the commission and how much you can make off the uninformed customers.
I'm stuck on what to get here. I like the "root" style grapples because they lighter and probably better suited for what I'm going to do with it, but I also want the double lid style for uneven loads. I can see myself moving a lot of awkward shaped stuff. Is a double vs single lid really that big of a deal?
Right? So many new ways to learn to spend money. I thought I already had enough ways to spend money. Thanks FHC!!!
It boils down to personal preference. I demoed a double lid and it felt awkward and heavy on my tractor. I have a fork grapple that I could live with if I had to. It’s not good for grabbing rounds and your log load can be further away from the pivot point. The root grapple is easier and more intuitive for me to operate than the other 2 styles and it keeps your load closer to the pivot point and it’s lighter and it’s useful for raking up or dragging debris.
I kinda like this one. Seems like the best of both worlds. Compact Tractor Clam Grapple | Stinger Attachments
I got my first meaningful amount of seat time on the tractor last weekend and kept hitting the buttons for the 3rd function on accident. This really messed with the rest of the loader functions with nothing hooked up to the 3rd function hydraulic lines and drove me nuts. Probably not great for the valve either. I used one of the factory rocker switch knockouts on the right fender near the loader control and wired in a switch to power down the valve when not needed....orange LED lights up when on and ready for use. Easy mod that should be pretty handy. Good chance I'm picking up a grapple tomorrow.
I need to *NOTE*. since this thread started, I’ll bet I’ve looked at 50 grapples. There are (American companies) that buy their grapples from China and slap their sticker on them and call it theirs! I believe T.Jeff Veal has a true American made one. I’m digging…
Here’s a little tidbit about (Machinery-Asia) A HUGE company that many American dealers sell. About us MachineryAsia is a fast growing heavy equipment solution provider on eBay. We offer market leading products such as dump trucks, forklifts, crawler cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, motor graders and asphalt mixing plants. Get your business off to a great start by purchasing important road construction equipment. From motor graders to dump trucks, there is a range of machines that you’ll find at MachineryAsia. To tap into opportunities in construction and agricultural sectors , business owners, main contractors and sub-contractors need to harness durable and affordable heavy equipment backed by an effective 3S distributorship (covering machinery sales, after-sales service and spares.) When looking for a reliable equipment supplier, look for MachineryAsia at www.Machinery-Asia.com. Quality heavy equipment backed by a strong after sales service and a widespread inventory of spares. For assistance, pls email us at [email protected]. Chinese grapple.
I’m leaning hard at 2 but I do like the Homestead 55” Pinnacle Series Root Grapple - Rugged, American-Made Grapples