Tractor FEL log Grapple Ideas

You need a bigger tractor then. I'm normally just trying to keep the backend of the tractor down.

I can slide the top in between the logs up under the one I'm trying to get. As long as I can see the teeth to get them angled right.

 

What does everyone think about this one?

 

That one is similar to the Frontier root grapple JD sells. I think they would be great for moving brush, rooting, etc. They would work for moving logs, but wouldn't bite the log. The grapples don't close enough.

 

No not at all. The forks are great for moving logs. My only complaint about them being long is that many of my trails are not opened up as much as I'd like and maneuvering is a challenge at times. For example, I whacked one of my sugar maples with a fork once and left a decent sized scar on it.

 

The only thing I see is that it may be similar to mine with one lid and it doesn't open far enough. When you want to move a lot of brush/stumps you need a larger opening. I had an idea when I bought mine that would be the case. But I was trying to buy everything in one package for financing purposes and if I had any problems with any of it the dealer would back it. So I just planned on manipulating the grapple after. I end up with everything I need for the grapple but will customize by making it adjustable straight up and down on height.

If all you are doing is buying a grapple though I would certainly find one with the largest opening you can and still remain with low weight and good solid build/strength.

 

94BULLITT ... I am reading all your responses.. and really appreciate your description of what works and why.. me personally am looking for a grapple to move brush piles.. so when I cut down trees an easier way to pick up brush to get to burn pile.. besides by hand into trailer. it could just be me.. but most stumps that have to be moved (without breaking equipment) rent an excavator.. as a lot of stumps are not in trails now...

 

sorry to make you feel that way. after reading this ^^ and scrolling thru I see that I, along with many others, have been asking you questions. so I can see how you could get that impression. I think its due to the fact that you have so many videos on your youtube channel, you seem knowledgeable and ppl come to you for input. I just like to bounce ideas off other ppl and see what comes back. I try to explore every aspect of an issue, before making a decision, most of the time, anyways.

I had not considered the weight to be an issue. but that is good to think about. I did a quick search. here is a 72" grapple that weighs 700 lbs. vvvv

this 72" weighs 862 vvvv

here is a rock grapple that weighs 988 vvvv
Rock Haul Grapple Skeleton Rock Bucket
so all in all, you are correct about the weight issue.

when I first read this I was like "Huh? they both have teeth." then I realized you were referring to the fish hook style barbs on the inside of the grapple teeth. and that is something I noticed. like if you tried to grab the round end of a log and pull it. it would slip thru the teeth on the faver grapple. but the faver also have bigger cylinders for more clamping force, so its a trade off. which one is better? I can't say, depends on the situation really.

another difference I notice is that since a root grapple's teeth are curved up at the tips they are designed to be operated like this. vvvvv with the bucket pointed down at about a 45* angle. vvvv

any operator will tell you that it is much slower and more tedious to run a machine with the bucket pointed down at a 45* angle than running it flat. simply because its more time consuming to set the bucket to the right angle when returning to work after dumping. also the bucket will want to dig and gouge so as you drive forward you have to drive much slower.

this tine bucket on the other hand you can quickly drop back flat to the ground and when you drive forward you can drive much faster, and more efficiently.

my grapple is like this one. vvvv

I bought it used for $400. I wasn't even in the market for a grapple but I couldn't pass it up. I have broken in several times. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

 

it appears to be a middle of the road grapple, not the cheapest, both price wise and build. also not the most expensive and most durable. I like the greasable fittings and the low profile bottom tines. but like bullet mentioned, you may struggle to keep the brush/logs in the grapple. that is, if your pulling or separating from a pile due to the fact that there is no fishhook style barbs on the inside of the grapple teeth. but that problem may or may not be occasional for you. the biggest issue I can see is the exposed cylinders and hoses. pushing up brush into a pile or grabbing it to load out is where you'll run into trouble. especially if you can't see the hoses from the seat. even if you can see the hoses though. there is sooo much to watch out for when pushing up a brush pile you have to watch so far left and right and watch the pile too. a single 1-2 inch stick can grab those hoses and rip em off. also it doesn't appear to open enough as already mentioned. I would look for a grapple with a 40" opening, or something close.

 

it looks like the top and bottom tines bypass each other in the picture. how are they not closing enough? or maybe I'm just looking at it wrong??

 

I get your point but can see how either design has it's advantages.

That's an anbo general purpose model. I like how the top bites to the side of the bottom. Looks like it would hold stuff better. Provided that it was shut.

I'm more interested in their rock root & tree or high capacity grapples. Such as this...



Or this.



Note that I'm running 100hp front wheel assist tractors.

 

very kewl design!!! I like the high visibility thru the center.

 

Looks pretty decent. What I like is you could load splits from a pile and shake out bark and debris.

 

That second one looks like it would be very productive!

 

I reread through all of the posts today. I thought all I wanted was a "log" grapple. After seeing all of the options/ideas, I'm not so sure now.
I really like the Faver model with the flat bottom/tooth design and the one concrete grazer posted with the similar design. I am seeing a lot of practicality to each. I think they would work well for logs. and I'd go crazy cleaning up skid trails, etc.
Keep the ideas coming.
This is such a great website. Crazy how many guys all have similar thoughts about something as simple as a grapple for a tractor.

 

Thanks! You are right about stumps, they are best dug with an excavator or get a stump grinder. If you get a 10'' oak tree, it will put up a heck of a fight.

 

I agree with what Felter said. It is middle of the road grapple. The tube connecting the tines on the ends looks really small. The tines don't have any gussets going to the tube. The lid has a very small cylinder protector. I think it is best if the top is enclosed. The hose arrangement looks good and the cylinders are mounted in the middle of the lids which is good.

 

Sorry for the misunderstanding.

The smaller the machine the more important weight is.

I think the tines on most root grapples are angled to help the cut and dig. If you are going to be doing a lot of grapple work and need the grapple angled then you can adjust the level gauge to your desired grapple angle so you can get the loader to that position quickly.

The bucket alone was probably worth $400. Have you looked at the tomahawk root grapples? The cylinders are mounted on the sides of the lids. I bet they get bent frequently.

Tomahawk Attachments :: Tomahawk 72" HD Two-Cylinder Brush Grapple

 

don't feel bad brother. I feel the same way. I am learning more and more as this thread goes on.

 

I haven't seen them until now. I completely agree. they are very cheaply made.

 

A nice addition to any grapple is expanded metal on the back. It keeps brush from poking through at the tractor and rock or small stumps can't fall through the back of the grapple.

I was going to post some pictures but photobucket is not working.