Tractor FEL log Grapple Ideas

The expanded metal toppers on both of my bucket grapples are torn in multiple places. I can't see how it will hold up long on one of these open styles.

 

I guess it depends on the style of grapple.

 

Here is one of my favorite grapple pics.

 

You can see a tare in the middle by the hoses. It's even worse now along with others. The new ones like mine are coming with pipes behind the expanded. Its a great idea.


New style

 

I see what you are saying. On my grapple the expanded metal only has to span not quite 7.'' Then it is also on the back side of the grapple, on the 3x3 cross tube so it is protected, but it protects the tractor.

 

This log grapple seem to be a popular design. The Frostbite, sundown and this Fransgard are the same as near as I can tell. They sure seem to work good for moving logs.
Be sure to crank your speakers on this one.

 

very nice picture!!!!!! I like the "fish hook barb" teeth on the grapple, (lightbulb) makes me want to add some to mine!!!! and the expanded metal is really cool too!!!! this is clearly from day one of the grapple purchase right? do you have a pic after a few years of use?

also I think you're right about putting the expanded metal on the back of the grapple.

 

very cool!! can you post a link to this manufacturer?

 

Grapple and Blade Attachments by ANBO

 

Well. well. well. . . look what I just found!!!!!!! if you weren't ambiguous about a grapple before you will be now!!!

 

better yet just get one of these... it only costs 15,490. that's cheap!!! when you have me spending your money for you.

 

I have seen these for years. They are pretty slick.

 

Yes that is when it was new. It is a long story but I actually won the grapple and it had to be built. The grapple and expanded metal still look good. I think the expanded metal has one dent.

 

I have been dreaming about processors. The problem I see with them is they all split the wood too big. I like the idea of a SS processor. The same machine that pics up the log processes it. You can even process right of a truck or trailer. Whats a decent Skid Steer cost, $20-25k? So it would cost $40k.

 

Grapples are never strong enough. I have bent many and seen many more bent. If they are strong enough they are to much weight for your machine. So take it easy on the grapples.

I subbed a processor last fall. Only took 4 hours to process everything but I had to resplit half the wood pile to make smaller fire place or wood stove size wood. Took awhile to replit 15 cord of wood.

Top picture is a mini branch manager that the bushings wore. Drilled all the bolts from 1.0" to 1.125" and added more grease zerks.

Bottom picture is HD branch manager that I used a larger 3.5 bore cylinder on and now increased the bolts from 1.0" to 1.25" The 1.25 bolts are holding great.

Currently working to draft/draw out parts to CNC new parts.

 

Ouch!

 

I dream about owning a processor EVERY DAY brother. lol. I'm glad I'm not the only person that sees the flaws in their designs. lol. so when you say a ss processor do you mean something like this?

 

SS= Skidsteer. I'm not seeing what makes the SS processors so expensive. Most of them are basically a splitter with a hydraulic saw and clamp to hold the wood while it is being cut. The Halverson processor is a very simple design.

That looks like a pretty fast processor in that video.

Checkout the firewood shootout. They tested several processors and splitters. Independent Sawmill & Woodlot Management Magazine They also said most people with a processor use a super split to resplit.

 

This exact processor splits wood very small, depending on which splitter head used. With the 8 way head, In my opinion, the wood is split too small. It would work great for the bundled wood, I imagine. I think this video is showing a 4 way splitter.