Who's Using A Grapple ?

See that’s the thing about philosophy of use. What works for one person doesn’t always work best for another. This grapple rake works especially well for how I use it 99% of the time. Which is for raking up and removing brush debris after tree work in clients yards without tearing the yard up.

Ideally I’d have 3 different grapples. Double clam for odd shaped objects, pallet grapple for piling large volumes of mostly intact branches to be moved to the chipper, and this grapple rake. Unfortunately I’m not made of money and had to compromise and choose the one that would do the most for my situation.

Heck the tractor platform isn’t even the best machine for my work. A tracked mini skid steer provides superior benefits but will destroy a yard quick. Ideally I’d have an articulated mini-loader for superior front implement visibility and still be gentle on lawns. Those rarely come up for sale used, and I didn’t have 60k laying around for a new one. So another compromise with the tractor.

 

Nice work, Brad. Nice log. As you stated, a tractor is a good comprise, more gentle on yards, but still able to get work done. Can also be used for other task.

 

I agree..grapple rake 99 percent here too. For me...as a guy not in buisness..ill put my money where the higher percentage usage is gonna be. The 1 percent..or maybe less for me..can be dealt with ! Never wished I had anything else.
It's sometimes as easy as pulling it with a chain instead..or cutting off the Y .
Might just be what your use to..is what your proficient with.

 

I have used a double lid, fork grapple and root.
I bought a fork grapple and it was useful but I had to stand up to see the forks. It also carries the weight way out front. I bought the root grapple and it has stayed on my tractor. Better visibility and all around usefulness for brush or wood.
On my tractor the double lid felt heavy and awkward. IMO they are better suited for skids with more lifting capacity.
This grapple is 55” and I haven’t once thought that I should have gotten the 60”. The fork grapple is a yard ornament.

 

Dang nice grapple !

 

I looked at multiple different styles of grapples before purchasing mine several years ago. I considered the double clam, but like you, chose the style that would give me the best return on investment for what I would be using it for. Have never regretted getting this one.

 

That's nice, too. What brand is that?

 

Everything Attachments 60 Inch Wicked Root Rake Grapple. It's definitely built well.

 

I have thought about a grapple, but the forks work great for most of what I do. I might make a grapple, time will tell. This bobcat 610 keeps surprising me.

 

Those look cool ! Would love to see more pics . They get the job done!

 

them ol’ 610 are an awesome machine. What I learned to run many moons ago.

 

That’s a sweet grapple for sure! It’s a shame Everthing Attachments went out of business.

 

There have been some recent postings from the owner on the company's FB page that they will be opening back up soon. Time will tell if it is actually going to happen, but I hope it does.

 

Yeah that would be the best outcome for everyone. A lot of people prepaid for attachments and have been left hanging.

 

I plumbed my grapple with one male and one female hose-ends, so that I can connect them when the grapple is off the tractor and keep them clean. Plus I don’t need to remember which hose goes where with respect to my preferred control lever positions. A downside is that a hot day expands the oil a bit making it hard to undo and to connect to the tractor. I used to crack the line open, but A little cold water on the cylinder does the trick.

 

That's a good idea with the water ! I have fought the same fight from time to time . The biggest thing I do to prevent it.....is to drop the grapple in the shade if I can. And if I know I'm gonna need the grapple...I hook it up first thing in the morning when it's cooler out.

 

That's the way I plumbed ours, for the same reason. Did a friend's like that too. Thanks for the tip on the water, I've definitely fought to get hoses hooked up before

 

It's a carriage I built. It goes to 54" wide for better balancing of 40ft poles. I add another set of forks inside the dedicated forks.

 

Posted by the owner this morning:

 

Thanks for the update. I’d really like to see them get back on their feet. It seemed like they made a quality product that folks were happy with.