Grapple Markham Grapple - Photos (finally)

[kennyd]

Out of curiosity, how much does that grapple weigh and how wide is it? I got all fired up about a year ago and was going to build me one. I even bought a super strong (waaaay too much) hydraulic cylinder and laid out most of the steel I would need that I had around the shop. The problem was that not only was it going to take me quite a bit of time, but it was going to weigh about 1500 pounds or more. That's when I figured that I had a fatal flaw somewhere in my design.

Dargo, My 48" Markham grapple with the JD quick-attach setup weighs 420lbs, and cost just over $900 with free shipping. They also have a 60" version.

[wedge40]

Out of curiosity, how much does that grapple weigh and how wide is it? I got all fired up about a year ago and was going to build me one. I even bought a super strong (waaaay too much) hydraulic cylinder and laid out most of the steel I would need that I had around the shop. The problem was that not only was it going to take me quite a bit of time, but it was going to weigh about 1500 pounds or more. That's when I figured that I had a fatal flaw somewhere in my design.

I was told it was around 400#'s.. I have the 48" not the 60" so it should be a little less.

Wedge

[Dargo]

Thanks for the replies kennyd and wedge. I think you proved to me what I already suspected. That is that I'd be better off to buy a grapple that has already been thought out, engineered and tested as opposed to building one myself just because I can. If I build a grapple that is so strong (and heavy) that it would tear up the loader on my tractor I'd really be upset with myself. It's taken me a while, but I realize that some things can be "over-built".

The Markham Grapple certainly looks to be a well engineered and well built piece of equipment to me. The prices you guys mentioned certainly is reasonable and I have to figure that my time (and aggravation factor that inevitably occurs) is worth something. Thanks for the info and pictures!

[kennyd]

Dargo,
HERE is my thread with more pictures if you missed it.

[Samandothers]

Dargo
I just picked up my Markham grapple today. I went with the 60" model in the 3/8" steel for lighter weight. I also went with the one top tine. I did add in extra spacers in between the teeth on the bottom. The space between the spacers and teeth are about 4.5 inches. I did not weigh it but figure it to be close to 500lbs. The 60" is the same price as the 48" and add $100 for the additional spacers.

[JDeerekid]

Dargo
I just picked up my Markham grapple today. I went with the 60" model in the 3/8" steel for lighter weight. I also went with the one top tine. I did add in extra spacers in between the teeth on the bottom. The space between the spacers and teeth are about 4.5 inches. I did not weigh it but figure it to be close to 500lbs. The 60" is the same price as the 48" and add $100 for the additional spacers.

Got pictures of it? I am still contemplating which size I want. I know I want the spacers though. How wide is the thumb portion?

[Samandothers]

JDeerekid,

Here is a link (I hope) to the thread where I was gathering grapple information. I just posted some pictures there.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/a...-grapples.html

If the link does not work look for a thread 'Grappling for answers on grapples'.

[JDeerekid]

JDeerekid,

Here is a link (I hope) to the thread where I was gathering grapple information. I just posted some pictures there.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/a...-grapples.html

If the link does not work look for a thread 'Grappling for answers on grapples'.

Thanks, That is exactly the way I would like mine set up. Very nice

[wedge40]

Ok more photos.
These are a couple of action shots.
These photos are one of the main reasons I got the grapple and it worked extremely well. This alone made it worth while to get the grapple. I spent an hour or two practicing picking up logs and brush, then decided to tackle this.
The brush is an invasive form of honeysuckle that has gotten way out of hand on my property. I was told I had two choices, roundup or removal. They are too close to trees I want to keep, dogwood and redbud, so roundup was out of the question. I've been pulling some but getting on and off the tractor gets old fast.

Now lets see I can get this thumb nail thing to work.



Wedge

[Samandothers]

Thanks for the pictures that looks like fun! I feel like a kid at Christmas with the new toy (grapple) and no batteries (hydraulics). Grapple is on the tractor but gotta wait for the plumbing then I can play too.