Root grapple vs rake grapple

[hrcarver]

I'll start by saying that I have never never used any type of grapple other than a homemade pallet fork rigged up with a hydro cylinder and some scrap iron.

Looking to step up a little bit and curious if anyone has used them both, or either one.

Tractor is a m6040 kubota if it matters.

Primary use will be picking up large rocks out of a fields that have been pulled up by sub-soiling. Rocks could be 10 or 20 lbs to a few feet across.

I like the idea of the rake being able to push up stuff into a pile, then pick them up. Would the root grapple stand up being used as a rake? The additional length I'm sure would increase stress on it.

The rake grapple I'm considering (not seen much quite like this one)...Skid Steer Extreme Claw Grapple

The root grapple (same as everyone else's)
Skid Steer Root Grapple

I know they make rock buckets, but I have one from a different manufacturer and dont much like it. The tines still pick up too much dirt.

 

[Beavis]

Looking forward to the replies; I've been thinking about the root grapple sytle myself.

 

[Gary Fowler]

For a few hundred $$$ in price the extreme grapple looks much much heavier and stronger. I would go for the heavier one for the heavy tractor. Lighter CUT's might struggle with the extra weight of the extreme grapple and might be loaded to capacity with just picking up the rake itself.

 

[BigBoyinMS]

I got this grapple when I bought my tractor. Up until now I've only used it to move 2 large piles of logs but I'll be trying to rake some with it in the next few months. As far as picking up things with it I've learned to tilt it all the way down and come down onto what I want to pick up rather than try to slide under; it works much better that way. For what I've used it for anyway. And almost all of the dirt falls right through.
One consideration; you need to figure the weight difference between the bucket and grapple. A 600 lb grapple in place of a 100 lb bucket takes up 500 lbs of lift capacity.

 

[hrcarver]

Good point about the weight. My existing 4n1 bucket weighs 750lbs. Dont have a light bucket for it.

 

[hrcarver]

Hoping for some replies from folks that have rakes? Anyone use their grapple as a rake?

 

[Cat_Driver]

I've used my grapple as a rake, a plow, making rows for crops, a land leveler ( going backwards ) a crane, a 55 gal drum mover, a tree trimmer ( take it up and bring it down on the branch you want hacked off.) ...oh and a grapple to pick up any thing I can.

 

[Redbug]

To answer your question Carver, the answer is yes. I have used mine in the way you have mentioned, except for roots and root balls instead of rocks. I think you need to consider the shape of the lower jaw as to what you want to do, too.

Everyone has their likes. I have a WRLong grapple and really like it. It is the root grapple.

 

[rasimmo]

Good point about the weight. My existing 4n1 bucket weighs 750lbs. Dont have a light bucket for it.

I have used a root grapple as a rake and whatever else I needed it to be. IUsed several and only messed up one (bent some lower tines, nothing a few whacks with a hammer did not fix) it was borrowed.:laughing: I rented one and it was real heavy built. Too much in fact. I did not mess it up though. We finally purchased one locally. It is made by Consruction Attachments. They sell on (Temporarily blocked due to reports of company closure). They have one that is lighter for smaller tractors too. You may want to look at them.

 

[hrcarver]

To answer your question Carver, the answer is yes. I have used mine in the way you have mentioned, except for roots and root balls instead of rocks. I think you need to consider the shape of the lower jaw as to what you want to do, too.

Everyone has their likes. I have a WRLong grapple and really like it. It is the root grapple.

If I'm wrong I'm sure someone will correct me, but...that one looks more like what I would consider a rake grapple rather than a root grapple.

The rakes have the short sweep or no "bottom" like the root grapples that have two or three feet of bottom on them, more like a bucket.

Not sure if I have my terminology right.

Which one is better for picking up rocks, stumps, logs, etc? It looks to me like the rakes would close tighter, and push better. Capacity of a pile of brush would be less, but if that is the ONLY downside, I'm ok with that.

Again, this is from someone who has never run either.