Kena 3pt log grapple

[pclausen]

I was wondering if anyone has experience with the Kena log grapple?

Here's a couple of pics of it:





And a video of it in action:

Kena Log Grapple - YouTube

Specs as follows:

Fits Cat. 1 & 2 3-point. 25-100 HP.
Max Cap. 2000lbs at 25HP
Jaw width 30" max
Hydraulic psi max 3000 lbs
Weight Beam 130 lbs
Weight Grapple 110 lbs

I found it for $1,875 with free shipping. I was originally looking at the Wallenstein LX5100. But its cat 1 only, 1500lbs lift capacity not rated for tractors up to 100hp, and it cost $1000 more than the Kena shipped.

I like the simple chain grapple to beam connection. I don't really need the spring return to center of the Wallenstein, let alone a hydraulic rotator. I just need to drag logs/trees from where they are cut. Once out of the woods, and near the destination, I'll then use my front grapple to move them where I want them.

This seems like a reasonably priced unit if it will hold up to what a 85hp tractor can dish out. At only 240 lbs, less than the Wallenstein, I'm a little concerned about that. If anyone has had this thing and used it on a 100hp tractor for years with no issues, I'd be much less concerned.

[jpm1]

As far as my opinion goes here, i'de go with it if i was in the market for a grapple. Price looks right and free shipping is a plus. The hydralics are limited so theres nothing big to go wrong there Blow a hose or replace a seal in the cylinder, no costly issue there, just a little of your time. Any structural issues can be fixed with a welder, MY opinion any problems would be caused by operator error. Go for it. Let us know how it works out . . .John

[lutt]

I think that is a good looking grapple. I am going to build the simple 3 pt skidder with chains. But am interested in these also. Depends on how my part time firewood business goes. If you buy it,please keep us updated. That thing is simple but sturdy built looking to me, thats always a good combo. LUTT

[mroldstyle]

I built one last year, and I made it so the boom swivels side to side. After skidding out 55 cord of pulp wood I will tell you that feature is indespensible. Trying to back up directly to a log is not as easy as it would seem. However I was taking 3 to 5 trees per pull. One at a time may not be quite as frustrating.
Theres pic on here if you do a search under my name.

[pclausen]

Appreciate the feedback guys. Yes, this one does look quite sturdy and the grapple is likely to loose grip, or the tractor, before anything bad would happen. The logs would have to be fairly short to attempt lifting the whole thing like in the video. But perhaps the grapple would loose its grip before the tractor would do a wheelie, but then that would be more of an operator error.

Well, I'm definitely still very interested in this model. If it turns out to be a pain to operate without a rotator, I would think I could add one of those later. If I had a welder, I could fabricate a boom myself, and pick up a grapple and rotator from these guys:

Log Grapples

Has anyone dealt with them?

[lutt]

I built one last year, and I made it so the boom swivels side to side. After skidding out 55 cord of pulp wood I will tell you that feature is indespensible. Trying to back up directly to a log is not as easy as it would seem. However I was taking 3 to 5 trees per pull. One at a time may not be quite as frustrating.
Theres pic on here if you do a search under my name.

Mroldstyle, that is a good looking skidder you built,also good looking truck. I am thinking of building one with a winch, I have a lot of logs in ravines from this years timber harvest,that I cant get to with the tractor. I do have 120 ft of cable that probly can be used with blocks to pull them,but that may get monatinous fast, excuse the spelling. LUTT

[lutt]

Appreciate the feedback guys. Yes, this one does look quite sturdy and the grapple is likely to loose grip, or the tractor, before anything bad would happen. The logs would have to be fairly short to attempt lifting the whole thing like in the video. But perhaps the grapple would loose its grip before the tractor would do a wheelie, but then that would be more of an operator error.

Well, I'm definitely still very interested in this model. If it turns out to be a pain to operate without a rotator, I would think I could add one of those later. If I had a welder, I could fabricate a boom myself, and pick up a grapple and rotator from these guys:

Log Grapples

Has anyone dealt with them?

Your Welcome. I am new to this,not to wood cutting but log handling,that probly didnt make much sense. Maybe you could fill your loader with dirt for counter weight. The rotater would be a plus for sure. This is a learning curve for me, I am hoping to pick up a few things from you guys on here about this. THANKS LUTT

[mroldstyle]

I never had a problem with the front end getting light. That was pulling 3 to 5 26 foot long 12" pine logs.

[Gordon Gould]

If I was going to put it on a 85 hp tractor I would like to see him playing with a bigger log in that video. It would also be better to see him in the woods which is a whole different senario.
It looks great for a small tractor working in an open flat area any thing more than that I would want to see first.

[Bob77064]

Good looking grapple and the price is right.