Just picked up a Valby 3pt log grapple

[pclausen]

Dealer ordered it on Monday and it already showed up. Here it is on the back of my truck after getting it home. Its quite stout looking. Its their SGR76 model. As the name implies, it will open to 76".



Getting of off the truck. Was too lazy to put on the forks.



Got it all mounted up:



It swings 30 degrees side to side via a 2nd cylinder and since I also have a hydraulic top link, I can tilt it up and down in addition to the raising and lowering provided by the 3pt hitch itself. So lots of possible articulation which means I don't have to worry about getting the tractor precisely position to pick up logs. When dragging the logs, you put the side to side cylinder in float position to prevent putting stress on everything when making turns. It means the pivot point is close to the tractor, which is nice when moving around in tight areas.



Rear shot:



Profile shot showing both front and rear grapples ready for action!



I can't wait to start cutting down trees this weekend and dragging them out. Up until now I have been using a chain hooked up to my front grapple and backing each tree up the hill to the clearing. This will be so much nicer!

[groundcover]

Quite a rig ! Enjoy !

[JoeBuyer]

That is one serious looking setup you have there. Very nice.

[Farmerford]

That's a nice machine. If my math is right, 76" is a bit over 6 feet. I assume your tractor can't lift the stump end of a 6 foot diameter tree; a green pine that size would weigh nearly 1,000 pounds per foot of length (27 cu ft at 35 pounds per cu ft?). What kind and size of trees will you be moving?

I have from time to time considered a Valby grapple with rotator for my JD backhoe. Did you buy from a local dealer?

[pclausen]

The job at hand is to clear out about 400 mature loblollies (southern yellow pine) that are all mature. About 80-90 ft tall. I would guess some of them are maybe 30" at the base. From watching the Valby video, I should be able to pick up several at a time. It all depends on how they fall, angle of the terrain, etc.

After that, I got a couple of 15 acre lots where loggers left a mess. I have gotten out what I could with my front grapple, but some of the larger and longer pieces just put too much strain on the FEL and trying to bring them out sideways is always a challenge given the trees still standing.

My local deere dealer ordered it for me.

[Brad_Blazer]

Awesome!

[JoeBuyer]

I have gotten out what I could with my front grapple, but some of the larger and longer pieces just put too much strain on the FEL and trying to bring them out sideways is always a challenge given the trees still standing.

Exactly. This would be a very handy attachment. Action pictures please when you get a chance.

[Zebrafive]

I like it. I have no where the trees to move or I'd have one too.

[Kyle241]

Very nice! You're all set now.

[MossflowerWoods]

OOOOOOOOOOH!

That is SWEET! "TIMBER!!!!!"

I could use one of those!

When can I come over and borrow it?

Be well,
David