Grapple Which type of grapple is best suited for...

   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #241  
How often do you guys have a full load in your grapple? The only time you have a full load in the grapple is with brush is when you are moving a pile. You are not rarely going to get a full load gathering brush. I can get a really big load in my grapple with a 30" opening.

I think I posted this pic in this thread already.

http://s278.photobucket.com/user/NHRAx1320/media/Wicked Grapple/IMG_0607_zpsb64a79e4.jpg.html

You are right that MOST grapple work doesn't require a jaw opening over 36" but depending on the type of task, this is a case where "more is better" with relatively little downside (assuming good engineering). Kind of on the same principle that most pickup truck work can be done with 2/3rds of the bed or towing capacity but it's nice to have the extra and it does get used. Again, you're right that picking up brush piles is probably the task where the biggest opening is most desired.
 
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #242  
You are correct about not needing more than 30" for lifting trees or logs but brush is a very different issue. Brush capacity for a grapple is almost never limited by lifting capacity but rather by the volume that can be wrangled into the open jaws before closing. That is why the clamshell style grapples are popular for brush removal despite being very heavy for their size. Clamshells are king when just measuring max opening.

Yep, clamshells have no belly, it relys on the brush sticking together. That is why I sold this one!
PB110002.JPG PB110005.JPG PB110009.JPG PB110016.JPG PB110018.JPG
 
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #243  
I have used both grapples on the Toolcat, that is smaller than some compact tractors, so I think the pictures I post apply to the discussion.
<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=316967"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=316968"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=316969"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=316970"/>

TSO's question that started this thread, was "Which type of grapple is best suited for...... all around grapple work?

I wasn't try to single you out. I was just saying I am not sure if there would be much of a advantge to having a grapple open more than 30" for a compact.
 
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #244  
I wasn't try to single you out. I was just saying I am not sure if there would be much of a advantge to having a grapple open more than 30" for a compact.

For a grapple opening this old saying applies, "Some is good, More is better, Too much is just right!" :D :thumbsup:
 
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #245  
For a grapple opening this old saying applies, "Some is good, More is better, Too much is just right!" :D :thumbsup:

Xfax in reading your posts here I can understand what you are getting at (brush related). Judging by your equipment it appears you have a business where these grapples are used OR you have a large spread that requires a lot of maintenance and up keep. Either or time is precious and valuable. I could see why you would want or need that opening to max out each load you grab. I on the other hand will probably be fine with my 40" opening. It has not been delivered yet, so we shall see.
 
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #246  
How often do you guys have a full load in your grapple? The only time you have a full load in the grapple is with brush is when you are moving a pile.]

I have a full load of brush on almost every bite. If I am clearing, I push into the brush until I have a full bite, clamp, then back out and stack. Then go in for another bite and back out and stack....... Once I am done clearing I have a heap usually the size of a school bus. The county regs allow only a 10' x 10' x 10' pile on fire at any one time so I have to feed it as it goes out. I need as big a bite as I can get to save time. 30" is kid size, way too small. I would say 45" would be adequate. 51" would be heaven.
 
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for...
  • Thread Starter
#247  
TSO's question that started this thread, was "Which type of grapple is best suited for...... all around grapple work?

I am really loving all of the discussion on this thread... It really helps to narrow down the choices.

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to post.
 
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #248  
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #249  
Ted is working on the design of the single lid grapple. He is running into an issue with the JD hitch on a 48" because of where it needs to attach on the grapple. His question to you guys is: Would you be fine with a lighter, single lid 54" or is that additional 6 inches going to be a problem? His thinking is that the lighter weight is the key and the single lid will also bring the cost down. This would be 270 pounds and still keep a high grade of steel for durability. In reality, a 48" is not going to be any cheaper to build and will cause a bit of a headache in engineering.
Your opinion is appreciated.
Travis
 
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #250  
Ted is working on the design of the single lid grapple. He is running into an issue with the JD hitch on a 48" because of where it needs to attach on the grapple. His question to you guys is: Would you be fine with a lighter, single lid 54" or is that additional 6 inches going to be a problem? His thinking is that the lighter weight is the key and the single lid will also bring the cost down. This would be 270 pounds and still keep a high grade of steel for durability. In reality, a 48" is not going to be any cheaper to build and will cause a bit of a headache in engineering.
Your opinion is appreciated.
Travis

Six inches is unlikely to make any real difference IMO. It would be a little less effective for digging but on the flip side would rake a bit more. More important would be what the intertine spacing is and the width of the top lid/grapple.

Narrow spacing between lower tines is preferred balanced against weight and cost. No greater than 8-9" spacing is necessary. 6-7" would be better. Optional spacer tines could be incorporated as an add on if spacing was in the 8-9" range.

I would suggest that the top grapple/lid be wider than the individual lids used on the dual lid models and should incorporate a middle "tooth" to keep material from falling forward. I don't know what the optimal ratio of top lid width to bottom width is on a single lid grapple but something around 50-60% seems about right. My Millonzi is a bit less than that and I'd widen it if I was doing it again.
 
 
 
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