Need help deciding on a grapple

   / Need help deciding on a grapple #1  

shibaura_4043

Silver Member
Joined
Mar 16, 2009
Messages
207
Location
Texas
Tractor
Zetor 4341 Cab, Shibaura 4043
Hello everyone,
I know this has been debated a lot on the forum but I'm really close to purchasing a root grapple and need help deciding which manufacturer and style to go with. A little background on the reason for buying the grapple... Ive been working on clearing mesquite, locust and cedar trees off my property.I'll be clearing a total of about 60 acres. My tractor is doing a pretty effective job pushing the trees over with the bucket but piling up the brush isnt very efficient and I think the grapple will really speed things up. I was originally just going to purchase the "L" style root grapple, here's two links to a couple I am considering

72

Bobcat Skid Steer Attachment 72" Root Grapple Bucket Will SHIP for $199 | eBay

but after talking to the manufacturer I was led to believe it might be too light duty for my needs. so I continued my search and came up with these two to consider as well.

Bobcat Skid Steer Attachment 74" Root Rake Grapple Bucket Shipping Cost $199 | eBay

www.TheRakeShop.com / Root Rakes Grapples Attachments & Skid Steers

The rake shop grapple will be custom built to fit my euro quick attach and will come 1" thick tines instead of the 3/4 " tines listed it will be made of T-1 steel it will weigh around 650-700lbs. I should be able to get it built and shipped for 2500.00. Im leaning towards this one just because it seems to me to be the strongest of the three and the most effective rooting up trees and picking up large piles of brush. However if I could get by with the grapple in the first link I would be inclined to do so for a 1000.00 + savings. I would love some feed back from grapple owners who like/dislike the model they have purchased. Any advice will be very helpful and appreciated.

EDIT: I am also considering purchasing a case 850 track loader listed locally for 8000 but not entirely sure its worth the money, since my tractor is capable of doing the job. This is kinda a deciding factor for me of if I need a heavier duty grapple for tree removal or just a light duty for piling trees. I do realize this can be significant wear on my tractor is it worth it?? How many acres have you guys cleared with your tractors?
 
   / Need help deciding on a grapple #2  
One thing to consider is the "weak link in the chain" theory. When I bought my stump grapple, I opted for the lighter duty one for my 50hp tractor because if I get too aggressive with it, I'd rather break something on a $600 stump grapple than my $5,000 FEL. What tractor will you be using it on?

After getting mine, I can tell you that it is plenty strong enough and buying the heavier version would have been a waste of money and lifting capacity.

Also, a lot of people here think that a narrower grapple, such as 48" or 54", is plenty good enough and that you don't need a 72" grapple. I don't have any experience with those, so I don't really have an opinion on that. I can say that mine is narrower than 48" and it has done fine in the limited time I've used it. You can generally save some $$ on a narrower grapple.
 
   / Need help deciding on a grapple
  • Thread Starter
#3  
I will mainly use it on my Zetor 60hp cab tractor but I would like to use it for light brush work on my 40hp shibaura CUT. I think you might be right about the light duty version... I mean if I do bend it I have the equipment to repair any weak points... decisions decisions :mur:
 
   / Need help deciding on a grapple #4  
Take a look at whats available from ANBO. They make all sizes, weights etc grapples for tractors and skid steer machines.
 
   / Need help deciding on a grapple
  • Thread Starter
#5  
Thanks I'll take a look
 
   / Need help deciding on a grapple
  • Thread Starter
#6  
Just called ANBO... their prices are a little out of my price range
 
   / Need help deciding on a grapple #7  
I've been just starting to research grapples lately, and have my eyes on one from WR Long right now: Grapples

There are a few guys on this forum that run them and really love them.

(Temporarily blocked due to reports of company closure) has a few good choices, too.
 
   / Need help deciding on a grapple
  • Thread Starter
#8  
econometrics I see you're in east Texas.. where abouts?? I bet Im pretty close to you.
 
   / Need help deciding on a grapple
  • Thread Starter
#10  
Im close to the Terrell area
 
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

2017 Toro Top Dresser 2500 Model 44507 S/A Towable Trailer (A46683)
2017 Toro Top...
PENDING SELLER CONFIRMATIONS ON SOME LOT #'S (A45677)
PENDING SELLER...
New Wolverine 3PT Hitch Receiver (A48289)
New Wolverine 3PT...
2016 KENWORTH T660 SLEEPER TRUCK (A47001)
2016 KENWORTH T660...
W&A 3pt Ditcher (A47307)
W&A 3pt Ditcher...
SAND SEPARATOR (A47001)
SAND SEPARATOR...
 
Top