Grapples- horizontal tine vs. "grapple rake" vertical tine

[Andy FitzGibbon]

Hi all,

I am shopping for a grapple. Trying to keep it as light, to preserve as much loader lift capacity as possible. The LA723 is good for around 1800 lbs.

At first I was looking at the vertical tine "grapple rake" style, like this: Mini Skid Steer Grapple for Bobcat MT Toro Dingo ASV Polaris RC30 Vermeer Boxer | eBay

However, there aren't many smaller choices in that style, and they are a little more than what I want to spend. I will be using this for light work- moving brush, and picking up logs- so I don't need a super heavy-duty unit. I have other equipment (a dozer) available for stump/root grubbing.

So, I'd be interested in hearing opinions on the vertical tine style vs. the horizontal tine style, like this one: Everything Attachments Compact Utility Root Grapple 50"

One thing that attracted me to the vertical style is that it can be closed down tighter than most of the horizontals, which would be handy for pinching single logs while cutting them with the chainsaw.

Thanks,
Andy

 

[jeff9366]

Have you checked out Long in your research?

LINK:

RBG

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

There have been a lot of discussions on here about grapples, including that same subject. In fact, there was a recent dust-up about it. I can't remember the exact thread, but here are a few links for your reading enjoyment:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/276415-type-grapple-best-suited.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/292058-wr-long-brush-logs.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/267492-wicked-root-debris-grapple.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/252356-any-problems-w-r-long.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/258004-questions-about-choice-root-grapple.html

 

[Andy FitzGibbon]

Yes, I like the looks of Long's 48" unit, and the weight is reasonable. I was hoping to spend less money, though (I know, I know, you get what you pay for). I've been watching for used units, but the vertical style don't seem to come up that often, especially in the smaller sizes.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Oh, and are you aware that the one in the ebay auction you linked is for a MINI skid steer? You were probably just using that pic as an example of the grapple type, but just wanted to make sure you were aware that the mounting system on that one is different.

 

[94BULLITT]

Your tractor is big enough that it will handle the Everything Attachments Wicked grapple with 2 lids. The 2 lid grapple will grip a log better for you to cut up because it will clamp more evenly.







I think a grapple as wide as your tractor would be better since you plan on cleaning up brush so you don't have to worry about running something through a tire. A wider grapple is only going to be about 150lbs more, that won't hurt you much on a tractor the size of yours.

 

[jeff9366]

Here is a link to most recent grapple thread:

wr long or ??? for brush & logs? - Page 10

 

[Andy FitzGibbon]

Oh, and are you aware that the one in the ebay auction you linked is for a MINI skid steer? You were probably just using that pic as an example of the grapple type, but just wanted to make sure you were aware that the mounting system on that one is different.

I was mostly using the photo as an example, though I did call Quick Attach and they said they could build it with a full size QA plate instead of the mini plate. Like the Long grapple, I am hoping to spend a little less- hopefully under $1500.

 

[Andy FitzGibbon]

Your tractor is big enough that it will handle the Everything Attachments Wicked grapple with 2 lids. The 2 lid grapple will grip a log better for you to cut up because it will clamp more evenly.







I think a grapple as wide as your tractor would be better since you plan on cleaning up brush so you don't have to worry about running something through a tire. A wider grapple is only going to be about 150lbs more, that won't hurt you much on a tractor the size of yours.

How difficult/annoying is it to get one log clamped, as you show in your last photo? That's one thing I like about the clamshell style- the ability to pinch a single log tightly, for chainsawing.

Andy

 

[94BULLITT]

How difficult/annoying is it to get one log clamped, as you show in your last photo? That's one thing I like about the clamshell style- the ability to pinch a single log tightly, for chainsawing.

Andy

It is easy. I just open the grapple, lower the grapple over the log and close.