Texas Grapple Shootout

[txdon]

The ultimate grapple would have to have the lid pivot moved up like the Monster Grapple, to get a bigger opening.

The wider opening the better, I agree.
A strong hydraulic holding cylinder a big plus.
Tongs spaced close together on the lid another plus.

Now should there be a single lid for a 54" or a double lid? pros/cons
Should the back of the grapple have a wire mesh to see through and not let limbs poke the tractor? pros/cons

 

[k0ua]

Guys, I don't think there is a "perfect" grapple for all uses or situations. That is why there are so many different designs and sizes. It is also why some guys have more than one!:shocked:

I really like my little EA single lid wicked 50 incher, but it may not be the best for everyone.

When guys ask "which is the best grapple," it is like asking "which are the best tires" or "which is the best transmission" or even heaven forbid, "which is the best tractor"

There just isn't any such thing!.

James K0UA

 

[jambx]

I don't want to lift 80 lb. logs any more, but my Millonzi grapple won't close over them tight. Sure wish there was a simple way to get large capacity and still have good-sized lower tongs with a lid that holds smaller stuff but opens wide.
Jim

Jimmy,

I have that same reservation however I pulled the trigger on the smaller Wicked Rake L style Grapple - I am sure it will not be everything and everyone however I am thinking it will meet 90% on my expectations. One of the main reasons i went this route is to have the ability to lift and buck logs off the ground. I know there is dangers with this since most of what I will process will likely not be held by the top lid but like everything I do I take plenty of precautions. Take a look at this picture posted by another member addressing this exact concern in a earlier thread of mine - it actually looks like a plausible idea! :thumbsup:

 

[k0ua]

Jimmy,

I have that same reservation however I pulled the trigger on the smaller Wicked Rake L style Grapple - I am sure it will not be everything and everyone however I am thinking it will meet 90% on my expectations. One of the main reasons i went this route is to have the ability to lift and buck logs off the ground. I know there is dangers with this since most of what I will process will likely not be held by the top lid but like everything I do I take plenty of precautions. Take a look at this picture posted by another member addressing this exact concern in a earlier thread of mine - it actually looks like a plausible idea! :thumbsup:


View attachment 349765

I don't think you will have any trouble bucking logs with it.. Just "dump" down to pick up your log from the top, clamp down on it, and then curl up past level with the top clamp holding the log. If it should slip it wont fall out it will fall into the interior of the grapple space and not fall on your foot! But the tips are pretty sharp, and grip things well. I wouldn't have any qualms about using it that way at all.

James K0UA

 

[TomSeller]

. Take a look at this picture posted by another member addressing this exact concern in a earlier thread of mine - it actually looks like a plausible idea! :thumbsup:

It may work for logs and firewood. I am not seeing it where there are branches and thorns involved. Seems to me the webbing would hook everything and you could not release.

 

[TomSeller]

1. I don't think there is a "perfect" grapple for all uses or situations. That is why there are so many different designs and sizes. It is also why some guys have more than one!:shocked:
2. When guys ask "which is the best grapple," it is like asking "which are the best tires" or "which is the best transmission"

1. I plead guilty and have multiple grapples for this very reason.
2. Very true.

 

[Xfaxman]

The wider opening the better, I agree.
A strong hydraulic holding cylinder a big plus.
Tongs spaced close together on the lid another plus. Not sure what tongs are, but on a L bottom, tines are not needed, just a normal lid. On a rake style the top and bottom tines should have the same close spacing.

Now should there be a single lid for a 54" or a double lid? pros/cons I prefer double.
Should the back of the grapple have a wire mesh to see through and not let limbs poke the tractor? pros/cons Hasn't been needed on mine.

This is my first grapple, still using one!

 

[txdon]

This is my first grapple, still using one!

All you need is a turbo and some hydraulics - we can fix you right up.

 

[TomSeller]

This is my first grapple, still using one!

What is the lift capacity in lbs and height? And does the accuracy of your picks have anything do with volume of beer consumed?

 

[Xfaxman]

This is my first grapple, still using one!

All you need is a turbo and some hydraulics - we can fix you right up.

Yep, can we get The Fred and JJ to work on it?

What is the lift capacity in lbs and height? And does the accuracy of your picks have anything do with volume of beer consumed?

Lift capacity and height decrease the longer that it is used. And I never drink and pick!

Any grapple is better than no grapple! :laughing: