Grapple Weight

[k0ua]

You have some good points there, but they aren't all accurate if you think pallet forks with matching grapple won't do those same things, and do them well, then it's obvious you haven't seen a good pair in action.

Of your list, moving dirt is the only thing the dedicated grapple isn't really as good at, although pallet forks pushed together will do it, as I've done it to fill smaller holes or level a spot off... I regularly do or have done all the rest of the things on your list, and my combo does them well...

I bet you, I can list more common things that folks do, (with picts.) and can do with pallet forks/grapple that a dedicated grapple won't do well, or in most cases, do at all...

There's a friendly challenge for you! lol

SR

Rob, can you pull saplings with your fork/grapple combo? I can with my EA "L style" grapple.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...d-grapple-bush-grabber.html?highlight=grapple

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Yes it will do that, and it is pretty easy push the forks into the ground under a small tree/sapling, grapple it and pull it out roots and all...

Like with most tools, you just have to learn how to use the tool to get the jobs you want done, done.

ALTHOUGH, I'm more into planting tree's than I am pulling them out. lol

SR

 

[94BULLITT]

A root grapple is the best for moving brush. Depending on the style of rock bucket it may work okay for moving brush. You need something with open ends. If the bucket has sides on it, it is not going to be as good as a root grapple. I think that a 700lb grapple is too heavy for your tractor. It would be nice if blue diamond had better pics of their grapple on their website. I have an EA wicked grapple. I have used it to move brush, dig out small stumps, push out small trees, and handle logs. Our tractors are very similar in size and lift capacity. If you want to see how my grapple performs check out some of my videos.94BULLITT
- YouTube

Did you order your tractor with a 3rd function?

 

[ovrszd]

Grapple is better at picking up rocks. Like anything from basketball sized and up (to the limits of the machine).

When a tree has blown down in the field, and I cut all the brush off, load either logs or the firewood on the trailer, there is a remaining mess of brush, twigs, etc that needs shoved back up in the woods/fence-row. Grapple does this well....pallet forks not so much.

Sometimes win the woods, on smaller logs like 10"-12".......and I dont have good access nor do I want to get off and use a chain......I just grab the butt end of the log and pull backwards. This may or may not work well with forks....depending on their spacing.

I can push things while turning, like one can with a regular loader bucket. Forks dont like a ton of side load.

The grapple can also push/move dirt. There have been a few times, I have filled in a hole with the grapple. IT dont carry dirt well, but can push more than one would think if the soil isnt a real sandy type.

I can tilt the teeth down, penetrate ~3" of ground, and rip out roots

ETC

Very well stated. I've found it's best to just stick to one point at a time. Rob has very selective reading/comprehending abilities when faced with multiple issues. Good try though.

 

[abrahamd]

A root grapple is the best for moving brush. Depending on the style of rock bucket it may work okay for moving brush. You need something with open ends. If the bucket has sides on it, it is not going to be as good as a root grapple. I think that a 700lb grapple is too heavy for your tractor. It would be nice if blue diamond had better pics of their grapple on their website. I have an EA wicked grapple. I have used it to move brush, dig out small stumps, push out small trees, and handle logs. Our tractors are very similar in size and lift capacity. If you want to see how my grapple performs check out some of my videos.94BULLITT
- YouTube

Did you order your tractor with a 3rd function?

You bet I did. I found a used wildkat e series root rake that weighs in at 575 lbs. I think that one will work perfectly. Same guy is also selling a used wildkat rock bucket so between the two I think I will have maximum functionality. Going to look at it Tuesday.

 

[ovrszd]

You bet I did. I found a used wildkat e series root rake that weighs in at 575 lbs. I think that one will work perfectly. Same guy is also selling a used wildkat rock bucket so between the two I think I will have maximum functionality. Going to look at it Tuesday.

Good luck with the purchase!!!! Post pics of course!!!

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

So just to bring this back to the OPs question.

I have on of the 800+ lbs SGC1572 grapples. I'd be happy to expound on my experience if you would like.

If you haven't figured it out yet, grapple opinions on TBN are like a##&%^@s, everyone has one. Nearly all grapple threads quickly devolve into "why my grapple is best" contests.

Do you plan to primarily use it for brush and log work rather than stump/root/rock digging?

 

[abrahamd]

Well, I am a fan of the EA grapples, Of course I may be biased as I own one. But I think their philosophy of using higher tensile steel and less of it to get the strength needed instead of lower strength steel and using thicker pieces of that is a good idea. You wind up with more lift capacity left over to do useful work with. Others opinions may differ, but we are all entitled to our opinions.

I would love an ea wicked root grapple but unfortunately the Canadian dollar is in the tank, and the shipping hurts, so I have to look to domestic suppliers. There's a blue diamond supplier here, and a couple others, but no EA.

 

[abrahamd]

So just to bring this back to the OPs question.

I have on of the 800+ lbs SGC1572 grapples. I'd be happy to expound on my experience if you would like.

If you haven't figured it out yet, grapple opinions on TBN are like a##&%^@s, everyone has one. Nearly all grapple threads quickly devolve into "why my grapple is best" contests.

Do you plan to primarily use it for brush and log work rather than stump/root/rock digging?

I have a massive pile of bucked slash to move and burn piles to manage . after that is done, I'll go over all of the logged land and rake out the roots and be rid of them. The heaviest work it will do is likely move large pieces of cottonwood, but digging and moving very large rocks will be minimal at best. There's the odd rock that I would maybe landscape with. Are you using the 1572 on an mx5800? I would love to hear your experience with this grapple.

 

[94BULLITT]

You bet I did. I found a used wildkat e series root rake that weighs in at 575 lbs. I think that one will work perfectly. Same guy is also selling a used wildkat rock bucket so between the two I think I will have maximum functionality. Going to look at it Tuesday.

That is the best of both worlds. Get him to make you a package deal.