Grapple use, or did I need a root rake?

[sandman2234]

Palmetto bushes are very plentiful in Florida, and I just got my first grapple. Thought that since it "looked like a root rake, smelled like a root rake, felt like a root rake" then it must work like a root rake. I guess either I am completely off my rocker about how to go about this, or a grapple is not to be used as a root rake. I was hoping to walk right up to the palmetto bushes, lower the grapple, ease forward and pluck them right out of the ground!
Really didn't happen this way, not even close to what I expected. Hopefully either someone can explain the way to do it, or I can use the grapple to carry the pieces once I get them dug up with a root rake.
Any suggestions on how to use the grapple to uproot palmetto bushes in soft soil?
David from jax

 

[jeff9366]

Palmettos are often two layers deep, sometimes four layers deep.

I have used a Ratchet Rake bucket attachment but it is only fair at removing Palmettos.

A Bucket Solutions' Bucket Spade works really well and is my primary Palmetto solution.

LINK: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/328798-bucket-spade-today-fel-bucket.html?highlight=

Photos: Kubota B3300SU

 

[Xfaxman]

We need a picture of your grapple please.

 

[sandman2234]

Well, see if this works.
David from jax

 

[sandman2234]

Jeff9366, I like that, looks interesting! I can see me overloading that in a hurry and bending my bucket!!
Got a question, do you think a set of forks (4K capacity) with the forks slid together and maybe a flat plate added to keep them together all the time, or maybe a pair of tubes welded side by side to keep forks together would work in a similar fashion? I know having the bucket to catch the stuff you dig up would be better, but in my case, the main concern is getting them up out of the ground, and moved about 20 feet. If I can get them dug up, then the grapple will move them, or put the bucket on and move them like that.
David from jax

 

[sandman2234]

By following your link, you answered my question. Guess I need to find one for a pallet fork!
Thanks, David from jax

 

[Cataclysm]

Or a stump bucket. Built heavy enough to take the leveraging force.

WR Long Tree Spade

 

[sandman2234]

Or a stump bucket. Built heavy enough to take the leveraging force.

WR Long Tree Spade

Thanks, that also is a good idea!
David from jax

 

[jeff9366]

Jeff9366, I like that, looks interesting! I can see me overloading that in a hurry and bending my bucket!!

I have removed hundreds and hundreds of Palmettos with the Bucket Spade. First with Bucket Spade mounted on the standard bucket on a Kubota 'B' series tractor-loader, which required prudent operation, now with the Bucket Spade mounted on my Kubota heavy-chassis Grand L with Kubota's optional heavy-duty, round-back bucket, L2296. No problems. Well designed attachment for digging with a FEL bucket.

Bucket Solutions' Bucket Spade come with sockets and bolt locks to attach to pallet forks if you need to dig deeper than 48". I have never needed to reach deeper.

A Bucket Spade will be much more efficient at Palmetto removal than pallet forks alone. It is designed to dig. It is a spade!

 

[Egon]

Jeff9366, I like that, looks interesting! I can see me overloading that in a hurry and bending my bucket!!
Got a question, do you think a set of forks (4K capacity) with the forks slid together and maybe a flat plate added to keep them together all the time, or maybe a pair of tubes welded side by side to keep forks together would work in a similar fashion? I know having the bucket to catch the stuff you dig up would be better, but in my case, the main concern is getting them up out of the ground, and moved about 20 feet. If I can get them dug up, then the grapple will move them, or put the bucket on and move them like that.
David from jax

Get several pieces of square tubing an bolt them to the bucket. Keep them about 18 inches apart for pulling out roots. Bolt them on wider apart to act as forks. You can dig all kinds of stuff with this arrangement. It works really well for bushes and small trees.

Reinforce the bucket bottom with 1/2 in strips of welded on AR plate or cutting edge. Do the same for the side leading edge.

Make sure you have a guard on the top of the bucket so things can't roll into your lap. This is very important.