Grapple Grapple Rake or Grapple Bucket?

[sparkkky]

Need a grapple to move downed cedar and the bucket will be the best and cheapest. But will the rake do a better job?

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( bucket will be the best and cheapest. )</font>
Not sure that can be done. I'd love to find the best, but usually it isn't the cheapest. Maybe you mean you'll by the best cheap bucket you can find? LOL /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I think the Rakes are probably better, but if you need versatility, go with the bucket. After all, you're not going to be loading dirt with the rake. I think the rake allows more room to get a balanced bite than do many of the buckets. The open teeth and sides make for a better grab in my opinion.
John

 

[tom30519]

I moved over 100 downed cedars this winter, most of 'em 12" or more in diameter at the butt. I used my 4n1 bucket to shift and stack the logs, and it did the job, but I think I would have been better off using a rake like the WR Long RBG.

We pulled the trees with branches away from the stumps to debranch them where I could use the 4n1 to clear the area regularly, stacking the branches for chipping this summer. But the bucket can't grab more than a few branches at a time. The rake would have made that part much easier.

Tom.

 

[IslandTractor]

A rake will definitely be able to take a bigger bite because it is not limited by the bucket sides. It is also more expensive so you need to take that into account. The Add A Grapple type devices would definitely allow you to get the job done but less efficiently than with a true rake. Here is an idea of what you might bite with a rake. (photo)

 

[Seon]

Wow, I want one of those /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif. Where can I get one for my 30 HP Deere compact tractor and how much do they go for?

 

[1bush2hog]

A rake also makes it easier to see what you are grabbing as you can look thru the tines rather than around your bucket.

Rakes will also pick up less dirt with the material you are moving.

 

[IslandTractor]

<font color="blue">Rakes will also pick up less dirt with the material you are moving </font>

Agree. You can also get pretty good at "shaking" the load to get the dirt out too by gently bouncing the grapple on the ground after taking a bite. Knocks a lot of dirt off roots so long as the roots have had a few days or more to dry out before being picked up.

 

[IslandTractor]

Sent you a PM.

 

[sparkkky]

Island tractor if you sent a PM to me I did not get it.

 

[dfkrug]

Have you considered something like the BrushCrusher
from Westendorf? Only $850 + shipping and you don't
need to add a hydraulic circuit. Be the first one on this
forum to try it and tell us about your experience.
http://www.westendorfmfg.com/attachment%20pages/brushcrusher.html