Grapple Grapples Galore

[Glowplug]

Okay, I know there have been about 8 billion threads and posts on grapples. But, hey, what can another hurt? I am thinking about getting a stand-alone grapple for my m7040 soon for brush and stump removal as well as for loading up and piling up tons of plank fencing. I have looked at Millonzi, Borgford, BuyAttatchmentsDirect.com, Skidsteersolutions.com, Markham, etc. I really like the clamshell type rakes like the Borgford and the Quick Claw from buyattachmentsdirect. They would allow back raking. But they seem to all be costly and all are about $3200 to $3500. The Millonzi grapple would likely be adequate. But I have also been looking at Markham recently. Everyone knows their tooth bar. But they have a heavy duty grapple rake. I was quoted under $1800 for the 72" model plus shipping. That sounds like a good price. Now this is not the same as the Borgford clam shell types where you can back drag and close the jaws all the way to nothing. But I was wondering if y'all think it would do the trick. I would prefer a grapple like the Borgford but I really would hate to spend twice the amount of money if I don't have to. Besides, I don't think I could afford a $3,000 plus grapple right now anyway. The only thing that slightly worries me about the Markham and Millonzi grapples is that if I was picking up small items they could slip out. But why would you want to pick up small items with a grapple anyway? Any insight, thoughts, suggestions, would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[RHughes]

I have not checked the price, but W.R. Long has a "Root Rake Brush Grapple" that is very similar to the Borgford and QuickClaw. I bought one of their toothbars a while back and have been very satisfied with the quality.

W.R.Long Loader Attachments

 

[KentT]

Don't know what kind of tractor you'll be using it on, but I'd provide one caution as you narrow down your choices...

Many of the grapples you see are made for heavy-duty machines and heavy-duty use, like on skid-steers. They are VERY heavy...

Every pound of weight for the grapple itself is potentially one less pound of stuff that you can lift and carry with it...

Balance the design and weight of the grapple with the lift capability of your tractor and FEL...

 

[Glowplug]

Thanks KenT. I HAVE thought about that. I'll be using it on a Kubota m7040 (68 hp) with LA1153 loader. It is a little difficult to tell the true real-world lift capacity from Kubota's specs but it appears to be a little better than 2,500lbs. I had contacted Markhamwelding and at first they said that I may need to get their light duty grapple rake, which is not on their website. When I told them what tractor I was using they said I would be better served with the heavy duty grapple rake like I mentioned before. But it does weigh 806-860lbs depending on which size I went with. Whether 66" or 72". I am leaning toward 66". I don't feel that I would have any benefit from a wider grapple. It would probably be counterproductive due to the extra weight. Maybe I should consider the 60" version.

I had seen the WR Long grapples a while back. I had forgotten about them. They are a little stranger looking than the others I had mentioned here. But I will have to look into them. If anyone knows how much they go for please let me know.

Thanks.

 

[1bush2hog]

I'll 2nd the suggestion to also look at the WR Long.

I paid about $2200 for the RBG72 and that included shipping to my dealer. You will need to purchase the WRL thru a dealer.

I suggest you pick up the phone or email Nelson @ WR Long - He also frequents this board from time to time too I beleive. He will be able to answer any questions you have. Good Guy and Good Co.

Next question is how will you plumb it? New Valve or rear remotes?

Regarding your comment about stuff falling thru: smaller roots, rocks, and other items will fall thru occassionally, but not a concern.

Since I bought my grapple, I have not even had my bucket back on my FEL. Your only regret will be not purchasing it sooner - Good Luck

 

[Glowplug]

Next question is how will you plumb it? New Valve or rear remotes?

I have purchased the 3rd function remote valve from my dealer. It has just not been installed yet. It is a separate hydraulic circuit to the FEL so that the grapple can be opened and closed by pushing two buttons on the loader joystick with the thumb.

 

[mike69440]

I think your loader will be just fine with an 800Lb grapple, the 66" is a nice size. i like the comment about Kubota Spec!

 

[Glowplug]

i like the comment about Kubota Spec!

Yeah, it's friggin' impossible to tell how much you truly can lift. Pivot point, mid-bucket, bucket at max. height, in height position, in power position, etc., etc. Why don't they just say you can lift such and such a weight.

 

[Robbie Hegwood]

One more place to look. Skid Steer loader attachments I recently priced a grapple for my RC-100 and they quoted a 81" extreme. Wasn't a bad price, don't recall exactly.
They look well built. Yes I was looking for a skid steer but they have a good variety. Can't hurt to look. I recently bought a bradco 72" with 1/2" tines, beefy as heck and good cylinder protection. It only weights 650lbs or so. A little pricey but I listed this for weight conparison. Good luck Robbie

 

[Oleozz]

Here's another one to look at:
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