Root grapples

calhoun9001 · Feb 20, 2014

Looking for opinions on a good grapple for my 85e. Has the 260 loader on it. Will be using it to move cut brush, move firewood and clear over grown areas. Been looking at them at everything attachments. Really like the extreme duty root grapple, any thoughts?

Rustyiron · Feb 20, 2014

I have an 7' model from Loflin. Been working it pretty hard for at least 10 years now with most of it's "time" on a large skid steer. Loflin Fabrication I would recommend it.

Xfaxman · Feb 21, 2014

I also have a Loflin, the Monster Grapple, very heavy duty, 6' wide. For brush you need the largest possible opening.

Buy it here, shipped direct from the factory: http://stores.ebay.com/Jameseb1969/_i.html?_nkw=Monster+grapple&submit=Search&_sid=69535971

TomSeller · Feb 21, 2014

Go onto eBay and type in Faver Grapple. Note how Faver is spelled. Lots of sizes at good prices.

calhoun9001 · Feb 22, 2014

Thanks for the input, I have the 260 loader on the 85e would you go with a 6 or 7'? Lift capacity on the loader is just under 4000lbs. Any idea what the Loflin weights? Couldnt find that on their site.

lostcreekranch · Feb 22, 2014

We have a Blue Diamond 84" grapple with approx. 40" opening. I like the over 10" wider opening that Xfaxman has and would have bought that one had I been aware of it. You would have no problems with a 7' grapple.

Xfaxman · Feb 22, 2014

calhoun9001 said:
Thanks for the input, I have the 260 loader on the 85e would you go with a 6 or 7'? Lift capacity on the loader is just under 4000lbs. Any idea what the Loflin weights? Couldnt find that on their site.

This is the 6' wide Monster Grapple, Shipping weight was listed at 1200 pounds.

The 6' will pick up as much brush as their 8' model. If you are working in the woods, get the 6'.

If you need to rake large areas, get the 7' or 8'. And with the big opening it does rake very well. :thumbsup:

The width of the grapple has no effect on picking up long items, since you need to be near the balance point so it doesn't twist the loader arms.

This grapple is 44" wide. Moved them to the brush pile with the top tines not clamped down.

Keep us "posted" on what you get.

TomSeller · Feb 22, 2014

rlgustafson said:
We have a Blue Diamond 84" grapple with approx. 40" opening. I like the over 10" wider opening that Xfaxman has and would have bought that one had I been aware of it. You would have no problems with a 7' grapple.

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=362019"/>

I agree that a tall vertical opening is much, much better if you are moving any significant volume/size of debris. My L bottom has 46" of opening, much better than the 30" to 32" opening you see so often. Those are ankle biters, with calhoun's lift I would get a real grapple. As for width, wider is not necessarily better as xfaxman (guru of large grapples) says. If simply picking up logs or digging roots or rocks, narrow is better. If clearing a path into brush, make sure it is as wide as your outer tire dimension. If picking up loose light debris, wider is better. You get the point, I am sure.

NorthPole · Feb 23, 2014

From my limited experience with my Anbo GRM, I would say if you're wanting to pick up materials on the ground (Piles of fallen branches, etc) the bottom tines need to be fairly long. I have a root rake which I got explicitly for digging up roots and ground cover and it works great for that. But since the lower tines don't project out very far, they don't really pick up piles of stuff all that well. Which is fine for what I do, but if I were to spend most my time trying to pick up piles rather than dig, I'd make sure to get the longer lower tines.

calhoun9001 · Mar 21, 2014

Per your guys advice I went with the monster grapple 84". Tractor measures 78" wide so I thought the 84 would be my best bet. Plan on clearing overgrown areas and don't want anything left behind to get the tractor. Took Xfaxman advice and bought it through the guy on ebay. Seems like a real nice guy should have it next week. Post pics when I get it. Thanks again.