Hi Gang,
I've been following a few grapple threads on TBN with great interest. I'm grapple shopping for my Kubota M59, but I'm seriously concerned that I will bend/break a grapple made from mild steel (A36). This includes HD models from many reputable makers like Markham/Gator, WR Long, Unlimited Fabrication, Wildcat, etc. The "high-end" grapples (Anbo, Eagle Talon, Bradco i.e. - expensive) are all made from T1 or AR400 steel. From my research, it appears that T1 is twice as strong as A36, and AR400 is stronger still.
I知 looking at using the grapple to dig out small trees and roots, move firewood logs (log length, bucked up and splits) and move lots of really big boulders. The M59 has a lift capacity of about 4k.
I致e been talking to various makers of grapples over the last few weeks, and the cost of a T1 or AR400 grapple ($3500 - $5000) is typically 2x that of a HD model from mild steel ($1700 - $2000). I assume the cost of the raw materials (steel plate) explains the difference in price.
The makers of the expensive ones will tell you that mild steel does not belong on a grapple, for example, http://www.skid-steer-solutions.com/White Papers/White Paper - T1 vs AR.pdf
Not having seen any of these T1/AR400 grapples next to a mild steel grapple, I have no idea if this is marketing BS or the truth. I知 not too concerned with how heavy the grapple is, rather if it can take the abuse of lifting and moving 2000lb.+ rocks. At the end of the day I want something that will last for the best price possible. If t1 or AR400 is overkill?I will gladly buy one made from A36 and save quite a bit of cash.
To complicate matters, it appears most of the 塗igh-end grapple designs are of the 途oot rake variety with a single 田law (I think some call it a clamshell). I知 told this design might not be good for picking up bucked up logs and splits. If one piece of wood is positioned such that it stops the complete closure of the grapple before it grabs the rest of the load?t will just lose the pile because the short lower tines will not support a load without the top claw creating pressure.
Here痴 an example of the 途oot rake type (bradco from (Temporarily blocked due to reports of company closure)):
Maybe I知 better off with the 澱rush grapple design, with split claws from (bradco from Messicks):
Why are there so many **** grapple designs and names??? This is really confusing.
Does anyone have experience with a mild steel grapple on a loader with 3k or greater lift capacity, or one of the big skid steers or industrial backhoe? How about picking up logs and firewood?
-Mark
I've been following a few grapple threads on TBN with great interest. I'm grapple shopping for my Kubota M59, but I'm seriously concerned that I will bend/break a grapple made from mild steel (A36). This includes HD models from many reputable makers like Markham/Gator, WR Long, Unlimited Fabrication, Wildcat, etc. The "high-end" grapples (Anbo, Eagle Talon, Bradco i.e. - expensive) are all made from T1 or AR400 steel. From my research, it appears that T1 is twice as strong as A36, and AR400 is stronger still.
I知 looking at using the grapple to dig out small trees and roots, move firewood logs (log length, bucked up and splits) and move lots of really big boulders. The M59 has a lift capacity of about 4k.
I致e been talking to various makers of grapples over the last few weeks, and the cost of a T1 or AR400 grapple ($3500 - $5000) is typically 2x that of a HD model from mild steel ($1700 - $2000). I assume the cost of the raw materials (steel plate) explains the difference in price.
The makers of the expensive ones will tell you that mild steel does not belong on a grapple, for example, http://www.skid-steer-solutions.com/White Papers/White Paper - T1 vs AR.pdf
Not having seen any of these T1/AR400 grapples next to a mild steel grapple, I have no idea if this is marketing BS or the truth. I知 not too concerned with how heavy the grapple is, rather if it can take the abuse of lifting and moving 2000lb.+ rocks. At the end of the day I want something that will last for the best price possible. If t1 or AR400 is overkill?I will gladly buy one made from A36 and save quite a bit of cash.
To complicate matters, it appears most of the 塗igh-end grapple designs are of the 途oot rake variety with a single 田law (I think some call it a clamshell). I知 told this design might not be good for picking up bucked up logs and splits. If one piece of wood is positioned such that it stops the complete closure of the grapple before it grabs the rest of the load?t will just lose the pile because the short lower tines will not support a load without the top claw creating pressure.
Here痴 an example of the 途oot rake type (bradco from (Temporarily blocked due to reports of company closure)):
Maybe I知 better off with the 澱rush grapple design, with split claws from (bradco from Messicks):
Why are there so many **** grapple designs and names??? This is really confusing.
Does anyone have experience with a mild steel grapple on a loader with 3k or greater lift capacity, or one of the big skid steers or industrial backhoe? How about picking up logs and firewood?
-Mark