Grapple Root/Brush Grapple

[IslandTractor]

There must be 30-40 MFG of grapples. I have spent hours looking.
There are so many different designs and sizes that I am infused, confused, and defused.

Yes, there are many many grapple manufacturers who specialize in skid steer grapples. There are not so many that produce light weight grapples for CUTs up to 50 hp or so. As noted in many threads, the main sources of light duty grapples seem to be Markham, WR Long, ATI and a few others. There are also some big names like Anbo but those tend to be larger skid steer sized (though they seem to be bringing out CUT sized now too). Just remember that you really don't need more than 48 inches or more than 400-450lbs of steel max. Mine is a Millonzi which is no longer made but it weighs less than 300lbs and has stood up very well to use with a 40hp tractor. One guy has one on a M59. Point being that CUTs do not destroy light duty grapples so don't waste money on something heavy duty.

 

[dex3361]

You might also look at Anbo grapples. They are more expensive but they are great grapples. This type has the ability to reach over and rake back but it does not work well in laying items across the lower tines. This grapple weighs about 340# and I say about because I don't know if they count the hose and fittings. The Anbo Grapples are made of a highly abrasion resistant steel that is supposed to be 2 times stronger than T-1 steel. I haven't so much as bent anything on the thing.

 

[Redbug]

I have a WR Long light duty grapple and have been very satisfied with it.

However...I never could get my dog to wear a seat belt long enough to do a clearing job like Randall's Jack Russell, (in the second pic).

 

[dex3361]

I have a WR Long light duty grapple and have been very satisfied with it.

However...I never could get my dog to wear a seat belt long enough to do a clearing job like Randall's Jack Russell, (in the second pic).

The dog and I get along well except at tractor time and he is a bit of a seat hog and frankly I dont think he is all that good of an operator. I have banished him from the 4 wheeler because he refuses to wear his helmet.

 

[rd_macgregor]

I finally took the plunge this spring on a Markham 48" grapple that I've covetted for a couple of years. It only took a couple of days for them to make it up and ship it; I had it within a week...all the way from NC to PEI, Canada.
I had mine made up with the extra spacer and heavier steel on the outside rake tines. The only (minor) complaint I have had is that the paint came off with the shipping label! I think this is a result of the quick turn-around in manufacture and shipping; the paint didn't have a chance to cure properly before the shipping label was stuck on.
The grapple is great for gathering up brush piles, uprooting alder or elder clumps and popping up surface roots. You can't expect to just put it down a couple of inches into the ground and drive along raking, though. I'll also second Island's point about 48" width being plenty. Wider just spreads the root-digging force and also gobbles up your FEL lift capacity.
Adding another remote was too expensive, so I had hydraulic hoses made up to run forward to the loader arms from my single rear remote (on my Kioti DK45SC). Unless you specify otherwise, the Markham comes with male and female flat-face (Parker skid-steer) couplers. I left these couplers on mine since I hope someday to get a SS QA hydraulic posthole digger.
I paid a bit over $1000 for my grapple rake (plus shipping, import taxes, etc.), but I could have got them for $750/ea if I'd wanted to buy five (I was tempted)!
It might be possible to bend this grapple, but it would take some real abuse (or a lot heavier tractor than mine!) to do so.
BOB

 

[Redbug]

That sounds like a pretty good deal Bob. When I have the grapple off the tractor I always connect the male and female couplers together. That way the pressure equalizes between cylinders. I would not worry about the paint. It will rub off from use anyway. I have sure gotten my use out of my grapple. I have used it as much as my bucket.

Randall...My dog was too much of a seat hog on my 4 wheeler. I had to make him a Puppy Lounge so he would not grab the handle bars and goose the gas with me hanging on. These dogs are worse than kids! All they want to do is play around.

 

[dex3361]

That sounds like a pretty good deal Bob. When I have the grapple off the tractor I always connect the male and female couplers together. That way the pressure equalizes between cylinders. I would not worry about the paint. It will rub off from use anyway. I have sure gotten my use out of my grapple. I have used it as much as my bucket.

Randall...My dog was too much of a seat hog on my 4 wheeler. I had to make him a Puppy Lounge so he would not grab the handle bars and goose the gas with me hanging on. These dogs are worse than kids! All they want to do is play around.

Nice looking Shepard my JRT thinks hes that big. Funny thing is that I saw a little dog scare him to death I guess he thought it was big too.

 

[bradm64]

I have a WR Long Open Bottom grapple on my 5200 JD. Very pleased with it. After the ice storm here in Western Kentucky in 2009, we had tons of trees and limbs down. Just wish I bit the bullet and bought it sooner......