Grapples other then Gator.

[JFS2295]

Currently with the bucket for large C-tree sales I can move up to the tree, tie a rope to the stem and use the bucket to raise the tree while using the rope to keep the tree from rolling out. A pair of pallet forks or the root grapple without being clamped could be ideal for this. The problem with the bucket are the sides, forcing the tree to side on the edges. I've seen forks used at other farms.

But the main use is to remove stumps, bad trees, and trees that have been uprooted by the dozer to an area where the chipper is. Roots and stumps get cut off and not run through the chipper.

 

[IslandTractor]

I was wondering if yours is one of the few instances where a double top grapple would make sense but I'm not so sure. The advantage of a double top would be if you were moving upright trees with intact rootballs as you could clamp on either side without risking scarring the trunk. Are the trees already cut when you are lifting them? Would a tree boom and strap make sense? I'm just having trouble imagining trying to pick up a vertical cut tree without damaging it with a grapple.

 

[JFS2295]

For C-trees - they are laying on the ground horizontal after being cut at ground level with a Stihl pole saw. Envision pull grapple up to tree, roll tree onto lower grapple, curl FEL, then lift.

For bare root deciduous, I could see where you are coming from. Typically the trunk is wrapped in burlap and with a two tooth top grapple I would just use a tie down to secure the trunk to the fully open grapple. But keep in mind this is the minority use of any grapple I get. 90% of the time I would be using it just like you do.

 

[IslandTractor]

In that case something like the 48 inch Millonzi or Markham/Gator would do all you want and be most economical. As an owner I agree that the curved lower tines on the Millonzi are more desirable. In this age of CAD and computer guided steel cutting I don't understand why others use the straight bottom tines.

 

[Code54]

Who is selling the Millonzi grapple - when I googled it I kept getting something about them being out of business?
THANKS

 

[dex3361]

Who is selling the Millonzi grapple - when I googled it I kept getting something about them being out of business?
THANKS

I think they went out of business.

 

[JFS2295]

No one. They would have had my credit card number on Monday if they were in business.
Apparently the founder passed away and they got into a legal situation when moving their business to another location.

 

[JFS2295]

In that case something like the 48 inch Millonzi or Markham/Gator would do all you want and be most economical. As an owner I agree that the curved lower tines on the Millonzi are more desirable. In this age of CAD and computer guided steel cutting I don't understand why others use the straight bottom tines.

I agree 100%. Unfortunately, well we know about #1, and Gator says No Can Do.

 

[dangerdoc]

You can get an adapter made so your pin on loader is converted to QA. These guys at rootgrapple.com will make one for $650. Advantage is that you can then use all types of QA implements. It also means that if you then buy a QA grapple and want to sell it you have a ready market on Craigslist etc. Tough to sell a pin on attachment unless it is a standard JD or Kubota type.

www.rootgrapple.com/bobtach.html

Masters Farm Supply Tractor Canopies sells them for $400.

 

[JFS2295]

Here is another interesting manufacturer down in FL. These are curved tooth bottoms without the bar across the front, which would be better for me as it allows the teeth to go down into the sandy soil.

www.TheRakeShop.com