Grapple heavier grapple or not

[jake98]

I posted a picture under photo gallery. I've been trying to include it in reply but I'm thinking my fist was gonna get there faster.

I use the attachment paperclip thing to upload pics.

 

[universalgirl]

I tried that. Not really sure why it wont accept. It shows it's been downloaded but WHERE IS IT???????????

 

[universalgirl]

Not sure what I did that time but it worked.

 

[jake98]

that's a different looking unit.. who makes that one?

 

[IslandTractor]

Not sure what I did that time but it worked.

Thanks. I'd call those replaceable rather than removable but I understand your point.

 

[universalgirl]

You are correct, they are "replaceable". I can't put the "maker" on here because I'll get a mean note by email. :laughing: You can private message and I can answer any questions.

I'm really interested in hearing what everyone is really looking for in the quick attach. I'm understanding a lot more regarding tractor vs. skid steer couplers and design. I know you all said you would be a message away and Melissa Markham promised me that if I had any questions about things, this is the place to come. With all the self fabrication I'm reading about, there is a lot of talent on here.:thumbsup:

 

[MtnViewRanch]

If you want to sift your ground and you have the power, bigger is better.

I have done acres of ground in this fashion, usually try to keep the tines 8-10 inches in the ground. I WOULD NOT WANT TO DO THIS WITH A 48' LIGHT DUTY GRAPPLE.

 

[IslandTractor]

If you want to sift your ground and you have the power, bigger is better.

I have done acres of ground in this fashion, usually try to keep the tines 8-10 inches in the ground. I WOULD NOT WANT TO DO THIS WITH A 48' LIGHT DUTY GRAPPLE.

Agree. Big heavy tractor, grapple underground with unknown obstructions requires heavier grapple construction. No downside to narrow grapple though which would be safer for the FEL arms. Catching a boulder or stump with the edge of a wide grapple while powering forward would put a lot of twisting force on the FEL arms. The task you are doing in the photo is ideally done by a bulldozer which has appropriately engineered short stubby arms attached to the grapple. A tractor Front End LOADER, is not really designed for that type of work. It can do it but will not last as long as a bulldozer because the FEL is primarily designed to lift not push and is simply not engineered for the twisting forces encountered with serious root raking.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Agree. Big heavy tractor, grapple underground with unknown obstructions requires heavier grapple construction. No downside to narrow grapple though which would be safer for the FEL arms. Catching a boulder or stump with the edge of a wide grapple while powering forward would put a lot of twisting force on the FEL arms. The task you are doing in the photo is ideally done by a bulldozer which has appropriately engineered short stubby arms attached to the grapple. A tractor Front End LOADER, is not really designed for that type of work. It can do it but will not last as long as a bulldozer because the FEL is primarily designed to lift not push and is simply not engineered for the twisting forces encountered with serious root raking.

Your absolutely right, a dozer would be far better and I should probably make a Rock rake for ours. But I do not have that, but then again I do not have any rocks to hit either, at least not yet. What I have is root balls in top soil that is left from the fires that went through our area back in 2002. As far as the 48" grapple having no down side, yes a heavy duty 48" would work, but mine is an 81" and gets my work done just a weeee bit faster than a 48" would.

As to this date and 500hours on the tractor although a small percentage of those hours with the grapple, I have had no damage to the tractor or grapple or loader arms. In my conditions I believe that I am fine, but yes if I were encountering big rocks or tree root balls I would be in trouble.

 

[foggy1111]

FWIW.....Strangely....the Markham/Gator 48" grapple will measure closer to 54" wide IIRC. Therefore....it's a bit wider than indicated.