Grapple heavier grapple or not

[Milton Burro]

The extra spacers to close in the rear of the grapple or steel plate to seal it off from wayward limbs.

In my experience with mine, I've found that space has allowed relief for some branches to extend through the opening that might otherwise be pushed out when closing the jaws if that space were closed in. On the other side of the coin, sometimes I've had limbs "catch" and hang on when releasing the load. I don't ever remember having to get off to clear them, usually a drop and drag pulls it out. If you do close those spaces in, I can't imagine it being a great benefit, but it would decrease your ability to see what your doing at the business end.

 

[Redbug]

I also welded expanded metal to the brush guard after a branch pushed through and almost hit the radiator. It made me paranoid. After using the grapple some more, I welded about 4 extra angle iron slats to the back portion of the grapple to help hold the debris in, especially when pushing. I think it helps to keep limbs from pushing through and the dirt and small stuff can fall through as before. Mine's a WRLong root rake grapple. Great design, by the way.

 

[JFS2295]

I'm still searching for the grapple I want, which is hampered by my 28hp tractor and pin-on needs. But during my search I felt this was the most HD and protective grapple I've seen, with good Tim Allen "more power" features. Both a push bar and solid plate in the back. But too heavy for my little tractor.

Wallace Attachments series I tractor grapple root rake attachment

 

[IslandTractor]

I'm still searching for the grapple I want, which is hampered by my 28hp tractor and pin-on needs. But during my search I felt this was the most HD and protective grapple I've seen, with good Tim Allen "more power" features. Both a push bar and solid plate in the back. But too heavy for my little tractor.

Wallace Attachments series I tractor grapple root rake attachment

You don't quote any specifications but just eyeballing that photo shows that is WAY more grapple than you could use efficiently. There are reams of info on TBN about appropriate grapple size and weight. A 28hp tractor most likely has a FEL lift capacity of between 900-1400lbs and the grapple in the photo probably weighs about 650lbs. Why diminish your net load capacity to a point where you could lift more with your standard bucket? Stick with a light duty narrow grapple and you will save $1500, lift more and be able to accomplish more work. If you like the color then buy a can of green paint.

 

[Milton Burro]

I also welded expanded metal to the brush guard after a branch pushed through and almost hit the radiator. It made me paranoid. After using the grapple some more, I welded about 4 extra angle iron slats to the back portion of the grapple to help hold the debris in, especially when pushing. I think it helps to keep limbs from pushing through and the dirt and small stuff can fall through as before. .

That's a great idea. Thanks.

 

[JFS2295]

You don't quote any specifications but just eyeballing that photo shows that is WAY more grapple than you could use efficiently. There are reams of info on TBN about appropriate grapple size and weight. A 28hp tractor most likely has a FEL lift capacity of between 900-1400lbs and the grapple in the photo probably weighs about 650lbs. Why diminish your net load capacity to a point where you could lift more with your standard bucket? Stick with a light duty narrow grapple and you will save $1500, lift more and be able to accomplish more work. If you like the color then buy a can of green paint.

The specs are in the link.

But did you not read ...

.... But too heavy for my little tractor.....

I know the weight capacity of my FEL and the implications of the implements weight. I only pointed to a picture of a green tractor and implement. Don't need a lecture about paint color. Sorry for interfering with the divine opinion.

 

[Redbug]

That Wallace Series 1 Stacking Rake really looks interesting. Pretty heavy duty, too. I like the design and only 480 pounds for the 60 incher. No hydraulics required. Not too bad!

 

[G man466]

wow! I received my LD 60" Gator with 1/2" outside tines two days early.The OA hooked up with no problem. I'd ordered it with just the hoses ...because i already had the couplings...made a quick run to the auto parts store for fittings to go from 1/4 hose to 3/8. I worked the unit for 3 hours and did more than i expected to do in 8hrs. My first thought was that the M 5140 tractor would have to much weight and power for the LD grapple....now thinking i might need more tractor:laughing: I'll try to post some pics tomorrow but i'm kinda busy

 

[dex3361]

I'm still searching for the grapple I want, which is hampered by my 28hp tractor and pin-on needs. But during my search I felt this was the most HD and protective grapple I've seen, with good Tim Allen "more power" features. Both a push bar and solid plate in the back. But too heavy for my little tractor.

Wallace Attachments series I tractor grapple root rake attachment

Man that set up looks good. I like the way the tines on the bottom have an arch to them.

 

[G man466]

I feel like I've just added 10 years to my life span with the purchase of the gator grapple. I'm mad at myself for not purchasing one five years ago. Thanks again, to all the fine gentlemen here at TBN that helped me decide on which grapple would best suit my needs.