Grapple Brush Raker Grapples

[IslandTractor]

I agree that the clamshell grapple (Bradco, Anbo, WRLong etc) is optomized for brush and especially for picking up individual small bits and pieces. The problem is that they are also very much more expensive than the more traditional root grapple like the Millonzi, Markham/Gator etc. The other big distinguishing "feature" of the clamshell is that it can only hold it's load with hydraulic pressure while the traditional open root grapple can use gravity to hold a load.

The way to use a traditonal root grapple in brush is to cram the stuff into the gullet which allows probably a bigger load to be carried than with the clamshell even though the clamshell can pick up individual pieces more easily. My own technique is to collect small bits of brush into a pile and then take the whole pile at once. When you have a big pile I think the standard grapple can actually carry more.

 

[Brandon1107]

I went with a wider grapple and I have no regrets but I also have a larger tractor. I read posts for weeks on here and decided I wanted one as wide as the tractor for paralleling fencelines. It really is a tougher decision than tractor purchase if you read all there is to read on here. One of the best posts I read on here said "read up on the pros and cons then get what YOU want, I've never read about anyone being unhappy with their grapple". Grapples are so useful that once you get one you'll wonder how you lived without it. I have a wr long 84"clam shell style and I've bent two teeth and lost a wear point. In no way do I think it's because of workmanship or quality, I just beat the **** out of it. That being said tougher is better in my opinion but hey you know what they say about opinions. I can pick up a 40' tree and take it to the brush pile and that makes me grin ear to ear! Good Luck!

 

[dstig1]

The way to use a traditonal root grapple in brush is to cram the stuff into the gullet which allows probably a bigger load to be carried than with the clamshell even though the clamshell can pick up individual pieces more easily. My own technique is to collect small bits of brush into a pile and then take the whole pile at once. When you have a big pile I think the standard grapple can actually carry more.

I try to do that as well, but I work on a rather steep hillside, so I have limited maneuverability (can't get too much crosswise with the hill or I'm afraid I'll flip it). Making bigger piles first is certainly a good practice, if you can. I think the basic Gator 48" could be improved for this with just more teeth, with a bigger spread, for example. If I find myself doing a lot more brush work, I may weld up an add-on jaw for that purpose. Dunno.

 

[IslandTractor]

I think the basic Gator 48" could be improved for this with just more teeth, with a bigger spread, for example. If I find myself doing a lot more brush work, I may weld up an add-on jaw for that purpose. Dunno.

There was a thread here a few weeks ago where we were half joking about a perfect grapple which would have a narrow heavy duty core that could be widened with bolt on "wings" top and bottom for when tasks required that. I'm afraid it would be expensive to build but the idea of a narrow "stump" grapple with add on brush wings is a pretty interesting concept.

 

[flatpik6]

Talk about resurrecting an old thread....I just happened to stumble on this thread while looking up some info pertaining to my grapple. Seems the original question was never answered. I happen to be one of those guys who own and use an Oliver & Dahlman Brush Raker grapple exactly like the model the OP was contemplating. Interesting to read all the discussion. Since buying it, I've said every time I use it that it's waaay more than I needed yet I can assure you there's no way I'll ever break or bend it. I have the 7 tine, 54", dual cylinder version which comes in at 650 lbs. I use it with my Mahindra 5035. Of course there's always a lot of rear weight to balance things out and the grapple does exactly as I direct without hesitation or back talk. Yeah they're expensive and I could have gotten by with less. I've recently seen them listed for between $2700 and $3650.

 

[Magicman710]

Funny timing for a thread resurrection, I just got one of the 54" TR series installed on my 5055E last week.

I'll agree with flatpik, it's a definitely heavy duty grapple. Over-engineered if anything.

I believe the grapple itself was $2400.

 

[schoolsout]

Just bought a 2017 5065e with 50 hrs and it came with a Brush Raker grapple...just poking around to see if anyone else has one and how they like it. Our Massey 1533 has a WR Long 4n1 so pretty excited to test this thing out.