Grapples- horizontal tine vs. "grapple rake" vertical tine

[Andy FitzGibbon]

Hi all,

I am shopping for a grapple. Trying to keep it as light, to preserve as much loader lift capacity as possible. The LA723 is good for around 1800 lbs.

At first I was looking at the vertical tine "grapple rake" style, like this: Mini Skid Steer Grapple for Bobcat MT Toro Dingo ASV Polaris RC30 Vermeer Boxer | eBay

However, there aren't many smaller choices in that style, and they are a little more than what I want to spend. I will be using this for light work- moving brush, and picking up logs- so I don't need a super heavy-duty unit. I have other equipment (a dozer) available for stump/root grubbing.

So, I'd be interested in hearing opinions on the vertical tine style vs. the horizontal tine style, like this one: Everything Attachments Compact Utility Root Grapple 50"

One thing that attracted me to the vertical style is that it can be closed down tighter than most of the horizontals, which would be handy for pinching single logs while cutting them with the chainsaw.

Thanks,
Andy

 

[jeff9366]

Have you checked out Long in your research?

LINK:

RBG

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

There have been a lot of discussions on here about grapples, including that same subject. In fact, there was a recent dust-up about it. I can't remember the exact thread, but here are a few links for your reading enjoyment:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/276415-type-grapple-best-suited.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/292058-wr-long-brush-logs.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/267492-wicked-root-debris-grapple.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/252356-any-problems-w-r-long.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/258004-questions-about-choice-root-grapple.html

 

[Andy FitzGibbon]

Yes, I like the looks of Long's 48" unit, and the weight is reasonable. I was hoping to spend less money, though (I know, I know, you get what you pay for). I've been watching for used units, but the vertical style don't seem to come up that often, especially in the smaller sizes.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Oh, and are you aware that the one in the ebay auction you linked is for a MINI skid steer? You were probably just using that pic as an example of the grapple type, but just wanted to make sure you were aware that the mounting system on that one is different.

 

[94BULLITT]

Your tractor is big enough that it will handle the Everything Attachments Wicked grapple with 2 lids. The 2 lid grapple will grip a log better for you to cut up because it will clamp more evenly.







I think a grapple as wide as your tractor would be better since you plan on cleaning up brush so you don't have to worry about running something through a tire. A wider grapple is only going to be about 150lbs more, that won't hurt you much on a tractor the size of yours.

 

[jeff9366]

Here is a link to most recent grapple thread:

wr long or ??? for brush & logs? - Page 10

 

[Andy FitzGibbon]

Oh, and are you aware that the one in the ebay auction you linked is for a MINI skid steer? You were probably just using that pic as an example of the grapple type, but just wanted to make sure you were aware that the mounting system on that one is different.

I was mostly using the photo as an example, though I did call Quick Attach and they said they could build it with a full size QA plate instead of the mini plate. Like the Long grapple, I am hoping to spend a little less- hopefully under $1500.

 

[Andy FitzGibbon]

Your tractor is big enough that it will handle the Everything Attachments Wicked grapple with 2 lids. The 2 lid grapple will grip a log better for you to cut up because it will clamp more evenly.







I think a grapple as wide as your tractor would be better since you plan on cleaning up brush so you don't have to worry about running something through a tire. A wider grapple is only going to be about 150lbs more, that won't hurt you much on a tractor the size of yours.

How difficult/annoying is it to get one log clamped, as you show in your last photo? That's one thing I like about the clamshell style- the ability to pinch a single log tightly, for chainsawing.

Andy

 

[94BULLITT]

How difficult/annoying is it to get one log clamped, as you show in your last photo? That's one thing I like about the clamshell style- the ability to pinch a single log tightly, for chainsawing.

Andy

It is easy. I just open the grapple, lower the grapple over the log and close.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Roger, what screen/mesh material did you use on your grapple to keep brush from poking through? (Sorry for the hijack.)

 

[94BULLITT]

Roger, what screen/mesh material did you use on your grapple to keep brush from poking through? (Sorry for the hijack.)

3/4 #9 expanded metal

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...hing-attachments-wicked-grapple-build-24.html

Sent from my GT-P3113 using TractorByNet

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Any tips on where to buy some?

 

[94BULLITT]

Any tips on where to buy some?

Your local metal supplier should have it. Ask to look at their remnants rack, it is discounted. You can also buy it online but you will pay dearly for it.

Sent from my GT-P3113 using TractorByNet

 

[TomSeller]

Yes, I like the looks of Long's 48" unit, and the weight is reasonable. I was hoping to spend less money, though (I know, I know, you get what you pay for). I've been watching for used units, but the vertical style don't seem to come up that often, especially in the smaller sizes.

The "Vertical" or "Rake" style are usually wide because their main function is grubbing out roots and you need TI clear your wheels for that. They do both forward and backwards raking. They usually have wide multi tip lids that provide the back raking function. If you get a Rake style, make sure you get one with longer lower teeth so you can carry something. L bottoms excel at moving debris with the narrow ones having the most capability per dollar pent and per lb. What is your intended use other than holding a log?

 

[Ken45101]

I have the "horizontal" as you call it and it's difficult to pick up multiple logs, etc. because it has to be tipped all the way down. Otherwise the tipped up front just pushes things along rather than getting into the grasp of the upper clamp. It's not very good for raking.

If I had it to do over again, I would probably go for the vertical type, I suspect that would be better for me. However, until I actually use one, I'm only speculating.

Mine is useful, but not as useful as I expected. YMMV.

 

[Andy FitzGibbon]

The "Vertical" or "Rake" style are usually wide because their main function is grubbing out roots and you need TI clear your wheels for that. They do both forward and backwards raking. They usually have wide multi tip lids that provide the back raking function. If you get a Rake style, make sure you get one with longer lower teeth so you can carry something. L bottoms excel at moving debris with the narrow ones having the most capability per dollar pent and per lb. What is your intended use other than holding a log?

I'd say that my primary use will be moving logs, and holding logs at waist level to chainsaw them into firewood. I have a moderate amount of brush I would like to move, but after that is done I will be doing very little brush moving. I don't have plans to use the grapple for land clearing, as A. I don't have any land I want to clear and B. I have a bulldozer that I would use for that job anyway.

Initially I was looking at narrow (48") rake style grapples with the firewood cutting aspect in mind, because it's easy to grip a single log tightly, and the narrower grapple allows for more chainsawing without repositioning the log.

I would also like to use it to load logs onto trailers, and that seems like it would be easier with the rake style- especially on my own trailer, which has square tubing "landscape" style sides. In that application, I would also like to keep the weight down, as some of the logs get pretty heavy (large Oaks).


To everyone who has replied, thanks- all responses have been helpful.

Andy

 

[Zebrafive]

I think for your intended use you would vertical style.

 

[TomSeller]

Initially I was looking at narrow (48") rake style grapples with the firewood cutting aspect in mind, because it's easy to grip a single log tightly, and the narrower grapple allows for more chainsawing without repositioning the log.

who makes a 48" Rake style?

 

[txdon]

I need a grapple also and am trying to decide which one I need the rake or bucket type. I'll have to dig out the brush and then stack it so the best I can think of would be a combo rake/bucket type grapple that I'm not sure is made by anyone. I want a wide opening, digging and carrying abilities and it needs to be narrow to maneuver and clear brush from between trees maybe 50-54". Has anyone come across such a grapple?