Best attachment for clearing roads/trails after loggers mess

[David_Kb7uns]

Unless these grapples are way overweight they should be a good match for the machine, I can rake and stuff mine full of branches and they are nowhere near maxing out the loader and I can pick up grapple filling logs that are decent length to move also.

Here is a Locust trunk log that is close to max on the LA723 loader so decide if this grapple limits the use of this GL3130 tractor

David Kb7uns

 

[LSU L4330]

here is a video of approximately the same size grapple on approximately the same size tractor, doing approximately the same thing.

How To Use A Compact Root Grapple - YouTube

Thanks for the video. That debris is far worse than what I am needing to do but exactly what I expected it to be capable of.

 

[sloooow]

If it is too big for tractor then why can my L3130 do this?

Holy cow! I guess that's one way to keep your tractor from tipping over sideways.

It seems I haven't been working my tractor hard enough.

 

[sd455dan]

It's a pretty good amount of trails and rolling hills with a few shallow creek crossings.



Looks like the grapple is the way to go. Spoke with EA today and they seemed to think also that the grapple would be best but both would be better..... (naturally). Made sense though. Said run with the grapple down to grab the bigger stuff and the rake pulling behind will grab all the smaller pine needle sections and looser debris that would fall through the grapple.


I will agree with EA on this one . If the stuff in the road you are trying to remove is pine needles and not full size tree roots a landscape rake and grapple will probably work. we cleared pine needles this way...




If you have larger embedded slash in the road- and your box blade has rippers you could loosen the debri and then rake it .
Once that is done grapple it up and go from there... In removing these pine needles the rake did all of the gathering and then the grapple just removed the piles.

good Luck with whatever method you choose :thumbsup:

Ah - i should have read the whole thread instead of posting after only reading up to page 3 - Congrats on the new implements i think they will serve you well.

 

[TomSeller]

If it is too big for tractor then why can my L3130 do this?

COOL !!!!

 

[SPYDERLK]

Does it have to do with moonbeams and lucky charms.......??.... :duh:


WTH was that..... :confused2:

nope.

 

[LSU L4330]

Thanks dan. Yes, just loose pine debris left over in the roads that is laying on top. No roots to dig up with this job.

 

[94BULLITT]

It's a pretty good amount of trails and rolling hills with a few shallow creek crossings.

Boy that equipment looks like the makings for a pretty darn nice shop.

Looks like the grapple is the way to go. Spoke with EA today and they seemed to think also that the grapple would be best but both would be better..... (naturally). Made sense though. Said run with the grapple down to grab the bigger stuff and the rake pulling behind will grab all the smaller pine needle sections and looser debris that would fall through the grapple. May just try the grapple and see how it goes then possibly add just the rake in the rear and wait a bit on the TNT.

I agree with what EA said. On the areas were there is light debris use the rake to pile it up and then move it with the grapple.

I am very pleased with how my 72'' Wicked grapple preforms on the L4240.

This stump was partially uprooted.



Log that weighs between 3000-3500lbs.





One thing I want to caution you on to have a proper ballast on the 3PH when you are working the grapple hard. If you are just cleaning up some loose light brush you should be okay with the rake if your tires are filled. If you get to working the tractor/ grapple hard by picking up big heavy loads or digging out stumps or rocks you will need something heavier on the 3PH. Also remember to keep the loader low especially when carrying a load.

 

[fcbrian84]

Congrats on your new EA toys. I am in a pretty much the exact same situation. I just had 8-9 acres clear cut (except for 30-40 scattered mature hardwoods). The cut was red pines , row planted 6-10 feet apart and never thinned. They were 60' tall and 8-10 inch, falling over like tooth picks in the wind by the day so I had no choice.
Just received my EA 60" root grapple and I have the EA 72 inch landscape rake on the way(Sounds familiar??).The grapple is a beast, well built, iron-art !.I know you have already orderd, but I had 2 cents to add.
My tractor is only 30 odd hp and 800 lbs lighter than yours but I will say to Spyders point, it depends on alot of things. Buckets are usually used in open areas, but if you eventually start swinging around the woods , you might appreciate a narrower grapple. Also going between stumps/trees, or other obstacles. Running tines in will go better with more pressure on less tines,but still pick up mountains of scraps with
I would call those guys at EA again just to discuss your specifics. It's not just about weight, price and width.They're so busy, I doubt they started welding yet. It's what will work best for all situations. 6 inches doesn't sound like much until you need 6 inches clearance. Don't get me wrong , if your going to be in wide open spaces forever then by all means wider is better.
I mow 2+ acres of grass and while the 72" Exmark zero turn was tempting me to buy,I went with the 60" and it still gets it done in an hour , getting around trees, house , playhouse, pool and all the crap mother puts out in the yard! and the push mower is in mothballs!
Either way , your going to love the EA stuff (Christmass in May!!), great people and great tools. Good luck and take care

Brian

 

[fcbrian84]

Congrats on your new EA toys. I am in a pretty much the exact same situation. I just had 8-9 acres clear cut (except for 30-40 scattered mature hardwoods). The cut was red pines , row planted 6-10 feet apart and never thinned. They were 60' tall and 8-10 inch, falling over like tooth picks in the wind by the day so I had no choice.
Just received my EA 60" root grapple and I have the EA 72 inch landscape rake on the way(Sounds familiar??).The grapple is a beast, well built, iron-art !.I know you have already orderd, but I had 2 cents to add.
My tractor is only 30 odd hp and 800 lbs lighter than yours but I will say to Spyders point, it depends on alot of things. Buckets are usually used in open areas, but if you eventually start swinging around the woods , you might appreciate a narrower grapple. Also going between stumps/trees, or other obstacles. Running tines in will go better with more pressure on less tines,but still pick up mountains of scraps with
I would call those guys at EA again just to discuss your specifics. It's not just about weight, price and width.They're so busy, I doubt they started welding yet. It's what will work best for all situations. 6 inches doesn't sound like much until you need 6 inches clearance. Don't get me wrong , if your going to be in wide open spaces forever then by all means wider is better.
I mow 2+ acres of grass and while the 72" Exmark zero turn was tempting me to buy,I went with the 60" and it still gets it done in an hour , getting around trees, house , playhouse, pool and all the crap mother puts out in the yard! and the push mower is in mothballs!
Either way , your going to love the EA stuff (Christmass in May!!), great people and great tools. Good luck and take care

Brian