coolnature
Silver Member
Getting ready to pull the trigger on a new grapple. Since I have never used one, I am completely in the dark as to what style to get. I have read several grapple threads on TBN and I have learned that there is no one design perfectly suited for all uses.
My primary uses: raking, piling, moving brush; moving logs; uprooting small trees, mostly cedars; some rock digging / moving.
Tractor is 95 HP w/ FEL plumbed with WR Long 3rd function. Loader capacity is 2650# 32" forward of pivot.
In addition as to the style of grapple, I need advice on the following:
(1) Overall width: my front tires are 79" out to out. Does grapple need to be at least as wide as front tires?
(2) Lower tine thickness: Is 1/2" the minimum I need to consider?
(3) Weight: Is heavier necessarily better? Maybe more durable?
(4) Steel type: is high tensile strength preferred?
(5) Cylinders: Size / stroke recommendation?
(6) Gusseted tips: For strength reasons I suppose?
(7) Replaceble tips on lower tines: I have seen this on some units. Good or bad?
(8) Manufacturer: If $ were no object, I would buy an Anbo or a Bradco. Trying to keep the budget at 3K.
I have talked to one manufacturer that makes both styles and they recommended the "claw" stating that it would be the better choice and easier to operate for brush work.
Thanks in advance for any recommendations and advice.
My primary uses: raking, piling, moving brush; moving logs; uprooting small trees, mostly cedars; some rock digging / moving.
Tractor is 95 HP w/ FEL plumbed with WR Long 3rd function. Loader capacity is 2650# 32" forward of pivot.
In addition as to the style of grapple, I need advice on the following:
(1) Overall width: my front tires are 79" out to out. Does grapple need to be at least as wide as front tires?
(2) Lower tine thickness: Is 1/2" the minimum I need to consider?
(3) Weight: Is heavier necessarily better? Maybe more durable?
(4) Steel type: is high tensile strength preferred?
(5) Cylinders: Size / stroke recommendation?
(6) Gusseted tips: For strength reasons I suppose?
(7) Replaceble tips on lower tines: I have seen this on some units. Good or bad?
(8) Manufacturer: If $ were no object, I would buy an Anbo or a Bradco. Trying to keep the budget at 3K.
I have talked to one manufacturer that makes both styles and they recommended the "claw" stating that it would be the better choice and easier to operate for brush work.
Thanks in advance for any recommendations and advice.