What would keep your Grapple out of the FIRE?

[Coyote machine]

The concern with expanded steel is that it'd catch debris and get tangled up forcing the operator to get off the machine to clear it. I can certainly see that being a possibility with the diamond pattern acting like a snare if something is drawn into the narrow side of the diamond.

I've had no problems with the expanded metal/ diamond pattern. When using a grapple the sticks/twigs, etc. that might get caught up can be easily broken by using the grapple jaws and the grapple to crunch stuff in the mouth of same. Like a garbage truck compressing it's load.
The OP would more likely have to detractor to fix a damaged hydraulic line/fitting or uncoupled locking handle than with small branches caught in the expanded metal. I've got hundreds of hours with the expanded metal and it's never been a problem. Things that can pass through those horizontal bars could easily damage the hydraulics or lock handle(s), or continue through to the radiator grille/headlight area. This is especially likely due to most grapple work being done close to grade, making visibility of the grapple jaw contents harder to see and control. The expended metal gives a constant barrier against damage that could not otherwise be seen until too late to prevent the damage. For another example, take a look at a log skidder cage to see what and where expanded metal is used.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

The concern with expanded steel is that it'd catch debris and get tangled up forcing the operator to get off the machine to clear it. I can certainly see that being a possibility with the diamond pattern acting like a snare if something is drawn into the narrow side of the diamond.

I haven't had a problem with expended metal. The twiggy junk when it does get hung up, most often gets hung up on the forward-most round stock cross brace and lower tine "teeth," not the expanded metal. What I should have done is used a heavier gage expanded metal, but what I got (.145 so 1/8th with paint) was all my supplier had on hand at the time. If I was to order in expanded metal to weld it in, I think I'd get 3/16.

Even with expanded metal welded in stupid problems still happen. Good thing I didn't lift the loader up!

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Ted believes expanded metal would rob too much visibility.
He likes a very clear picture of what he's grabbing, so the bars made the most sense to him.

The price is not increasing due to the bars, which is nice.
If preferred, you could easily add expanded metal by securing it to the bars.
Travis

 

[Coyote machine]

Ted believes expanded metal would rob too much visibility.
He likes a very clear picture of what he's grabbing, so the bars made the most sense to him.

The price is not increasing due to the bars, which is nice.
If preferred, you could easily add expanded metal by securing it to the bars.
Travis

View attachment 456446

That's Ted's opinion, and that's fine, BUT as I said, visibility is nearly non-existent when the grapple is at grade, so the expended metal would do a better job of damage prevention, than a couple of pass through bars.

 

[Jim Timber]

How in the world does anyone see out of these machines?

 

[Coyote machine]

How in the world does anyone see out of these machines?

View attachment 456467

Dash cam? Skidder OP moto: just push it till it breaks?!
Poorly at best...

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

That's Ted's opinion, and that's fine, BUT as I said, visibility is nearly non-existent when the grapple is at grade, so the expended metal would do a better job of damage prevention, than a couple of pass through bars.

And that is your opinion.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

And that is your opinion.

Yes, We've all got em.
Bottom line is..... It has been a great, extremely popular grapple that people love.
We've made it even better without adding to the cost.
Travis

 

[Coyote machine]

And that is your opinion.

It is!:tractor:

Yes, We've all got em.
Bottom line is..... It has been a great, extremely popular grapple that people love.
We've made it even better without adding to the cost.
Travis

It would seem so- and yet there is always room for improvement. Why not offer an expanded metal bolt on grill for those who want it at extra cost. See what happens- it might be very popular...:confused3:

 

[yukonhunter]

Hey travis, its mario. Just making sure the protective guard will be on the grapple i ordered today?