Wondering why one couldn't slide pipes through the holes in the existing slats. For sure, it would add weight, but it would be fairly easy: right diameter and some caps on threaded ends would hold the pipes in there. Seems that that could fill in a lot of the gaps and allow picking up rocks and the like.
Quick comment on the notion that pallet forks can suffice for grapples: do some stuff with your hands w/o using your thumbs.
I really would like to have intermediate tines. They would be great for scooping up rocks and firewood and other smallish objects that are likely to fall between the 8-9" distances of the main tines. Not necessary for brush or logs or stumps etc but boy would they be nice for picking up rocks.
EA might consider making the welded tabs an extra cost option. Many folks aren't prepared to take on a welding task.
Offering the slats as a customer installed option is the most economical method, for EA and the customer.
Yes, offering them as a factory made option is something Ted and I are pondering/discussing, BUT....
It would require either:
1. Having extra "slat ready" grapple inventory on hand.
2. Welding the tabs to all grapples whether they'll get slats or not.
3. Special order production.
I think #3 makes the most sense, but we'd need to take this into consideration:
In this case, if someone wanted a 60" grapple with slats, we'd have to build another 60" grapple, even if one without tabs is already in inventory.
Travis