A36 vs AR 450 for Grapple

[Logan979]

which is better steel for a tractor grapple ? I am not a welder or metal man.

 

[TMGT]

The AR will allow you to use a thinner material for equal strength and provide better wear resistance ( AR stands for abrasive resistant). It is much harder to bend then A36 at equal thicknes, this allows the grapple to be lighter for a given strength.

A36 is pretty much used by companies trying to save money as it's a little cheaper than AR plate.

To give you an idea of the difference:

A36 has a yield point of 36,000psi and a tensile strength of 58-80,000psi

AR400 (I don't have the 450 specs on front of me) has a yield point of 145,000psi and a tensile strength of 177,000psi. The 450 will be just slightly higher.


The number for AR plate refers to its average harness on the Brinell scale, ex. AR400 can have a Brinell hardness of 360-440.

 

[Logan979]

great reply ! Thank you TMGT

 

[fried1765]

which is better steel for a tractor grapple ? I am not a welder or metal man.

If you are going to use a grapple with rocks or rocky ground, I would suggest one built with AR steel.
If you are going to primarily move bushes/trees, A36 steel will be fine.
An equally capable grapple, built with AR steel will have a lighter weight than one made of A36.
I don't have a grapple, and have never seen an EA grapple,...... but EA does build the best of everything,...... if you are willing to pay a bunch for the best.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Are you using it on a 100 hp tractor or a 20 hp tractor. For what and how often. Commercially?

My junky Grapple is just made of regular steel, and I have not managed to damage it in any way on my wheel loader. We have a lot of rock here too.



A friend with access to a laser was going to make me a grapple too and I worried over material. A lot of anxiety over nothing I think.

 

[Logan979]

Kubota L3901 37 HP, going to attempt to remove a few acres of Rhododendron and small pines. No commercial use.

 

[nikerret]

All of the commercially made “good” grapples are made with AR steel, some AR400, others AR450.

Cue someone giving an example of a good grapple made from tin.

 

[fried1765]

All of the commercially made å*µood grapples are made with AR steel, some AR400, others AR450.

Cue someone giving an example of a good grapple made from tin.

A36 steel is just fine for homeowner grapples.
AR steels are definitely best for commercial/every day use.

 

[oldnslo]

Not to hijack this thread but ... how does welding effect the strength of AR materials? My understanding is that is very little effect on A36.

 

[goddom]

Not to hijack this thread but ... how does welding effect the strength of AR materials? My understanding is that is very little effect on A36.

I believe if you don't use the correct filler than yes, it will effect the strength at the weld joint.