Looking at a grapple- right size for my tractor?

[Pete O]

Pete, this is a touch off topic from grapples, but do you think you could post some pics of your linkage upgrade to increase roll-back/dump angles?

I don't have any photos that would show what I'm doing particularly well, but my loader is an old style with a single central tilt cylinder and I am modifying it to the more modern style of two tilt cylinders, as well as the double-pivoting system that attaches the rams to the bucket- like in this TBN photo https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...64-what-fel-my-tractor-tmp-cam-1184676645-jpg
The second linkage enables the upper pin of the bucket to go 'over the horizon' from the cylinders. I don't think I've explained that well! I'll either post a separate thread on the loader rebuild when it nears completion, or add it to the tractor rebuild thread.

 

[Pete O]

I am surprised you would choose a clamshell style root grapple for that job. My first grapple was a clamshell style with two lids. did not pick up bulky piles well, a lot would fall out the bottom: https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...ying-new-grapple-post4622699.html#post4622699

I now have a two lid 72" flat bottom and six tine 44" that move brush, limbs, trees and rocks very well.

And that is really great info, thank you. As the darn things are virtually unknown here, I can't exactly get a heap of experience with different types! A lot of the use for a grapple on my property will be picking up piles of cut branches so it sounds like a style with the long bottom tines would suit the job better. Thanks again.

 

[shaeff]

I don't have any photos that would show what I'm doing particularly well, but my loader is an old style with a single central tilt cylinder and I am modifying it to the more modern style of two tilt cylinders, as well as the double-pivoting system that attaches the rams to the bucket- like in this TBN photo https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...64-what-fel-my-tractor-tmp-cam-1184676645-jpg
The second linkage enables the upper pin of the bucket to go 'over the horizon' from the cylinders. I don't think I've explained that well! I'll either post a separate thread on the loader rebuild when it nears completion, or add it to the tractor rebuild thread.

Nice, I ask because I've been considering the same upgrade for my machine, which also has a single tilt cylinder. I look forward to your future pictures, should you decide to post them! You can see mine here:

 

[Xfaxman]

And that is really great info, thank you. As the darn things are virtually unknown here, I can't exactly get a heap of experience with different types! A lot of the use for a grapple on my property will be picking up piles of cut branches so it sounds like a style with the long bottom tines would suit the job better. Thanks again.

You're welcome. Any grapple is better than no grapple and the clamshell style works good on small tractors. The long flat bottom style has room to hold more branches with the lids closed:

 

[oosik]

The one ability you have with your Telehandler, Xfaxman. With the load in the grapple - you can extend. That would be a very nice feature - which I don't have with my grapple on the FEL.

I went and looked at the new Bobcat V519 & V723 series Telehandlers. Then I saw the price - and that was w/out any attachments.

I was drooling - I was speechless - my knees were weak - I declined a test drive.

It made me real happy to have what I do have..........

 

[Bullwinkle123]

I have an MX5400 (~53HP) and a 72" grapple that weighs about 400 lbs. My loader at the pin is rated for ~2300 lbs. I considered the next grapple up, but it would have added another 400 lbs of grapple weight. I'm glad I went with the lighter one, as there have been times I can't lift things I wanted to lift, and that restriction wouild have been more pronounced with a heavier grapple.

I have the land pride 1072, which has very short bottom tines. I wish they were longer. For what that's worth. But it depends what you're doing. If I'm using it as a root rake with the "heel spurs" of the grapple (which some pictured in this thread do not have), then I'm happy enough with it, sort of. The spurs aren't deep enough and the hydraulic hoses tend to sit too much on the heals, depending on grapple position. Anyway, I was planning a thread with pictures to ask about technique with my grapple, it's an art I clearly haven't mastered. But I am glad I didn't go for the too-heavy grapple. I haven't had any problems with current grapple abuse, and make no mistake, I'm in the woods carrying and breaking whole trees with the thing and wishing I'd had it years ago.

Good luck!

 

[XMS]

Here's an update. I put in an autobid up to $10 less than my budget; got up from the TV and told my wife I'd be a few minutes while the auction ends went to the study to make sure I got the final bid in- she started watching a movie on her iPad and crashed our internet. I couldn't load the page and the grapple went for right on what I had told myself I was prepared to spend! I'm trying to remain calm. I've been looking our for one of these things for about 2 years! Guess I'll be building one after all! :0

In fairness, the other bidder would have likely outbid you even with that last $10 from your max budget. Then you are stuck talking yourself out of your budget as you consider chasing the purchase.

Can't wait to see what you come up with in your build, if you don't find a grapple before then.