Best steel for a grapple.

[Mej13579]

I am looking for a new grapple. The one I first got for my Branson 3515h did not hold up. It is bent up from the soft steel used in it.

I was looking at EAs wicked 55 but since that company is in limbo right now I have been looking at alternatives. EA uses ar400 I believe but I found a nice looking grapple at paramount fab. It uses grade 50 steel.

1 what’s the difference between the two types of steel.

2 what is the best steel to use that is strong and lightweight in a 55-60 inch grapple .

Loader Tractor Mini Root Grapple

Our mini root grapple is easy to operate with the short tine length and allows you to easily rip up roots and small trees. This grapple is made with 3/8” or 1/2" grade 50 one piece tines. 3/8”-1/2" grade 50 clamping teeth. 3/16” tine bracing. HD dual 3000psi cylinders with dual clamps to allow...

www.paramountfab.com

 

[EddieWalker]

My grapple is made from AR400 steel. It's pretty strong, but the tips of it bent fairly quickly. At first, I stressed over them bending, and bent them back, but they just bent again, and I haven't really noticed it for a long time now.

My issue right now is that my cylinders seem to last about two years before they start to leak. I've had them rebuilt twice now, and I go years just letting them leak while using it, but now I want to replace them with something a lot better. I just haven't put any time into figuring out what to buy.

 

[JCoastie]

take a look at Homestead Implements Grapples (I have one, it's great) they use AR450 steel, so you get the strength and weight reduction over standard steel. When I got mine in 2020, they used a mix of AR and non-AR steel. AR for the teeth, etc. I'm not exactly sure what they use where these days, but they respond well via email and phone inquiries.

American-Made Root Grapples

Discover high-performance grapples, perfect for handling and moving heavy materials with ease. Ideal for landscaping, farming, and construction, our durable grapples provide superior strength and versatility.

homesteadimplements.com

 

[ArlyA]

Found on google "AR400 is not suitable for use as a structural steel"

So it has good wear but poor structural capabilities.

 

[Piston]

One of the many alternatives is WR Long. I can only speak of their “OBG-2” grapple. I’ve been very happy with it since I purchased it in 2011. I personally have the 64” but bought my father the same grapple in 48” for his smaller tractor.

If I had to buy another grapple for whatever reason, I would buy the exact same one I have now. I have had nothing but positive experiences with them.

Www.wrlonginc.com

 

[mikester]

My grapple is made from AR400 steel. It's pretty strong, but the tips of it bent fairly quickly. At first, I stressed over them bending, and bent them back, but they just bent again, and I haven't really noticed it for a long time now.

My issue right now is that my cylinders seem to last about two years before they start to leak. I've had them rebuilt twice now, and I go years just letting them leak while using it, but now I want to replace them with something a lot better. I just haven't put any time into figuring out what to buy.

AR400 is pretty tough stuff to bend, maybe your vendor is liberal with their steel grade definitions.

I went with AR400 on my grapple

 

[oosik]

I have a Land Pride grapple. Model is SGC 1560. It's AR400 steel. Weighs 820 pounds. 60 inches wide.

Whatever - it's tougher than the large rocks or pine tree trunks that I move around. Bought new ten years ago - along with the WR Long third function valving.

No leaks and nothing bent. Every year I repaint the lower tine tips with a rattle can.

 

[oosik]

Grapple steel - Grade 50 or AR400 or AR450 or Grade 80. I'm DEFINITELY no expert. Seems most companies use one of the last three listed. Must be pretty tough stuff.

We are blessed with countless posts verifying that most any implement can be bent or broken.

And it does not necessarily mean misuse. A whole lot of times it will mean incorrect choice.

I can almost guarantee - 100% - if I had chosen a grapple with long bottom teeth - they would be bent today.

Know your primary use - chose wisely.

 

[nyone]

Express steel and tomahawlk both make grapples..check there sites for your specs.

There also US companies.

 

[Mej13579]

Thanks for all the replies. I bought a cheap grapple when I got my tractor and I have bent it up pretty good. Can still use it but I don’t have a huge tractor a Branson 3515 h but I think my grapple is more suited for a sub compact. I like the clamshell style. I was thinking of a replacement that matches up closer to my loaders capabilities. I want something strong but 400lbs or less.

 

[Torvy]

I am about to buy a grapple. I have looked at maybe 20-25 brands.

The AR400 is lighter for similar or better strength.

Most brands seem to use either A36 or g50. A few use AR400 or 450. The cheapest use A36 at 3/8". Most of the heavy duty kick up to 1/2". Severe or Extreme types may go to 5/8" or more.

On a 66-72" grapple, the AR400 models weigh about 200lbs less than an A36 or g50 model.

From what I can tell, CID seems to have the best capabilities for the price. It has been tough to find dealers, but it seems the Bobcat guys around here have them.

 

[TMGT]

I work with ar400 and Hardox450, I would look for the Hardox 450 over the AR400 if possible. The hardox is a little stronger and more formable then ar400.

A36 requires a thicker parts to be strong enough to hold up and A36 has a wide range to their specs.
Grade 80 is a good option but will still have to have thicker part to have similar strength to the 400 or 450.

Ultimately the design is just as important as the material, even the best materials won't hold up with poor design.

I like the smaller landpride grapples but they are a bit simplistic and lacking in design, I've seen number of them with broke/bent tines due to their design (ar400 is brittle and will crack/break when bent too far).

For reference the Hardox 450 is over twice the cost per pound as A36.

 

[oosik]

Ten years ago when I purchased my Land Pride grapple - wish there were more dealers - here and about. Not the case. Land Pride was handled by Kubota and that was it. My Land Pride has provided exceptional service and if I had to do it again - I would still choose this grapple.

I looked at ANBO grapples. They make a really fine grapple also. For that matter - they will make just about any kind of grapple you want. As long as it is sound from an engineering standpoint. I drove up to Colville and checked them out. Impressive. I just didn't want to ask Kubota to install a grapple that I had not purchased from them.

Anyhow - it all worked out great. The Land Pride grapple and the WR Long third function.

 

[FPGT72]

Mine is also a land pride, and has AR400 stickers on it. I have not done any tests to it.

I think I have been fairly mean to mine, using it on some fairly thick roots and such. It has not bent or broke yet. I got it when I got the tractor about 10-ish years ago.

I would buy it again in a heart beat.

 

[oosik]

I chose this style grapple because I deal mostly with rocks( large and small) and pine tree trunks. I have almost no brush/vines/shrubs on my property. My property is field grass, pine trees and two lakes.

The grapple is called a rock/root or clamshell style. The OM lists AR400 as the steel used to build this grapple.

Anyhow - you should do something like I did to your brush guard. Limbs, sticks and stobs have a nasty way of finding your grill, battery or radiator.

Grapple pic - post #7.

 

[Torvy]

From what I can tell, CID seems to have the best capabilities for the price. It has been tough to find dealers, but it seems the Bobcat guys around here have them.

Texas/OK guys and gals, if you are looking for CID Attachments, there's a guy in Denton, TX that has been great to work with.

Pm me if you want more info.

 

[BigGG]

I am looking for a new grapple. The one I first got for my Branson 3515h did not hold up. It is bent up from the soft steel used in it.

I was looking at EAs wicked 55 but since that company is in limbo right now I have been looking at alternatives. EA uses ar400 I believe but I found a nice looking grapple at paramount fab. It uses grade 50 steel.

1 what’s the difference between the two types of steel.

2 what is the best steel to use that is strong and lightweight in a 55-60 inch grapple .

Loader Tractor Mini Root Grapple

Our mini root grapple is easy to operate with the short tine length and allows you to easily rip up roots and small trees. This grapple is made with 3/8” or 1/2" grade 50 one piece tines. 3/8”-1/2" grade 50 clamping teeth. 3/16” tine bracing. HD dual 3000psi cylinders with dual clamps to allow...

www.paramountfab.com

Grade 50 is not much stronger than A36. Land Pride grapples use AR400 or AR450 in the tines, at least.

 

[1 Old Man]

take a look at Homestead Implements Grapples (I have one, it's great) they use AR450 steel, so you get the strength and weight reduction over standard steel. When I got mine in 2020, they used a mix of AR and non-AR steel. AR for the teeth, etc. I'm not exactly sure what they use where these days, but they respond well via email and phone inquiries.

American-Made Root Grapples

Discover high-performance grapples, perfect for handling and moving heavy materials with ease. Ideal for landscaping, farming, and construction, our durable grapples provide superior strength and versatility.

homesteadimplements.com

I got one earlier this year. Homestead Implements Hardox450. Ask nice and they'll even paint it to
match your tractor (my grapple is black, but whatever)

 

[mikester]

I went with AR400 because I could go with lighter weight profiles with the same or better strength of heavy section milder steel grades. The stuff is tough and does not bend easily. Typically used in ground engagement applications.

 

[Tinhack]

Grade 50 is about as strong as a grade-5 bolt. That's how I remember it. It's stronger than A36 by nearly double. AR400 is nearly twice as strong as Grade 50.