Grapple Advice

[JeepHead]

The two grapples I considered were the Homestead Implements and the Catawba. I chose the Homestead Implements Pinnacle series grapple and have zero regrets. It's a well made grapple.

 

[WVH1977]

Did you get a price from any companies or maybe some young capable guys for just cutting and moving the trees to your burn pile? If that price is close or less than a grapple and considering your age that you stated it might be a better option.

If I was buying a grapple for your machine, I would be looking hard at a SGC0554 Landpride Grapple. I have the bigger 72 inch version and love it. It is lightweight and strong. They are expensive but worth it in my opinion

I am not trying to deter you from a grapple. I love mine. Just trying to see if you have looked at all options that will be easiest for you.

 

[JeepHead]

Did you get a price from any companies or maybe some young capable guys for just cutting and moving the trees to your burn pile? If that price is close or less than a grapple and considering your age that you stated it might be a better option.

If I was buying a grapple for your machine, I would be looking hard at a SGC0554 Landpride Grapple. I have the bigger 72 inch version and love it. It is lightweight and strong. They are expensive but worth it in my opinion

I am not trying to deter you from a grapple. I love mine. Just trying to see if you have looked at all options that will be easiest for you.

Have you actually compared the SGC0554 grapple to others in the same price range? I have and it’s not nearly as well built as the others. Heck, it doesn’t even have serrations on it for grabbing things. I took one look at it at the dealer and knew instantly it was not the grapple I wanted.

Check this one out.

Catawba Subcompact 54 Rake Grapple

The Catawba Subcompact 54 Rake Grapple is built to redefine the meaning of lightweight yet strong. Built with a large 28″ jaw opening the subcompact rake grapple will make handling brush, trees, and small boulders easy. The Catawba Subcompact 54 is made from high quality USA Hardox 500 steel...

cattachments.com

 

[2manyrocks]

I have been using this 48" grapple on my L2501 for two years with no issues. $1129 delivered. Compact Tractor 48"-54"-60" HD Root Grapple Hydraulic - quick attach — MTL Attachments

You will need to assess whether your tractor FEL will handle the load. The factory says it weighs about 350 lbs. My L2501 has loaded tires and I keep a box blade on the rear. Wouldn't use it without enough weight on the rear end.

For 3rd function, I bought a manual diverter valve kit from Tractor Innovations that has also been trouble free. Remote Hydraulic & Hitch Kits | Tractor Innovations

 

[Advil]

I have been using this 48" grapple on my L2501 for two years with no issues. $1129 delivered. Compact Tractor 48"-54"-60" HD Root Grapple Hydraulic - quick attach — MTL Attachments

You will need to assess whether your tractor FEL will handle the load. The factory says it weighs about 350 lbs. My L2501 has loaded tires and I keep a box blade on the rear. Wouldn't use it without enough weight on the rear end.

For 3rd function, I bought a manual diverter valve kit from Tractor Innovations that has also been trouble free. Remote Hydraulic & Hitch Kits | Tractor Innovations

You are correct, I misread the brochure and a couple of other online sources. The FEL lift capacity is 1000lbs, the sub-compact size grapple would be appropriate.

 

[jeff9366]

I'm sure it would be very expensive to have a professional cut up the trees and dispose of them.

I'm 77 years old -- but I think it's doable.

I am 77 years old too. We are both too old to be operating heavy saws. I practice Yoga twice per week, so for age 77 my balance is good. But not good enough to chance falling or fainting onto a revved up chainsaw.
Not to mention aneurism, stroke, heart attack, atrial fibrillation, heat exhaustion, dehydration.......

What is the driving time from your land to a hospital with a quality Emergency Room?

 

[2manyrocks]

It is worth considering how tangled up the downed trees are. More dangerous to cut if the trees could shift on you. Is the cleanup covered by insurance?

 

[WVH1977]

Have you actually compared the SGC0554 grapple to others in the same price range? I have and it’s not nearly as well built as the others. Heck, it doesn’t even have serrations on it for grabbing things. I took one look at it at the dealer and knew instantly it was not the grapple I wanted.

Check this one out.

Catawba Subcompact 54 Rake Grapple

The Catawba Subcompact 54 Rake Grapple is built to redefine the meaning of lightweight yet strong. Built with a large 28″ jaw opening the subcompact rake grapple will make handling brush, trees, and small boulders easy. The Catawba Subcompact 54 is made from high quality USA Hardox 500 steel...

cattachments.com

Have you actually used these grapples in real world experience? Not just looking at one? They are made from AR400 steel, hence the light weight. I have 7 years with the SGC1072 (A little bigger than the SGC 0554). I have put it through everything, including rooting, pulling, pushing, grabbing, etc. Never had a hick-up. It is strong and nothing broke on it. Everything I grab, it picks it up and goes.

Also, agree that Catawba has nice equipment. My next pulverizer will come from them. They are a good company.

 

[JeepHead]

Have you actually used these grapples in real world experience? Not just looking at one? They are made from AR400 steel, hence the light weight. I have 7 years with the SGC1072 (A little bigger than the SGC 0554). I have put it through everything, including rooting, pulling, pushing, grabbing, etc. Never had a hick-up. It is strong and nothing broke on it. Everything I grab, it picks it up and goes.

Also, agree that Catawba has nice equipment. My next pulverizer will come from them. They are a good company.

View attachment 1611751

No I have not used the SGC0554 and didn't need to. I purchased the Homestead Implements grapple. One doesn't need to use something to see that it's not built as well as something else. The HSI is made of Hardox 450, has thicker metal and a better design than the LP SGC0554.

 

[beckmurph]

Sometimes you need the bucket and grapple with you.

Sixty inch LandPride

It’s been used and abused for three years.