Grapple Advice

[ahenthus]

During Helene I lost about six big trees in my goat pasture to including three Chinaberry trees. Chinaberry leaves and berries are poisonous to goats so I have temporarily moved the goats to another pasture. I'm sure it'll be very expensive to have a professional cut up the trees and dispose of them. I'm now wondering if it'd be a good time to purchase a grapple for $2-3K along with a third function for my B2650 cab. It will probably take a while for me to cut up the trees with a chainsaw and haul the limbs and smaller trunks away but I believe I'm up for the challenge. I don't mind leaving the large logs in the pasture as they're in an out of the way place for the most part. The bucket on my FEL is easily removable and a grapple will attach easily. I have a burn pile in one of my pastures and can easily move the limbs to it. Two of the chinaberry trees are huge and I'm 77 years old but I think it's doable. What should I look for in a grapple purchase?

 

[Advil]

Keep it light so you preserve lift capacity and have a heavy ballast for the back.

Something like this:

Pinnacle Series Root Grapple - Rugged, American-Made Grapples

Discover the Pinnacle Series Root Grapples, perfect for clearing large limbs, dead trees, and boulders. Available in multiple sizes and colors for Cat-1 tractors. Order now for reliable land maintenance.

www.homesteadimplements.com

The 55" is light and more than enough. It's made of hardox so it should be durable as heck.

I have an EA Wicked 55 (pre-implosion) and the current Homestead looks crazy close in build and weight.

 

[dlctcg]

I'm sure many will disagree with me but I will give you my honest opinion base on our actual usage (which has been a lot) with our grapple...

Unless you are going to use & abuse a grapple on you machine (which I'm guessing you are not), I would look for something in the 48 inch category (or smaller) & with the lightest weight you can find. Your lift capacity is your greatest limit with the B2650, so the lighter the grapple weight the better.

I have found I can lift more & get into tighter spaces with our 48 inch grapple than I would ever be able to with a larger one...

 

[aesanders]

Mine came in quite handy the last week with storm cleanup from Hurricane Milton and Helene (even a little from Debby).

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That is 9 trees plus multiple branches from other trees. 5 were 20 to 24 inches, the rest 14-16, maybe a little smaller for the smallest.

About 12 hours spent chainsawing and hauling. Some of the trees were either leaning or had fallen. One was hung up against another tree. But the majority we took down before they became a problem. Grapple is a 66” dual cylinder Iron Craft grapple. Paid less than $1500 after tax.

 

[Advil]

Homestead does have a sub compact grapple also but it's only for 1000lb lift capacity tractors. I was torn which one to link, but then I read the B2650 claims a 1900lb lift capacity which is quite large for it's size I figured the heavier-duty 55 was more appropriate. EDIT: (I misread the brochure, the B2650 has 1000lb lift capacity at the FEL, so the sub compact size unit would be fine.)

The sub-compact 54" version is 190lbs vs the 55" at 300lbs. Both of these are very light for their size.

I may have a tractor that is one frame size larger than his, but about all I do with my 55" is move 8' tree segments, sometimes several at a time depending on size.

The important thing is the grapple needs to be light but nearly unbendable and it needs to be able to survive more than the tractor can to hopefully avoid front end loader damage. The 55" should fit that.

Independence Series Grapple for Sub-Compact Tractors - 1,000 Lb. Lift Capacity

Discover the Independence Series Grapple for sub-compact tractors. Ideal for carrying fence posts, moving brush, and lifting up to 1,000 pounds Compatible with Universal Quick-Attach (SSQA) systems.

www.homesteadimplements.com

 

[oosik]

I have a 60 inch grapple on my Kubota M6040. Almost, exactly as wide as the front wheels. As Advil says - you do not need a wide grapple to get the job done.

Another factoid - the lower you keep the load, when you lift, the more your FEL/grapple can lift. I lift very heavy rocks/boulders and large diameter chunks of pine tree trunk. Most often the load is lifted just enough so I don't leave drag marks in the dirt. I have 1550 pounds of RimGuard in the rear tires and a HD 1050 pound Rhino rear blade on the 3-point.

My grapple is quite heavy - 820 pounds of AR400 steel. I've learned that heavy duty implements is the way to go out here on my 80 acres. They do the job and don't crumple up when asked to go to the max. This is my Land Pride - SGC1560 grapple. It is powered thru a WR Long 3rd function system.

 

[dstig1]

+1 on keeping it small and light. I have a 48" from a long defunct supplier that is around 400 lbs give or take. And my L5240 is notably bigger than your B. I can lift a full 2000 lbs pallet on my forks (which also weigh 400ish, IIRC). I have never felt the grapple was too small at all. 55" isn't too much bigger, but I would look for smaller if possible.

 

[oosik]

There is another - lesser known - thing to consider about heavier implements. All my implements weigh over 800 pounds. Chipper - grapple - LPGS - ROBB - rear blade. Two men and a pickup truck aren't about to steal any of my implements. Besides - I live, full time, here on the property.

I realized this the last time I did a change over from rear blade to chipper.

 

[AaronD81]

Homestead does have a sub compact grapple also but it's only for 1000lb lift capacity tractors. I was torn which one to link, but then I read the B2650 claims a 1900lb lift capacity which is quite large for it's size I figured the heavier-duty 55 was more appropriate. The sub-compact 54" version is 190lbs vs the 55" at 300lbs. Both of these are very light for their size.

I may have a tractor that is one frame size larger than his, but about all I do with my 55" is move 8' tree segments, sometimes several at a time depending on size.

The important thing is the grapple needs to be light but nearly unbendable and it needs to be able to survive more than the tractor can to hopefully avoid front end loader damage. The 55" should fit that.

Independence Series Grapple for Sub-Compact Tractors - 1,000 Lb. Lift Capacity

Discover the Independence Series Grapple for sub-compact tractors. Ideal for carrying fence posts, moving brush, and lifting up to 1,000 pounds Compatible with Universal Quick-Attach (SSQA) systems.

www.homesteadimplements.com

Kubota brochure says it's 1,146 lbs at pivot point, 827 lbs 19 inches forward, so the 48" is plenty, but the 54" being under 200 lbs is pretty good and would also work. I have the EA 55" and I think it's a great size.

https://www.kubotausa.com/docs/default-source/brochure-sheets/b2650_b3350_ktc.pdf

 

[alexpops]

Economy Root Grapple - American Attachments

Our economy root grapple is the attachment for your skid steer. If collecting and removing debris piles, or clearing land this root grapple will do the job.

www.americanattachments.com

This is what I use ... no problems for the last three hurricanes. You do need SSQA bucket attachment & either rear remotes or third function.

 

[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 Tuf...

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 Tuf...

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.