Loader Log Grapple?

[alexinPA]

I use it with 3 pt to drag things. For lifting i use clamp on bucket hitch receiver with ring. Not easy to find center of weight for long items but works ok

 

[RayIN]

The bucket grapple would have to be used on level ground with a farm tractor. The higher the bucket is raised,the more unstable the tractor, if the log gets to swinging all bets are off.
Now the 3-pt skidder attachment I like, but I use a log chain around a log and 3-pt drawbar, lift the log enough to insure traction and pull. It takes longer but it's safer with the tractor end of the log only 6" off the ground.

 

[WranglerX]

I cut my logs into multiples of 16 inches (usually 4 feet) and use a set of FEL forks to move them to log deck where they are later cut and split to fireplace size .... With some crafty maneuvering I can load 4-6 logs and never have to leave tractor seat...

 

[ning]

I think a problem with the 4-point tongs, which is basically two two-point tongs offset from each other is that you're likely to torque them.

I got this simple two-point tongs (https://a.co/d/eWFJuF5)View attachment 2834689

mostly for lifting big rounds and for very occasional skidding logs. My unit seems very solid and so far worth it, but you definitely don't just lower it and expect it to grab - a grapple it isn't.

 

[ning]

Anyone have/use something like this? Any good?
View attachment 2707535

Amazon.com

Honestly reading the reviews gives me more pause.

The first may be legit "Solid build, no issues"
The others though talking about "the upgraded handle" like the reviewer bought the previous model and it sucked but this one doesn't? no

so out of 6 reviews there's maybe - *maybe* - one from a taciturn user who didn't give any specifics

maybe if you find another listing for something similar where you can believe the reviews are from real users (with believable in-use pics hopefully) then consider it, but as previously mentioned I think the 4-point tongs have a serious weakness in stability between the two sub-units

 

[BlueKnife]

Anyone have/use something like this? Any good?

Amazon.com

Ask yourself why every picture they have, in the ad, of a log being lifted, isn't a real picture?

 

[gstrom99]

If you moving a few logs it might be workable. I have tongs and they worked ok for rounds but not for lifting logs because it required lifting close to the balance point.

Getting on an off the tractor gets old really quick.

Even cheap grapple is a better way to go. Mine was $1000 but they are now about $1200

BLACK Compact Tractor 48" / 54" / 60" HD Root Grapple Hydraulic - quick attach — MTL Attachments

Brand New Built in the USA 48” -54” or 60" Compact Tractor / Skid Steer Root Grapple bucket This is our newest and most advanced model 60” & 48" grapples ever built We have the largest opening / per weight / style than any other manufacturer - Industry leading 41

www.mtlattachments.com

I like those. I don't have (or want to fuss with getting one) the extra remote on my tractor though.

 

[shooterdon]

I like those. I don't have (or want to fuss with getting one) the extra remote on my tractor though.

You are right. I was going to use a diverter valve but the dealer talked me into a third function and I am glad he did. But I run a small firewood business. For the guy moving 100 logs a year and some brush, the diverter value is not a bad way to go. I move 100's of logs. This is part of my last delivery:

 

[arrow]

I not sure about those but you might check out small wood lot tools Timber Talons. Don’t have to get on or off the tractor to hook up or release.

A neighbor had one of these. He found it extremely frustrating. First it was hit or miss to grab onto the log. Secondly, if the grapple pinchers really dug in, they would release the log stem. He was getting on and off his tractor quite a bit to deal with the connection. Plus, he could only take one stem at a time.
Most have problems because they aren’t using the simple equipment that loggers have used to make this job easier.
If you’re splitting wood, you should have a pulp hook. It makes the job so much easier.
If you’re skidding logs, you should have a choker chain with a needle probe at the end.