Grapple 3-pt hitch log grapple

[jimgerken]

I see the "Simplified Swivel". In the one picture from the tractor side view, up top of the grapple there is a chain, hanging somewhat loose. Below that, 10-12 inches down there is a large thru-bolt head showing. The grapple apparently can swivel fore and aft on this bolt, limited by the small chain. After thinking about it more, there is no reason the grapple has to turn with the log (like if the log tries to spin in the grapple), the log can turn on its own long axis to follow the tractor's rolling action on the ground. Now, if I am not confusing you, the OTHER way, turning the tractor to follow the trail around corners thru the woods, there you still need a swivel in the grapple. Otherwise it would be like pulling a trailer bolted solidly to the drawbar, no ability to turn on the hitch pin. The log would swing widely each way, or be gouged by the grapple. For firewood you may not care. I like the way the two grapple arms are "geared" together with those giant teeth. One cylinder that way. Hopefully it works well, and doesn't bind.

 

[jimgerken]

The Valby design looks SWEET!

 

[MSWoodlot]

Thanks for all the useful information on 3-pt hitch hydraulic log grapples. But with prices exceeding $1,000, a buyer would have to do some serious log skidding. I like N80's advice, and will stick with log tongs and a chain for under $100.

MSWoodlot

 

[jarokoro]

If you can see the hook up it is nothing more than 2 shackles hooked together. Either 2 regular shackles or 1 reg & 1 twisted. It is really a simple concept that would be easy to make for a few hundred dollars if you bought everything new. It would cost less if you had the steel and a cylinder.