4-N-1 bite

[IrTxRx]

I'm getting closer and closer to the PT purchase.

I am curious, how good is the bite of the 4-n-1 bucket. i.e. could you "bite" the end of a felled tree and skid it along, or would it slip out???

Thanks

 

[pequeajim]

I carry trees in mine all the time. It doesn't matter if it the end, or grab them in the middle. I also have used it to pull fence posts out of the ground, barbed wire off of the posts, and it's actually really good for landscaping if you can believe it? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[toolz_not_toyz]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( could you "bite" the end of a felled tree and skid it along, or would it slip out???
)</font>

Having just finished on clearing 9 30-40ft alder trees (with up to an 18" diameter) out let me tell you this, the 4n1 does remarkably well but a grapple (and I mean a real grapple, not the bucket grapple) would be a good addition to the accessory line.

I haven't tried it, but I don't think you'll get too far with trying to pick up the tree from the end. The 4n1 has teeth on the sides, so to get a good bite you really need to be perpenicular to the trunk. But when you pick up the tree that way, you also need to be mindful of the center of balance. Trees can be pretty darn heavy. I did use the PT and 4n1 to lift a felled tree at least a couple of times just so I could more easily cut it into more manageable 6-8 ft lengths. But to pull felled trees out (from ditches, etc) I just used a heavy heavy duty ratchet strap that I wrapped around the trunk and then hooked to the PT's hitch and pulled it out that way. And that's the technique I would suggest to you.

As to debating whether or not to get a 4n1: get it. I have both the 4n1 and large bucket. I use both. The capacity of the large bucket is great for moving around all that firewood after limbing and bucking. The 4n1 is a champ at digging, moving piles of brush around, grading, etc. But I will admit it is a compromise vs getting specialized tools for each of these tasks. For instance, the grapple bucket with its fangs will be more adept at picking up a pile of branches and twigs BUT I really think a real grapple would be even better as the bucket gets in the way (whereas a real grapple is more like when you close your hand around something with both the fingers and thumb coming together).

 

[IrTxRx]

What I really need to manage my trees is a grapple, however, the 4-n-1 will be good for everything else. I didn't want to start another "grapple vs 4n1" thread, but did want to make sure it could still do some brush/tree handling as well.

thanks all

 

[RegL]

"What I really need to manage my trees is a grapple, however, the 4-n-1 will be good for everything else."


The grapple bucket is also good for everything else. It's a smaller heavy duty bucket that happens to have a grapple attached. I use mine for digging in the dirt sometimes without even hooking up the grapple hoses.

 

[IrTxRx]

<font color="red"> I didn't want to start another "grapple vs 4n1" thread </font>

So, should I get a 4-n-1 or a grapple /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Tang]

From my limited time here, it seems that deciding between the 4-n-1 and grapple bucket is a question most people struggle with when having to choose one or the other.

In my process to decide which PT to buy and which attachments to buy, I keep going back to what do I need to do on my property.

For example, I have several large brush piles left by the previous homeowner (mainly tree branches) and many smaller piles scattered all over the place. I'm in the process of moving into the new place and one of my early projects (once I purchase a tractor) will be consolidating/moving/burning these brush piles. Even after this is done, tree maintenance (limbs, fire wood, etc.) will be an on-going activity. The grapple would be great for the initial work but I think the on-going stuff could be accomplished by the 4-n-1. Plus I think the 4-n-1 might be more useful for the many other projects I'll have to tackle.

I think it is good to consider how others use their attachments, but ultimately it requires time and thought as to what your specific needs are. If this doesn't work, you can always flip a coin! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Barryh]

IrTxRx,

Just another thought here, I also have felled trees on my property I have lifted them with the PT forks. They were so long I had trouble maneuvering in between other trees. Of course I could chain saw them where they lay, but like to be able to drag them out into the clearing to make it easier.

I will be ordering one of (THESE) in the next few weeks for dragging felled trees.

As stated by Toolz Not Toyz the 4n1 being smaller is a champ at digging. The LMB great for hauling around firewood and multiple other uses. Exactly how I feel about the small rock bucket, smaller less flex will last longer for digging purposes. I will order the LMB for all other uses when more capacity is needed. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Barryh]

Sidebar,

I plan to make a centered mount for the skidding tong, then attach it to my forks for tree lift or to drop in place around the tree. It could also be mounted to a small bucket or 4n1 using the teeth or grapple as a guide to keep it centered, versus dragging a tree with the back hitch. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[IrTxRx]

Just FYI,

my trees here in central Texas would probably be considered shrubs to someone in washington, Lots of trunks/branches, one trimmed tree creates 3-4 brush piles for burning...well it seems that way. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I guess another way to voice my question is:

What can a 4N1 do that a grapple bucket cannot???


Thanks