Grapple 4N1 vs keep factory bucket plus brush grapple

SCDolphin · May 4, 2006

Which would be a better set up.......keeping original bucket that comes with fell and add brush grapple.
I want to be able to move brush, roots vines and downed trees but also have bucket capacity. Is the 4n1 up to the job. Is it too much of a compromise?

Thanks

dubba · May 5, 2006

IMHO here are 2 things that a 4n1 can do that a brush/bucket combo cannot do well. They are bulldoze & pull fence posts.

That being said, I have the root rake grapple/ bucket combo & probably wouldn't trade it for a 4n1 unless someone could show that it could deal with brush & stumps as well as the root grapple.

One minus to the 4n1 is that the weight of the apparatus must be carried all the time (deducted from your lifting capacity), where the standard bucket is usually significantly lighter.

I also do not know what the opening of the 4n1 is, but I find the 48" opening of the root grapple to be lacking at times.

I bring both to every job area. I find that the grapple is usually on the tractor because it is so handy. Simply grapple the bucket lightly to bring it to the job. My tractor also has SS quick-connects, so changing over only takes 5 minutes.

IslandTractor · May 5, 2006

Specialized tools (grapple, bucket) generally do a better job than multipurpose tools. On the other hand it is nice to have a 4 in 1 tool for its flexibility. I don't think there would be any comparison of how much brush could be moved by these two implements however. The grapple wins hands down. See photo.

Kiohio · May 7, 2006

Alot of it depends on how much your tractor loader can lift. The factory bucket w/grapple will be much lighter than a 4-N-1.
If it's a smaller tractor, after you put the 4-N-1 on you might not be left with much lift capacity.
Plus you can add a grapple to the existing bucket and not worry about getting a QA plate.
With the 4-N-1 you will either have to adapt it or buy a QA plate which also means you have to buy a new QA regular Bucket
.
All of this may not pertain to you but may pertain to others reading the posts.

KO