Artillian Iron Fist Grapple

[Huntshillhaus Farm]

This is apparently a brand-new grapple option from Artillian. A lot of moving parts, I realize, meaning more things to maintain - or break. But still, it actually works a lot like one I was independently trying to design as a thumb grapple for my pallet forks.

Iron Fist Sectional Grapple - Artillian

 

[mcfarmall]

I watched the video over lunch and it's a slick mechanism. My only beef is the areas of the tine web, etc. that are cut out leaves ample opportunities for sticks and twigs to get caught preventing the complete emptying of the grapple...as can be seen in the video.

 

[Vigo327]

I have seen one like it before, but forgot where. The one i saw was much less complicated, though. I think it's a neat piece but i think you'd have to take a lot of care using it to avoid damaging it. I also think it's unrealistic to make it as heavy duty as I wish it was without having it weigh 1000lbs when done.

I think what might be cooler and lighter and less prone to breakage would be a regular root rake grapple (short bottom), where in the space between the rake 'tines' there is another set of folding tines which could fold down to convert the short bottom grapple to a long-bottom grapple. It could just pin in the up or down position, although you could power it electrically, or hydraulically with a diverter valve from the grapple hydraulics. But the way i see it if you did it the right way you'd basically have two types of grapple action and be able to switch back and forth easily, the durability wouldn't be bad and the weight/complexity gain would be less than this. Just a thought..

 

[Smokeydog]

Kool!
Sometimes you just have to physically build something to better see the concept potential. It might produce unexpected results or lead to the development of other ideas.

What I saw I could do with my current grapples as well. Cool to watch though.

 

[oosik]

Interesting implement. Seems to do a good job. I would be a little skeptical of the extra joints. I think Tim would be wise to upgrade the OEM grill guard with expanded metal.

I have a heavy duty root/rock grapple that works fine for me. May sound strange but on my 80 acres I have VERY FEW limbs/roots to worry about. For me - it's large rocks and big chunks of pine tree trunk. I am all about field grass and pine stands.

If Tim drove in reverse with the load of limbs - he could lower it considerably.