Best steel for a grapple.

[Mej13579]

I am looking for a new grapple. The one I first got for my Branson 3515h did not hold up. It is bent up from the soft steel used in it.

I was looking at EAs wicked 55 but since that company is in limbo right now I have been looking at alternatives. EA uses ar400 I believe but I found a nice looking grapple at paramount fab. It uses grade 50 steel.

1 what’s the difference between the two types of steel.

2 what is the best steel to use that is strong and lightweight in a 55-60 inch grapple .

Loader Tractor Mini Root Grapple

Our mini root grapple is easy to operate with the short tine length and allows you to easily rip up roots and small trees. This grapple is made with 3/8” or 1/2" grade 50 one piece tines. 3/8”-1/2" grade 50 clamping teeth. 3/16” tine bracing. HD dual 3000psi cylinders with dual clamps to allow...

www.paramountfab.com

 

[EddieWalker]

My grapple is made from AR400 steel. It's pretty strong, but the tips of it bent fairly quickly. At first, I stressed over them bending, and bent them back, but they just bent again, and I haven't really noticed it for a long time now.

My issue right now is that my cylinders seem to last about two years before they start to leak. I've had them rebuilt twice now, and I go years just letting them leak while using it, but now I want to replace them with something a lot better. I just haven't put any time into figuring out what to buy.

 

[JCoastie]

take a look at Homestead Implements Grapples (I have one, it's great) they use AR450 steel, so you get the strength and weight reduction over standard steel. When I got mine in 2020, they used a mix of AR and non-AR steel. AR for the teeth, etc. I'm not exactly sure what they use where these days, but they respond well via email and phone inquiries.

American-Made Root Grapples

Discover high-performance grapples, perfect for handling and moving heavy materials with ease. Ideal for landscaping, farming, and construction, our durable grapples provide superior strength and versatility.

homesteadimplements.com

 

[ArlyA]

Found on google "AR400 is not suitable for use as a structural steel"

So it has good wear but poor structural capabilities.

 

[Piston]

One of the many alternatives is WR Long. I can only speak of their “OBG-2” grapple. I’ve been very happy with it since I purchased it in 2011. I personally have the 64” but bought my father the same grapple in 48” for his smaller tractor.

If I had to buy another grapple for whatever reason, I would buy the exact same one I have now. I have had nothing but positive experiences with them.

Www.wrlonginc.com

 

[mikester]

My grapple is made from AR400 steel. It's pretty strong, but the tips of it bent fairly quickly. At first, I stressed over them bending, and bent them back, but they just bent again, and I haven't really noticed it for a long time now.

My issue right now is that my cylinders seem to last about two years before they start to leak. I've had them rebuilt twice now, and I go years just letting them leak while using it, but now I want to replace them with something a lot better. I just haven't put any time into figuring out what to buy.

AR400 is pretty tough stuff to bend, maybe your vendor is liberal with their steel grade definitions.

I went with AR400 on my grapple

 

[oosik]

I have a Land Pride grapple. Model is SGC 1560. It's AR400 steel. Weighs 820 pounds. 60 inches wide.

Whatever - it's tougher than the large rocks or pine tree trunks that I move around. Bought new ten years ago - along with the WR Long third function valving.

No leaks and nothing bent. Every year I repaint the lower tine tips with a rattle can.

 

[oosik]

Grapple steel - Grade 50 or AR400 or AR450 or Grade 80. I'm DEFINITELY no expert. Seems most companies use one of the last three listed. Must be pretty tough stuff.

We are blessed with countless posts verifying that most any implement can be bent or broken.

And it does not necessarily mean misuse. A whole lot of times it will mean incorrect choice.

I can almost guarantee - 100% - if I had chosen a grapple with long bottom teeth - they would be bent today.

Know your primary use - chose wisely.

 

[nyone]

Express steel and tomahawlk both make grapples..check there sites for your specs.

There also US companies.

 

[Mej13579]

Thanks for all the replies. I bought a cheap grapple when I got my tractor and I have bent it up pretty good. Can still use it but I don’t have a huge tractor a Branson 3515 h but I think my grapple is more suited for a sub compact. I like the clamshell style. I was thinking of a replacement that matches up closer to my loaders capabilities. I want something strong but 400lbs or less.