I am torn between the open jaw design of the Millonzi 48" grapple and the clamshell types like the Bodozer. The open jaw type appears better for grasping a bundle of brush, large rocks, etc. The clamshell type seems better able to grasp smaller items like blowdown logs, logs to be crossbucked for firewood and possibly smaller tree stumps and bushes that need to be cleared. I imagine each has it's best applications. Any clamshell type owners out there with stories to tell??
Grapple CLAMSHELL GRAPPLE
- Thread starter flINTLOCK
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Glowplug
Veteran Member
I don't have a clamshell grapple but I DID consider them. I believe they would be excellent for back-raking. Such as for gathering up debris and small brush after all the big stuff has been hauled off. They would be very difficult to use for "scooping" up a pile of material. The bucket would have to be curled way back at the start to do so. Truthfully, the main reason I didn't consider them more seriously is because they are so expensive.
wkpoor
Platinum Member
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I don't have experience yet but my decision to order a Bodozer was because I needed the ability to grasp small dia. objects. I agree the price is something to swallow. I'm just hoping the attachment is nice and handy enough to justisfy over time.
keving
Gold Member
I love mine. It can be used for so many things. I do see a benefit of the other grapple designs but I've been able to easily accomplish every task I've tried with this one. Drawbacks are cost and weight. I now use it on the 7040 since I traded the 5030 and it really performs better on the bigger tractor. Built like a brick "s" house. It is my favorite implement!
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/85977-claw-rocks.html
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/85977-claw-rocks.html
LaVita
Bronze Member
Flintlock I'm glad you started this thread as this it the exact question I have been pondering.
Yes, the clamshells cost more but I am more concerned with getting the right implement the first time around. I plan on using the grapple for burn pile maintenance at first (around 12 burn piles left over from logging) and then for misc tasks around the property including boulders, old metal crap left by previous owners, hay transport, logs, debris, etc.
I love the idea of back dragging with clamshells like the BoDozer, AnBo or Quick Attach but can you grab and grip large bolders and stumps with these grapples? It seems that for larger objects (like a boulder) the two halves of the grapple would make contact before the lower "teeth" would wrap around the bottom of the object. Does that make any sense?
Keving, what do you think? You said in the other thread that you had a 853 loader with the claw before you moved up to the 1153. I have the 853 now on a L4330. Seems like the quick claw would be a little heavy for me. The BoDozer weights in at about 600 or 740 lbs for the 60 or 72 respectively. The AnBo is quite a bit lighter due to the AR400 steel - somewhere between 370 and 440 lbs depending on model (even up to 780 lbs on the non industrial strength ones).
Tomorrow I plan on calling BoDozer and Anbo both (BTW, I am in Oregon and these guys are in Wash State - saves me ~$200 in shipping) and asking if they have any local references for me. I have talked to both and to Quick Attach as well. All three were pleasant, courteous and came across as great manufacturers to buy from. I'm just having a dog of a time deciding.
Yes, the clamshells cost more but I am more concerned with getting the right implement the first time around. I plan on using the grapple for burn pile maintenance at first (around 12 burn piles left over from logging) and then for misc tasks around the property including boulders, old metal crap left by previous owners, hay transport, logs, debris, etc.
I love the idea of back dragging with clamshells like the BoDozer, AnBo or Quick Attach but can you grab and grip large bolders and stumps with these grapples? It seems that for larger objects (like a boulder) the two halves of the grapple would make contact before the lower "teeth" would wrap around the bottom of the object. Does that make any sense?
Keving, what do you think? You said in the other thread that you had a 853 loader with the claw before you moved up to the 1153. I have the 853 now on a L4330. Seems like the quick claw would be a little heavy for me. The BoDozer weights in at about 600 or 740 lbs for the 60 or 72 respectively. The AnBo is quite a bit lighter due to the AR400 steel - somewhere between 370 and 440 lbs depending on model (even up to 780 lbs on the non industrial strength ones).
Tomorrow I plan on calling BoDozer and Anbo both (BTW, I am in Oregon and these guys are in Wash State - saves me ~$200 in shipping) and asking if they have any local references for me. I have talked to both and to Quick Attach as well. All three were pleasant, courteous and came across as great manufacturers to buy from. I'm just having a dog of a time deciding.
Those are exactly my concerns as well. I want to be able to grasp large objects like boulders and stumps within my lift capacity (1500#) and smaller items like 6-10 inch logs. The design certainly works for the smaller stuff. Anyone with war stories about larger loads??
wkpoor
Platinum Member
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I just got my Bodozer and its on the pallet right now in my truck. best thing to say at this point is WOW!!!! This thing is very intimidating. I got the 66" and the shipping was 860Lbs. including the pallet. So I figure its at least 800lbs. Super heavy duty looking. Outboard tines are 1" thick. All the others are 3/4" It should be OK (at least on paper) as my 520 loader has a break out 2800lbs. Workmanship is fantastic and its painted green to match my 5400.
wkpoor
Platinum Member
- Joined
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- Amanda, OH
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- John Deere 5400, Farmall H, Farmall Cub, Allis Chalmers CA
I have no idea unless the shipping weight is wrong. ABF dock told me it 863lbs. I'm located in Amanda, OH. By the looks of it, it certainly could weight that much. Both outboard tines on both sides are 1" thick and all the rest are 3/4" Nice heavy beam with the hoses run inside. The thing I really like is not only does it clamp up with the tines crossing each other, they appear to clamp right down onto the tine stiffiner which means it would hold tight even the smallest things like if you were grabby a bush to pull out.
