Compact tractor and hay grapple

[BryanM]

Just curious, has anyone used or built a hay grapple to fit on their compact tractor? I am thinking some compacts may be able too handle a small 8 bale grapple but cannot find anywhere on the net about the grapples size or weight. I also thought I may be able too build one too fit but cannot find any good pics . I know if its been done its probably been done or attempted by someone on here. thanks for your time

Bryan

 

[kidr]

I use a haymaster grapple on a NH tc 35. I use a counter weight and have had no problems although the manufacturer recommends a bigger tractor. When stacking hay where I can't use the grapple function, I pile the hay on top and use it as use it as a lift. Saves a lot of lifting.

 

[BryanM]

Anone else? Does anyone here use a grapple or made one? What size tractor do you use? thanks

 

[flusher]

Anone else? Does anyone here use a grapple or made one? What size tractor do you use? thanks

Haven't made a grapple. But I've made an 8-bale combo bale accumulator/bale squeeze for small square bales (14"x18"x45"L).





It attaches to the skid steer plate on my Mahindra 5525.
It's nearly finished. I'll post construction details one of these days.

 

[Redbug]

Hey Bryan,

Take a look at this...It will give you ideas with what to do with your welder...
Hay Equipment

And then watch the Grapalator video, (amongst others)...wow pretty neat!!!...
http://www.wrlonginc.com/Video Gallery.htm

 

[Mike120]

I run a Hoelscher accumulator/grapple. It's a 10 bale and the grapple weighs 580#. Even with a big tractor I use a counterweight because it sticks so far out. The issue is not the weight, but where the weight is. You can probably counterbalance to handle a 8-bale grapple.

The Hoelscher site has the manual/parts list for the grapple on-line:

http://www.hoelscherinc.com/pdf/forkmanual.pdf

That will show you how they are put together. I know that Kuhns Mfg makes a 8-bale model but I couldn't find an online manual. Check some of the other manufacturer sites and you can probably find a manual....probably cheaper in the long run to buy one though. They're all pretty much the same except for Steffen.....I think theirs is gold plated. Good luck!