Grapple Grapple bucket versus root grapple?

[hayden]

I'm not sure I'm using these terms correctly, so bare with me...

I've seen two styles of grapple attachements:

1) Claws on the top, but some form of a bucket on the bottom. I call this a Grapple Bucket.

2) Claws top and bottom. I call this (actually I think other call it) a Root Grapple.

What are the tradeoffs between these two styles?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I'm not sure I'm using these terms correctly, so bare with me...

I've seen two styles of grapple attachements:

1) Claws on the top, but some form of a bucket on the bottom. I call this a Grapple Bucket.

2) Claws top and bottom. I call this (actually I think other call it) a Root Grapple.

What are the tradeoffs between these two styles?

Well to start with the root grapple isn't going to hold all of the dirt that the bucket will hold. The root grapple most likely will carry more brush and the like than the bucket grapple. Most Root grapples weigh more than a bucket grapple so that hinders the lifting capacity of the root grapple. Myself, I use my root grapple to sift through the dirt to pick out bigger stuff. Actually have tines 6"-8" below surface and move forward sifting through the dirt to clean out roots, branches etc. There are many uses for each, I have listed only a few.

 

[IslandTractor]

Bucket grapples are very useful compromises and are almost always less expensive than root grapples but require that you or your dealer ($$) modify the bucket to accept the grapple arm. They allow you to both grapple most items and still have the bucket to move dirt etc. A root grapple is generally better for collecting debris or logs and as noted can also be used to dig up roots. Root grapples vary tremendously in cost, weight and size. A small root grapple is probably all most people need and they can be had as a stand alone implement for about double what it costs to make a bucket grapple yourself. They can weigh anywhere from 280lbs for a 48" version to well over 1500lbs for a 72" heavy duty version. One problem with the heavy duty grapples is that besides being much more expensive (two to three times) than a light duty grapple, they are also much heavier so they cut your lift capacity substantially. A light duty grapple weighs the same or less than a bucket grapple. A medium duty grapple can weigh 600-700lbs and a heavy duty grapple can weight 1200lbs plus.

I don't have a bucket grapple but would certainly consider making one as a project as I think I'd use my bucket more often if it had a grapple. I do own a 48" "light duty" grapple which I use on a 41hp CUT with 2700lb lift capacity. I don't see any reason to get anything bigger as this one does everything I need.

 

[hayden]

Thanks for the input. The grapple would go on my theoretically, hopefully soon to be acquired L5740 which has about 2500lbs of loader lift capacity.

In terms of work to do, I've got several rock piles that need to be moved, and ultimately formed into walls, so I've got a lot of picking and placing to do. Some of the rocks are pretty big - in the 800-1000lb range. My B2910 struggled to move the big ones to their current location. I'm thinking a grapple would be good for this.

I also do periodic logging, and think a grapple would be good for stacking logs and clearing brush. Some of the logs would get loaded on a trailer to go to the mill.

Last would be stumps and rocks that I've dug up with the backhoe. I've got a thumb on the backhoe so getting the stumps and rocks out is not a problem, but I suppose a grapple loader would make scooping them up and hauling them away easier that using a plain bucket.

I'm leaning away from a grapple that bolts onto the existing bucket. I'd prefer a dedicated grapple with a quick attach mount. The issue is whether to get a bucket grapple or a root rake grapple. W.R. Long, for example, has both.

Given my use, any other thoughts?

 

[john_bud]

The grapple would go on my L5740 which has about 2500lbs of loader lift capacity.

No - it does not.

That is the marketing spec that is totally and completely worthless. The correct spec is about 1850 pounds. That's the center of bucket spec, that's where the load goes, it's the one to use. The standard bucket is about 350 pounds, the grapple will be about 700 pounds, so you will be down to around 1400 - 1500 pounds.

 

[NHbotanut]

I got the WR Long Root Grapple for some of the same reasons you are looking for one. I have about 4-5 acres I am going to clear, and wanted the grapple for cleaning up all the brush and branches, and picking out the stumps.

I have been amazed at how precise I can be at picking up small rocks and things and playing around to see where I can place them.

 

[IslandTractor]

I'm not sure how much a five or six foot length of "Jersey barrier" weighs but I could pick one up with my 48" Light Duty Millonzi grapple and Kioti KL401 loader without any trouble on the grapple or loader end. My rear was a bit light for comfort however even with a 500lb mower so I just kept the load low as I moved it. See photo.

I'd say that was well more than 1000lbs and that there would be no problem moving pretty big rocks with your LA853 or whichever loader you have on the Kubota.