grapple bucket vs 4 in 1 bucket

[TimOb]

If I go with the power trac, it'll probably be a pt422. I'll need to decide which loader to get though.
For those who have a 4 in 1 or grapple bucket, what do you use them for?

I definitely see a big benefit of having the grapple bucket, but not sure what all the pros and cons are. Maybe you need both!

Thanks agani, this forum rocks!
G

 

[Spiffy]

No No No! You need a 2460, or 2430, or how about a 1430; us red guys are so grossly outnumbered on TBN, I have to start campaining! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Maybe you can get a 2425 and paint it red?! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Seriously though, I think the 4XX sounds like a great choice for you, always liking a bit more power and lift height, I'd be more partial to the 425 than the 422, but it doesn't sound like you need the height.

Back to your question, I don't have either on my PT, but from other machines I've used: for brush piles I'd say the grapple is better; else the 4n1 would be more versatile.

I don't think most people need both, but they both have their strengths too.

Of course, now the 4XX guys around here will probably say their experience is just the opposite (trust them for the machines you're ogling). /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[KentT]

Spiffy nailed it regarding the buckets.

Unless your use is primarily handling brush and trees (which it doesn't sound like it is) then the 4-in-1 is the one you'd want....

Note that the larger Light Material (LM) bucket will hold more, since it is designed for moving loose material such as mulch or fill dirt. However the 4-in-1 will dig better (since you can fill it going forward or in reverse) and is much more versatile. You can open the clamshell and use it like a dozer/grader blade, for example. Or, you can "pinch" things and lift them, similar to the grapple bucket.

It also has the added benefit that you can use it to fill a pickup truck bed -- if you're careful -- since you can open the bottom of the bucket to empty it. That feature helps compensate for the limited lift height of the smaller PTs....

Note that the 425 has much stronger wheel motors than the 422, unless they've changed something recently. IMO, you'd want to test each one on a steep slope before you decide on the less expensive 422.

I wish my old 425 had the same wheel motors that the new ones do -- it has the 422 style...

 

[MossRoad]

What part of the country are you in?

 

[Tang]

Great question! I'm pondering the same decision myself as I decide if a PT is right for my needs and then what attachments do I need.

Regarding the grapple bucket vs 4 in 1, my new home has many brush/limb piles scattered across the land. One of my initial projects will be collection/consolidation/removal of the multiple piles. I can see the grapple bucket being useful for the initial cleanup, but suspect the 4 in 1 would be better long term due to the other capabilities.

How well does the 4 in 1 work for gathering brush/limbs? I know it may not be as fast as the grapple, but would it work for the initial cleanup that I plan to do?

 

[BobRip]

I brought a couple of threads to the top that I hope you will find helpful.
The grapple bucket will pick up maybe 50 times as much brush as the 4 in 1. There is no comparison if brush is being moved. Get both and you will never regret it.

Bob Rip

 

[Tang]

Bob,

Thanks for bringing these to the surface. Lots of information to consider in both posts - enough to make my head hurt!

 

[TimOb]

Moss,
I'm in the Seattle area. My lot is about 1/2 acre, but I have some hills and have to do a major cleanup and total landscape. It's gonna take a couple years probably (I got a full time job).

I'm really leaning toward the pt and am having them send out a bunch of info.

 

[BobRip]

This subject has been discussed over and over. Please look at the pictures of what the grapple bucket can hold in the way of brush (a lot) and what the 4 in 1 can hold. Again, get the grapple now and save for the 4 in 1.

I apologize for telling you how to spend your money, it's your decision. Good luck.

Bob Rip