Grapple Grapple for clean up OR hire it out???

[IslandTractor]

I've been on the phone with Joe@Millonzi and Nelson@WRLong this morning.

Smart move.

 

[SOS]

Get the grapple and then get the chipper if you plan on doing this in the future to. I use my chipper every year for a month or two then put it away for the next year. I have an ATI grapple and it sure saves me from getting of the tractor to stack stuff or tie things on....

Do the math.... If its going to cost you X amount this year to do this and you may do more next year, does that cost approximate the cost of the toys? Oops I mean tools?

 

[john_bud]

I can see your point but I think a little different
When he clears your lot, you will have a receipt
and when you clear your lot you will have a grapple and lots of spare change
Thats just me
Jim

Smart, very smart! Been doing that for years. Have found that the costs sub-ing out a job are usually more than the cost of buying the tool.

You may even be able to deduct the cost of the grapple against the income from the logging. I think that clean up expenses are fully deductable AND if you "get on the stick" you may be able to deduct the costs associated with re-forestation of the land. Check with your local DNR about aplicable programs you may qualify for. You do have a professional forrester, right? Well worth the money.

jb

 

[jmc]

You may even be able to deduct the cost of the grapple against the income from the logging. I think that clean up expenses are fully deductable AND if you "get on the stick" you may be able to deduct the costs associated with re-forestation of the land. Check with your local DNR about aplicable programs you may qualify for. You do have a professional forrester, right? Well worth the money.

Smart, very smart, too.

John

 

[Slippy]

I think you should also consider the value of your time. If you are not doing the work yourself, what would you be doing? If you are going to be their watching, then that favors doing it yourself. Obviously you have interest in doing it, or you would not post. Also consider the satisfaction of working the land yourself. You can justify or not justify the financial part of it, but what do you want to do, and will you want to keep doing that kind of work in the future. If so, others are right, no question, buy the product and do it yourself. I think though that the idea of combination is good too. Have him grind the stumps when you are done. Many of us have a chipper as well, which provides further benefit and utility to your tops.
Just thought I would mention that I had my choice down to the Parahna, Millionzi and the unlimited fabrics. I went with the unlimited fabrics, mostly due to design features and what would best suit my needs for my hay operation.
Good luck, have fun, and be safe!

 

[RegL]

" $75/hr. running a tractor/grapple to pile the bigger stuff "

That might be another idea for after your done at home.

 

[BamaRob]

UPDATE!!!


Just got word from Joe that my grapple will be shipping out tomorrow! According to UPS, my selector valve is in Doraville, GA and should be here tomorrow morning.

My financial adviser told me last night that she'd better see some results of this investment. I can't wait to start building burn piles!

Later,

BR

 

[Cop in Overalls]

Slippy, tell me more about this unlimited fabrics brand.

 

[mikim]

Cop -- go to rootgrapple.com --- a lot of us on this board have their stuff and are real happy with 'em.

 

[Slippy]

Cop in Overalls:

I just got my grapple and don't have it hooked up yet. But, the Unlimited Fabrications does a fine job on the grapple. Here are some pictures. It seems to be made real well. I like the way the hoses are run inside the steel frame with minimal exposure, less of a chance in getting caught up in things. Welds look good, metal is good quality. Notice in picture 24 how the hoses run into the cross member and are plumbed out the back in the center. Only hoses hanging out are between the back side of the grapple to the tractor connection.
If you call them you will most likey get Roger or Ronnie. They are both were very helpful to me. I had a ton of questions about all aspects of their grapple compared to others. One of the other features I liked was the teeth at the front. They have some what of a flat surface on them, which I thought would be helpful in cleaning up broken hay bails, spreading it as mulch, and general clean up where more surface is helpful. I went with the 63". I know there are some folks on here that really advocate the smaller size, and I respect that opinion. But for me, I wanted something a little wider as I intend to cut in a great deal of trails this summer through the woods on my farm. I got a new Gannon 76" roll over box blade that I just picked up tonight. My tires are 78" wide. If I use the grapple on the front, I probably would find myself exposing the underside on the tractor more than I like and also possibly having to make two passes with a smaller grapple. As I go into the trial, I plan to clear the brush, small trees etc with the grapple. I used to use my regular bucket, but should go faster with the grapple. 63" will allow me to do most I think in one pass with the follow-up with the box blade.

Also, you will notice that I got the covers for the rods so there is no exposed parts. I will be in some thick stuff with with twigs, stickers, etc all over. In my application I think it is important to protect the working parts of the equipment as much as possible. Those that use them for open field clean up and other open areas, probably not as important. There are also grease fittings on all the joints.

And finally, cost. Their price is less than many of the brands with similar design. $1550 is there price on the web site for the 63" heavy duty grapple. They also make a standard duty for less, and a extreme duty for more. The extreme duty comes with the rod covers like mine. I purchase them extra.

So, I kinda got off the subject, but the UF at rootgrapple.com is good stuff. I also got their bail spear, pallet forks and QA plate. I don't think you can go wrong with their product, but I will give more info this summer as I work through my projects.