Grapple Opinions Again

[UpNorth9]

Just found another option for tree grapplling activites. This is another product by MTL, they have a nice line up of attachements for reasonable prices.

MTL Extreme Stump Grapple Bucket w/ 1" edge (universal fit) — MTL Attachments

 

[John_Mc]

I bet you are happy to know the grapple is being delivered tomorrow, like a kid on Christmas morning!!

Reply from previous post;
If money was no thing, I would certainly buy one of those (Frostbite or a Sundown GR40 grapple.). By the time either is shipped they cost $2000... I do have a way of justifying stuff like this so who knows, lol!

Thank you for the information, now I know its an option!!

I got one from my local dealer for $1500. Too bad there is not a dealer near you. It works great for logs, and fairly well for clearing up the slash left over from limbing. Other styles of grapples will run rings around it for other types of jobs, however.

 

[fjcruiser]

I have no idea how many minutes/feet my tractor has carried a load with one back tire off the ground.

Me too! I've upsized tractors 3 times in the past 25 years. Still happens with the bigger ones. The bigger they are, the more they lift.

 

[AllDodge]

Hose a bit long, but after changing angles, I don't think it will be an issue. Tied the hose to the middle of the torque tube for first use. If it all works out, will use a bungee or something

Doesn't seem to be a problem grabbing just one log. with practice it would probably be even easier. Moved a brush pile and a old dead tree, all went well. Not good with little stuff, but you can shake the dirt out easy enough

 

[thekkfan]

Hose a bit long, but after changing angles, I don't think it will be an issue. Tied the hose to the middle of the torque tube for first use. If it all works out, will use a bungee or something

I use two of these to run down the tube. Can snap a pic when I get home. Nite Ize Gear Tie Loopable Twist Tie, 24 in., Neon Yellow, Pack of 2 at Tractor Supply Co.

 

[AllDodge]

That's an idea, have seen them but never used one

 

[thekkfan]

That's an idea, have seen them but never used one

Tried long velcro straps, but they kept getting pulled open.

 

[Bigpuddie]

Try one of these...love mine

HOSE SAVER SPRING KIT 1/2" - Parts & Accessories - Skid Steer Attachments - Browse By Category | Ford Distributing

 

[AllDodge]

I'm sure its nice, but $52 to hold a hose is a bit more then I want to pay

 

[Bigpuddie]

I'm sure its nice, but $52 to hold a hose is a bit more then I want to pay

Cheaper than a damaged hose and downtime. I ran my hoses through some old fire hose.

 

[AllDodge]

Cheaper than a damaged hose and downtime. I ran my hoses through some old fire hose.

The lines came with chafing guard, and the piece of string keeps it sake against the torque tube, so all good and safe.

 

[ovrszd]

Grapple hoses are very vulnerable. The type of work being done and the necessary length contribute to this. I keep the area behind the grapple clean. Don't reach over debris to pick something up. Be extremely aware if backdragging.

I like the apron design of your Grapple. Allows you to use it as a dustpan for everything but the smallest trash.

 

[jblac197]

I'm sure its nice, but $52 to hold a hose is a bit more then I want to pay

Bug can if zip ties is cheap. I just secure the hoses to the cross brace when using it. Snip em off if I'm switching to the bucket.

 

[AllDodge]

Spent 2 days moving a pile of crud out of a pasture. Wondered why someone would actually make a pile in the middle is just weird. The pile wasn't that large, but after digging into it, found it was full of fence post and barbed wire. That was when I thought oh boy, let the fun begin.

Moved the pile to a narrow out of the way place full of rocks. Thought I got it all, but was wrong again. Took a hand rake to the spot and kept coming up with more pieces of wire. Went back today and used the grapple to rip thru the soil digging for anything under. Found some more pieces of post and more wire. Back drag thru it, then more hand raking.

Drove across several times over the dirt, then back dragged and more hand raking. Probably didn't get everything, but feel I got all the big stuff. Put some grass seed on it, and called it a day. Will probably get a flat someday and wonder where the one piece of wire is

 

[ovrszd]

A Grapple puts abnormal stress on a tractor. Including increased chance of flats. Last year I ruined a front tire Grappling.

 

[AllDodge]

Found something not so good, grapple only has 2 grease fittings. The fittings are on the rod ends of each cylinder. All other pivot points have no fittings. Looks like I will be drill and tap for fittings. Don't see installing ones on the bottom of the cylinder since they don't move, but may do it anyway depending on how easy

 

[ovrszd]

Definitely need zerks where the claws hinge. Hopefully they are sleeved and can be tapped?

 

[AllDodge]

Definitely need zerks where the claws hinge. Hopefully they are sleeved and can be tapped?

Agree, already went through fixing and replacing ones on my loader which were never greased

 

[AllDodge]

MY BAD AGAIN
There are zerks at every location, including the lower cylinder, for some reason I didn't see them, so all is good

Need to get some better glasses

 

[ovrszd]

I'm guilty of doing that too. A glance just doesn't do it anymore.....