Grapple Grapple Options?

Rowski · Sep 16, 2003

I been thinking about a "grapple type" setup for my FEL. I've searched the forum and have found the Power Trac guys seem to have a handle on it. But not really much for tractors. There have been some post but not really answering my questions.

My primary used would be for brush, rotten wood, logs, etc. Basically anything that doesn't go into my chipper. I would like to keep my bucket and bolt on something. I use my backhoe with a thumb to gather the stuff into a pile. But transporting the stuff is harder and more labor intensive. I have looked at the ATI setup. Does anybody have one have that style? I would like a true "root grapple" but they seem pricey.

If the grapple setup is strong enough I would like to use the grapple for field stone work. I would not mind spend a little extra more to get something that might work for stones. I'm also capable of doing my own fabrication work, just not making the plans.

Any other ideas?

Warwagon · Sep 17, 2003

I have a Hydraulic Grapple Rake made by AnBo. It is a great piece of equipment, built heavy, I don't think it could be bent up. It will carry brush, logs, stumps, stones, and would probably work for your field stone work. It is kinda pricey, but considering the work it has done for me, clearing my 10 acres of woods, it is money well spent. I have mine on a skid-steer quick attach setup, so it only take a few minutes to change between this and my 4in1 bucket on my Kubota 5030.

Kevin

_RaT_ · Sep 17, 2003

The AnBo looks like the ticket Derek. Nice grapple/rake

Rowski · Sep 17, 2003

Called ATI and they have a bolt on grapple. It bolts on to the top of your bucket. They recommned only using it to work with brush. If used with rocks only to keep them in the the bucket. They say people do use them to pick up rocks (clam shell) but they aren't really ment for that. Price just under $1k. Does not include any aux hydraulics, I need to have them, wich I do.

Called AnBo. Very nice and friendly. AWESOME product. Lighter weight than a bucket with a bolt on grapple. Very high clamping force. Most importantly very rugged. Price $2700 delivered. Its a 5.5 FT wide. Weight is about 650 LBS.

I think this style (root grapple) is more suited for my needs. But more than double what I wanted to spend. I'll keep looking... and post my findings.

Comment and ideas welcome!

Kevin

What size do you have?

Thank you.

JerryG · Sep 17, 2003

Derek,
Have you thought about building your own?

alco141 · Sep 17, 2003

i cant get on the anbo site, did a google search still no joy.
alex

Rowski · Sep 18, 2003

It worked yesterday AM, nothing the the PM even late. This AM it is working. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Here's a picture fromthe Anbo site:

Link to .pdf file on AnBo grapple

Rowski · Sep 18, 2003

Yes, I have. When I talked with AnBo the mentioned that they use AR400 and T-1 steel (very hard steel). They told me that the reason they use that steel is to be able to use more tines and have a lighter (in weight, not ruggness) grapple that would not decrease your payload. So I do not know how hard it is to work with this steel, cutting and welding. I guess I could use regular mild steel but I'm not sure I can make strong enough and still have it at a decent weight. I'm thinking that with an attachment like this you would not want to decrease your payload capacity?

/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Larry_Van_Horn · Sep 18, 2003

I too wanted a grapple rake, but felt that the cost was more than my wallet would bear. I looked at many sites to get ideas and have decided to build my own out of 1/2" steel straps. The design is really pretty simple, and I am kind of just freewheeling as I go along. I will post pictures as I get it more together.
Larry

Warwagon · Sep 18, 2003

Derek,

I have the 72" model, this matches the width of my tractor, and seems to work well. These grapples are a tad bit on the heavy side, but if I put my brush hog on the rear of tractor, things seems to work better.

kcbarnes · Sep 18, 2003

Although not as heavy duty of a unit I went with the Kasco krockodile grapple that is made for a skid steer mount. So far so good and the price was around 1200.00.

kcbarnes · Sep 18, 2003

pic 2

kcbarnes · Sep 18, 2003

AndyMA · Sep 18, 2003

I'm using a Quick Attach Work Saver Grapple on my tractors. Works very well. I will probably add more teeth to the top grip to grab smaller stones. www.worksaver.com look under material handling

The picture shows it on a Skid Steer, but it works equally well on a Quick Attach. they also have a model to replace your bucket.

Andy

TCowner · Sep 19, 2003

I have the Worksaver grapple attachment like Andy posted on my TC40D. Just like the name suggests it is a real "work saver". It is the most useful attachment I've owned. I have 7 acres of conifers that I am thinning and its hard to believe the work to limb and cut a 23 year old scotch or white pine. Before I bought the grapple I was throwing the limbs on a hay rack and driving to the burn pile and unloading them. Of course they tangled together and unloading wasn't any fun. Each load of limbs usually resulted in some cursing and loss of blood. Now when I de-limb one of the scotch pines I just try to pile them in one direction to make it easier to scoop under with the grapple and I let the tractor do all of the work. The Worksaver grapple has five "teeth" on the bottom and three on the top so you do lose some smaller material. A friend of mine has the same grapple and welded in some support pieces to reduce the fallout.

The unit like all of the grapple attachments is heavy and you need to be careful with it. I usually attach my box blade to give me some counter weight. But I admit that I have on occasion not and the rear of the tractor can get a little light when the grapple is full of brush. I have Supersteer on my Newholland and the longer 17A loader makes it a little worse. I would reccomend a grill guard as a branch occasionaly slides through. I've been lucky so far but I trust a new grill screen on my TC would be little expensive.

Rowski · Sep 19, 2003

Andy

Do you use it with your 2120? Which size? How much?

Would it be possible to get a picture of the grapple at ground level in the dumped position?

Thanks

_RaT_ · Sep 19, 2003

So Derek, are you still grappling with grapples. The Anbo was more expensive, adding the valve for the front will some expense as well. But the price certainly seemed to justify the build design/quality. That was the nicest grapple/rake I've seen for a loader.