Grapple, some days

[plastikosmd]

Sometimes I considered adding a grapple to my 3320 but then I get so much done with just a simple set of forks. Load for today, cleaning up a down Pine tree and taking it to the stump dump





I am really only limited by my ability to see with this tractor LOL

 

[old and tired]

I'm guessing that you hand loaded those piles? With a grapple you don't have to get off the tractor. Rake into piles with the teeth of the grapple and then clamp down onto the pile.

You could install a Green Machine Thumb onto your forks (wow, that price jump higher...). Then add a diverter valve...

 

[shooterdon]

Whatever works for you.

My grapple is a cheap $1000 unit and makes many jobs much easier. I would never consider selling it.

I like my pallet forks too but no comparison. You do not know what you do not know...LOL

 

[plastikosmd]

Hand load for sure!
Grapple attachments are fine, used plenty (standard grapple twin piston, root rake w grapple and my favorite = 4:1, currently making one up for my allis that came sans clamshell.)


I was just pointing out a great machine, plus forks are light.
Log is close to rear tire diameter. No fill in tires




My Post was partially in jest.
No need to have hurt feelings about your grapple, I’m sure it is really special!

 

[buck12]

Whatever works for you.

My grapple is a cheap $1000 unit and makes many jobs much easier. I would never consider selling it.

I like my pallet forks too but no comparison. You do not know what you do not know...LOL

Yep, you don’t have to spend a fortune on a grapple. I have yet to hurt either of the cheap grapples I have owned even with hard use.

 

[beenthere]

Added The Thumb to my forks for exactly that reason.. but spruce limbs and hardwood tree tops instead of white pine. Beyond just "handy" .

 

[Fuddy1952]

When I got my Deere I got lots of accessories with it, the FEL and BH I use most, then bush hog.
I couldn't wait to get a grapple, installed front hydraulics, joystick, etc. I used it a little but it mainly gathers dust.
Cutting trees or brush to me so much easier like I did for years just toss in back of a trailer, dump where I want them.

 

[sunnyside360]

Yep, grapple is really really nice for when it's needed even though I only use it about twice a year. My biggest concern is a limb coming back through the hood guard into the hood screen and radiator. Done it once but did not damage the radiator -- just the hood screen needed repaired. Been thinking about adding heavy mesh screen to the hood guard.

 

[beenthere]

btdt
Same thing with a stick through the grill, caused me to add this screen to the guard..

 

[AWSubie]

I used to think the greatest advantage of me having a grapple was it’s utility.

But after I was using it for a while on old brush piles I was thinking to myself the emotional ease of mind that came from not having to worry as much about rattlesnakes, copperheads and black widows when I was working with old brush piles was really the greater benefit!

 

[Xfaxman]

I started with some 24" long Brinley forks:

Built a frame:

It made some big burn piles:

Needed something longer so I made a 54" wide brush fork:

It is able to carry more brush:

To the burn pile:

 

[plastikosmd]

^ nice job

As far as poisonous critters, if I had those I would likely make the call on a grapple (or an air strike)

 

[beenthere]

Those critters come slithering out when that load of brush is high up (as shown) will fall right in your lap.. Run, run, run.......

 

[plastikosmd]

Screw that^

I’m still happy with forks though!