Grapple style preference

[ROUSTABOUT]

We use both. We go clean up after storms. Work for FEMA. #2 is handy outputs couple more hinges on it and they all bend. Easier to fix it while it's straight and new.
I also like the type that hasa solid bottom and the two clamps on top with removable sides on the bucket. Way more versatile. Scoop coconuts, sides on. Load logs, sides off. Just a wax on wax off kind of thing. Bucket solid bottom type is good only if removable sides.

 

[qstott]

I like #1. This is a WR Long OBG. Before I got pallet forks I used it for picking up all kinds of things. Plus, I could hook chains underneath and pick up stuff. Getting up overgrown bushes is a breeze. Just tilt downward, push under the bush and curl up. It pops them right out of the ground. That works for small trees too.I have used it for moving lumber, limbs and such. I’ve never used #2, but there are so many things that I use mine for, that just couldn’t be done with the other style.

 

[iptman]

I have option #2. With my sized tractor I don't think #1 would be as effective. I wanted light weight and and an all around grapple. A dual lid version of this would have been nice but you'd lose a lot of strength. When I was shopping around I saw a lot of manufacturers say not to use the lid to scrape with but EA posted a video basically hanging a tractor by the lid. One of the many things that sold me on theirs.

 

[Grapple guy]

Here is I am using and I haven't found anything it can't do. My tractor is the same size as yours, but you have a bit more HP. I put up 16 cords of wood this weekend with it. I love to build with big rock and I am placing 600 - 900 lb. rocks with it as well

 

[Jac65]

I would (and did) go with choice #3. I use a bucket grapple, or what they call an industrial grapple. the bottom is a solid closed bucket and the top is the open grapple. 90% of the the time this is what stays on my FEL you have the ability to move rocks ,logs, clear brush, grasp and rip undergrowth, and you still have the solid bucket to move material or dig and spread. For me it is the best of both worlds. You might want to consider it as a possible choice depending on your needs.

 

[Xfaxman]

Here is one unusual thing that I did with the #1 "L bottom" root style back in 2014:

Hooked up 4 chains and picked it up:

Drove the truck forward:

And set it on the ground:

 

[charles todd]

I'm trying to decide which style of grapple to get, #1 (root) or #2 (rake/clamshell). I've never used a grapple so I don't have any experience with either style. I've always thought the rake style (#2) would be better, especially for grabbing a big pile of brush. In what situation does each style work better than the other?

Thanks,
JarrettView attachment 713735View attachment 713736

I have one like, #1. Probably had it about 10 years.

CT

 

[bill9068]

I have little to no brush. So I got the rock/root style. Use it for large sections of pine tree trunks and large rocks. Land Pride SGC 1560 and WR Long 3rd function valve. Good idea to modify your grill guard. Protect the grill, radiator and battery from sticks, stobs and limbs.

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That is a great job covering that grill. I need to do that.

 

[IndyJay]

Loaded with my small single lid grapple:
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I've got one of the same kind of grapples that you have on the Polaris. A real back saver!

 

[DieselBound]

I've had my grapple for 5, going on 6 years now. EA single lid. Works for me! (my use is varied, as can be seen here in these pics)

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I know I'm going to curse myself, but I don't have grill guards on either of my tractors. I have put on a combined 1,800 hrs between the two and I've never driven anything into the front grill. Been close. I have, however, managed to drop stuff on top of the hood on BOTH tractors: B7800 took the hardest hit; NX I was mostly able to pop out (around one of the headlights). I tend to watch very closely as I drive into any brush piles and such. As soon as I dust off my new welder and actually learn to use it I'll look into doing a guard on the Kioti.