Grapple grapple - Teeth or toothless?

[wedge40]

Is there any huge advantage of having teeth on/in the grapple tines?

Wedge

 

[Deerlope]

I think it would keep a log from slipping out. I my case I have just a simple add on with no teeth a big log (whole tree) 16 " in dia and 40 feet long sometimes slip out.

 

[IslandTractor]

I am not so sure that the "teeth" or serrations on a grapple are important for gripping logs or anything else. Logs are held secure by the upper jaw pressing them against the lower jaw. As a tractor is never more than 10-15 degrees of slope off horizontal, it is not necessary to secure a log against lateral movement more than provided by the friction of the jaws.

I think (but am not sure) that the serrated edges on the front lower tine tips are designed more for root ripping. In that sense they are useful if you intend to dig out small stumps or bushes. The serrations catch the roots and allow the grapple curl to rip rather than permitting the root to slip off the grapple tip.

I cannot see any downside to serrated tine tips. I have them on my grapple. Maybe if I were using the grapple exclusively for moving hay bales or something like that the serrations would cause problems by snagging things but for general use they are pretty much no issue. They are not sharp. I'd certainly specify them if I were ordering a replacement grapple.

 

[pitt_md]

I am not so sure that the "teeth" or serrations on a grapple are important for gripping logs or anything else. Logs are held secure by the upper jaw pressing them against the lower jaw. As a tractor is never more than 10-15 degrees of slope off horizontal, it is not necessary to secure a log against lateral movement more than provided by the friction of the jaws.

I think (but am not sure) that the serrated edges on the front lower tine tips are designed more for root ripping. In that sense they are useful if you intend to dig out small stumps or bushes. The serrations catch the roots and allow the grapple curl to rip rather than permitting the root to slip off the grapple tip.

I cannot see any downside to serrated tine tips. I have them on my grapple. Maybe if I were using the grapple exclusively for moving hay bales or something like that the serrations would cause problems by snagging things but for general use they are pretty much no issue. They are not sharp. I'd certainly specify them if I were ordering a replacement grapple.

Your right about the hay bales. I had to be careful and grip the 800lb bales so the tines were not against the twine.

 

[kennyd]

Wedge-If you are thinking of a Markham Grapple, Melissa told me that all the new grapples will have the serrated teeth, as well as a 30" upper jaw.

 

[wedge40]

Wedge-If you are thinking of a Markham Grapple, Melissa told me that all the new grapples will have the serrated teeth, as well as a 30" upper jaw.

I got one of first Markham production models and no teeth. If I feel the urge I could always have someone put some on or grind some into the tine.

Wedge