Grapple use, or did I need a root rake?

[sandman2234]

I have a set of pallet forks that attach right on my loader. No need to subject the bucket to the abuse of digging out roots. Palmetto's are a little more of a problem due to their size, but I am beginning to realize that it might be my best option.
A walk path around a large pond on a 20 acre piece of property is the goal, with palmetto's being the major hurdle.
David from jax

 

[jeff9366]

SSQA pallet forks with Bucket Spade on the end might be excellent. 36" pallet forks might be better than 42" pallet forks, I don't know.

I have suggested to ETA that a SSQA Bucket Spade, eliminating the bucket, which would have greater spade payload and better visibility of the work, might be a profitable impelement to offer. No interest, at this time.

You have read my LINK in Post #2. Bucket Spade is a high value, strong tool for $400 delivered.

 

[Todd727]

I'd second the stump bucket route. A bit more aggressive with the teeth. Also, you don't have to move it on and off of another attachment. If you have power connect for your loader, you won't even have to leave the seat to switch between the stump bucket and normal bucket.

 

[sandman2234]

I went back up to the church yesterday and tried a couple more palmetto's, and actually it does work, just have to be a little less aggressive about how far to lower the grapple into the dirt. I was thinking that 65 hp would be enough to just scoop them up, but not so.
Guess this will take longer than I was expecting!
David from jax

 

[Egon]

I must apologise to the OP; it would seem I completely missed the grapple you have.
That is the perfect solution to pulling roots!:thumbsup:

Did you try moving the tractor while pulling up with the grapple?

Also use the curl as the tractor is trying to move. It's probably got the most force of the joystick options.

 

[sandman2234]

I must apologise to the OP; it would seem I completely missed the grapple you have. Egon, apology not needed, but accepted anyway. We all miss things from time to time, as there is alot of reading to do on these pages and we tend to skip thru the boring parts, lol!!

That is the perfect solution to pulling roots!:thumbsup: Probably not perfect...takes too much time, lol! Good thing is they are not my palmetto bushes, so I only have to do what i "want" to do.

Did you try moving the tractor while pulling up with the grapple? Actually what seemed to work best is to get the right depth and use the tractor's horsepower to ease forward, and then lift while curling. I know I really have to be careful with that, to prevent a tweaked loader!

Also use the curl as the tractor is trying to move. It's probably got the most force of the joystick options.

Understood!

Thank you,
David from jax

 

[sandman2234]

I was up at the church yesterday, with the bucket on the tractor, and dug out a few palmettos with it. It will do it fine, just a little on the slow side. Me getting used to using the FEL will probably speed things up a little. I haven't had the grapple on the tractor lately so I haven't tried it again, but probably will soon.
David from jax