Grapple

[RJJR]

Ok, just bought a DK45HST and am looking for a good all around grapple of some sort to pick up brush that I'll be cutting and removing brush up to 20 feet in height out of an old cutover. Also, need to pick up quite a few rocks etc. I don't think I need a large construction grapple. I only have about 14 acres and will be mostly working for myself. Please make reccomendations on the type and width grapple you'd want or this kind of work. I see Gator has a 48" light duty root grapple for about $900 bucks. Any feedback on that one would be great too.
Thanks
RJ

 

[adjusterr]

Google "Bro-tek Thumb" or go to Bro-Tek: Tractor Add Ons. I bought one last year for a L2250 Kubota and couldn't be more pleased. I use it to hold 30' logs for wood cutting, picking up and hauling rocks or anything that needs moving. The unit is well made, inexpensive, approx $300. and can be installed in minutes. Richard, at Bro-Tek, says he can build a Thumb to fit any tractor with a hoe.

 

[rvaitor]

Ok, just bought a DK45HST and am looking for a good all around grapple of some sort to pick up brush that I'll be cutting and removing brush up to 20 feet in height out of an old cutover. Also, need to pick up quite a few rocks etc. I don't think I need a large construction grapple. I only have about 14 acres and will be mostly working for myself. Please make reccomendations on the type and width grapple you'd want or this kind of work. I see Gator has a 48" light duty root grapple for about $900 bucks. Any feedback on that one would be great too.
Thanks
RJ

That would be ideal, I love mine(not gator brand)for doing exactly what you describe, remember that unless you have hydraulic hook ups up front you'll have some additional expense there. I got mine from W.R. Long(who also have grapple/brush attachments).

 

[RJJR]

That would be ideal, I love mine(not gator brand)for doing exactly what you describe, remember that unless you have hydraulic hook ups up front you'll have some additional expense there. I got mine from W.R. Long(who also have grapple/brush attachments).

I like the look of Long's equipment. Which specific model do you have?
Thanks

 

[jake98]

Where are you located RJJR? I might consider selling mine, now that I bought a chipper.

 

[teg]

I have WR Long's bolt on one, got it used @ $350. Really love the heck out of it. The bolt on section is where I mounted my hooks. No need for bucket modification to beef up the top section. Just bolts to the sides.

 

[J_J]

If you have a set of forks, you can do this. The third grapple/Thumb can be added to your bucket.

Add a selector valve like this, and a thumb switch, and you can then select grapple or curl.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-5117-A&catname=hydraulic

 

[nickel plate]

You might want to check http://michironandequip.com. Scroll down to their grapple section, BTW they are also a Kioti dealer. I have one of their grapples-first one built by them for a NH TC-40S. They sent me an autocad drawing for measurement approval before fabrication, right on the money, a perfect full 10" hydraulic cylinder extention when closed on the empty bucket. Even if it were slightly off one way or the other, the hydraulic cylinder rod is threaded for adjustability. 24" wide, four 1/2" thick tooth arms re-enforced to 1" (1/4"-1/2"-1/4") wide at the four tooth tips.
This grapple is designed with a wicked over-bite so if you are at all thinking of a toothbar, do so now to ensure no interference between the two sets of teeth mesh.

 

[jake98]

You might want to check Michigan Iron & Equipment: Kioti Dealer. Scroll down to their grapple section, BTW they are also a Kioti dealer. I have one of their grapples-first one built by them for a NH TC-40S. They sent me an autocad drawing for measurement approval before fabrication, right on the money, a perfect full 10" hydraulic cylinder extention when closed on the empty bucket. Even if it were slightly off one way or the other, the hydraulic cylinder rod is threaded for adjustability. 24" wide, four 1/2" thick tooth arms re-enforced to 1" (1/4"-1/2"-1/4") wide at the four tooth tips.
This grapple is designed with a wicked over-bite so if you are at all thinking of a toothbar, do so now to ensure no interference between the two sets of teeth mesh.

After using my root grapple for a few years, I'm thinking that that type of bolt on bucket grapple has to be the way to go.. put it on and leave it on.

 

[nickel plate]

After using my root grapple for a few years, I'm thinking that that type of bolt on bucket grapple has to be the way to go.. put it on and leave it on.

It does actually un-pin from the bucket in a couple of minutes leaving only the torque bar in place.

 

[jake98]

I'm putting mine out by the road with a for-sale sign on it. It works great, but wrestling it on and off (no q/a) gets old.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Mine is a bolt on ATI on a 5' bucket. Does a great job for me. It is on most of the time but comes off easy.

 

[HCJtractor]

Just got off my tractor doing the same. I trimmed about 2 miles of woods roads with my Stihl Kombi pole chain saw where the limbs and saplings close in on the road. Must have cut a thousand trees and limbs yesterday and let them fall in the road. Today I hooked up my boxblade on the rear and my Markham grapple on the FEL. Made quick work out of the cleanup. This combination works unbelievably well. Drop the grapple at a 45 degree angle and drive slowly forward. The box picks up what you miss. Just push up a big pile. THe limbs tend to grab each other and lock together so you can just keep driving and eventually push the pile off to the side, or pick it up and create a pile. THe Gator light duty is similar to what I have. Mine is 48" and a little heavier duty with 1/2" steel. Search IslandTractor's post for advice. He is the expert. Get a 48" Gator. You will love it.