I've only put about 10 hours on my grapple but can't say that I would change a thing. Years ago I cleared over an acre with a chain saw and was left with the stumps to deal with. NO MORE. UNCLE!!!!!
This thing must have been designed for my exact application because it's great. I tried to take out a 3"-4" maple with it and it was a pain. the tree did not up root and I had to dig around it to get it out. However, in the brush that I bought the grapple to move, it rocks!
The 3rd shot is not the whole bunch from the 2nd shot. It had to come out in 2 pieces, but what a back saver.
Dan.
The type of tree and how/where it is growing makes as much difference to how easily it comes up as does the diameter. Most trees I can just push over to expose some roots, then snag the roots and drive forward while lifting to slide the tree from its place. This worked really well for an old field of spruces, pines and wild apple trees, some up to 10-12" dia. Trees with main tap roots are the toughest since they don't want to push over and, once they are over a couple of inches in dia, you can't just rip them straight up, either.
The grapple rake is really great for gathering and carrying/cleanup. I do a lot of my trail-making by hand with an axe, since the grapple rake disturbs so much ground, but some sites it is the only way to get the job done.
