Grapples and pulling out smaller trees?

[ArlyA]

We are looking at brush an log grapples and wondered if anyone can pull out small trees with the model you have? Like you can close it on a smallish tree and lift it right out. No, we're not going the get one of those stump, tree pulling buckets. Thanks!

 

[Torvy]

There's a separate tool for that.

Tree puller.

Here's one option:

https://stingerattachments.com/buy/compact-tractor-tree-puller/

You 'can' with a grapple, but it is not turned the right way. You have to catch it just right. Maybe come in from the top. I did that with a tall stump (storm damage).

 

[rswyan]

Depends on what you are defining as “a smallish tree” … and the particular tree in question.

Some trees are more well-rooted than others.

Also depends on the size equipment you’re using. I have a Kubota B2910 … 30 HP and maybe around 2500 lbs with the loader and box blade on.

I built my own grapple which was modeled on a W R Long RBG Root Rake Brush Grapple:

Grapples | W.R. Long Inc.

www.wrlonginc.com

The spacing between the gussets on the bottom tines is around 1 inch IIRC. (See picture at link above)

This allows me to drive it into brush and small saplings, wedging them in, and using the loader’s curl function to pry them out of the ground.

That works for the most part on small stuff.

Anything much bigger than that and I have to use the lower tines to rip the roots pretty good good to get them to pop out.

I have used this combo to remove trees up to 8” or more in diameter and probably 30’ tall … but they don’t just “pop out” by raising the loader.

Considerable work is involved, usually digging up the roots and then pushing the tree over after which the stump can be dug out.

 

[zzvyb6]

I use a 'Tree Shear'. Basically a horizontal scissors like gripper. Works perfect for 3-5" trunks (limited by loader capacity). I use the bucket curl circuit to open and close the jaw. You get roots and all the rest.

 

[ArlyA]

Depends on what you are defining as “a smallish tree” … and the particular tree in question.

Some trees are more well-rooted than others.

Also depends on the size equipment you’re using. I have a Kubota B2910 … 30 HP and maybe around 2500 lbs with the loader and box blade on.

I built my own grapple which was modeled on a W R Long RBG Root Rake Brush Grapple:

Grapples | W.R. Long Inc.

www.wrlonginc.com

The spacing between the gussets on the bottom tines is around 1 inch IIRC. (See picture at link above)

This allows me to drive it into brush and small saplings, wedging them in, and using the loader’s curl function to pry them out of the ground.

That works for the most part on small stuff.

Anything much bigger than that and I have to use the lower tines to rip the roots pretty good good to get them to pop out.

I have used this combo to remove trees up to 8” or more in diameter and probably 30’ tall … but they don’t just “pop out” by raising the loader.

Considerable work is involved, usually digging up the roots and then pushing the tree over after which the stump can be dug out.

1 to 4" near the ground

 

[Fladogman]

I do it all the time. Push them over take the grapple and lift while you're pushing the stump.

 

[rswyan]

1 to 4" near the ground

What equipment will you be running the grapple on ?

 

[mikester]

I had a clamshell grapple and now a long bottom grapple. Both will remove trees and shrubs. The trick is moist soil, push the trees over from up high, then lift/push out by the roots. Use gravity to your advantage.

 

[ArlyA]

What equipment will you be running the grapple on ?

3 or 4 series JD.

 

[rswyan]

As long as you’re not expecting every tree to pop in 30 seconds or less, I think either machine would work fine.

Obviously the larger machine will probably get more work done in a shorter time, and do some larger things the smaller one is incapable of.