Grappling fun - A Picture Thread....

Xfaxman · Nov 30, 2015

4570Man said:
Originally Posted by Xfaxman
Haven't found one too heavy. It would have to weigh over 4500 pounds. >

Click to expand...

This one would have been close. Over 40 inches on the both ends and 11 feet long.

Yep, that is a big-un!!

When I moved this one to the burn pile I had the bigger, heavier Monster Grapple on the V417.

The rear got a little light when I extended the boom, guess I should have gone all the way out to see if the wheels would come off of the ground.

Too late to try it now.

Tomtint · Dec 1, 2015

Got my WR Long valve installed today. Pretty easy job, not really 100% happy with the mount that was supplied with the kit. And the factory bolts that had to be removed to install the mounts, ended up being to short to re use. Other than that it is definitely a DIY job. Now need the grapple. &#55357;&#56860;

Tomtint · Dec 1, 2015

Got my WR Long valve installed today. Pretty easy job, not really 100% happy with the mount that was supplied with the kit. And the factory bolts that had to be removed to install the mounts, ended up being to short to re use. Other than that it is definitely a DIY job. Now need the grapple.

Rustyiron · Dec 1, 2015

MNBobcat said:
LOL! Yes, the front left tire is the only one on the ground. It was a huge tree and it was straddling a fence that I didn't want destroyed. I was trying to hold the tree in the air before I cut the limbs that were taking the weight of the tree. I was hoping the skid would keep the tree from dropping. Well, the tree was too heavy! LOL!

Well it sounds like you were out of the cab and only had a good laugh vs. being in the cab and needing new drawers

Mikejeakins · Dec 2, 2015

Oh man i hope you had your seat belt on.

4570Man · Dec 5, 2015

I repaired the cylinder mount that got torn off and I added some teeth. The cylinder mount wasn't installed properly the first time and was only half welded.

View attachment 449498

I decided to mig weld the teeth. I rolled the welder up and dang it out of gas. I had another cylinder in the shop so this was only a minor setback.

Teeth welded on.

So far I am impressed with the teeth.

Helitech · Dec 5, 2015

Very first use of my new EA Wicked grapple.

IslandTractor · Dec 5, 2015

Helitech said:
Very first use of my new EA Wicked grapple.

Fun, eh? Ten minutes of grapple work sure beats and afternoon of sawing and messing with brush etc.

4570Man · Dec 5, 2015

IslandTractor said:
Fun, eh? Ten minutes of grapple work sure beats and afternoon of sawing and messing with brush etc.

That is not even a good testament for a grapple. That could have been almost as easily accomplished with a bucket and chain or pallet forks. 5 whole pine trees of this crap is another story.

IslandTractor · Dec 5, 2015

4570Man said:
That is not even a good testament for a grapple. That could have been almost as easily accomplished with a bucket and chain or pallet forks. 5 whole pine trees of this crap is another story.

View attachment 449512

Grapple a tree: ten seconds. Ungrapple a tree: two seconds.

Use a chain and bucket: 1) dismount, 2) fight through the brush, 3) unwrap your chain from the storage bin or brush guard, 4) figure out how to get the chain under the bucket without crawling through poison ivy, 5) struggle to get the chain tight when the tree is only half in the bucket, 6) lift tree, move then dismount and re secure the tree for travel, 7) at destination dismount, unchain tree, try to keep tree from crushing you while you retrieve chain as tree is precariously balanced on top of bucket, 8) leave tree on ground, don't even dream of lifting it onto a pile unless you have a death wish, 9) return chain to storage, 10) remount tractor, 11) make note to self: get a freaking grapple.

Helitech · Dec 5, 2015

Yep, I like my grapple. Where the tree top came from and where I carried it was sooooooo easy with a grapple. It's so nice to not have to move off the seat of the tractor and move a top this size, no torn up yard or driveway from dragging it with a chain like I used to do. Another small job.

4570Man · Dec 6, 2015

IslandTractor said:
Grapple a tree: ten seconds. Ungrapple a tree: two seconds. Use a chain and bucket: 1) dismount, 2) fight through the brush, 3) unwrap your chain from the storage bin or brush guard, 4) figure out how to get the chain under the bucket without crawling through poison ivy, 5) struggle to get the chain tight when the tree is only half in the bucket, 6) lift tree, move then dismount and re secure the tree for travel, 7) at destination dismount, unchain tree, try to keep tree from crushing you while you retrieve chain as tree is precariously balanced on top of bucket, 8) leave tree on ground, don't even dream of lifting it onto a pile unless you have a death wish, 9) return chain to storage, 10) remount tractor, 11) make note to self: get a freaking grapple.

With bucket hooks it isn't that hard. It still sucks and I don't recommend the method. A chain and bucket still beats an afternoon of sawing. I have a grapple, you don't need to convince me how nice they are.

TomSeller · Dec 6, 2015

4570Man said:
A chain and bucket still beats an afternoon of sawing. I have a grapple, you don't need to convince me how nice they are.

Nothing wrong with a chain and bucket, can't do without them in my case. I consider IT to be the the grapple expert on TBN and I don't think he was intending to offend you. If you are getting it done your way, more power to you and please share pictures. We always can learn from others.

lostcreekranch · Dec 6, 2015

I did the chain and bucket hooks deal for years and got an 84" dial lid grapple about three years ago. I'm not going back. In fact, I may double down and buy a grapple for my 46 HP Tractor as well.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

k0ua · Dec 6, 2015

IslandTractor said:
Grapple a tree: ten seconds. Ungrapple a tree: two seconds.

Use a chain and bucket: 1) dismount, 2) fight through the brush, 3) unwrap your chain from the storage bin or brush guard, 4) figure out how to get the chain under the bucket without crawling through poison ivy, 5) struggle to get the chain tight when the tree is only half in the bucket, 6) lift tree, move then dismount and re secure the tree for travel, 7) at destination dismount, unchain tree, try to keep tree from crushing you while you retrieve chain as tree is precariously balanced on top of bucket, 8) leave tree on ground, don't even dream of lifting it onto a pile unless you have a death wish, 9) return chain to storage, 10) remount tractor, 11) make note to self: get a freaking grapple.

That is a pretty good description of it.. I decided to get the grapple..:thumbsup:

Citydude · Dec 6, 2015

IslandTractor said:
Grapple a tree: ten seconds. Ungrapple a tree: two seconds. Use a chain and bucket: 1) dismount, 2) fight through the brush, 3) unwrap your chain from the storage bin or brush guard, 4) figure out how to get the chain under the bucket without crawling through poison ivy, 5) struggle to get the chain tight when the tree is only half in the bucket, 6) lift tree, move then dismount and re secure the tree for travel, 7) at destination dismount, unchain tree, try to keep tree from crushing you while you retrieve chain as tree is precariously balanced on top of bucket, 8) leave tree on ground, don't even dream of lifting it onto a pile unless you have a death wish, 9) return chain to storage, 10) remount tractor, 11) make note to self: get a freaking grapple.

Been there, done that. Got the freaking grapple.