Grappling fun - A Picture Thread....

[Piston]

Island Tractor makes a good point about cost. About the only disadvantage to the diverter or third function setup is cost.

I've used all three, I have the third function by WR Long on my tractor, and I really like it. I used to think it was much better than the other two methods, but after running another tractor with the diverter setup, I now don't see much of an advantage, aside from personal preference.
I also ran a tractor with the rear remote operated grapple, and did not like it. I would not go with the rear remote setup unless cost was your major factor (which it is to many of us so that is a great reason to go that route).

Operationally, I can say that "my" personal preference would be either the diverter, or third function setup, and I would not put a rear remote setup on to operate the grapple.

It all depends on "your" personal preference. It's pretty difficult, but if your fortunate enough to be able to try out the different methods before you buy, that would solidify your decision. I was able to and it changed my mind about the diverter vs. third function, and confirmed my thoughts on the remote valve setup.

 

[kennyd]

I mounted my new Artillian Grapple yesterday and played with it some, camera and chainsaw problems prevailed though and then I ran out of daylight

 

[Xfaxman]

Nice thread, so I was looking at the difference of a root vs regular grapple. It looks like it holds more brush with the long bottom but how about the way the tines curve up at the tips? Is it harder to get lets' say under a log or under something flat on the ground since it is a couple inches up? I know you can tilt it down but then you have to roll up on the whole thing. Is this an issue or not?

Not an issue. Here is a rock flat on the ground.

More rocks on the ground. Picked up two without using the lids. :thumbsup:

 

[IslandTractor]

Nice thread, so I was looking at the difference of a root vs regular grapple. It looks like it holds more brush with the long bottom but how about the way the tines curve up at the tips? Is it harder to get lets' say under a log or under something flat on the ground since it is a couple inches up? I know you can tilt it down but then you have to roll up on the whole thing. Is this an issue or not?

The terminology is confusing. Some folks use the term root grapple or root rake to describe a top hinged clamshell style grapple. These typically have very short bottom tines that project out only a foot or so compared the the more common open bottom grapples (also referred to as root grapple any some). Open bottom grapples have longer bottom tines that project out about three feet or so like the grapple in my avatar.

The two grapple types have one very important distinguishing point. The top hinged clamshell grapples are completely dependent on upper lid closing pressure to hold the load. If you pick up a log and then reopen the grapple, the log falls out. The more common open bottom style grapples use gravity to hold the load so once you load a log and curl the grapple to neutral position, you can reopen the grapple without losing the load. In this style the upper lid keeps the load from falling forward but you can actually lift a load without even using the lid.

Regarding open bottom grapples with curved or straight bottom tines, I can assure you that the curve doesn't interfere with getting under roots. In fact the curve cups the root so that when you curl the root cannot slip out. I've never used a straight bottom tine grapple and frankly have always thought they existed only because they are cheaper to fabricate.

 

[Brown Dog]

This is mine. Sucker is Heavy.
Works fine off rear remotes & extension hoses.
Is it considered a Root Grapple ?

 

[IslandTractor]

This is mine. Sucker is Heavy. Works fine off rear remotes & extension hoses. Is it considered a Root Grapple ? http://s909.photobucket.com/user/mi...8-423F-AD2C-29AC0BD6B3AC_zpslecvhth0.jpg.html

Clamshell.

 

[streamin]

Xfaxman and Islandtractor: thankyou for the great pics and explanation, very helpful and it was the one thing I have been concerned about. I am going to get my front lines put in soon. I can see the clam shell will not be that beneficial to me.

 

[Rustyiron]

Nice thread, so I was looking at the difference of a root vs regular grapple.

If "regular" means a flat solid bottom, one big thing is visibility with a root rake and another is dirt falls through. I initially bought my RR for clearing and stacking on a burn pile. The less dirt the better in a burn pile. On my way to finding the perfect tool (my root rake or root grapple) I spent thousands of dollars. My first "stop" was a 4 in 1 bucket, then on to a "regular" grapple bucket, and finally the RR. They were just coming out with these for the skid steers and smaller machines back when I got mine close to 15 years ago.

 

[reddragon774]

Thanks

 

[IslandTractor]

If "regular" means a flat solid bottom, one big thing is visibility with a root rake and another is dirt falls through. I initially bought my RR for clearing and stacking on a burn pile. The less dirt the better in a burn pile. .

I wouldn't refer to the solid bottom bucket grapple as "regular" myself. I think of bucket grapples as a distinct "species" that is functionally related but quite distinct from open bottom grapples.

Does RR stand for ratchet rake??