Grappling fun - A Picture Thread....

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.