Is a 25 HP tractor too small for a grapple.

[HP942]

I've watched guys with pallet forks do things that absolutely amazed me.

I'd hold off on the grapple until you get the tractor you want. It isn't just the cost of the grapple, it's the cost of the third function and the hassle of installing it, too.

I had my last tractor for 14 years. It was make long before JD put on their JDQA system, I had a set of pin on forks made for it and they lived on it about 98% of the time and used them weekly. I guess I‘ll stick with my forks for now and add a grapple when I buy my bigger second machine for the farm.

 

[Vigo327]

A CTA50 weighs 195lb, and is $1750.
That's less than the forks weigh. And the grapple will still be suitable if the tractor is upgraded.

Compact Tractor Attachments - 50" John Deere Compact Grapple

G-50-JD Extreme - Compact Tractor Grapple

www.ctattachments.com

Wow, i REALLY like the design and detail of that thing, as far as making it as light as possible while still being pretty strong. I really like how the bracing between the lower tines serves multiple purposes so well (making tines hard to bend sideways, limiting 'accidental digging in', being able to smooth/drag dirt, having teeth for better gripping of some smaller objects). I like that the lid pivot would be almost impossible to 'wear out' or put in a serious bind from distorting the lid.

 

[DGZRT]

I'm not so sure that grapples have much advantage over forks for moving logs for sawmill cutting. Forks are pretty easy to get under a log and don't require a third function valve.

Where a grapple excels is in picking up piles of brush and limbs because you can grab the pile.

I agree with you if all your doing is move logs on a nice flat area. If your working in the woods it has many advantages moving logs . When I had massive storm damage I could grab the ends of the logs and drag them out. You are correct about the third function and it’s expense but when your a one man army I’ll take all the advantages I can get .

 

[Everhard]

I made one for my Kioti CK20s and now use it on the CK2510 that I replaced the CK20s with. the grapple is on the front more than the stock bucket. From logging, to moving brush to moving stumps, rocks, well anything I can grab it makes jobs so much easier and quicker.

If you can afford one my vote is get it.

E.

 

[rodneyn]

Here is my situation, I have an LS XJ2025H and it is great for my 3.5 acre lot. I mow and landscape with it. I also keep a good supply of firewood logs to cut and split for my fireplace. I am currently using pallet forks to move my logs to the cutting/splitting area and to my small band-sawmill. Grapples appear to be the cat’s meow, but I really only see me using it to move logs now. I don’t have a 3rd function or diverter and don’t know if I can justify the cost. I’m a couple years away from retiring and will be spending more time at my 120 “farm” and hunting property. I plan on buying an additional larger 40-50 hp tractor then with a grapple. A grapple purchased now would likely be too small and light weight to use on the future machine. Am I missing out….is a grapple for my small tractor worth it? The cool factor is there, but is it practical?

I forgot to mention, I have loaded rear tires and alway use a counterweight on the 3PH.

Here is the deal small frame tractor and grapple is challenging. Why if you are moving tree trunk wider than tractor and near max loader weight. if not on center could create momentum to allow tipping activity. even worse without fluid in tires or counter weight provides more challenge. First hand experience with front end forks and a light pole donated from my utility company. Light pole is a lot heavier than few hundred pounds as I discovered. Took me few adjustments to find center of the pole with forks. Mind you the pole was 18 feet long after they topped it. Once center was found I was moving it all over the farm until found a place to store it. I wrote article on this forum prior on smaller tractors with loaders and no rear ballast. Discussing moments of hind cheeks grabbing the seat cushion in a moment of uncertainty. This is especially true if running full load in loader and having it above hood traversing on even ground without wheel spacers. It is a must on using common sense on smaller tractors with a capable front loader lift capacity. Not having counter weight or wheel spacers can be challenging for inexperienced operator. Safety is paramount while operating any tractor. Currently I am working to install grapple on 25 hp tractor LS MT225S. I will share experiences once in application.