Buying Advice Is pt425 a good option for dragging brush

[Mcfarland tree]

I am considering the pt425 and using it with the Branch Manager grapple to drag brush, tree limbs, and logs. I like the dimensions of the 425 but I have never seen one these machines up close. The grapple is a hanging claw type that will allow me to grab the cut ends a pull through narrow spots. Any input from those of you familiar with the machine would be appreciated. Also if there is anyone near Ann Arbor mi that would let me look at their pt it would help. Thanks

 

[MossRoad]

Welcome to TBN.
Any links to the Branch Manager grapple.
Size and weight of the implement are important on the PT4xx platform.

 

[MossRoad]

Are you talking about this grapple?
No Rotators on Mini Grapples - YouTube

If so, that would most likely work very well with a PT425. Its 200 pounds though, and sticking that much weight out a couple feet in front of the FEL quick attach will diminish the lifting capacity quite a bit. Probably down to 400 or less. However, I frequently pull 65' locust trees 5-6" diameter with ease just using a chain and pallet forks. I'm currently building a small grapple to eliminate the chaining step, but I used a 2500psi cylinder and blew the seals. Hope to get it working again this spring or summer.

 

[BobRip]

You can pickup a huge amount of brush and branches with the grapple bucket. I would say it is one of the best PT attachments.

 

[Phils]

You can pickup a huge amount of brush and branches with the grapple bucket. I would say it is one of the best PT attachments.

X2

Phil

 

[Mcfarland tree]

Thank you for the input. That is the grapple I am considering. What do you most often use to lift a log. I am considering ordering Power trac's grapple bucket and forks.

 

[BobRip]

Thank you for the input. That is the grapple I am considering. What do you most often use to lift a log. I am considering ordering Power trac's grapple bucket and forks.

For a log I would use the grapple bucket. The forks are generally all around useful. They are relatively cheap and you will use them more than you think. I have used them to retransplant a tree that we had put too close to a drain. We were all amazed how easy it made that job. I shoved the forks into the ground and easily got the root ball out. The 4 in 1 bucket is also a very useful attachment.

 

[MossRoad]

Thank you for the input. That is the grapple I am considering. What do you most often use to lift a log. I am considering ordering Power trac's grapple bucket and forks.

When I purchased our PT425 I also purchased an extra quick attach plate. I welded a 2" hitch receiver onto that. I suggest you do the same. It has proven to be very handy. I put in a ball hitch for moving trailers around. And I put in a 3" towing ring for moving logs. I run the chain through it and it works very well.

 

[MossRoad]

With that said. It would be a heck of a lot easier and save me 80-100 trips off and on the tractor for 40-50 logs if I had a grapple. I'm working on a simple pincher type two finger grapple that will operate off the quick attach circuit. I had it working, but as I mentioned, I blew the seals on a 2500psi cylinder. I've ordered a 3000psi cylinder, but it is a couple inches short. grrrr.

 

[KMA]

There is also the utility grapple, which I didn't see listed on their attachments page...

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