Need help deciding on a grapple

[shibaura_4043]

Hello everyone,
I know this has been debated a lot on the forum but I'm really close to purchasing a root grapple and need help deciding which manufacturer and style to go with. A little background on the reason for buying the grapple... Ive been working on clearing mesquite, locust and cedar trees off my property.I'll be clearing a total of about 60 acres. My tractor is doing a pretty effective job pushing the trees over with the bucket but piling up the brush isnt very efficient and I think the grapple will really speed things up. I was originally just going to purchase the "L" style root grapple, here's two links to a couple I am considering

72

Bobcat Skid Steer Attachment 72" Root Grapple Bucket Will SHIP for $199 | eBay

but after talking to the manufacturer I was led to believe it might be too light duty for my needs. so I continued my search and came up with these two to consider as well.

Bobcat Skid Steer Attachment 74" Root Rake Grapple Bucket Shipping Cost $199 | eBay

www.TheRakeShop.com / Root Rakes Grapples Attachments & Skid Steers

The rake shop grapple will be custom built to fit my euro quick attach and will come 1" thick tines instead of the 3/4 " tines listed it will be made of T-1 steel it will weigh around 650-700lbs. I should be able to get it built and shipped for 2500.00. Im leaning towards this one just because it seems to me to be the strongest of the three and the most effective rooting up trees and picking up large piles of brush. However if I could get by with the grapple in the first link I would be inclined to do so for a 1000.00 + savings. I would love some feed back from grapple owners who like/dislike the model they have purchased. Any advice will be very helpful and appreciated.

EDIT: I am also considering purchasing a case 850 track loader listed locally for 8000 but not entirely sure its worth the money, since my tractor is capable of doing the job. This is kinda a deciding factor for me of if I need a heavier duty grapple for tree removal or just a light duty for piling trees. I do realize this can be significant wear on my tractor is it worth it?? How many acres have you guys cleared with your tractors?

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

One thing to consider is the "weak link in the chain" theory. When I bought my stump grapple, I opted for the lighter duty one for my 50hp tractor because if I get too aggressive with it, I'd rather break something on a $600 stump grapple than my $5,000 FEL. What tractor will you be using it on?

After getting mine, I can tell you that it is plenty strong enough and buying the heavier version would have been a waste of money and lifting capacity.

Also, a lot of people here think that a narrower grapple, such as 48" or 54", is plenty good enough and that you don't need a 72" grapple. I don't have any experience with those, so I don't really have an opinion on that. I can say that mine is narrower than 48" and it has done fine in the limited time I've used it. You can generally save some $$ on a narrower grapple.

 

[shibaura_4043]

I will mainly use it on my Zetor 60hp cab tractor but I would like to use it for light brush work on my 40hp shibaura CUT. I think you might be right about the light duty version... I mean if I do bend it I have the equipment to repair any weak points... decisions decisions :mur:

 

[oosik]

Take a look at whats available from ANBO. They make all sizes, weights etc grapples for tractors and skid steer machines.

 

[shibaura_4043]

Thanks I'll take a look

 

[shibaura_4043]

Just called ANBO... their prices are a little out of my price range

 

[econometrics]

I've been just starting to research grapples lately, and have my eyes on one from WR Long right now: Grapples

There are a few guys on this forum that run them and really love them.

EverythingAttachments.com has a few good choices, too.

 

[shibaura_4043]

econometrics I see you're in east Texas.. where abouts?? I bet Im pretty close to you.

 

[econometrics]

econometrics I see you're in east Texas.. where abouts?? I bet Im pretty close to you.

I'm in the Tyler area. You?

 

[shibaura_4043]

Im close to the Terrell area

 

[econometrics]

Im close to the Terrell area

Nice!

Man, I've been following this story about the 5 murders last night. Ugh. Heartbreaking news. My heart and prayers goes out to the community right now!

Almost drive home through Terrell last night from Royse City, but went through Wills Point instead.

 

[shibaura_4043]

yeah it was crazy to hear about that this morning on the news....Im actually north of Terrell its about a 15-20min drive... I figured you'd know of Terrell since its off I-20. I see you have longhorns do you sell your calves at the Wills point auction?

 

[econometrics]

yeah it was crazy to hear about that this morning on the news....Im actually north of Terrell its about a 15-20min drive... I figured you'd know of Terrell since its off I-20. I see you have longhorns do you sell your calves at the Wills point auction?

Oh yeah, I drive through the 20 side of Terrell a few times per month. Usually swing into Starbucks for a fix, ha.

I don't raise longhorns just yet. Just a big UT Longhorns fan.

I'm probably going to start running them this coming spring.

 

[john_bud]

EDIT: I am also considering purchasing a case 850 track loader listed locally for 8000 but not entirely sure its worth the money, since my tractor is capable of doing the job. This is kinda a deciding factor for me of if I need a heavier duty grapple for tree removal or just a light duty for piling trees. I do realize this can be significant wear on my tractor is it worth it?? How many acres have you guys cleared with your tractors?

I would recommend the track loader. It's far more capable of the task than your tractors. Also, it's vastly less likely to get damaged by trees whacking it, etc etc. And you should be able to sell it for what you paid when the job is done. But I would pay for a professional inspection. Track equipment is spendy if repairs are needed

 

[shibaura_4043]

My bad...thought you might raise them good luck when you do... I use to raise longhorns and sold my small herd after two years for two reasons: 1)no money in the calves unless you sell to a niche market and 2)They were a PITA to handle... I now raise commercial Angus/mix breed cattle and its much more profitable and safer!! but back on subject I hope more people chime in before I buy the root grapple because I want to make a good decision.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Shibaura, I bought my stump grapple from Wildkat Attachments. Their prices and quality seem pretty good. Here's a link to their website. If you click on "Buy Now" it takes you to their ebay store. You can avoid ebay by just calling them, which is what I did.

WILDKAT ATTACHMENTS by Mid-State Equipment Buckets, Grapples, mowers, augers, and more for your Bobcat, John Deere, and others!

Also, RCO Tractor over south of Greenville has a 48" grapple (or did have one the last time I was there) that is made by Construction Attachments I think. It looked pretty good to me. They are not that far from you. Ask for Scott if you go there.

 

[shibaura_4043]

Shibaura, I bought my stump grapple from Wildkat Attachments. Their prices and quality seem pretty good. Here's a link to their website. If you click on "Buy Now" it takes you to their ebay store. You can avoid ebay by just calling them, which is what I did.

WILDKAT ATTACHMENTS by Mid-State Equipment Buckets, Grapples, mowers, augers, and more for your Bobcat, John Deere, and others!

Also, RCO Tractor over south of Greenville has a 48" grapple (or did have one the last time I was there) that is made by Construction Attachments I think. It looked pretty good to me. They are not that far from you. Ask for Scott if you go there.

thanks.. how do you like the stump grapple? how versatile is it? Im wondering if a stump grapple would be just as beneficial since it could dig for me as well... can you pick up brush with with it? I actually called RCO in Gville and it was 1900 installed for the 48" grapple which I thought was kinda high.

 

[Guesseral]

Here try these I like mine

http://stores.palletforks.com/-strse-37/60"-Root-Grapple-Rake/Detail.bok

They also have an ebay story

SKID STEER PRODUCTS, TRACTOR PRODUCTS items in Titan Attachments store on eBay!

There are different styles also this is just the one I have. Have fun.

 

[shibaura_4043]

I would recommend the track loader. It's far more capable of the task than your tractors. Also, it's vastly less likely to get damaged by trees whacking it, etc etc. And you should be able to sell it for what you paid when the job is done. But I would pay for a professional inspection. Track equipment is spendy if repairs are needed

yeah I have a buddy that works for Cat so I hope I can get him to inspect it before I buy it. I figured I can resell and make 90% or more of my money back its just the initial cost that makes the decision tough. I hate letting go of $$

 

[terryknight]

i have the wildkat version of the bobcat one in your fist post. i paid $1200 at auction and 25 for fittings. it works great pushing over trees and picking them up raking the ground, i have cleared a little bit with it





the land (wish i had before photos but i don't, bigger trees (6"+) were cut with a saw and the stumps ground)