Need help on Right Tractor For a Grapple.

Rustyiron · Jan 1, 2016

I'll second the SS vote.

Msamt · Jan 1, 2016

All the above points are spot on. All depends on what you want to do with your tractor and how much you want to spend. My 800$ auction special for the grapple and ~7500 lb 45 hp tractor can dig the heck out of some rocks, logs, and brush. Pretty handy implement.

Luke'sScreenName · Jan 1, 2016

gladehound said:
I've always thought the MX series was one of the better looking tractors! How do you make the pictures appear big in the thread rather than having to click on them to open?

Ummm, I don't know. I use the desktop version on my phone usually but can't add photo with it. So when a photo is called for I use the app (now tapatalk) to insert them. Hope this helps?
... And thanks!

Rustyiron · Jan 1, 2016

lukestafford said:
Ummm, I don't know. I use the desktop version on my phone usually but can't add photo with it. So when a photo is called for I use the app (now tapatalk) to insert them. Hope this helps?
... And thanks!

Heck, my phone still has a dial and a wire on it:laughing:

4570Man · Jan 1, 2016

A cut in the 35-45 hp range is a plenty capable machine. 50 HP plus for 14 acres is way overkill. Lots of guys here including myself have more land and less tractor. Your neighbor doesn't know what he is talking about. This red oak log is bigger than 20 inches on both ends and 10 feet long and I loaded it with a 34 hp tractor.

That looks pretty useful to me. I can spread dirt faster than 2 trucks running a short distance can bring it. If you own a chain saw you can move ever the biggest tree with a BX. I have only met two logs that my 34 hp tractor couldn't lift as is. Both were over 36 inches diameter and over 10 feet long. One was red oak.

newbury · Jan 1, 2016

4570Man said:
A cut in the 35-45 hp range is a plenty capable machine. 50 HP plus for 14 acres is way overkill. Lots of guys here including myself have more land and less tractor. Your neighbor doesn't know what he is talking about. This red oak log is bigger than 20 inches on both ends and 10 feet long and I loaded it with a 34 hp tractor. That looks pretty useful to me. I can spread dirt faster than 2 trucks running a short distance can bring it. If you own a chain saw you can move ever the biggest tree with a BX. I have only met two logs that my 34 hp tractor couldn't lift as is. Both were over 36 inches diameter and over 10 feet long. One was red oak.

I agree that 50HP may be overkill. I was looking for a tractor that would carry a ton on the 3pt and a half ton on the loader when I stumbled across my M4700 on public aucton.

For example that 20"+ red oak weighs about 1200 lbs or more. A 36" redoak would be around 2 ton. calculator

4570Man · Jan 1, 2016

newbury said:
I agree that 50HP may be overkill. I was looking for a tractor that would carry a ton on the 3pt and a half ton on the loader when I stumbled across my M4700 on public aucton. For example that 20"+ red oak weighs about 1200 lbs or more. A 36" redoak would be around 2 ton. calculator

My 34 HP tractor can lift 3,700 pounds at the pins on the 3ph or 2,600 pounds at 24" inches on the 3ph. It can also easily meet and exceed 1,000 pounds on the loader.

4570Man · Jan 1, 2016

Here is what a L3800 will do with a 1/2 ton.

The red oak log in my previous post was well over 1200 pounds. The L3800 as shown in the above picture can lift 1,000 pounds and it couldn't budge it let alone make a full height lift with it.

Xfaxman · Jan 2, 2016

gladehound said:
How do you make the pictures appear big in the thread rather than having to click on them to open?

If you are using a computer, try this: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/photos/107314-photo-posting-how-3.html?highlight=#post3967120

BRHtbn · Jan 2, 2016

I have a 60" grapple on my NH TC33DA that has been used for all sorts of purposes including clearing brush and briars, moving logs and stumps, and moving round bales. It has been no stress on the tractor that I can tell. No problems.

AuburnAlum · Jan 8, 2016

Thank you all for some great info! Here is another question.

What brands of grapples are recommended? Or ones to avoid?

oosik · Jan 8, 2016

My M6040 is 60hp & weighs 9688lbs with the grapple and rear blade attached. I can lift 2000lbs easily. As has been said - it depends upon your budget & how much time you want to spend getting jobs completed. My largest lifts will be very big boulders and chunks of big Ponderosa pine trees. I've gone to log scale web sites and downloaded green log weights for length & diameter so I'm not going to attempt to move the impossible. My chain saw will bring all into the proper weight arena.

I chose a Land Price SGC1560. Its very heavy duty, weighs 860lbs, and is 60" wide. I chose this unit because it IS HD and I'm not overly concerned that I've lost some lifting ability due to the weight of the grapple. I was more concerned that it doesn't fold up like a pretzel when I use it. I have the grapple controls on the joy stick thru a third function valve(WR Long).

I also considered an ANBO grapple because they are manufactured locally. ANBO is another heavy duty grapple like the Land Pride.

IMHO - you can get an appropriate sized grapple for just about any sized tractor and it should work just fine. Its just a matter of your funding abilities and the type of jobs you want to accomplish and how fast you want to get them done.

I also have formulas to calculate the approximate weights of large boulders. I always try to have the upper hand when lifting very large/heavy loads by knowing ahead of time if its within the grapples limits. I've seen what can happen to others when lifting by trial & error.

countrybumpkin · Jan 8, 2016

I would also take a hard look at a tracked skid steer for doing what your wanting. Look at decent used machines, and take good care of it then if that way when you think you need a tractor or want a tractor sell the skid steer. If you really want a tractor, like said above you can move a mountain with a shovel, just going to take a while, but not as heavy and easier to move around.

It's pretty much useless to try and shop for a tractor like your wanting by using HP numbers, you really need to look at Physical size, weight, loader capacity and such. Any more you can have many different HP ratings yet have those three things the same. Also are you planning on hauling the equipment around or having it delivered and stay at that location, if hauling is it something you have a truck and trailer That can haul it or have to rent or buy one? It all depends on a Budget, time, ect.

As for the Kubota is junk, That's not so. Have they had some issue yes, has John Deere, Massey, case, ect, ect. YES!!! Been around and used pretty much all of them and most of the time problems with all of them were either abuse, improper use, or lack of MAINTENANCE.

jenkinsph · Jan 8, 2016

AuburnAlum said:
There is no urgency for the purchase at my leisure. Budget is flexible, just concerned as I started at 19K now looking at around 30K+. Mostly hardwoods (oak, hickory, and some clusters of short and Virginia pine) and the short needled pine are the weakest and most prone to fall. The land used to be a tobacco farm about 50+ years ago. Picture below of what it looks like and what has fallen and would like to move.

View attachment 452293 View attachment 452294 View attachment 452295 View attachment 452296

I don't see the need for a tractor and grapple with a high lift capacity looking at your pictures. Also keep in mind that it is easier to maneuver through the trees if you cut them down to about tractor width. A smaller tractor can obviously fit through the trees and you might need to pull them out to a cleared area to manage them.

While I would personally opt for a 50hp tractor for faster work in the fields I don't see where a 35hp tractor would have a problem moving the trees in your pictures. A subcut could pick up most of the trees in your pictures but ground clearance would be a problem (think stump holes), So anywhere between a mid size and larger compact would seem to be a good fir for you.

Xfaxman · Jan 8, 2016

You might consider a used Toolcat. Better view of the grapple or forks, better maneuverability with 4 wheel steer and crab steer, better ride with independent suspension. Two models, 5600 with a dump box and 5610 with a 3 point hitch.

More pictures: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/toolcat/270965-toolcat-5610-series-f-pictures.html?highlight=

4570Man · Jan 8, 2016

What is the maximum lift height of a tool cat?

Xfaxman · Jan 8, 2016

4570Man said:
What is the maximum lift height of a tool cat?

Can't find it now on the new Bobcat Website, but seems like it was listed at 7.5 feet on the old Website.

jenkinsph · Jan 8, 2016

Xfaxman said:
You might consider a used Toolcat. Better view of the grapple or forks, better maneuverability with 4 wheel steer and crab steer, better ride with independent suspension. Two models, 5600 with a dump box and 5610 with a 3 point hitch.

More pictures: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/toolcat/270965-toolcat-5610-series-f-pictures.html?highlight=

View attachment 453011

View attachment 453012

View attachment 453013

View attachment 453014

View attachment 453015

View attachment 453016

View attachment 453017

I could see it being good for lots of uses including a grapple. Appears to be a thirsty machine because of hydraulic systems but it would definitely be a contender if front grapple work is the main use. Very maneuverable and well appointed. Should be a great tool for building landscapes was my first thought. So what does a new one cost with the three point hitch version?

Xfaxman · Jan 8, 2016

jenkinsph said:
I could see it being good for lots of uses including a grapple. Appears to be a thirsty machine because of hydraulic systems but it would definitely be a contender if front grapple work is the main use. Very maneuverable and well appointed. Should be a great tool for building landscapes was my first thought. So what does a new one cost with the three point hitch version?

That depends on your dealer, MSRP here for the new G series is $64,526, My dealer said $56,000.

AuburnAlum · Jan 8, 2016

Xfaxman said:
That depends on your dealer, MSRP here for the new G series is $64,526, My dealer said $56,000.

Great pictures! Very impressive. That though is just way above my budget. I just looked at some use online and even the used (tracked skid steer) are beyond what I want to spend. :-/