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Rip · Mar 13, 2005

That swivel grapple looks like it should work well for log handling. Can you control the rotation hydraulicly?

If you are looking for a grapple rake mostly for slash and brush, look for the biggest "bite" as it can be frustrating to know you are only picking up a fraction of what you could be per trip-cycle. My AnBo is a reasonable compromise although I could have gone the next size up.

I also mounted a Warn 6000 lb hyd winch with 150 ft cable on a removable bracket above the grapple rake to be able to retrieve logs and bundles of slash that I otherwise can not get the tractor to. I built a skidder plate to keep the butt end from digging in while being dragged along.

I am currently converting a BearCat chipper to hydraulic so I can bring it to the slash rather than have to bring the slash to the chipper. It is a machine I already had, and will be somewhat smaller and lighter than the various hyd powered units for skid steers. (140 lb, 4 blade disk, 5" capacity)

menchhofer · Mar 13, 2005

In order for the log grapple to rotate, it would need a "rotator" installed but I assume it would be no big deal.

Your ideas with the grapple rake are thought out very well and the winch would probably be a good idea also.

You also have excellent plans for the chipper. Good luck and keep us posted on the results.

Rip · Mar 14, 2005

Was that log grapple picture you posted yours or one you are looking to get? I've seen similar ones for 3ph and skid steers that have power rotation. For just skidding backwards, it is probably not needed, but to stack or load it would be nice.

Should be putting the chipper to use in a week or so after the recent snow (about 10") melts. Does not take long on this south facing slope.

Yeah, I use the winch a lot since there are still many places I can not go with this machine because it is too rocky or tight, but with 150' of cable & a skidder plate I can retrieve most anything I need to. Hyd winch runs on the PTO circuit with its own direction and flow control valve. 3500 to 6000 lb rated pull is plenty as I can still skid this 4000 + lb machine with all four wheels locked if I am not careful.

menchhofer · Mar 14, 2005

Do you have a pic of your hydraulic winch? I am looking for one to mount on the rear of my chipper to drag brush to the chute?

Rip · Mar 15, 2005

No pic of my winch, but it is a Warn 6000 series hydraulic (can see it on their web site) and looks just like a similar size 12 V electric but will pull hard and long without any problem. It is mounted on a 3/8" plate with a 2" square stub about 6" long so I can mount it in several ways.

This was the smallest hydraulic unit I found and has never lacked for power. Holds 150' of 1/4" and has a nice freewheel control. Cost was a little over $1K with everything.

Charlie_Iliff · Mar 18, 2005

I also welcome you to the forum, and hope you'll share your 1430 experiences whenever you can. We red PT owners are outnumbered, but also learn a lot not only from other diesel owners, but also the green owners. (And a couple of guys with machines before the current colors.)
I'm sorry to hear of your impression of the guys in Tazewell. I've had a lot of contact with Terry, particularly, not only on my four visits to the plant, but also a number of times by phone when I had a question. The only time(s) he hasn't had a ready answer to a question were when I wasn't framing the inquiry properly in the first place. Once we got on the same wavelength, he's known the answer or told me how to figure it out. He also has been immediate in getting the few parts to me that I've needed for repairs. I'm sure if you ever have a problem with your PT, the people in Tazewell will be able to reverse your negative impression.
But please post regarding the strengths and any weaknesses you notice in your 1430. I think we only have a few owners of that model on the board, and we get a lot of inquiries about that particular machine.

Highridge · Mar 18, 2005

Feel free to post pictures too.
TBN'ers love pictures /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

menchhofer · Mar 18, 2005

Well, maybe I just caught everyone on a bad day when I made my visit. No big deal. I will keep in touch for I read the threads everyday and learn all I can when it comes to the PTs..either red or green...

bubenberg · Mar 19, 2005

Guess some people have not had to call Terry while hanging of a cliff, holding on for dear life, while he very calmly explained how to tighten and loosen some bolts to save my backside.

Former pt test pilot and stunt driver
hrl

p.s. it also would be time that we update our biographies so we all have a little more inside when some of the members of this elite group are making very hard and fast statements.