Not Again Log Grapple Build

Nick359 · Nov 9, 2018

I am in the market to buy a grapple to pick up logs as well as load rounds into my dump truck. My neighbor let me borrow a Bradco root grapple to see if I like that style. It is 84" 1200 or so pounds. It is awesome, but it is heavy, about half or so of the capacity of my John Deere 4720. I think a root rake would be more of what I would like, but I like a two piece top to pick up different sized and uneven pieces. I have not found a production grapple for what I want. Most root rake style have a one piece top portion of the grapple. The root grapple has two "jaws" on the top, but it is hard to load rounds from a pile. I also found out if I cut up a log, the Bradco root grapple will leave a round or two on the ground in the middle. So...I might have to build what I want.

I have a plasma cutter and my neighbor has a CNC plasma that does 1 inch, so no issues on capacity. I was thinking on either 3/8 bar stock in either 3 or 2.5 inches for the main tines. I would double them up with 1/4 between each piece for an I beam effect. I would only use bar stock for ease of building. I can cut the pieces out of plate too. The design I think would best suite me would be a clam shell style. I do not need to get roots out of the ground. I can always borrow his if the need arises. I was thinking 5 tines on the bottom and 4 on the top, two per side on the top individually actuated. I would like to keep the weight to 800 pounds or so. I want it strong enough that if I get one tine on a log it doesn't bend. I am not apposed to trial and error, but I don't have the time to be rebuilding and designing it all the time.

If anyone is more experienced than me, could you let me know if 3/8 by 2.5 would be fine or should I go 3 on the tines. I would like to keep it around 800 pounds.

Thanks in advance. I will be starting this project soon. I'll post pics as soon as production is under way.

jmc · Nov 10, 2018

Not your question but another consideration is that even though your loader can easily handle 800 lbs, that much weight that far beyond the wheelbase causes the tractor to "gallop" on rough ground. It's like what you see an industrial backhoe do in road gear. I bought my 600 or 700 lb root grapple for my tracked loader and when I use it on my tractor, it gallops. Especially a pain if you drive it to job sites on the street.

Xfaxman · Nov 11, 2018

Is this what you are looking for? Root Rake Brush Grapple for compact tractors, up to full size with single lid and dual lids

Xfaxman · Nov 11, 2018

Or my favorite style: W R Long Open Bottom Grapple 1 Full size 47" opening quick attach or pin on

oosik · Nov 11, 2018

View attachment 578427 View attachment 578428 This is my Land Pride SGC1560. 60" wide - 820 pounds. It is one heavy duty, tough, well built grapple. Five years and the worst I've done is chip some of the powder coat off the tips of the tines.

Jchonline · Nov 11, 2018

I have one like Oosik, but it is well matched to my machine so I have no issues. You may want to look at EA (everythingattachments.com), they have a nice balance of weight/quality. I prefer the type like Oosik, because I didn't want super long bottom tines that could bend. I do plan on banging them around on rocks, pushing into roots pretty heavily. I also use it as a rake to back drag. Not everyone does those tasks, so longer bottom tines might be helpful to them.

oosik · Nov 11, 2018

I was concerned about a long bottom tine grapple (brush grapple - ??) and the tines getting bent. That's why I went with a rock & root type. I DO pick and move monster rocks and large chunks of my Ponderosa pine. However - I don't go hog wild. I have a weight chart for my pine logs and one for my big 'ol boulders also. My objective - KEEP IT LOW & STAY UNDER 3000 POUNDS. On any heavy load - I lift just high enough so the grapple does not leave drag marks in the dirt as I move to another location. This grapple is great for back dragging to smooth and also collect branches cut from pines I've fallen.

I don't have enough brush on my 80 to make a descent load for a wheelbarrow.