Questions for the grapple guys

[TNhobbyfarmer]

I am considering getting a grapple and have started doing a little investigation. It appears there are a couple of basic styles of grapples, root rake brush grapples and open bottom style (so named on WR Long's website). The open bottom style appears to have a longer bottom jaw and looks like it would be superior at moving that jaw level into a pile of debris. The root rake styles looks like it would be superior at dropping down onto a pile of debris and then closing the jaws. Is that accurate, somewhat accurate, or totally inaccurate? I have never owned a grapple so just trying to look at all angles so as to hopefully make an informed decision.

I know the EA Wicked root grapple is very popular. I do like the fact that it is light weight. Based on my tractor size I am thinking their 55" version would be good for me.

 

[Xfaxman]

My first grapple was the root rake style, doesn't work well with large brush piles, but is better than no grapple.

My next grapple was the open bottom style, it will pick up a lot more brush. It also picks up everything else that I need to pick up. :thumbsup:

 

[Rmart30]

I like the ones with the longer tines on the bottom. To me they seemed better on small brush piles as they rod on the times rather than having to be squeezed to stay in place.

 

[goeduck]

My first grapple was the root rake style, doesn't work well with large brush piles, but is better than no grapple.

My next grapple was the open bottom style, it will pick up a lot more brush. It also picks up everything else that I need to pick up. :thumbsup:

Pretty much the same here. I have 3 (wide rake, wide open bottom L, narrow open bottom L) grapples. If I had only had one, it would be the narrow open bottom L. Light weight is a priority on most CUTs and Utility tractors to increase lift. Many threads on this subject here on TBN to read up on. Lots of choices out there.

 

[TomIre]

Don't mean to hijack your thread but my primary use would be picking up rocks. What style grapple would you suggest for that?

 

[rbtjr]

OP: One suggestion is for you to call Travis at EA, discuss with Travis your applications for a grapple, and get his advice. I have found Travis to be very helpful. We have two grapples (one is a 56" W. R. Long OBG2 "open bottom" model, and the other is the same style but 48" and with a single cylinder). Our grapples are like the EA grapple that is described as a "root grapple" (as contrasted with the EA "root rake grapple"). Like the other posters, I like ours for their versatility and have never wished for a root-rake style grapple.

 

[oosik]

I've had my Land Pride SGC1560 - rock & root grapple now for four years. Its very heavy duty - 820# - and does exactly what I need. I move large rocks and large Ponderosa pine logs. Essentially - I have NO brush on my 80 acres - no need for a brush grapple.

 

[Xfaxman]

Don't mean to hijack your thread but my primary use would be picking up rocks. What style grapple would you suggest for that?

I dig out and pick up a lot of rocks with the open bottom style, also called the L bottom style:

 

[oosik]

View attachment 570146View attachment 570147 OK - my grapple and another item you should consider. Modifying your OEM grill guard to protect your grill, radiator, battery etc, etc.

See how Xfaxman sort of "comes down" on the rocks. That's the way I've found to work the best also. Scooping forward with the bottom tines scarfing the ground - most times will result in quite a bit of sod and dirt gathered also. Not what I want. I will rotate the grapple until its pointing almost straight down - open the jaws - come down on the rock or chunk of pine log - close the grapple - lift and rotate the grapple to the full upright position - if I'm going any distance. Otherwise - leave the grapple pointed down and move whatever I've got in the jaws to somewhere else.

 

[Xfaxman]

Originally Posted by TomIre
Don't mean to hijack your thread but my primary use would be picking up rocks. What style grapple would you suggest for that?

Here is the L Bottom style picking up a large rock, mostly below ground level:

Put the bottom tines against it and popped it up:

Slid the bottom tines under, clamped and picked it up:

Curled up and opened the lids: