Grapple Rock vs. Root Grapple

[Slynxwiler]

I know grapples get discussed EXTENSIVELY, and everybody has their preference. But, I'm weighing the differences between a rock grapple (with narrow tines) and root grapple (with wider tines). I have cleared about 5 acres where I recently built our house, and I have a ton of rocks - most of which are 3" and bigger. I will also be clearing more land as I go, so I don't see the rock problem going away. I also have trees and brush piles that I've stacked with a backhoe that I will need to move to burn piles. The grapple will go on a Kubota L5030 HSTC.

A rock bucket/grapple seems like the perfect tool right off the bat, but I'm thinking the bucket sides may be a hindrance when moving brush and trees. I've looked at rock grapples with removable sides, but I can see that being a problem down the road if they get damaged. I can always get a rock bucket AND a root grapple, but I'm a tightwad who doesn't want to spend money I don't have to!

Who has experience or insight with the rock grapple? Will it hold up to other uses? Is it practical or cumbersome?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[oosik]

Hi Slynxwiler. Five years ago I bought a Land Pride SGC1560. I also have the WR Long third function valve.

I choose this grapple because it's heavy duty in the extreme. All the steel is 3/4" or thicker. The grapple weighs 820#.

With my Kubota M6040 I'm still able to lift 3200#.

It's called a rock & root grapple. The other type would be a brush grapple.

I have not taken the grapple off the FEL since the day the dealer installed it.

I use it for large rock( big desk size ) and large chunks of my Ponderosa pine.

In the five years of use I've not bent, broken or damaged anything on the grapple.

I use the top jaw to backdrag and skerf up soil prior to digging or leveling.

I've also used the top jaw to backdrag and rip out large patches of brush or collect pine limbs.

If you get a grapple - consider doing this to your grill guard also. Might just save your grill, radiator or battery.

View attachment 598036View attachment 598037

 

[Slynxwiler]

Thanks for the info oosik. I’ve already broken the headlight lens, and my plan is to replace it and put some expanded metal over grille guard. I really like your setup and the ability to hinge for easier access.

I guess the terminology depends on your location. Around here, your type is in called a rock and root rake grapple. The brush grapple type is called a root grapple. Basically the same as the rock bucket style with more space between the tines.

My problem is trying to figure out if using the rock bucket grapple as a brush/tree/big rock grapple is going to do enough damage to it that it won’t work as a rock bucket anymore. I’m really wanting to use it for sifting rocks and piling brush. I just don’t know that one tools will do both jobs well.

 

[Xfaxman]

There are many to choose from: rock bucket/grapple - Image Search


I don't think normal use will damage any well built grapple. Mine have survived abnormal use .

I would recommend this style without the side plates: NOTCH Manufacturing Inc.

 

[TractorGuy]

I got a chance to use my MTL rock/root grapple some yesterday.

I like the solid back but as far as having the closer tines I think they are just extra weight with little benefit. I was hoping I could use it to sift dirt from my piles of debris but the dirt doesn't come out easy and the action required to make it come out results in a fair amount of debris falling back out. The dual lids have a pretty wide space in between and that is part of the problem.

The work I did yesterday could have just as easily been done with the 48" single lid root grapple and had less weight on my loader. I would like to try one of those and weld some expanded metal on it but an actual dirt sifter is probably what I need.

For moving tree debris it works fine but you can use a lighter weight root grapple for that. I went with a diverter type setup for the third function and it took a little while to get used to remembering to move the loader handle back to center before releasing the button. Now that I have that mastered the diverter use is seamless. I have added about 1200 lbs of ballast to the rear and do not plan to load the tires. Takes less than 5 minutes to connect and disconnect the grapple and ballast with the quick hitches on both ends.

 

[RoyKing]

Grapples remind me of your hand, in that you got the long finger design versus the short thumb style. The short lower tines allow you more power from FEL. The further you are from the pivot the less power. If your mainly moving loose material the long bottom tine is good. If you are trying to pry rocks up and pull roots the short lower tines have advantage.