Grapple Root Grapple Types

[rvaitor]

I am interested in getting a root grapple and not sure of the benefits of the different types.

Seems there is the Scoop Type

and the Flat or Push Type

It seems with the flat front type you won't have the same leverage stress on the loader elbows.

Anyone else evaluating or using either type with comments?

Thanks

 

[sparkkky]

Be aware of dealers on Ebay selling light weight grapples that weight way half as much and don't disclose it!

 

[Clydes]

I believe this is one of those attachments that you do not go cheap on. Not to say you need to spend a bunch of money, but don't go cheap on quality. I have the WR Long Root Grapple and wouldn't want any other. Now that's my oppinion. not only and I rip small trees out of the ground with the root portion, but it has a massive opening that allows me to pick up logs that are well over 24" diameter that I don't think would be able to be moved with a bucket type grapple. Heavy duty grapple. I don't have any pics yet of it in action, but will have to try when I get ready to move a bunch of 30" + Beech trees

 

[rvaitor]

Seems there are several companies in NC that manufacture these. I'm seeing prices and recommendations of units for under $2K, and some up to $4K.

The question, I guess the original question is Scoop vs Flat front rake setup. The links above demonstrate the two types, not necessarily brands I'm curious about. On the one hand it would be nice to scoop, but I still wonder if the perceived additional weight and leverage of the scoop type diminishes the effectiveness? Any experience or observations on benefits of either of these?

In any event thanks for the feedback.

 

[1bush2hog]

You can "scoop" with either one of these grapples, however, the "scoop" grapple pictured will not be able to Grab things from a vertical movement nearly as well as the other root grapple pictured.

With the grapple in the second picture you have a wider range of motion - You can open the grapple, tilt it (see attached), lower FEL over an object, close and pick up smaller items like rocks, therefore analagous to using your hand and fingers. Much more versatile for a wider range of uses than the scoop model IMO

 

[swiftboot]

I have the worksaver grapple and am pleased with the results. I do have a problem with the quick attach slipping out at bottom but thats not the grapples problem. The teeth are far enough apart that if you pick up a lot of dirt and sand with the debris, a little shaking/bumping will allow the loose sand filter out before placing it for disposal. I have a 6500 Mahindra with loaded tires and it handles it very well. good day, chuck

 

[Clydes]

think about this before you buy...... your buying a implement for a purpose. If you can buy a 2 in 1 or 4 IN 1 to do your job...great. Buy the attachment to do what you want plus more. You will always find some more you can use if for that you didn't think of. I bought the root grapple over the scoop or bucket type grapple because I have a bucket. I wanted something that would grab ahold of something and move it. Something to drive into a pile of brush and grab it, hold onto it and move it. If you have a bucket go with a root grapple. indespensible tool. Just get one capable of more then what you need....you'll use it

 

[Haoleguy]

I have the Worksaver unit shown in the link. Terrific unit but it is heavy for which I'm thankful that my JD5325 has the BH49 on the back. I probably abused it more than I care to admit by moving large rocks and pushing over spruce trees. At the moment I have broken off 3 of the replaceable tines and have bent the upper clamp arms. It is still functioning well and my dealer will be out to replace the tines and heat work the upper arms back into shape. The differential 2 arm clamp is great at dealing with variable size objects. I'm able to switch between the loader bucket and the grappler very quickly with no addiitonal help. The Worksaver unit is not for finer root raking or small rock clearing. In this forum I have seen many other good units discussed. The loader bucket type to me is a compromise on the grappling function. I would suggest go as heavy built as you can without having a front end weight problem, make sure to have replaceable tines, and a suggestion to consider differential clamping.

 

[sparkkky]

Just priced a worksaver and they are 30% higher than Millionzi. Joe Millionzi was referred to me by a member here and he is one of the best people I have done business with. Also if you need a dedicated Q/D like I do they will make it for you, almost all others including Markham have said no!

 

[rvaitor]

Do you have a link or how to get info on Milionzi?

Thanks to all for the input. I really need to determine what weight I can support with my loader.

 

[sparkkky]

Will send you a PM, try this.
http://miproductsgroup.com/flyer.jpg

 

[VTHartford]

It seems like many of the root grapples are lacking the most important part, teeth long enough to get down into the dirt under the roots. Many seem to have pointed teeth with gussets that come nearly to the point of the tooth. Look at www.therakeshop.com or this picture to see what I think a good rake would be. I thin hs prices are about 1100 for a 66 rake and 1650 for a rake and grapple. They look pretty tough.

Bill

 

[stevenf]

rvaitor, I own a FFC BTR Grapple rake model is 10090 I think its the biggest one and weighs over a thousand lbs empty with the plumbing and everything set for my tractor it was $4095 plus the additional $795 remote valve for the additional hydraulics. It is a serious investment for a very serious job, I have used it and abused it and have barely scratched the paint. The jaws don't fully open like some of the other units but It'll pick up more then enough to make the ****-end of my M9000 leave the ground and thats with a 1000+lb box blade on the 3pt and 3000lbs of solid filled tires. I'll include their pdf brochure and a picture of mine it was a bit dirty when I took the picture. Somebody towards the end of the thread said something about the gussets welded out towards the ends of the tines on many of the models, the gusset on mine is sharpened to cut any roots you care to cut or you can push deeper and pull them up its a choice you make depending on what size root your dealing with whether you try to cut it or yank it out, without the gusset I'm sure I'd have broke or bent mine up by now even made out of 1/2" t1 hardened steel. I have no affiliation with FFC, I'm just very well satisfied with my grapple I don't believe it'll wear out before the tractor or the operator does.
Steve

 

[rvaitor]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( It seems like many of the root grapples are lacking the most important part, teeth long enough to get down into the dirt under the roots. Many seem to have pointed teeth with gussets that come nearly to the point of the tooth. Look at www.therakeshop.com or this picture to see what I think a good rake would be. I thin hs prices are about 1100 for a 66 rake and 1650 for a rake and grapple. They look pretty tough.

Bill )</font>

I like this unit. Seems to be a combination of the scoop and push type - I guess the key is the strength of the teeth and the overall weight.