Grapple Which type of grapple is best suited for...

[IslandTractor]

How often do you guys have a full load in your grapple? The only time you have a full load in the grapple is with brush is when you are moving a pile. You are not rarely going to get a full load gathering brush. I can get a really big load in my grapple with a 30" opening.

I think I posted this pic in this thread already.

http://s278.photobucket.com/user/NHRAx1320/media/Wicked Grapple/IMG_0607_zpsb64a79e4.jpg.html

You are right that MOST grapple work doesn't require a jaw opening over 36" but depending on the type of task, this is a case where "more is better" with relatively little downside (assuming good engineering). Kind of on the same principle that most pickup truck work can be done with 2/3rds of the bed or towing capacity but it's nice to have the extra and it does get used. Again, you're right that picking up brush piles is probably the task where the biggest opening is most desired.

 

[Xfaxman]

You are correct about not needing more than 30" for lifting trees or logs but brush is a very different issue. Brush capacity for a grapple is almost never limited by lifting capacity but rather by the volume that can be wrangled into the open jaws before closing. That is why the clamshell style grapples are popular for brush removal despite being very heavy for their size. Clamshells are king when just measuring max opening.

Yep, clamshells have no belly, it relys on the brush sticking together. That is why I sold this one!

 

[94BULLITT]

I have used both grapples on the Toolcat, that is smaller than some compact tractors, so I think the pictures I post apply to the discussion.
<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=316967"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=316968"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=316969"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=316970"/>

TSO's question that started this thread, was "Which type of grapple is best suited for...... all around grapple work?

I wasn't try to single you out. I was just saying I am not sure if there would be much of a advantge to having a grapple open more than 30" for a compact.

 

[Xfaxman]

I wasn't try to single you out. I was just saying I am not sure if there would be much of a advantge to having a grapple open more than 30" for a compact.

For a grapple opening this old saying applies, "Some is good, More is better, Too much is just right!" :thumbsup:

 

[Dingo Man]

For a grapple opening this old saying applies, "Some is good, More is better, Too much is just right!" :thumbsup:

Xfax in reading your posts here I can understand what you are getting at (brush related). Judging by your equipment it appears you have a business where these grapples are used OR you have a large spread that requires a lot of maintenance and up keep. Either or time is precious and valuable. I could see why you would want or need that opening to max out each load you grab. I on the other hand will probably be fine with my 40" opening. It has not been delivered yet, so we shall see.

 

[TomSeller]

How often do you guys have a full load in your grapple? The only time you have a full load in the grapple is with brush is when you are moving a pile.]

I have a full load of brush on almost every bite. If I am clearing, I push into the brush until I have a full bite, clamp, then back out and stack. Then go in for another bite and back out and stack....... Once I am done clearing I have a heap usually the size of a school bus. The county regs allow only a 10' x 10' x 10' pile on fire at any one time so I have to feed it as it goes out. I need as big a bite as I can get to save time. 30" is kid size, way too small. I would say 45" would be adequate. 51" would be heaven.

 

[TSO]

TSO's question that started this thread, was "Which type of grapple is best suited for...... all around grapple work?

I am really loving all of the discussion on this thread... It really helps to narrow down the choices.

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to post.

 

[arrow]

Yep, clamshells have no belly, it relys on the brush sticking together. That is why I sold this one!
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If I may thread jump a bit: I'm wondering what kind of a log skidder does a Versahandler make? Seems small enough and steerable enough to negotiate some tight wood lots.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Ted is working on the design of the single lid grapple. He is running into an issue with the JD hitch on a 48" because of where it needs to attach on the grapple. His question to you guys is: Would you be fine with a lighter, single lid 54" or is that additional 6 inches going to be a problem? His thinking is that the lighter weight is the key and the single lid will also bring the cost down. This would be 270 pounds and still keep a high grade of steel for durability. In reality, a 48" is not going to be any cheaper to build and will cause a bit of a headache in engineering.
Your opinion is appreciated.
Travis

 

[IslandTractor]

Ted is working on the design of the single lid grapple. He is running into an issue with the JD hitch on a 48" because of where it needs to attach on the grapple. His question to you guys is: Would you be fine with a lighter, single lid 54" or is that additional 6 inches going to be a problem? His thinking is that the lighter weight is the key and the single lid will also bring the cost down. This would be 270 pounds and still keep a high grade of steel for durability. In reality, a 48" is not going to be any cheaper to build and will cause a bit of a headache in engineering.
Your opinion is appreciated.
Travis

Six inches is unlikely to make any real difference IMO. It would be a little less effective for digging but on the flip side would rake a bit more. More important would be what the intertine spacing is and the width of the top lid/grapple.

Narrow spacing between lower tines is preferred balanced against weight and cost. No greater than 8-9" spacing is necessary. 6-7" would be better. Optional spacer tines could be incorporated as an add on if spacing was in the 8-9" range.

I would suggest that the top grapple/lid be wider than the individual lids used on the dual lid models and should incorporate a middle "tooth" to keep material from falling forward. I don't know what the optimal ratio of top lid width to bottom width is on a single lid grapple but something around 50-60% seems about right. My Millonzi is a bit less than that and I'd widen it if I was doing it again.

 

[CJONE]

How often do you guys have a full load in your grapple? The only time you have a full load in the grapple is with brush is when you are moving a pile. You are not rarely going to get a full load gathering brush. I can get a really big load in my grapple with a 30" opening.

I think I posted this pic in this thread already.

Every time I possibly can, it will be loaded to the max and that is most of the time.

 

[Xfaxman]

If I may thread jump a bit: I'm wondering what kind of a log skidder does a Versahandler make? Seems small enough and steerable enough to negotiate some tight wood lots.

I use it in the woods a lot, notice both mirrors are gone, replaced with cameras and a 7" monitor.

The V417 is the smallest Bobcat Versahandler, 6' wide 7.5' wheelbase, 11' turning circle, 7,000 pound drawbar pull, over 5,000 pound lift.

It has a SSQA, so most skid steer attachments will work on it.


I moved the pin hitch up and cut off a receiver hitch for the bottom.


More info here: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/toolcat/183057-toolcat-vs-v417.html

And here: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/bobcat-construction-equipment/160568-compact-telehandler.html

 

[Xfaxman]

Xfax in reading your posts here I can understand what you are getting at (brush related). Judging by your equipment it appears you have a business where these grapples are used OR you have a large spread that requires a lot of maintenance and up keep. Either or time is precious and valuable. I could see why you would want or need that opening to max out each load you grab. I on the other hand will probably be fine with my 40" opening. It has not been delivered yet, so we shall see.

I am just a retired 72 year old man playing with my toys on 80 acres that we moved to in October, 2011.

Let us know how your grapple works out.

 

[mangus580]

I agree with a middle tine on the single lid. It is one of my few complaints with the function of my Titan. The other major issue, is the lower tine spacing, but I think it is most likely consistent with other grapples in its class.

 

[Dingo Man]

I should probably start a new thread for this but it is just a quick question and I know a lot of grapple owners and scholars are already watching this forum.

My grapple will be coming this week. I have a WR long 3rd function valve already installed with hydraulic quick connects plumbed up ready to go. Will my grapple come with quick connects on the lines already or is that something that will have to be done by me once it is delivered.

 

[IslandTractor]

I should probably start a new thread for this but it is just a quick question and I know a lot of grapple owners and scholars are already watching this forum.

My grapple will be coming this week. I have a WR long 3rd function valve already installed with hydraulic quick connects plumbed up ready to go. Will my grapple come with quick connects on the lines already or is that something that will have to be done by me once it is delivered.

Depends on the manufacturer. Some do provide fittings while others just provide the hoses. You'll need to ask 1) what diameter hose and end fitting size 2) whether they included quick couplers and 3) if they did include quick couplers, are they Pioneer or flat face type. Also 4) what size are the QC fittings and 5) are they male or female or one of each.

What fittings do you have on the tractor side?

I prefer 1/2" Pioneer style with one male and one female as it prevents accidental reverse hook ups and also makes clean storage easy (just connect them together). 3/8 inch fittings are fine for controlling a grapple too.

 

[TSO]

Ted is working on the design of the single lid grapple. He is running into an issue with the JD hitch on a 48" because of where it needs to attach on the grapple. His question to you guys is: Would you be fine with a lighter, single lid 54" or is that additional 6 inches going to be a problem? His thinking is that the lighter weight is the key and the single lid will also bring the cost down. This would be 270 pounds and still keep a high grade of steel for durability. In reality, a 48" is not going to be any cheaper to build and will cause a bit of a headache in engineering.
Your opinion is appreciated.
Travis

I would be fine with a 54"... Even a 60" if necessary. I just thing that, for my use and maneuverability requirements, 66-72" & up are too wide. I am liking the idea of an extremely light weight single lid grapple from EA !

And I'm sure that, being that I started this thread and thus led to the development of this sure-to-be HUGE financial success for EA... That I'm entitled to 50% of the gross proceeds... But for the sake of humility & charity, I'll only take 10%.

LOL

 

[IslandTractor]

I would be fine with a 54"... Even a 60" if necessary. I just thing that, for my use and maneuverability requirements, 66-72" & up are too wide. I am liking the idea of an extremely light weight single lid grapple from EA !

And I'm sure that, being that I started this thread and thus led to the development of this sure-to-be HUGE financial success for EA... That I'm entitled to 50% of the gross proceeds... But for the sake of humility & charity, I'll only take 10%.

LOL

I'll give them and even better deal and just run their prototype through it's paces!

 

[TSO]

I'll give them and even better deal and just run their prototype through it's paces!

Believe me, I have no shortage of things waiting to move with it! This is just tip of the iceberg too...

 

[IslandTractor]

Believe me, I have no shortage of things waiting to move with it! This is just tip of the iceberg too...

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=317174"/>

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=317175"/>

<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=317176"/>

Stop wasting your time with a chainsaw. Get a ripper and take those trees out whole rather than being left with a nasty stump. Checkout the ripper thread from a year or two ago.