Texas Grapple Shootout

[txdon]

The ultimate grapple would have to have the lid pivot moved up like the Monster Grapple, to get a bigger opening.

The wider opening the better, I agree.
A strong hydraulic holding cylinder a big plus.
Tongs spaced close together on the lid another plus.

Now should there be a single lid for a 54" or a double lid? pros/cons
Should the back of the grapple have a wire mesh to see through and not let limbs poke the tractor? pros/cons

 

[k0ua]

Guys, I don't think there is a "perfect" grapple for all uses or situations. That is why there are so many different designs and sizes. It is also why some guys have more than one!:shocked:

I really like my little EA single lid wicked 50 incher, but it may not be the best for everyone.

When guys ask "which is the best grapple," it is like asking "which are the best tires" or "which is the best transmission" or even heaven forbid, "which is the best tractor"

There just isn't any such thing!.

James K0UA

 

[jambx]

I don't want to lift 80 lb. logs any more, but my Millonzi grapple won't close over them tight. Sure wish there was a simple way to get large capacity and still have good-sized lower tongs with a lid that holds smaller stuff but opens wide.
Jim

Jimmy,

I have that same reservation however I pulled the trigger on the smaller Wicked Rake L style Grapple - I am sure it will not be everything and everyone however I am thinking it will meet 90% on my expectations. One of the main reasons i went this route is to have the ability to lift and buck logs off the ground. I know there is dangers with this since most of what I will process will likely not be held by the top lid but like everything I do I take plenty of precautions. Take a look at this picture posted by another member addressing this exact concern in a earlier thread of mine - it actually looks like a plausible idea! :thumbsup:

 

[k0ua]

Jimmy,

I have that same reservation however I pulled the trigger on the smaller Wicked Rake L style Grapple - I am sure it will not be everything and everyone however I am thinking it will meet 90% on my expectations. One of the main reasons i went this route is to have the ability to lift and buck logs off the ground. I know there is dangers with this since most of what I will process will likely not be held by the top lid but like everything I do I take plenty of precautions. Take a look at this picture posted by another member addressing this exact concern in a earlier thread of mine - it actually looks like a plausible idea! :thumbsup:


View attachment 349765

I don't think you will have any trouble bucking logs with it.. Just "dump" down to pick up your log from the top, clamp down on it, and then curl up past level with the top clamp holding the log. If it should slip it wont fall out it will fall into the interior of the grapple space and not fall on your foot! But the tips are pretty sharp, and grip things well. I wouldn't have any qualms about using it that way at all.

James K0UA

 

[TomSeller]

. Take a look at this picture posted by another member addressing this exact concern in a earlier thread of mine - it actually looks like a plausible idea! :thumbsup:

It may work for logs and firewood. I am not seeing it where there are branches and thorns involved. Seems to me the webbing would hook everything and you could not release.

 

[TomSeller]

1. I don't think there is a "perfect" grapple for all uses or situations. That is why there are so many different designs and sizes. It is also why some guys have more than one!:shocked:
2. When guys ask "which is the best grapple," it is like asking "which are the best tires" or "which is the best transmission"

1. I plead guilty and have multiple grapples for this very reason.
2. Very true.

 

[Xfaxman]

The wider opening the better, I agree.
A strong hydraulic holding cylinder a big plus.
Tongs spaced close together on the lid another plus. Not sure what tongs are, but on a L bottom, tines are not needed, just a normal lid. On a rake style the top and bottom tines should have the same close spacing.

Now should there be a single lid for a 54" or a double lid? pros/cons I prefer double.
Should the back of the grapple have a wire mesh to see through and not let limbs poke the tractor? pros/cons Hasn't been needed on mine.

This is my first grapple, still using one!

 

[txdon]

This is my first grapple, still using one!

All you need is a turbo and some hydraulics - we can fix you right up.

 

[TomSeller]

This is my first grapple, still using one!

What is the lift capacity in lbs and height? And does the accuracy of your picks have anything do with volume of beer consumed?

 

[Xfaxman]

This is my first grapple, still using one!

All you need is a turbo and some hydraulics - we can fix you right up.

Yep, can we get The Fred and JJ to work on it?

What is the lift capacity in lbs and height? And does the accuracy of your picks have anything do with volume of beer consumed?

Lift capacity and height decrease the longer that it is used. And I never drink and pick!

Any grapple is better than no grapple! :laughing:

 

[EverythingAttachments]

This is my first grapple, still using one!

View attachment 349807 View attachment 349808

I think that's even compact enough to mount onto a small lawn tractor.
I'll see if Ted will work on a mount!! :laughing:
Travis

 

[blueriver]

I think that's even compact enough to mount onto a small lawn tractor. I'll see if Ted will work on a mount!! :laughing: Travis

Travis .. That's not anything to laugh at .. I've got a customer that wants me to configure a hay accumulator for the front of his JD Gator

 

[txdon]

Ok, I think I found my perfect grapple. It is actually parts from two different ones.

The lid would look like this Lands Pride:
SGC20 Series Claw Grapples | Land Pride

And the base would look like the curved tunes on this Rake Shop grapple. However the tynes would only be 6" to 7" apart and mesh with the lid.
www.TheRakeShop.com / Root Rakes Grapples Attachments & Skid Steers

So, I'm still looking . . . . . . but getting closer. . . . .I think.

 

[Xfaxman]

Contact the Rake Shop, he will build it for you. :thumbsup:

 

[TomSeller]

Ok, I think I found my perfect grapple. It is actually parts from two different ones.
.

If you end up having one built as xfaxman suggests, you might want to consider a tall opening. I wouldn't consider anything less than 45" if you have the lift capacity.

 

[txdon]

If you end up having one built as xfaxman suggests, you might want to consider a tall opening. I wouldn't consider anything less than 45" if you have the lift capacity.

That reminds me I need to find the lift capacity of my Kubota L5030. 45"+ would be nice!!

xfaxman do you have any dealings with the Rake Shop?

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

That reminds me I need to find the lift capacity of my Kubota L5030. 45"+ would be nice!!

TractorData says 2,374 pounds lift to full height at the pins, and 1,764 pounds at 500mm.

 

[Xfaxman]

That reminds me I need to find the lift capacity of my Kubota L5030. 45"+ would be nice!!

xfaxman do you have any dealings with the Rake Shop?

No, just have seen it referred to in several previous grapple threads and remembered that on the Website, he said he will custom build.

I would also recommend the largest opening possible, brush is light. you will spend less time moving a lot of brush with a big bite.

For heavy trees or logs the large opening won't hurt, except for the slightly heavier grapple.

 

[txdon]

TractorData says 2,374 pounds lift to full height at the pins, and 1,764 pounds at 500mm.

Thanks, I knew someone would have it faster than I could look it up. So that means I can get a 764 pound grapple and still haul 1,000 pounds of woody stuff.

 

[NativeSon]

Ok, I think I found my perfect grapple. It is actually parts from two different ones.

The lid would look like this Lands Pride:
SGC20 Series Claw Grapples | Land Pride

And the base would look like the curved tunes on this Rake Shop grapple. However the tynes would only be 6" to 7" apart and mesh with the lid.
www.TheRakeShop.com / Root Rakes Grapples Attachments & Skid Steers

So, I'm still looking . . . . . . but getting closer. . . . .I think.

Don-I think you are getting close to perfection.

Charlie