OP
txdon
Super Star Member
Low limb, not a fallen one. That's why I did not get a cab. It also keeps the sun out of my eyes more on that side.
Texas Grapple Shootout
- Thread starter txdon
- Start date
- Views: 92235
Low limb, not a fallen one. That's why I did not get a cab. It also keeps the sun out of my eyes more on that side.
mark02tj
Veteran Member
Don - That's EXACTLY what I'm hoping to do with mine when I get one. I've been reading everything I can on these things and trying to find all of the manufacturers to see how their rake grapples are designed. I came across the ones from The Rake Shop a few days ago (before I read this thread) and thought "WOW! That's a good design!"
I don't want to hijack your thread so I am probably going to start a new one looking for advice on all the options that I've been considering for what I need to do around. And not all of the options involve grapples. There's a lot of smart, experienced people on this board that will probably point me in the right direction. Of course, right now I'm thinking the right direction is something similar to what you bought!
OP
txdon
Super Star Member
OP
txdon
Super Star Member
Close enough.
You really need to get on that show! Even with the reflection I figured it at least would take you 2 hours.
Note: That is not the name of this place now. That was the sign on the front gate when we bought the place.
bindian
Super Member
Don,
I have a grapple and your grapple is giving me Grapple envy, like Charlie.
Those 1 inch thick bottom tines makes it a heavy weight grapple in my mind. I only have 1/2 inch bottom tines and it is no lite weight. Your one inch tine design is exactly what I saw on that articulated forestry loader hauling longs. Let me know if you need some help trying to bend one of those tines.......or keeping the rust off!
hugs, Brandi
I have a grapple and your grapple is giving me Grapple envy, like Charlie.
Those 1 inch thick bottom tines makes it a heavy weight grapple in my mind. I only have 1/2 inch bottom tines and it is no lite weight. Your one inch tine design is exactly what I saw on that articulated forestry loader hauling longs. Let me know if you need some help trying to bend one of those tines.......or keeping the rust off!
hugs, Brandi
Poopdeck Pappy
Elite Member
- Joined
- May 13, 2013
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- 2,628
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- Dallas, Texas
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- Kioti DK50SE Cab, Kubota BX23, Kubota BX2660, Grasshopper 729BT
blueriver
Super Member
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2007
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- 5,012
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- S.E.Oklahoma
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- JD 5520 Montana 4340 Farmall Super A Montana 5720C
OP
txdon
Super Star Member
Just let me know if you need a measurement or specific photo.
bindian
Super Member
Heck,
I wanna stop by and see it..........on one of my trips to or from Austin.
hugs, Brandi
OP
txdon
Super Star Member
Well Brandi, it doesn't look so pretty any more. I used it a abused today and it took a bunch of hits and scrapes. It is one tough grapple it took everything I thew at it. I was cleaning up storm damaged cedar trees from 7 years ago. One of the hydraulic cylinder protective covers came off when a Yaupon limb hit it but it was easy to put back on. Looks like rain tomorrow so it will get a rest.
bindian
Super Member
Don,
Well, what's an old girl without a few marks of experience. Glad to hear you are not babying her!
hugs, Brandi
TomSeller
Super Member
NativeSon
Veteran Member
My wife has got to get serious about that Lotto thing. If she hits the big one it'll be easier to add to the toy (errrrh) implement collection. And the Padre wants a new church.
Charlie
Charlie
OP
txdon
Super Star Member
Tom, the shipping weight said 700#
I came close to your suggested opening width of at least 45" with 41.5"
My tractor can lift 2347# so that gives me an payload of 1647#. So far none of the largest dead trees I can find have exceeded that weight.
Assuming a square foot of dry oak weighs about 30# I can carry a 2 foot diameter tree that is about 26' long.
(disclaimer - This is a rough field estimate (on straight sided tree) and not knowing the moister content and the exact weight of the wood and not using the formula V = (D / 2)^ 2 x P x H / 3. In other words I lift till I can't then I know its over 1647#)
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Remember to keep your front tire pressure up:thumbsup:
OP
txdon
Super Star Member
I forgot to check the pressure after these cold spells. When I was cleaning out the pond a while back and the heavy mud load would squish the front tires and air would leak around the rims. So Thanks, I will!
mikim
Veteran Member
kick *** grapple don fer sure...if you ever do get something stuck in those "V"s -- you can normally get it out by scraping it backwards on the ground. The extra $200 for front door delivery was certainly worth it. I paid $1700 total for mine but I had to pick it up at the freight yard. (in Houston at the time). Living in Angleton and wanting the grapple up here meant I was going to have to haul it anyway.
TomSeller
Super Member
Oh I see where you had listed the 700# earlier, sorry. 1647# is still a lot of weight to lift and your curved tines will naturally hold the load closer to the tractor allowing you to work faster. I often have to curl to get the load to slide back on my flat L bottom grapple. Your looks like a good combination between rake and L bottom. The classic dilemma is one top clamp or a wide single for back raking when choosing between rake and L bottom. Yours is the best for hauling.
OP
txdon
Super Star Member
I was raking with the bottom tines backward (smooth) and forward (sifting). I also have the box blade on for counter weight and it has a row of ripper tines, a.k.a. rake.
However, I had to disconnect one top and tilt on the box blade for the grapple.
Do they make a "Y" valved splitter for the hydraulic lines? I don't mind getting off the tractor to turn a valve but I do mind making sure all the pressure is off then yanking two lines out and the connecting two other lines.
