110 TLB Grapple choice

[GreatWhitehunter]

I'm looking for a grapple for my 110 TLB, I've had my eye on the Notch brand grapples but haven't been able to find much owner feedback for them.
I've also been looking at the Faver grapples which seem to have solid reviews, I happened across a Steinsammler on Ebay which looks awesome but looks a bit heavy at 960lbs for the 65" model.

I've also looked hard at the EA wicked grapples and their CA cousins but I like the flat bottom design VS the curved up fronts on the EA & CA.
My 110 has pretty good lift capacity for the frame size but don't want to be disappointed by the weight. I know there's a thousand grapple threads on TBN but I'll test the waters anyways. I'll be clearing 5 wooded acres with this grapple over the next few years so it needs to last. Most of the materials will logs and tops (mostly smaller red oaks 8-10").

I'm not to concerned of the cost as this a long term investment.

Matt

 

[Xfaxman]

Check on the Root Grapple by Loflin: Loflin Fabrication

It is the smaller version of the Monster Grapple that I have.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Check on the Root Grapple by Loflin: Loflin Fabrication

It is the smaller version of the Monster Grapple that I have.

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Thanks faxman, I'm really leaning towards grapples with out the swept front tines.
Like this one,http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-65-STEI...286?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f3f9b51d6

 

[Deerherd]

For your stated main use being logs and tops I would stay away from the flat bottomed grapple that you linked to. Look at the dimensions of the above grapple and the logs you are wanting to carry will just flop around in the jaws. I've owned both styles and IMHO you would be better served getting a grapple the will hold your logs firmly.

It's harder to pick up single logs with the flat bottom grapple and harder to place on a trailer etc when they roll around in the jaws. Look at a 60-66" of this style: RBG

 

[RDrancher]

It sounds like you're looking for more of a rock grapple design. https://www.google.com/search?q=rock+grapple&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=nXg6Vc62K8uWgwS77IH4Bw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAg&biw=1366&bih=634#tbm=isch&q=slid+steer+rock+grapple

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I should have mentioned that I previously had a swept bottom single lid made my Millonzi. I usually grab several logs at a time so not too concerned about it rolling around. It also will be used for rocks, which the root rake type aren't the best at. I'm mostly concerned about the weight. I believe my tractor is rated to around 2600lbs at the pins, is a 900lbs grapple gonna make me wish for a lighter unit?

 

[jenkinsph]

Matt,
I have to agree with the RBG would be the easiest to use picking up logs. The grapple Faxman shows would be preferred over the Steiner you linked to. Too many tines on the Steiner imo, means it will hold too much dirt. If you need to scoop up small debris you can swap back to your standard bucket. I would think the small debris can be worked back into the soil, you want to get out only the larger pieces to put on a burn pile or haul away.

Just my thoughts after cleaning up a lot of messes.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

It sounds like you're looking for more of a rock grapple design. https://www.google.com/search?q=rock+grapple&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=nXg6Vc62K8uWgwS77IH4Bw&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAg&biw=1366&bih=634#tbm=isch&q=slid+steer+rock+grapple

Yes, but with larger tine spacing.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Matt,
I have to agree with the RBG would be the easiest to use picking up logs. The grapple Faxman shows would be preferred over the Steiner you linked to. Too many tines on the Steiner imo, means it will hold too much dirt. If you need to scoop up small debris you can swap back to your standard bucket. I would think the small debris can be worked back into the soil, you want to get out only the larger pieces to put on a burn pile or haul away.

Just my thoughts after cleaning up a lot of messes.

As a 110 owner, what do you think is idea on weight? I actually partial to the tine spacing on the Stiensemmler, as it'll double as a rock bucket but allow the small stuff through. The faver is another favorite as it closes tight and has the flat tines. 72" Faver Skid Steer Brush Root Log Grapple Rake Loader Bucket Attachment Bobcat | eBay

 

[RDrancher]

Keep in mind that you don't necessarily need a grapple wide enough to cover your wheel width. That will help on weight. You also don't need a grapple that will stand up to a high horsepower CTL. I'd look at the heavier tractor type or light weight skid steer units.

 

[jenkinsph]

Matt,
I have a Worksite pro 66" rock bucket with 3" spacings, while it helps it does hold too much dirt for my liking. As far as weight I would not want a grapple to weigh over 800 lbs, less would be better imo. The second grapple you linked too seems about right imo.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Keep in mind that you don't necessarily need a grapple wide enough to cover your wheel width. That will help on weight. You also don't need a grapple that will stand up to a high horsepower CTL. I'd look at the heavier tractor type or light weight skid steer units.

I'm leaning towards a 65" grapple at this point. Here's the other unit I'm interested in:NOTCH Manufacturing Inc.

It's in the 600lbs range.

Matt

 

[DocDryden]

Keep in mind that you don't necessarily need a grapple wide enough to cover your wheel width. That will help on weight. You also don't need a grapple that will stand up to a high horsepower CTL. I'd look at the heavier tractor type or light weight skid steer units.

I agree, you don't need a 72'' wide grapple. That's what I have. If I had to do it all over, I would buy the narrowest grapple that will fit. (I should have listen to the guys on TBN ) I bought the grapple from MIE

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[murphy1244]

I have the same one as Doc but 66".

 

[IslandTractor]

I should have mentioned that I previously had a swept bottom single lid made my Millonzi. I usually grab several logs at a time so not too concerned about it rolling around. I also will be used for rocks, which the root rake type aren't the best at. I'm mostly concerned about the weight. I believe my tractor is rated to around 2600lbs at the pins, is a 900lbs grapple gonna make me wish for a lighter unit?

Why not use the Millonzi? I use one with a 2760lb lift Kioti DK40. Works fine. At about 300lbs it leaves you with lots of net lift capacity.

 

[Xfaxman]

Thanks faxman, I'm really leaning towards grapples with out the swept front tines.
Like this one,

New 65" Steinsammler Root Grapple Twin Hydraulic Grapple Arms Quick Attach | eBay

Call the eBay seller and have him make it with wider tine spacing.

That would also make it lighter. :thumbsup:

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I agree, you don't need a 72'' wide grapple. That's what I have. If I had to do it all over, I would buy the narrowest grapple that will fit. (I should have listen to the guys on TBN ) I bought the grapple from MIE

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Doc, that's a nice grapple, what's the weight on it? I like the rear screen and it looks to be a good compromise. How do you like it?
As far as the width I agree to an extent but it really depends on what you're doing. If your picking up brush, the larger width is good but for the majority of my uses a narrow unit will work.

The Millonzi went with the sale of my 3320, bare in mind I've had a grapple for year so I'm very familiar on the pro's an con's. I'm just torn on this purchase because the 110 is a bit more powerful and I want a robust grapple that's not too heavy. It seems to be a very fine line. No matte what I buy I'll likely always wonder about another style. There's just too much good stuff out there.

Matt

 

[DocDryden]

Not sure what the weight is, but that does not seem to be an issue. I think the screen cost about $100. extra. The year that I have had this grapple I have not has any issues

QAG-72-D Dual Top Grapple - Hound Dog Attachments Grapples QAG Series Grapples

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I have the same one as Doc but 66".

Did you have MIE make that custom? I don't see a 66" on the website. How do you like it?

Matt

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

I was even more convinced I need a grapple ASAP this weekend. Loaded up two trailer loads of Oak like this.

The 4in1 is ok but it's no where near as capable as a dedicated grapple. I also used the forks a bit and a lot of hand loading ensued which ate up valuable time. Since the stump had an appointment with the Morbark, what an awesome machine and the operatorwas fantastic.