Grapple width. Same as bucket or narrower?

[screamin400]

My bucket is 72". I bought a 72" grapple to "cover tire width". The only problem I had with it was transporting to job sites. I sold the 72", bought a 60" and the 60 fits inside bucket for said transporting. Also, I believe the 60 provides more torque when digging rocks/roots out. Not to mention less strain on loader arms. As far as amount of material in each bite, I see no difference. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it.

The fitting in the bucket makes perfect sense that I had not thought about. If I go out of the area to do storm cleanup this could be a big deal. Thanks

 

[ovrszd]

Maybe I should back off to a 66". I am only looking to do storm cleanups and not sure what I will run into. I am sure there will be an occasional run into the woods to clear them also.

Don't stress over this. Your Grapple use is different than everyone that has posted on this thread. After you get the Grapple and start using it you won't care what width it is. If you truly need a Grapple you are going to be so happy that it doesn't matter.

 

[screamin400]

Don't stress over this. Your Grapple use is different than everyone that has posted on this thread. After you get the Grapple and start using it you won't care what width it is. If you truly need a Grapple you are going to be so happy that it doesn't matter.

I know of know one doing what I am looking to do with it. I guess if I stayed with 72" I could carry the bucket in it. I wish I knew where I was going to use this thing but I don't.

 

[ovrszd]

I know of know one doing what I am looking to do with it. I guess if I stayed with 72" I could carry the bucket in it. I wish I knew where I was going to use this thing but I don't.

I built my Grapple onto a Bobcat LoPro bucket. Best of both worlds. I rarely put my Kubota bucket on. Still has paint on the apron after 6 years.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I gotta say this again. Not many listened before but here goes. This is my first grapple. It is still on my other tractor. In many ways I prefer it to a dedicated grapple because I always have both a bucket and grapple.













I could go on and on but that is already to many.

gg

 

[swnoel]

I gotta say this again. Not many listened before but here goes. This is my first grapple. It is still on my other tractor. In many ways I prefer it to a dedicated grapple because I always have both a bucket and grapple.

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I could go on and on but that is already to many.

gg

Sure is nice especially if someone needs a new bucket too! Does the grapple ever get in the way?

 

[prichard]

Did you build that yourself, Gordon?

 

[Gordon Gould]

It was easy for me to decide to go that route with the bucket grapple. The tractor is almost 20 yrs old. There were no loader quick attach gizmos back then. The bucket is a pin-on bucket. Takes some work to get the bucket off then you need to buy or build a custom grapple to match the bucket pin geometry and it takes some work to mount it. So the bucket grapple was cheaper and easier. Today is much different with the loader QA plates and implements.

Anyway what I have on that tractor is an ATI grapple kit and a WR Long tooth bar. The bucket is 5' wide. I modified the grapple a little to give some more curvature and move it forward because I thought it closed to flat against the bucket edges. I wanted more room to hold stuff. You can see the welds on the mount to move it forward and the fingers I added on the tine ends.



I have removed the grapple a couple times but basically it is on all the time. If you have to dig against a foundation or barn wall it gets in the way. Working piled material or digging a hole/trench has never been a problem for me. Never have to figure out how to bring the bucket along or wish I had brought it because it is always there.

gg

 

[Oldoak]

Gordon, you have done what I was planning to do when I get a new Kubota later this year.
And you have shown by excellent examples of how vestal a set-up like that can be. :thumbsup:

"In many ways I prefer it to a dedicated grapple because I always have both a bucket and grapple." I totally agree.

 

[screamin400]

So back to the original question for a minute. Most prefer narrower than a 72?

 

[Turbys_1700]

I have a 72" grapple. It matches my 72" bucket. I don't understand how much more maneuverable a 60" grapple would be over a 72". To me it is a non issue. 12" narrower 36" out front of the bucket is not a big deal. If it is my tractor is too big to start with. Weight is more important in smaller CUT's with limited FEL lifting capacity. And as Rich pointed out it could be an issue in transportation. Get the grapple and be happy. I am. You will be too.

 

[swnoel]

So back to the original question for a minute. Most prefer narrower than a 72?

My question is why do you need a 72" grapple... what do you plan on grappling? Where do you plan on using it, woods, open field, working farm? How much does the grapple weigh? If you're only using it to grapple a few trees, rocks, or brush would something smaller and lighter do the trick? Bigger isn't always better. I suppose if you have a large tractor or Skid steer and use it commercially I can understand getting the largest that fits... time is money. I personally wouldn't opt for anything much over 48", having a 35HP tractor wouldn't afford the power needed to dig roots, lift logs, or rocks. If you believe the 72 is what you need .... buy it.

 

[screamin400]

I have a grapple ordered from EA. Talked to Travis about width. I ordered a 72" dual lid as that is the width of my loader. We talked about a 66" and I thought I want the same width as my loader. I think I made the right choice but not sure I made the right choice. I have never used one. Weight is not an issue. We are talking 3 inches on each side. I do not want to get into a debate of dual or single lid just wondering if you went narrower than your tractor. I will be hiring out doing storm cleanups. Thanks.

 

[RichM752]

So back to the original question for a minute. Most prefer narrower than a 72?

Thats my preference.

 

[oosik]

My grapple - Land Pride SGC1560 is 60" wide - my bucket is 72".

 

[flingwing1969]

Maybe I should back off to a 66". I am only looking to do storm cleanups and not sure what I will run into. I am sure there will be an occasional run into the woods to clear them also.

If by "storm cleanup" you are also talking about debris from a home that has flooded out or construction debris, then a wider grapple bucket makes sense. A load of broken boards and trash is a different animal than picking up a pile of nicely intertwined brush.

 

[Oldoak]

I have a grapple ordered from EA. Talked to Travis about width. I ordered a 72" dual lid as that is the width of my loader. We talked about a 66" and I thought I want the same width as my loader. I think I made the right choice but not sure I made the right choice. I have never used one. Weight is not an issue. We are talking 3 inches on each side. I do not want to get into a debate of dual or single lid just wondering if you went narrower than your tractor. I will be hiring out doing storm cleanups. Thanks.

You talked to Travis for an expert opinion and have ordered the grapple you chose. Now on the 4th page of comments and apparently everyone has their own preferences to suit their individual purposes.

So why are you repeatedly asking the same question?

 

[flingwing1969]

The fitting in the bucket makes perfect sense that I had not thought about. If I go out of the area to do storm cleanup this could be a big deal. Thanks

Remember, you can also put your bucket inside the grapple.

 

[screamin400]

Just to irritate you. Is it working? Yes, Travis is very knowledgeable. Some on her are also. I do not consider you one of them.

 

[ovrszd]

Just to irritate you. Is it working? Yes, Travis is very knowledgeable. Some on her are also. I do not consider you one of them.

According to my memory, you have already ordered your Grapple. Now you are wanting to debate width. A little late I'd say. I'm with Oldoak, you've wore this question out.