3K lbs grapple on a 4K lbs loader?

[In.the.Piñons]

Spec-wise I see it like the pallet forks that I got from palletforks. 4k capacity. My loader? Somewhere in the mid-2k. Basically, if you can lift it, it won't break the attachment, seems to be the idea.
Of course, with a grapple grabbing logs, you do need to have some consideration for what happens when you hit a bump with one tire and not the other, causing torsion / twisting with the log. Could tweak the loader, so keep that in mind. The longer the log, the worse the torsion is.

I've been considering a log grapple as well. Main thing holding me back is I want a grapple that I can grab a pile of brush as well, but I don't make huge piles (but they're hand-stacked as I currently carry them just with forks) as I drop them on a burn pile that's officially supposed to be small (though I definitely push that limit just not by more than 100%...) also that my work clearing my land is "almost done" (hahahahah) so I'll have fewer bigger logs going forward, do I really need a grapple? I'll still have clean-up brush piles... probably yes kinda sorta

Consider the Frostbite grapple; for one it's slightly lighter (359#), and it's pretty well reviewed and sold for generally tough machinery. Made in Estonia. I saw one seller mention a 6,000# lift capacity.

Also there's the Frangard grapple, I believe made in Denmark. Their SK-950 is 150kg (330#), the SK-1400 is 210kg (463#). This brochure mentions it's made from "Domex 420 steel".

I'm not sure what any of the above (including the palletforks one) are made of but my suspicion is that the two I mentioned will be more strongly built; their price is similar to the non-on-sale price of the PF one, though PF does bake in free shipping.
View attachment 1316690

I've been happy with my PF forks, but I have no illusions that it's built out of anything other than basic steel.
The PF one is identical to the TMG ($1799 free ship), both are probably China made.

Thanks for those links. It's probably a good idea to get one of those euro made grapples. I'll have to call and see what they charge for shipping as the Titan grapples included free shipping. But either way it's not going to be that much more for something that I won't have to worry about.

 

[oosik]

The way I see it - the FEL has the rated capacity - not the grapple itself.

So..... light duty, standard duty, heavy duty & extreme duty is how grapples are normally rated.

Choose your grapple type - subtract the weight of the grapple from what the FEL can lift. That's your max lift capacity.

I have a Land Pride SGC1560 grapple on my M6040. In all likelyhood - I'm more prone to damage the FEL than the grapple. However - after ten years of use - large rocks, chunks of pine tree stumpage and occasional brush - no damage to either. 820 pounds of AR400 steel.

 

[mikester]

go big or go home

 

[Hay Dude]

Biggest thing with a loader is don’t pick up too much weight on one “corner”. I bent a Kubota LA loader on my M-7040 20+ years ago and luckily was able to get it straightened without too much expense.

 

[oosik]

Hay Dude is right on. Heavy stuff in the center of the bucket. I've seen folks bend up their FEL so da#n easy. Pulling fence posts with a chain - on one side of the bucket.

I have a chain sling. Attaches to grab hooks - one on each side of the bucket. This ensures that the "pull" is from the dead center of the bucket.

However - pulling my T-145 steel posts is a very easy job.

 

[Torvy]

I did a lot of research. Best bang for the buck was CID. AR400 steel. Light and strong, but won't break the bank.

They sell through dealers, not online.

CID Attachments | Skid Steer, Mini, and Excavator Attachments

CID specializes in manufacturing high quality Skid Steer, Compact track loader, Compact tractor, and Mini-Excavator attachments.

cidattachments.com

 

[sd455dan]

Would that work, or am I just going to damage the grapple sooner or later? It would be used for logs, rocks and brush so probably nothing to heavy (famous last words!).

I'm looking at one of these two units.

29" wide Log Grapple Attachment - Universal Skid Steer Style Mounting System - Single 3,000 PSI Cylinder - 42" Opening Grapple Height - Idea for Large Rocks, Thick Brush, Debris Clearing | Titan Attachments

The 29" Log Grapple Attachment is ideal for land clearing and logging operations where time and money are crucial.

palletforks.com

Extreme Duty Stump Bucket Grapple | Titan Attachments

Rip up and dig out stubborn tree stumps, roots, or buried rocks with the Extreme-Duty Stump Bucket Grapple.

palletforks.com

Depends on the rocks and log sizes. I have pushed my grapple hard at times. Rocks can be heavier than they look.
Could not even lift this one but was able to load it on the trailer with the grapple.


Long logs can be hard on mounts and cylinders if the tractor hits a dip or obstacle on one side.
Neither of those grapples posted are going to be able to grab and carry much brush without dropping smaller stuff through the bottom imo. I just hauled a huge load of brush out of our Dog yard today and was amazed just how much my L style will actually carry and pick up without loosing any. A large opening Grapple helps in that area. The pic shows it opened fully which is a hair over 49 inches that will help with other jobs as well


The first one you posted will be good for logs.

Depends on what you will be doing the most of with it.

L styles are more adaptable to multi use but do a poor job grubbing. Clam shells are better at ground engaging but aren't great for use as a carrier. Again jmo,

Good thing is there are Lots of options. Have you checked out Faver's Grapples?

X-Series grapple | grapple rake | Faver Inc

Faver X-Series grapples, we are dedicated to producing the finest skid steer grapple.

www.faverinc.com

 

[sd455dan]

The loader is a Kubota LA 1854S, which I believe means it lifts 1854Kg's or about 4090 lbs.

[edit] Just looked up the specs.

Lift Capacity to Full Height

In height position, at pivot pin - 3,990 lb. (1,810 kg)
In power position, at pivot pin - 4,144 lb. (1,880 kg)

Good Numbers that is almost into a good sized TLB FEL lift zone.

 

[In.the.Piñons]

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions guys. Since the Titan grapple isn't the best choice, I think I'm going to hold off for now.

Mostly I want it for moving/bucking logs for firewood. I have a lot of old growth piñon on the ranch. That stuff if pretty heavy (for pine) and the trunks are up to 2ft diameter.

 

[kennyd]

Here is a revealing vid of old US small sledge Hammer versus a brand spankin new import with a compression test.

Even the Chinese have learned a bit about metallurgy in 123 years.

What is that video supposed to prove? And no...I didn't (and probably won't) watch it.