Grapples and pulling out smaller trees?

[ArlyA]

We are looking at brush an log grapples and wondered if anyone can pull out small trees with the model you have? Like you can close it on a smallish tree and lift it right out. No, we're not going the get one of those stump, tree pulling buckets. Thanks!

 

[Torvy]

There's a separate tool for that.

Tree puller.

Here's one option:

https://stingerattachments.com/buy/compact-tractor-tree-puller/

You 'can' with a grapple, but it is not turned the right way. You have to catch it just right. Maybe come in from the top. I did that with a tall stump (storm damage).

 

[rswyan]

Depends on what you are defining as “a smallish tree” … and the particular tree in question.

Some trees are more well-rooted than others.

Also depends on the size equipment you’re using. I have a Kubota B2910 … 30 HP and maybe around 2500 lbs with the loader and box blade on.

I built my own grapple which was modeled on a W R Long RBG Root Rake Brush Grapple:

Grapples | W.R. Long Inc.

www.wrlonginc.com

The spacing between the gussets on the bottom tines is around 1 inch IIRC. (See picture at link above)

This allows me to drive it into brush and small saplings, wedging them in, and using the loader’s curl function to pry them out of the ground.

That works for the most part on small stuff.

Anything much bigger than that and I have to use the lower tines to rip the roots pretty good good to get them to pop out.

I have used this combo to remove trees up to 8” or more in diameter and probably 30’ tall … but they don’t just “pop out” by raising the loader.

Considerable work is involved, usually digging up the roots and then pushing the tree over after which the stump can be dug out.

 

[zzvyb6]

I use a 'Tree Shear'. Basically a horizontal scissors like gripper. Works perfect for 3-5" trunks (limited by loader capacity). I use the bucket curl circuit to open and close the jaw. You get roots and all the rest.

 

[ArlyA]

Depends on what you are defining as “a smallish tree” … and the particular tree in question.

Some trees are more well-rooted than others.

Also depends on the size equipment you’re using. I have a Kubota B2910 … 30 HP and maybe around 2500 lbs with the loader and box blade on.

I built my own grapple which was modeled on a W R Long RBG Root Rake Brush Grapple:

Grapples | W.R. Long Inc.

www.wrlonginc.com

The spacing between the gussets on the bottom tines is around 1 inch IIRC. (See picture at link above)

This allows me to drive it into brush and small saplings, wedging them in, and using the loader’s curl function to pry them out of the ground.

That works for the most part on small stuff.

Anything much bigger than that and I have to use the lower tines to rip the roots pretty good good to get them to pop out.

I have used this combo to remove trees up to 8” or more in diameter and probably 30’ tall … but they don’t just “pop out” by raising the loader.

Considerable work is involved, usually digging up the roots and then pushing the tree over after which the stump can be dug out.

1 to 4" near the ground

 

[Fladogman]

I do it all the time. Push them over take the grapple and lift while you're pushing the stump.

 

[rswyan]

1 to 4" near the ground

What equipment will you be running the grapple on ?

 

[mikester]

I had a clamshell grapple and now a long bottom grapple. Both will remove trees and shrubs. The trick is moist soil, push the trees over from up high, then lift/push out by the roots. Use gravity to your advantage.

 

[ArlyA]

What equipment will you be running the grapple on ?

3 or 4 series JD.

 

[rswyan]

As long as you’re not expecting every tree to pop in 30 seconds or less, I think either machine would work fine.

Obviously the larger machine will probably get more work done in a shorter time, and do some larger things the smaller one is incapable of.

 

[Rockbadchild]

I have done quite of bit of clearing and a lot of it depends on the tree species, soil type, water saturation level and how open it is, in a dense forest everything is easier, but in a overgrown field the roots are really anchored down, conifers yes for about just any situation they are easy to rip out, hardwood most of them its no, most will snaps or you won't have enough power to pull them out even if you go for the roots and most of the time is what I have to do for broadleaf trees, and yes that will make a big hole in the ground.

 

[D&D]

We are looking at brush an log grapples and wondered if anyone can pull out small trees with the model you have? Like you can close it on a smallish tree and lift it right out. No, we're not going the get one of those stump, tree pulling buckets. Thanks!

If you're thinking about grab the sapling and lift, the answer is I have had very little success with that method. I have a root grapple and use the lower tines as root rippers in 2 directions. Then use the grapple to pick up the saplings.

 

[ArlyA]

I was thinking smaller ones, like see here. They are like weeds and grow everywhere.

 

[Rockbadchild]

I was thinking smaller ones, like see here. They are like weeds and grow everywhere.
View attachment 4015544

These won't be a problem at all even if they are big, they have shallow roots... the big one you go fairly high and push them over, back up and pop the roots up and your done.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I clamp a couple of 6' lengths of 2x6 to the grapple jaws and squeeze the trunk of the sapling between them. I can usually pull anything less than 3" or so with my LA1065 FEL.

 

[Daviddan]

What equipment will you be running the grapple on ?

I’ll be running the grapple on standard equipment that has the right hydraulic flow and lift capacity for the job. It should handle brush, logs, and debris without any issues.

 

[shooterdon]

I clamp a couple of 6' lengths of 2x6 to the grapple jaws and squeeze the trunk of the sapling between them. I can usually pull anything less than 3" or so with my LA1065 FEL.

An interesting solution that I will try even though I have a tree/post puller.

 

[bdhsfz6]

An interesting solution that I will try even though I have a tree/post puller.

Try and center the trunk in the grapple as best you can. Trying to pull one when clamped outboard of the FEL arms could bend something or tip the tractor.

 

[ArlyA]

If you have a grapple on your compact tracotor, please tell us the model and how you like it. Pics would be a huge plus. Thanks!

 

[bdhsfz6]

If you have a grapple on your compact tracotor, please tell us the model and how you like it. Pics would be a huge plus. Thanks!

I have a Blue Diamond Heavy Duty 72" grapple I use on my L6060 and MX5800 tractors.

Root Grapple – Heavy Duty

Root Grapple – Heavy Duty

www.bluediamondattachments.com

I've had it 8 years now and it's been bullet proof. Made of 1/2" steel and its done everything I've asked it to. It's heavy though and cuts into the FEL lifting ability. If I had it to do over, I would have picked the 60" model that is almost 200# lighter. For what I do, width isn't all that important.