4:1 Bucket or Grapple for pileing cordwood?

penokee · Aug 31, 2004

Pretty much set my sights on a L3130, now have questions on a bucket. Will do some FEL work and occasionaly pile cordwood (8' lengths) to a height of 4 or 5 feet. I realize it will be a slow operation, but it's more Hobby Logging then Production.
Any ideas on whether a 4:1 bucket or Grapple would be better?
Options would be to get a regular HD bucket and seperate Grapple bucket, or just get a 4:1 bucket. Thanks for any comments.
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Rolando · Sep 1, 2004

I don't think that a 4:1 bucket would be good for picking up anything that is longer that the bucket because the sides of the bucket would prevent the edges of the bucket from getting under the logs.

I will need to pick up logs too, as well as limbs and brush, and I discounted the 4:1. I've been debating between a grapple rake like the <font color="orange"> Anbo</font> or a <font color="brown"> Root Grapple </font> with two cylinders for uneven loads.

jmc · Sep 1, 2004

Some or most 4 in 1 buckets have teeth on the sides of the moving jaw to partially offset Roland's point about the bucket ends. Attached is a link to a version with the bucket ends partially removed, presumably without reducing the bucket capacity too much.

This 66" Pirranha bucket seems reasonable at $1780 plus freight. I priced an Anbo 66" grapple last year at $2695 w/ free freight since they had no dealer in Indiana.

Anybody have any experience with Pirranha?

John

Piranha Attachments

tillerkiller · Sep 1, 2004

I have seen a lot of utility poles loaded and unloaded with a 4-in1 bucket. (sticking out of the sides like a dog would carry a stick)

SteveV · Sep 1, 2004

Forget the bucket and get a set of forks. You're moving 'things' rather than loose material (dirt) and rocks, which are what the buckets are made for. Forks will be quicker, more controllable, and have a better throw after you get good. The only down side is the clamped material would be better in the bucket if you have to go through brush during the travel which would knock logs off the forks. SteveV

gray · Sep 2, 2004

Pneokee.

Hi, I have a 4in1 and have moved alot of logs (2 to 16") with it. Had no trouble doing so. It is an ATI brand. The dealer put in in the deal for 750$ and my original HD bucket.

You can add short teeth to the base/back of the 4in1 to make grappeling logs very easy- kind of like small half moons bolted to the sides of the bucket that can be pivoted and kept on the bucket out of the way when not needed.

I also have forks that can hold lots of logs but it is so unstable when moving and grabling and pulling can not be donewith them. In fact on occation I have dropped the tree and clamped onto it with the 4in1 pulling it to a trimming area which makes one mess in one area rather than all over the place. I gather up all the limbs with the 4in1 and stack and burn. I added a tooth bar to it and find it so much more usefull than a standard bucket. I use my forks mostly for moving supplies around at construction sites when I build.

Good luck with your decission.

BTW- I think the L3130 is a great choice for what you said your needs are. I think you will be happy with it.

KennyV · Sep 2, 2004

You should be happy with a 4n1 bucket. I have both a 4n1 and a grapple… I do not use the grapple a lot. The 4n1 I use all the time. You might also consider a pallet fork attachment.
Note to John: I have a 4ft. PIRRANHA heavy duty fork set. They do build STOUT equipment and are very helpful & fun on the phone plus their price & shipping is great. I think they could make a few closer adjustments on their assembly jigs.
As Pneokee said… The 4N1 is all around handy. I’ve moved a lot of things, pulled posts, pushed posts, dirt, rock and trees. If I can get it attached… this is a picture of about 24” x 14foot, water soaked cottonwood I pulled out of my pond. L4200 Kubota. Use lots of counter weight when you are lifting, carrying or pulling.
If you think you just have to have a grapple fork check DIRT WORKS. They have some very nice finished attachments.
Just a note to EVERYONE… I have enjoyed reading and following this site for a couple of years. You are a good collection of folks. I have gained a LOT of smiles and a few laughs. Plus I’ve noticed I’m not the only one who occasionally tries to re-invent the wheel. You are indeed ‘everything good’ that has been said about this group. Later, Kenny

GareyD · Oct 1, 2004

I have the Piranha 60 inch rake/grapple...use it all the time, haven't had any problems at all...

I decided on the 60" because it weighs less and gained me a couple hundred pounds on the lift capability...and it only cost $1400.

GareyD

penokee · Oct 1, 2004

Garey

I settled for a Virnig Bolt-on Grapple mounted on my 72" bucket, at a cost of $895. Picked up an apple tree that had blown down and some other brush, but haven't tried it on pileing cordwood yet. Hopefully it should work out OK.

The only minor problem I have to correct is with the plumbing - have Quick Attach, so can drop the bucket, but still have to get out the wrenches to disconnect hoses for the Grapple. The Rake/Grapple like you have may be more effective in picking up individual 8' cordwood pieces, but I have time if it takes a little longer.

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