Grapple Buying a grapple

[Westendorf-RR]

It works for a lot more than just logs. It is very precise, yet powerful. It will handle all types of debris, tubing, culverts, old equipment and more. It's just like adding fingers to the end of your loader. Take a look at photos. There are also units with hydraulic teeth and ones that will interchange between loaders and skid-steers.

 

[IslandTractor]

It works for a lot more than just logs. It is very precise, yet powerful. It will handle all types of debris, tubing, culverts, old equipment and more. It's just like adding fingers to the end of your loader. Take a look at photos. There are also units with hydraulic teeth and ones that will interchange between loaders and skid-steers.

Understood, but it is basically limited to lifting things that are long enough to have contact with both jaws unless you are lifting something quite light and can grab it with just one jaw. This type of "grapple" would not serve well in clearing brush from example. It doesn't have root teeth so it wouldn't rip out brush very effectively and it is unlikely to be very effective in holding a big pile of loose brush or slash together.

It is a nifty device and for someone who doesn't want to bother with the hassle and expense of adding hydraulics and who mostly just wants to move trees and logs around it would certainly serve well. I don't know what it costs but with capable grapples available for under $1000 a potential purchaser would need to think carefully about the limited nature of this type of grapple. Now, if the same principle was used but the space between the jaws was filled in with tines just like on a clamshell grapple, that would be more generally useful and would overcome a lot of the negatives.

 

[Westendorf-RR]

For the fine clean up, smaller twigs, teeth are available. They let the dirt drop through and not into the burn pile. It does hold even loose brush without the teeth as the bite is really solid. Teeth work independently of each other. I will admit there are probably some applications, like digging stumps or roots that would not be the best application. However it is reasonable, with prices ranging from $700 and up. It eliminates all the on and off the tractor and working with chains. You can view video of them in operation at Front-End Loaders by Westendorf: loader for tractor, shade canopy, wagons, manure & landscaping equipment..

 

[Deerlope]

For the fine clean up, smaller twigs, teeth are available. They let the dirt drop through and not into the burn pile. It does hold even loose brush without the teeth as the bite is really solid. Teeth work independently of each other. I will admit there are probably some applications, like digging stumps or roots that would not be the best application. However it is reasonable, with prices ranging from $700 and up. It eliminates all the on and off the tractor and working with chains. You can view video of them in operation at Front-End Loaders by Westendorf: loader for tractor, shade canopy, wagons, manure & landscaping equipment..

The web page only list them with HP ratings and no weight is given for them. Weight is a big factor when using a compact utility tractor.

 

[IslandTractor]

I like the version with teeth. That looks like a very nice "no extra" hydraulics setup.

 

[Westendorf-RR]

The smaller compact tractor models - 140#
Med HP range (red smaller unit) 235#
and larger HP red unit is 320#

When you get rid of the bucket and it's added weight you move the load an extra 24" to 30" closer to the bottom pins on the loader which allows you to lift more. You can also "see" what you are grabbing without the bucket hindering your visibility.

The yellow units have hydraulic cylinders inside the teeth. These will require extra hydraulic ports at rear of tractor - these are between 300# & 400# depending if have teeth installed.

 

[IslandTractor]

The smaller compact tractor models - 140#
Med HP range (red smaller unit) 235#
and larger HP red unit is 320#

Are the smaller units compatable with the added teeth? That would make a very nice option for SCUT owners and those with FEL lift capacities of less than 800-900lbs.

 

[Westendorf-RR]

Currently the two smaller units don't have the quick-mount teeth option, this common request is currently under review.

 

[IslandTractor]

Currently the two smaller units don't have the quick-mount teeth option, this common request is currently under review.

I think you would find a welcome market for a grapple device, capable of utility functions such as brush clean up, for SCUTs and small CUTs. Often times the owners of these smaller tractors don't want to deal with installing FEL hydraulics and don't have rear remotes installed. Those hydraulic issues are therefore a barrier to standard grapple purchase. IMHO, you'd be wise to make a "quickmount teeth" option available for those smaller units. I don't think your basic unit is really ideal for general utility grapple use (great for logs etc) but with the teeth option you'd have a competitive product.

 

[VA_Joe]

The web page only list them with HP ratings and no weight is given for them. Weight is a big factor when using a compact utility tractor.

Having prices would be helpful as well.