Grapple Advice

[WVH1977]

No I have not used the SGC0554 and didn't need to. I purchased the Homestead Implements grapple. One doesn't need to use something to see that it's not built as well as something else. The HSI is made of Hardox 450, has thicker metal and a better design than the LP SGC0554.

I guess Kubota has got it wrong with their partnership with Land Pride implements and how they are designing them to work together with thier tractors. All I can really go on is my experience with the Land Pride grapple I have which is heavy duty and works as intended. Not one issue with it and used hard for multiple years doing heavy work. We can just agree to disagree. They are not a sub-par grapple. Maybe not the best but they are built with quality and do exactly what they are intended for and designed to work with the OP's Kubota tractor.

I am also not going to talk down to the Homestead and Catawba grapples. I am sure they are built well also. The Catawba grapple is right much heavier and the OP will lose some lifting strength. Also, we are not talking about heavy machinery. These are small compact tractors with limited hydraulic power. They are only going to do and lift so much anyway.

 

[2manyrocks]

jeff93I66's post got me to thinking about my experience with the L2501 w/MTL grapple. It is great for picking up limbs and smaller brush, but the limited load carrying capacity of my L2501 relative to larger tractors forces me to have to cut the tree trunks into more sections to move them which means more chainsaw work. The tree services that use skid loaders can get away with less cutting because their skid loaders can carry larger sections.

There are multiple things to consider. The grapple, the FEL capacity, how dangerous it may be to cut the trees, and one's own physical condition to do this kind of work.

If the OP has a bunch of trees, the great thing about a grapple is it makes it a lot easier to move a lot of limbs reducing the amount of physical work required considerably.

 

[oosik]

There is an implement company - ANBO - about 70 miles north of me. I seriously considered them making a grapple for me. They will make whatever you want - out of whatever you want - as long as it is engineeringly sound. They make some really HD industrial implements also.

 

[Smokeydog]

Simple SS expanded metal welded to front guard. Used a 3”x5” angle iron on bottom to prevent sticks from come up to damage grill. Adds strength also. An often over looked entry point. Added a receiver hitch but hasn’t been very practical with the FEL.

My 30+ year old skid-steer grapple has been a well used blessing on the farm. Tough and heavy. Its tines and teeth bypass each other. In contrast the 54” long bottom wicked tines and teeth touch. Can pick up a pencil and write my name. Handy for picking up smaller limbs or rocks that would require hand work. Less getting on/off tractor. With the B26 size and maneuverability, it really feels like an extension of your hand.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I'm sure it would be very expensive to have a professional cut up the trees and dispose of them.

I'm 77 years old -- but I think it's doable.

I am 77 years old too. We are both too old to be operating heavy saws. I practice Yoga twice per week, so for age 77 my balance is good. But not good enough to chance falling or fainting onto a revved up chainsaw.
Not to mention aneurism, stroke, heart attack, atrial fibrillation, heat exhaustion, dehydration.......

What is the driving time from your land to a hospital with a quality Emergency Room?

All good points jeff9366. On the other hand, me being past 83, I would relish the opportunity to play with a grapple on my own land, and on my own schedule. I suspect ahenthusahenthus could actually hire the work out much cheaper than buying equipment and doing it himself.

Sure, one can, and eventually will, get injured.And healing just gets slower. BUT - I'd rather die doing something really fun and worthwhile than sitting in front of a TV all day.

Good advice to ahenthusahenthus - have fun but be carefull. Live for today; tomorrow may never come.

ps More good advice - Get a grill guard first!

 

[MadJack]

Logs and Grapple tip:
You don't always have to LIFT logs! Most times you can just cage the log and roll it out of the way.

I have used two different style grapples recently. This was the best lesson I learned while cleaning up [old] storm damage.

 

[JeepHead]

I guess Kubota has got it wrong with their partnership with Land Pride implements and how they are designing them to work together with thier tractors. All I can really go on is my experience with the Land Pride grapple I have which is heavy duty and works as intended. Not one issue with it and used hard for multiple years doing heavy work. We can just agree to disagree. They are not a sub-par grapple. Maybe not the best but they are built with quality and do exactly what they are intended for and designed to work with the OP's Kubota tractor.

I am also not going to talk down to the Homestead and Catawba grapples. I am sure they are built well also. The Catawba grapple is right much heavier and the OP will lose some lifting strength. Also, we are not talking about heavy machinery. These are small compact tractors with limited hydraulic power. They are only going to do and lift so much anyway.


View attachment 1613985

I think you misunderstood my point. I was not saying that LP doesn't make quality equipment. I was stating that for this specific grapple and price point, there are better options for basically the same $.

 

[Shenandoah MF1760]

I have an Armstrong Ag BGR Mini 60" Brush Rake Grapple which clocks in at 400 lbs.

I've used it to transport lumber, load trash, brush, tree trunks, and help get 55 gal. barrels out of my truck.

Never had a problem... except once.

I have the SSQA on my FEL and once while clearing debris on a trail a stick came through and pushed the lever up on one side of the SSQA lock. When I brought the grapple down it disengaged on that side and fell off on the next lift. It was a real challenge getting that grapple back on the tractor in that tight space.

I haven't done it yet but I'm considering putting a chain or something between both locks to prevent this in the future.

 

[North to Alaska]

At least get some quotes and advertise on facebook groups etc to see if you can get someone else to do it cheaper. You might be surprised. You can spend your time working elsewhere and make money while they clear the trees. If you spend a week or two clearing trees, that is time lost for other things.

Also, you may want two chainsaws, one for cutting and the other to free the first after it gets pinched.

 

[jeff9366]

Also, you may want two chainsaws, one for cutting and the other to free the first after it gets pinched.

Better 2-3 orange plastic chainsaw wedges and a 4-pound hand sledge.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

 

[oosik]

Well - I'm 83 and I still use my two ( big Stihl - small Stihl ) chain saws. I DO NOT fall any of my ancient Ponderosa pines. I cut those up that have fallen due to Mother Nature or Pine Bark beetle. Being already on the ground - MUCH safer.

I just have no reason to fall any of my big pines. They run up to 38 inches, diameter, on the butt.

I've also learned to be VERY careful out here. I'm all by myself and it takes medical assistance - 45 minuets to get out here. This time is from actual experience.

Go on the internet and get - Log weight charts. They will tell you how much a log will weigh per running foot. Then you can cut your big trees into lengths that can easily be handled by your tractor/grapple.

These charts are based upon tree species and trunk diameter. I use these charts when chopping up my fallen pines. My tractor/grapple will easily/safely lift 2500 pounds. I've actually lifted 3000 pounds. That was a one time thing and will not be repeated.

I use my tractor/grapple to move very large rocks and chunks of pine tree trunk. Remember - the lower you keep the load - the more your grapple can lift. I always keep all loads very low. Lifted just high enough so the grapple does not leave drag marks in the dirt. I call it - knuckle dragging.

 

[oosik]

Another thing - modifying your OEM grill guard. You may be getting a grapple. You DEFINITELY need to mod your grill guard. Like SmokyDog - post #24 or as I show here. You do not want a limb, stob or trash finding your grill, battery or radiator.

 

[Rmart30]

I bought a MTL off ebay in 2017. 60" wide dual lid and it was $1050 delivered. Got it 5 business days after my order. I used it clearing/cleaning up 13 acres I bought. It has saved me thousands of dollars vs paying someone to come do it. It is one of the "cheaper" grapples and is frowned upon by some fanboys but, its done everything ive needed it to do with no issues. Id buy one again over the high dollar ones.

 

[oosik]

As long as it does what you want - that's what counts - - Rmart30. It's YOU that must make the final decision - not the fanboys.

 

[Torvy]

Another thing that I've found useful with the grapple.

I can lift very large logs enough that cutting them into smaller logs is much easier.

My setup is enough bigger that it wouldn't make sense for the OP.

If others are looking for options, CID makes light, strong (AR400) grapples. HSI are nice, but more $$ and only had the clamshell style, iirc. CID are only sold by dealers, though.

 

[ArlyA]

Seen this yesterday at a nearby bobcat dealership. I want it, but maybe a more narrow version.

 

[JeepHead]

Another thing that I've found useful with the grapple.

I can lift very large logs enough that cutting them into smaller logs is much easier.

My setup is enough bigger that it wouldn't make sense for the OP.

If others are looking for options, CID makes light, strong (AR400) grapples. HSI are nice, but more $$ and only had the clamshell style, iirc. CID are only sold by dealers, though.

This is what I do too. I cut a LOT of wood to use and also sell. So I carry full logs from out of my woods and then buck them up while still in the grapple and the rounds fall right at the splitter. Makes for a fast process.

 

[oosik]

I sure wish I had my grapple when we were burning firewood. It was - find a way to get that monster of a pine tree up off the ground OR spend a good portion of the day sharpening the chain saw.

I always tried to be so very careful. But just the slightest of "touch down" and I'm sharpening again.

I was always cutting green pine. What makes a happy "cutter". When the shavings come off the chain saw are big chips and some even look like spiral noodles.

 

[Torvy]

Seen this yesterday at a nearby bobcat dealership. I want it, but maybe a more narrow version.View attachment 1737143

Nice, hopefully priced well for someone.

Imho, grapples are better a bit narrower than the tractor. You can still pick up branches much wider than the grapple. More size = more weight and less maneuverability. Ymmv.

 

[JeepHead]

I sure wish I had my grapple when we were burning firewood. It was - find a way to get that monster of a pine tree up off the ground OR spend a good portion of the day sharpening the chain saw.

I always tried to be so very careful. But just the slightest of "touch down" and I'm sharpening again.

When I have large logs too big to lift, I cut as much on one side as possible all the way down the log and then roll it to cut the other side cuts. Keeps the chain outta the dirt this way...