Grapple Advice

[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...