Grapple ideas and how are these companies?

[ck90211]

Thanks for all the inputs so far. I am mainly looking at the Virnig V30 because it looks well built and strong enough to handle my 2 tractors (22hp and 55hp. 1200 & 3000 lb loader capacity perspectively). My main use is to rake/grab/move underbrush, old discarded logs, junk and yard debris.

 

[smokin joe]

Your loader does not have much lift capacity. Think about that when looking at options.

Not a problem with brush but logs can get heavy. A 16" 12 foot long oak will weigh about 1000 lbs. Your loader can lift about 1200 lbs.

Good point. This is now my number one concern. I have narrowed my purchase down for a long bottom grapple. I am 80% with the Virnig SGV30 CT in 54" or 60" (305/320 pounds) or the EA 54" root grapple. (400 pounds). The Virnig is 1/4" steel and EA is 3/8" steel, grade 50. I think the EA lids are closer to the outsides which I prefer. But at almost 100 pounds difference...that is putting the Virnig up front.

Thanks to this forum I have switched from where I started with a root rake grapple, to now a long bottom grapple more conducive for logs and firewood.

 

[smokin joe]

View attachment 783189

That data is not accurate for my tractor. But the point is well taken. With a compact tractor like the L3901, my lift capacity can be greatly effected by the weight of the grapple. I have a midsota 14" dump that I need to dump over the sides. So getting stuff up to a decent height is a valid consideration.

 

[nyone]

Good point. This is now my number one concern. I have narrowed my purchase down for a long bottom grapple. I am 80% with the Virnig SGV30 CT in 54" or 60" (305/320 pounds) or the EA 54" root grapple. (400 pounds). The Virnig is 1/4" steel and EA is 3/8" steel, grade 50. I think the EA lids are closer to the outsides which I prefer. But at almost 100 pounds difference...that is putting the Virnig up front.

Thanks to this forum I have switched from where I started with a root rake grapple, to now a long bottom grapple more conducive for logs and firewood.

I would also go with the lighter one or get a skinnier grapple. 100lbs may not sound like alot but its 1/3 more weight of the 300lb one. That's quite a bit.

For things like firewood logs and brush the lid width really dosnt matter much as generaly the stuff is going to hang outside the grapple. Owning a 3/4 lid grapple with really only 3 teeth on the lid I cant see where the lid design matter all that much. How ever I can see where the lower teeth and number of teeth matter.

 

[Torvy]

I would also go with the lighter one or get a skinnier grapple. 100lbs may not sound like alot but its 1/3 more weight of the 300lb one. That's quite a bit.

For things like firewood logs and brush the lid width really dosnt matter much as generaly the stuff is going to hang outside the grapple. Owning a 3/4 lid grapple with really only 3 teeth on the lid I cant see where the lid design matter all that much. How ever I can see where the lower teeth and number of teeth matter.

Everything is a trade-off. 1/3 more weight , but 50%+ more strength. So, the purchaser needs to determine if they are more likely to need another 100lbs lifted to a specific height, or more likely to 'tweak' their grapple. I'm solving the problem by getting a tractor that can lift considerably more weight. I'm more likely to damage the grapple than need another 100 lbs. YMMV.

 

[MechanicalGuy]

Torvy is right. It's a trade off. My sgc 1072 is 450lbs and 6' wide and perfect for gathering brush and sticks and will pick up more tree than my loader will handle. I love it.

 

[Muhammad]

This is a thread about grapples. Please take the off topic stuff to private messages. Thanks.

 

[AnotherBueller]

This is a thread about grapples. Please take the off topic stuff to private messages. Thanks.

I didn't see any 'off post stuff. What did I fail to read?

 

[Muhammad]

I didn't see any 'off post stuff. What did I fail to read?

Moderators are quick.

 

[deezler]

I mean, you coulda left the pertinent half of my post in place.

I'll post it again because I'm still thrilled with my MTL grapple. It's every bit as good as the other ones but for literally only half the price.

MTL 48" / 54" / 60" Skid Steer Root Grapple Bucket Attachment-Orange — MTL Attachments

Brand New Built in the USA 48" Compact Tractor Root Grapple bucket for skid steers The complete MTL line is built in the USA, by hard working families living in the USA High Strength Steel A36 HYDRAULIC CYLINDER COVERS INCLUDED !!! 3/8" sides - middles-Uppers

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