Grapple vs forks

[Geotech]

Google Westendorf Brush Crusher. It is a grapple that uses the curl function to close. So, no addition of third function valve required. Not as versatile as a full on grapple, but better than forks for handling brush. I have 24 acres with LOTS of oaks so I bit the bullet and got a grapple. The Brush Crusher should be adequate for your needs.

The smallest cheapest one works with Deere Quicktach (about $1300 I think) but they make a more expensive one with ssqa adapters (about $1800 I think). I almost went a Deere 3025e so I could ha e a grapple for $1300 and no 3rd function cost.

 

[jblac197]

Yeah. The 3rd function kit alone was around $800. It was easy to install and I don't consider myself a great mechanic by any means. It's definitely worth shopping around and pricing stuff out though.

That wouldn't be such a bad option. Alot better than some of the prices I've been seeing for 3rd function install and the cost of the grapple. Every dealer I've talked to charges right around $800-1000 for the install. Then I had only found grapples in the $2000-2500 range. But guess it really depends on the tractor I decide to go with.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I got along OK with forks until I could afford a grapple. They both have their uses. I use the forks more. The grapple is great for what it is designed for. I though about adding a grapple to the forks and may still yet. IMHO it is a great feature that offers the best of both worlds.

 

[Travismurphy8279]

Use my forks to move pallets grapple has been a back saver on all projects.

 

[mred2]

And I can use a root grapple to rake with. Hard to do that with forks. I have a grapple, my son has forks. They are both good for what they do. If I only had one, I would pick the forks. But I leave the grapple on my tractor 90% of the time.

 

[mic214]

I would love to have a grapple, but I think pallet forks will come first for my tractor…

 

[Overtaxed]

I use my forks 2 or 3 to 1 as much as my grapple. Wouldn't be without either, but, if I had to give one up, it would be the grapple simply because the forks pay for themselves by avoiding lift gate fees when you have large/heavy items delivered. Lift gates are typically 50-150 dollars per delivery, doesn't take too many implements to make that up! Also, I palletized my firewood (and am SO happy I did) using IBC totes, so I use my forks in the winter once every week or 2 when I need a new bin of firewood up at the house. The forks are, far and away, my most used SSQA implement. And it was the thing I almost left out of my first order for tractor stuff when we bought the farm. I knew I needed a bush hog, a box blade and a plow. I figured the forks would be a nice to have, but posters here said "get them, you'll use them all the time". I'm glad I listened. And they have the unique spot of being the only implement that actually "paid for itself" monetarily. All of them make life easier and that's worth a lot to me, but the forks actually have paid me to own them because of the savings I get by having them.

 

[PILOON]

Mostly it is about $$'s.
Both will do the job, grapple a bit faster but more costly.

As mentioned forks are versatile in that they can handle pallets as well.
If time (speed) is not the major concern then I'd go with forks.
You will rapidly develop tricks to make loading branches on forks an easy task.

I often even park and hand load huge piles of branches to haul away. Generally I lay down a binder strap B4 loading to stabilize the load so as not to leave a trail of fallen branches.
Also you would have those saved $$'s for other attachments.eg; back blade, tiller or whatever.

 

[Fordman98]

Thanks for all the replies guys! I definitely see the pros to both but I'm thinking for the small amount of land I have vs the cost, I'll probably get more for my money with the pallet forks.