Grapple width. Same as bucket or narrower?

[screamin400]

My bucket is 72". I bought a 72" grapple to "cover tire width". The only problem I had with it was transporting to job sites. I sold the 72", bought a 60" and the 60 fits inside bucket for said transporting. Also, I believe the 60 provides more torque when digging rocks/roots out. Not to mention less strain on loader arms. As far as amount of material in each bite, I see no difference. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it.

The fitting in the bucket makes perfect sense that I had not thought about. If I go out of the area to do storm cleanup this could be a big deal. Thanks

 

[ovrszd]

Maybe I should back off to a 66". I am only looking to do storm cleanups and not sure what I will run into. I am sure there will be an occasional run into the woods to clear them also.

Don't stress over this. Your Grapple use is different than everyone that has posted on this thread. After you get the Grapple and start using it you won't care what width it is. If you truly need a Grapple you are going to be so happy that it doesn't matter.

 

[screamin400]

Don't stress over this. Your Grapple use is different than everyone that has posted on this thread. After you get the Grapple and start using it you won't care what width it is. If you truly need a Grapple you are going to be so happy that it doesn't matter.

I know of know one doing what I am looking to do with it. I guess if I stayed with 72" I could carry the bucket in it. I wish I knew where I was going to use this thing but I don't.

 

[ovrszd]

I know of know one doing what I am looking to do with it. I guess if I stayed with 72" I could carry the bucket in it. I wish I knew where I was going to use this thing but I don't.

I built my Grapple onto a Bobcat LoPro bucket. Best of both worlds. I rarely put my Kubota bucket on. Still has paint on the apron after 6 years.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I gotta say this again. Not many listened before but here goes. This is my first grapple. It is still on my other tractor. In many ways I prefer it to a dedicated grapple because I always have both a bucket and grapple.













I could go on and on but that is already to many.

gg

 

[swnoel]

I gotta say this again. Not many listened before but here goes. This is my first grapple. It is still on my other tractor. In many ways I prefer it to a dedicated grapple because I always have both a bucket and grapple.

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I could go on and on but that is already to many.

gg

Sure is nice especially if someone needs a new bucket too! Does the grapple ever get in the way?

 

[prichard]

Did you build that yourself, Gordon?

 

[Gordon Gould]

It was easy for me to decide to go that route with the bucket grapple. The tractor is almost 20 yrs old. There were no loader quick attach gizmos back then. The bucket is a pin-on bucket. Takes some work to get the bucket off then you need to buy or build a custom grapple to match the bucket pin geometry and it takes some work to mount it. So the bucket grapple was cheaper and easier. Today is much different with the loader QA plates and implements.

Anyway what I have on that tractor is an ATI grapple kit and a WR Long tooth bar. The bucket is 5' wide. I modified the grapple a little to give some more curvature and move it forward because I thought it closed to flat against the bucket edges. I wanted more room to hold stuff. You can see the welds on the mount to move it forward and the fingers I added on the tine ends.



I have removed the grapple a couple times but basically it is on all the time. If you have to dig against a foundation or barn wall it gets in the way. Working piled material or digging a hole/trench has never been a problem for me. Never have to figure out how to bring the bucket along or wish I had brought it because it is always there.

gg

 

[Oldoak]

Gordon, you have done what I was planning to do when I get a new Kubota later this year.
And you have shown by excellent examples of how vestal a set-up like that can be. :thumbsup:

"In many ways I prefer it to a dedicated grapple because I always have both a bucket and grapple." I totally agree.

 

[screamin400]

So back to the original question for a minute. Most prefer narrower than a 72?