Grapple work with utility tractor or skid steer

ih364 · Feb 21, 2011

For several years I've been clearing brush and trees. My typical operation is to trim, cut and stack. I consolidate the stacks with a rented T-190 Bobcat and a root grapple that I own. Except for the firewood I render eveything is burned. Has anyone had the experience of a grapple setup on a utillity tractor as well as the skidsteer? I'm considering a new tractor purchase and wondering if the utility tractor would prove to be a good option for the root grapple and what would I have to do to the UT to get it setup.

nybirdman · Feb 21, 2011

You would need a SS(skid-steer) Quick Attach on the tractor,very common only John Deere has their own,and a third function for the grapple.Some people use rear hydraulics if tractor is equipted with them.In the woods you may have to use chains,of course 4WD.

radman1 · Feb 21, 2011

I have used both CUTs and skid steers with grapples. The skid steer works better in nearly all cases. Vastly better front visibility to see what your doing and how the attachment is postioned, more durable FEL, quicker, much more protected in under belly and front/grill, lifts higher, digs better and easier to operate while performing multiple tasks at once.
The CUT has the advantage of rear 3 pt, rear hitch and pto for other operations, better side and rear visibility, better traction esp with r1 tires.

tlbuser · Feb 22, 2011

Yes it will work. Works much better with a shuttle or hydro tranny. Since you own a grapple, all you would need is the Skid steer quick attach for the loader arms. Most utility tractors have rear remotes which can be used with long hoses to the front. Of course, adding a 3rd function to the loader (W.R. Long, etc) and incorporating a toggle/push button on the loader valve makes life easier.

azchev · Apr 13, 2011

If you want to see one in action on a tractor...go to you tube and type in "everything attachments". I think the guy even talks about how to hook up the hydro lines. Plus he shows you some pretty good footage of it in use that might help make your mind up.

Combustix · May 8, 2011

Recently pick up anbo grapple for a Kubota 2710 with the extra hyd valve and toggle takes a little to get used to. With a landscape rake and grapple land clearing is a snap. Even knocking down large trees with a saw and cutting into 10'to 15' lengths is quick to move them out. Have to come back for stumps later, so far have been real happy with setup.

wirenut · May 8, 2011

Radman1 nailed the question. Skidsteer wins bigtime.

SLHawkins · May 9, 2011

I have used both the root rake and open bottom grapples on my tractors. I currently have a W.R. Long 72" open-bottom Grapple on my John Deere. Machine agility and equipment characteristics aside, the grapples are just as useful on the tractors as they are on the skidsteers. I have loaded brush, debris, and logs with with my grapples. However, I do prefer the open bottom grapple over the root rake. It just handles the material better and I can still dig roots and such with the open bottom grapple. I do have pictures posted on this site and well as videos on youtube YouTube - Using WR Long Open Bottom Grapple and YouTube - Cutting down tree and loading trailer with brush us Mitsubishi MT4201D if you would like to see them in action. Make sure that you get the size grapple that is appropriate for your tractor (or the other way around if you already have the grapple on hand). They are heavy and will give your FEL frame and cyclinders work out.

Hawk

wirenut · May 9, 2011

SLHawkins said:
I have used both the root rake and open bottom grapples on my tractors. I currently have a W.R. Long 72" open-bottom Grapple on my John Deere. Machine agility and equipment characteristics aside, the grapples are just as useful on the tractors as they are on the skidsteers. I have loaded brush, debris, and logs with with my grapples. However, I do prefer the open bottom grapple over the root rake. It just handles the material better and I can still dig roots and such with the open bottom grapple. I do have pictures posted on this site and well as videos on youtube YouTube - Using WR Long Open Bottom Grapple and YouTube - Cutting down tree and loading trailer with brush us Mitsubishi MT4201D if you would like to see them in action. Make sure that you get the size grapple that is appropriate for your tractor (or the other way around if you already have the grapple on hand). They are heavy and will give your FEL frame and cyclinders work out.

Hawk

Not saying that grapples are not useful on a tractor. If you have used both, a skidsteer will run circles (literally) about a tractor with one. Depends on what you want.