Grapples and pulling out smaller trees?

[Rockbadchild]

I have done quite of bit of clearing and a lot of it depends on the tree species, soil type, water saturation level and how open it is, in a dense forest everything is easier, but in a overgrown field the roots are really anchored down, conifers yes for about just any situation they are easy to rip out, hardwood most of them its no, most will snaps or you won't have enough power to pull them out even if you go for the roots and most of the time is what I have to do for broadleaf trees, and yes that will make a big hole in the ground.

 

[D&D]

We are looking at brush an log grapples and wondered if anyone can pull out small trees with the model you have? Like you can close it on a smallish tree and lift it right out. No, we're not going the get one of those stump, tree pulling buckets. Thanks!

If you're thinking about grab the sapling and lift, the answer is I have had very little success with that method. I have a root grapple and use the lower tines as root rippers in 2 directions. Then use the grapple to pick up the saplings.

 

[ArlyA]

I was thinking smaller ones, like see here. They are like weeds and grow everywhere.

 

[Rockbadchild]

I was thinking smaller ones, like see here. They are like weeds and grow everywhere.
View attachment 4015544

These won't be a problem at all even if they are big, they have shallow roots... the big one you go fairly high and push them over, back up and pop the roots up and your done.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I clamp a couple of 6' lengths of 2x6 to the grapple jaws and squeeze the trunk of the sapling between them. I can usually pull anything less than 3" or so with my LA1065 FEL.

 

[Daviddan]

What equipment will you be running the grapple on ?

I’ll be running the grapple on standard equipment that has the right hydraulic flow and lift capacity for the job. It should handle brush, logs, and debris without any issues.

 

[shooterdon]

I clamp a couple of 6' lengths of 2x6 to the grapple jaws and squeeze the trunk of the sapling between them. I can usually pull anything less than 3" or so with my LA1065 FEL.

An interesting solution that I will try even though I have a tree/post puller.

 

[bdhsfz6]

An interesting solution that I will try even though I have a tree/post puller.

Try and center the trunk in the grapple as best you can. Trying to pull one when clamped outboard of the FEL arms could bend something or tip the tractor.

 

[ArlyA]

If you have a grapple on your compact tracotor, please tell us the model and how you like it. Pics would be a huge plus. Thanks!

 

[bdhsfz6]

If you have a grapple on your compact tracotor, please tell us the model and how you like it. Pics would be a huge plus. Thanks!

I have a Blue Diamond Heavy Duty 72" grapple I use on my L6060 and MX5800 tractors.

Root Grapple – Heavy Duty

Root Grapple – Heavy Duty

www.bluediamondattachments.com

I've had it 8 years now and it's been bullet proof. Made of 1/2" steel and its done everything I've asked it to. It's heavy though and cuts into the FEL lifting ability. If I had it to do over, I would have picked the 60" model that is almost 200# lighter. For what I do, width isn't all that important.