Grappling fun - A Picture Thread....

markturik · Jun 28, 2015

i have 2 days on my home made grapple. i have to run hydraulics and clean up welds and of course get out the kubota orange enamel. thanks to those in this thread who helped me learn about my hydraulic cylinder.

Xfaxman · Jun 28, 2015

markturik said:
i have 2 days on my home made grapple. i have to run hydraulics and clean up welds and of course get out the kubota orange enamel. thanks to those in this thread who helped me learn about my hydraulic cylinder.

I like the sweeps, clever use of steel on hand.

Luke'sScreenName · Jul 9, 2015

Using the tree puller to clear and over grown rock wall

And the grapple to load the dump trailer to transport to the burn pile.

Before

After

IslandTractor · Jul 9, 2015

Nice work with the tree puller. I am jealous of the ability to grab the trunk of saplings as a grapple can only dig under roots which can be more difficult around walls and fences.

I'd love to figure out a simple adapter attachment for a grapple that would allow the vertical closure of the grapple be converted into a sideways clamping motion like your tree puller. Are there any mechanical engineers out there? How about Leonardo DaVinci? Hey Leo, design us a simple mechanical adapter for our grapples!

Luke'sScreenName · Jul 9, 2015

I have been completely amazed at what it will pull up.

Luke's new tractor: https://youtu.be/9rQS6wh7ZW8

Jim Timber · Jul 9, 2015

What would you do with a horizontal grabber over the bottom teeth of a root grapple?

Xfaxman · Jul 10, 2015

Speaking of tree pullers, I have used it as a grapple. :thumbsup:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/334806-when-tree-puller-grapple.html?highlight=

Picked up a dead limb.

And a tall cedar tree, after it pulled it.

A long chunk of concrete.

And a short chunk of concrete.

IslandTractor · Jul 10, 2015

Jim Timber said:
What would you do with a horizontal grabber over the bottom teeth of a root grapple?

Certainly there is overlap between tree puller and root grapple. However, a tree puller would be more selective when removing saplings. You can select just the target tree specifically rather than gouge a four to six foot wide area when using a root grapple. Also, there is typically less disturbance of turf when pulling a tree out compared to digging underneath it. A grapple can do the same thing if you can push the tree over and then move 90 degrees so the tree/rootball can be grasped by the grapple but that doesn't work against fences or walls where you cannot easily reposition the tractor.

I'd certainly want a grapple first but the tree puller can do some jobs more efficiently and cleanly. That's why I want some sort of adapter that could easily convert a typical vertical up/down closing grapple to be able to securely clamp a single standing tree trunk in horizontal jaws.

Jim Timber · Jul 10, 2015

I'd just make another implement. You lose your breakout force the farther from the pins you get so by the time you get out in front of your bottom tines you've reduced the leverage applicable considerably.

Building a tree puller is a very basic project. One cylinder, only one moving jaw. Shouldn't take more than a weekend.

IslandTractor · Jul 10, 2015

Jim Timber said:
I'd just make another implement. You lose your breakout force the farther from the pins you get so by the time you get out in front of your bottom tines you've reduced the leverage applicable considerably. Building a tree puller is a very basic project. One cylinder, only one moving jaw. Shouldn't take more than a weekend.

You're right but I do love the idea of giving the noble grapple the Swiss Army knife treatment. One less implement to store, an adapter that could be carried on the tractor etc etc.