Need help deciding on a grapple

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Look at my pics, walkway grating. Hard to bend and tough. Screen or expanded metal it not strong enough. CJ

That's a really good idea! Thanks for the tip. By the way, where can walkway grating be purchased?

 

[IslandTractor]

That's a really good idea! Thanks for the tip. By the way, where can walkway grating be purchased?

Lots of it is used commercially so local welding/metal working shops that do work for businesses often have it. You really just need a few scrap pieces to form a brush guard.

 

[Xfaxman]

That setup is so bad asss looking. Very nice. Always impressed with your grapples.

Thanks, I couldn't grapple with out them!

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

That setup is so bad asss looking. Very nice. Always impressed with your grapples.

Ain't that the truth! Xfaxman has all the cool toys. I'm green with envy.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Good points but lift capacity would only be an issue for smaller tractors. A bigger version of your Light Duty for 40+HP CUTs would not suffer. My 48 Millonzi has a 46" opening which is useful for collecting brush and also for big stumps. Maybe use 3/8 mild or high strength steel but keep the single wide lid and the removable slats.

Now that our compact and subcompact grapple line is complete(for now), Ted plans to start working his way up to the heavier models. The larger opening is something we'll consider, since the tine length and weight will not be nearly as critical. I'll definitely start a thread and get the community's input before we start the project.

Our Grapple Rake is now complete, and, weighing under 500 pounds, it will be rated for tractors up to 75HP with lift capacities up to 2,500 pounds. It will be offered in 60" and 72" widths featuring a max. opening of 36".
I will be adding the product video to the TBN thread soon.

Sorry for the mini-hijack!
Travis

 

[shibaura_4043]

I priced 1/2" hoses vs 3/8" hoses... the two hose set up for 1/2"is 140 w/o shipping and 3/8" is 115 w/o shipping... not a huge difference, is there enough of a benefit using 1/2" to cover a 25.00 premium?

Also, I talked to Titan directly yesterday and asked a few questions about the 48" model I listed in a post earlier, he said it was not rated for root raking it was too "light duty". I then asked why its listed as a "root grapple"... he replied its listed that way for marketing purposes , they recommend bumping up to 1/2" teeth for root raking which is a 1500 unit and the minimum width is 60". The Titan 48" grapple claims to have 3/8" teeth, I figure with smaller trees it wouldn't be a problem but the Titan rep has me nervous. Im ready to order everything today so it ships out ASAP. Do I need 1/2" teeth to root rake or have you guys got by with 3/8"? I know Im asking a lot of questions and Im sorry about that I just don't want to make the wrong decision bc I was trying to be cheap

 

[IslandTractor]

I priced 1/2" hoses vs 3/8" hoses... the two hose set up for 1/2"is 140 w/o shipping and 3/8" is 115 w/o shipping... not a huge difference, is there enough of a benefit using 1/2" to cover a 25.00 premium?

Also, I talked to Titan directly yesterday and asked a few questions about the 48" model I listed in a post earlier, he said it was not rated for root raking it was too "light duty". I then asked why its listed as a "root grapple"... he replied its listed that way for marketing purposes , they recommend bumping up to 1/2" teeth for root raking which is a 1500 unit and the minimum width is 60". The Titan 48" grapple claims to have 3/8" teeth, I figure with smaller trees it wouldn't be a problem but the Titan rep has me nervous. Im ready to order everything today so it ships out ASAP. Do I need 1/2" teeth to root rake or have you guys got by with 3/8"? I know Im asking a lot of questions and Im sorry about that I just don't want to make the wrong decision bc I was trying to be cheap

What do you mean by root raking? If you mean digging with the grapple to dig out a targeted sapling or small tree then that is no problem at all for a light duty 3/8" tine grapple.

If you mean root raking to be putting the grapple tines 6-8 inches into the ground and then driving forward into the woods or field in 4wd low range, then 1) you will break your FEL, 2) 48 would be less dangerous than 60 3) you really want a bulldozer, not a CUT.

A 48" light duty grapple will do most any task that is safe for a tractor FEL to do. Remember that CUT FELs are not designed or built for dozing or pushing. They can so some of that without trouble but they are designed and engineered primarily to lift. Long and skinny FEL arms are quite different from the low stubby thick "arms" on a bulldozer.

 

[shibaura_4043]

What do you mean by root raking? If you mean digging with the grapple to dig out a targeted sapling or small tree then that is no problem at all for a light duty 3/8" tine grapple.

If you mean root raking to be putting the grapple tines 6-8 inches into the ground and then driving forward into the woods or field in 4wd low range, then 1) you will break your FEL, 2) 48 would be less dangerous than 60 3) you really want a bulldozer, not a CUT.

A 48" light duty grapple will do most any task that is safe for a tractor FEL to do. Remember that CUT FELs are not designed or built for dozing or pushing. They can so some of that without trouble but they are designed and engineered primarily to lift. Long and skinny FEL arms are quite different from the low stubby thick "arms" on a bulldozer.

Ive been able to push trees(mainly mesquites) over with my bucket but I few small roots remain intact so I decided a grapple would help me complete the job by breaking few small roots then piling the brush into a burn pile. I would like to push them over with the grapple on the front so I don't have to change between the bucket and the grapple. the ground out here is pretty saturated right now so pushing them over hasn't been a problem for my tractor. My tractor weighs in at 10k its a little larger than CUTs I know FEL aren't designed to push but im only doing a few acres with my loader and the rest I will buy a track loader or contract it out

EDIT: I wouldn't drive through the woods and try to rake 6"to 8" deep with any grapple rake that seems very dangerous... Im talking on a per tree basis where I can already see the roots after I push it over.. these trees are less the 6-8" in diameter too.

 

[IslandTractor]

Ive been able to push trees(mainly mesquites) over with my bucket but I few small roots remain intact so I decided a grapple would help me complete the job by breaking few small roots then piling the brush into a burn pile. I would like to push them over with the grapple on the front so I don't have to change between the bucket and the grapple. the ground out here is pretty saturated right now so pushing them over hasn't been a problem for my tractor. My tractor weighs in at 10k its a little larger than CUTs I know FEL aren't designed to push but im only doing a few acres with my loader and the rest I will buy a track loader or contract it out

EDIT: I wouldn't drive through the woods and try to rake 6"to 8" deep with any grapple rake that seems very dangerous... Im talking on a per tree basis where I can already see the roots after I push it over.. these trees are less the 6-8" in diameter too.

48" light duty grapple is perfect for what you are describing you intend to do. I've been doing it for years with DK40se and 48" 3/8" tines grapple.

This is what my grapple looks like after a couple hundred such tree removals.

Technique I use is to 1) push the tree partly over, 2)push again after moving tractor 90 degrees until roots are exposed, 3) stick the grapple under the roots. Drive forward in 4wd low while lifting plus curling the grapple. Usually they pop right out. If not then push over some more from different angle then repeat #3.

 

[shibaura_4043]

Thanks island tractor u put my mind to ease ...the 48" Titan unit should be perfect!!! I'm going get it ordered today !!

 

[CJONE]

Ive been able to push trees(mainly mesquites) over with my bucket but I few small roots remain intact so I decided a grapple would help me complete the job by breaking few small roots then piling the brush into a burn pile. I would like to push them over with the grapple on the front so I don't have to change between the bucket and the grapple. the ground out here is pretty saturated right now so pushing them over hasn't been a problem for my tractor. My tractor weighs in at 10k its a little larger than CUTs I know FEL aren't designed to push but im only doing a few acres with my loader and the rest I will buy a track loader or contract it out

EDIT: I wouldn't drive through the woods and try to rake 6"to 8" deep with any grapple rake that seems very dangerous... Im talking on a per tree basis where I can already see the roots after I push it over.. these trees are less the 6-8" in diameter too.

The biggest tree I pushed out was a 16" basswood, they have a poor root system. Popped a couple of roots and down she went. Tied into a 14" split maple and ended up tieing my truck to it and then the tractor/truck combo finished it. I am also in a clay loam soil so that does not help. Whoever started the myth that FEL's arn't designed to push must of had a VERY weak design. That is about all I have done with mine for over 300 hours, no issues. Use common sence and you will be fine. The bottom tube on my grapple is bent a little from carring 10' and 12' long logs longways otherwise it is still in good shape, But that is way more than it is designed for. As far as hoses if you are only going to use the grapple the 3/8" is more than enough but to run anything with a motor go with 1/2" CJ

 

[IslandTractor]

Whoever started the myth that FEL's arn't designed to push must of had a VERY weak design. That is about all I have done with mine for over 300 hours, no issues. Use common sence and you will be fine.

I don't think it is a myth but your last sentence is what is most important. Don't treat a tractor like a bulldozer and all will be fine.

 

[Xfaxman]

Ive been able to push trees(mainly mesquites) over with my bucket but I few small roots remain intact so I decided a grapple would help me complete the job by breaking few small roots then piling the brush into a burn pile. I would like to push them over with the grapple on the front so I don't have to change between the bucket and the grapple. the ground out here is pretty saturated right now so pushing them over hasn't been a problem for my tractor. My tractor weighs in at 10k its a little larger than CUTs I know FEL aren't designed to push but im only doing a few acres with my loader and the rest I will buy a track loader or contract it out
----------------.

For trees 4" and under, a tree puller is the fastest way to clear them.


Clamp, pull and shake the dirt of of the roots. The view from the seat.


For a tractor this style would work better.


Click for more pictures, "the biggest cedar" http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/277824-tree-puller.html#post3444397

 

[shibaura_4043]

That's a pretty sweet set up .... I ordered the Titan 48" grapple earlier today... All I have to do now is order my hoses and fittings tonight!!! I can't wait to test it out next week!!!

 

[TomSeller]

That's a pretty sweet set up .... I ordered the Titan 48" grapple earlier today... All I have to do now is order my hoses and fittings tonight!!! I can't wait to test it out next week!!!

If you are like many of us, it will go on the FEL and only seldom come off.

 

[shibaura_4043]

Tom, I feed a lot of hay so it probably will come off more than I would like.

 

[darmstrong2319]

I bought the light duty 66"wildkat single lid grapple delivered to my door $979.25. I am happy with it so far, I have been rough on it but i have not had it but a couple months, so cant comment on durability. I think the 48" would be better for digging stumps because of it being more narrow. The more i use it the more i like it and the better i get with it, sure a lot better than my debri forks i had made. good luck with yours

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Now that our compact and subcompact grapple line is complete(for now), Ted plans to start working his way up to the heavier models. The larger opening is something we'll consider, since the tine length and weight will not be nearly as critical. I'll definitely start a thread and get the community's input before we start the project.

Our Grapple Rake is now complete, and, weighing under 500 pounds, it will be rated for tractors up to 75HP with lift capacities up to 2,500 pounds. It will be offered in 60" and 72" widths featuring a max. opening of 36".
I will be adding the product video to the TBN thread soon.

Sorry for the mini-hijack!
Travis

I sure wish you guys would make a 50" grapple just like the compact grapple, but make it with thicker material and rate it for tractors over 35hp. I keep looking at that little one and thinking it would be perfect size for a lot of us with 45hp or 50hp tractors, but just needs to be a little beefier. And the extra weight would be no big deal with the extra lifting capacity of our loaders.

 

[shibaura_4043]

I bought the light duty 66"wildkat single lid grapple delivered to my door $979.25. I am happy with it so far, I have been rough on it but i have not had it but a couple months, so cant comment on durability. I think the 48" would be better for digging stumps because of it being more narrow. The more i use it the more i like it and the better i get with it, sure a lot better than my debri forks i had made. good luck with yours

thanks... Im ready to start piling brush!!

 

[IslandTractor]

I sure wish you guys would make a 50" grapple just like the compact grapple, but make it with thicker material and rate it for tractors over 35hp. I keep looking at that little one and thinking it would be perfect size for a lot of us with 45hp or 50hp tractors, but just needs to be a little beefier. And the extra weight would be no big deal with the extra lifting capacity of our loaders.

Exactly. Make the opening a bit higher too.