Root grapple vs rake grapple

[hrcarver]

I'll start by saying that I have never never used any type of grapple other than a homemade pallet fork rigged up with a hydro cylinder and some scrap iron.

Looking to step up a little bit and curious if anyone has used them both, or either one.

Tractor is a m6040 kubota if it matters.

Primary use will be picking up large rocks out of a fields that have been pulled up by sub-soiling. Rocks could be 10 or 20 lbs to a few feet across.

I like the idea of the rake being able to push up stuff into a pile, then pick them up. Would the root grapple stand up being used as a rake? The additional length I'm sure would increase stress on it.

The rake grapple I'm considering (not seen much quite like this one)...Skid Steer Extreme Claw Grapple

The root grapple (same as everyone else's)
Skid Steer Root Grapple

I know they make rock buckets, but I have one from a different manufacturer and dont much like it. The tines still pick up too much dirt.

 

[Beavis]

Looking forward to the replies; I've been thinking about the root grapple sytle myself.

 

[Gary Fowler]

For a few hundred $$$ in price the extreme grapple looks much much heavier and stronger. I would go for the heavier one for the heavy tractor. Lighter CUT's might struggle with the extra weight of the extreme grapple and might be loaded to capacity with just picking up the rake itself.

 

[BigBoyinMS]

I got this grapple when I bought my tractor. Up until now I've only used it to move 2 large piles of logs but I'll be trying to rake some with it in the next few months. As far as picking up things with it I've learned to tilt it all the way down and come down onto what I want to pick up rather than try to slide under; it works much better that way. For what I've used it for anyway. And almost all of the dirt falls right through.
One consideration; you need to figure the weight difference between the bucket and grapple. A 600 lb grapple in place of a 100 lb bucket takes up 500 lbs of lift capacity.

 

[hrcarver]

Good point about the weight. My existing 4n1 bucket weighs 750lbs. Dont have a light bucket for it.

 

[hrcarver]

Hoping for some replies from folks that have rakes? Anyone use their grapple as a rake?

 

[Cat_Driver]

I've used my grapple as a rake, a plow, making rows for crops, a land leveler ( going backwards ) a crane, a 55 gal drum mover, a tree trimmer ( take it up and bring it down on the branch you want hacked off.) ...oh and a grapple to pick up any thing I can.

 

[Redbug]

To answer your question Carver, the answer is yes. I have used mine in the way you have mentioned, except for roots and root balls instead of rocks. I think you need to consider the shape of the lower jaw as to what you want to do, too.

Everyone has their likes. I have a WRLong grapple and really like it. It is the root grapple.

 

[rasimmo]

Good point about the weight. My existing 4n1 bucket weighs 750lbs. Dont have a light bucket for it.

I have used a root grapple as a rake and whatever else I needed it to be. IUsed several and only messed up one (bent some lower tines, nothing a few whacks with a hammer did not fix) it was borrowed.:laughing: I rented one and it was real heavy built. Too much in fact. I did not mess it up though. We finally purchased one locally. It is made by Consruction Attachments. They sell on everythingattachments.com. They have one that is lighter for smaller tractors too. You may want to look at them.

 

[hrcarver]

To answer your question Carver, the answer is yes. I have used mine in the way you have mentioned, except for roots and root balls instead of rocks. I think you need to consider the shape of the lower jaw as to what you want to do, too.

Everyone has their likes. I have a WRLong grapple and really like it. It is the root grapple.

If I'm wrong I'm sure someone will correct me, but...that one looks more like what I would consider a rake grapple rather than a root grapple.

The rakes have the short sweep or no "bottom" like the root grapples that have two or three feet of bottom on them, more like a bucket.

Not sure if I have my terminology right.

Which one is better for picking up rocks, stumps, logs, etc? It looks to me like the rakes would close tighter, and push better. Capacity of a pile of brush would be less, but if that is the ONLY downside, I'm ok with that.

Again, this is from someone who has never run either.

 

[RPK]

I have the WR Long 48" root grapple. It is excellent for logs, brush and ripping roots etc. out of the ground. It is not so great for picking up rocks. The bottom of the grapple is on the short side and will not scoop up a rock. You have to pick at it. It is a great grapple but if your primary use is for rocks you may want to rethink a root grapple.

 

[rasimmo]

"If I'm wrong I'm sure someone will correct me, but...that one looks more like what I would consider a rake grapple rather than a root grapple.

The rakes have the short sweep or no "bottom" like the root grapples that have two or three feet of bottom on them, more like a bucket.

Not sure if I have my terminology right."



Your terminology is the same I use. I thought that was a rake grapple too. We don't have rocks to deal with, but the construction attachments root grapple we have is great for picking up anything I have tried to handle. We have cleaned up a lot of brush and trees with it. After looking a little more, they are a bit more than some of the other ones mentioned ($2700 for the 66"). I can say it is worht the money though. Been using it on a M9540 4wd with no breakage yet.

 

[Glen Watkins]

I have a Root Rake and I use the top as a rake to back drag and gather brush and undergrowth and clean up dead trees and brush.I pick up and move anything I want with this and also dig out stumps. Works good.

 

[hrcarver]

Glen, what brand is that?

 

[slofr8]

I use my root grapple like this,
but before I can get to those trees I have to rake the alders out of the way. I put a shallow angle on the rake so the tines dig in a little but not to much to stress the cylinders and rake up a pile, clamp and back up. It works great. I don't know how much of this stuff I've cut with a saw and it's a pain. No more.
Good luck. Dan.

 

[dex3361]

I have a grapple rake and I like it. Now each type has their pros and cons. The model I had is an Anbo GRM66 and it is a nice tool to have. I use the upper rake to back rake into a pile. One warning is to fully extend the rake against the stops when back raking or you can blow a hose.

 

[powerstroke444e]

Here is what I have and I am able to grab more than machine is able to handle. I would go with the claw version or anbo grapple for a machine your size.

 

[Glen Watkins]

Glen, what brand is that?

Mine doesn't have a brand name. They are made by a guy in Florida named Paul Green. A real good guy to deal with and will customize or change anything about this grapple that you want done. I have done alot of clean up / grub work with this thing and have had zero issues with it! If you want to get a hold of him let me know.

 

[hrcarver]

I have a grapple rake and I like it. Now each type has their pros and cons. The model I had is an Anbo GRM66 and it is a nice tool to have. I use the upper rake to back rake into a pile. One warning is to fully extend the rake against the stops when back raking or you can blow a hose.

Dex, what did that run you? I like the 6" spacing option on the anbo.

 

[deere5105]

We run a root grapple on a Bobcat S250. It is a 72" grapple and works very good with this machine. For what we use it for, I prefer the grapple over the rake. We use it to clean up debris, limbs and all types of unexpected things. The ability to get under a tree root ball and pop it up without having to lose the dirt is nice. We often use it to sift through the soil leaving it clean and level. We don't deal with rocks, but the longer bottom tines would seem to allow for more material capacity??