Agree. The terminology to describe the two basic grapple types is confusing. "Rake grapple" usually refers to what I call a clamshell grapple. The standard or root grapple is different. The two main differences are that the clamshell type has short bottom tines and depends on hydraulic pressure on the upper lid to hold the load. The standard or root grapple has long lower tines and can lift a load without even closing the lid.
IMO the big problem with the clamshell/rake type is that any large object like a branch or log will jam the lid so the grapple cannot further compress and secure anything below that branch. If you have a log on top of a brush pile you will have difficulty picking up the brush once the log jambs into the upper jaw hinge. However a root or standard grapple can simply slide the long bottom tines under multiple branches etc and gravity holds them in place. Doesn't matter if brush is above or below the log. The upper lid is mostly used just to crush so you can carry more and to prevent the load that rests passively on the lower tines from falling out forward. If you simply curl the grapple the load stays in place even without closing the upper jaw.
There are certainly tasks for which the rake style grapple is well suited but for general wide ranging grapple tasks that might include digging, breaking roots, carrying mismatched objects etc, the standard root grapple is more efficient.
