trail clearing technique and tools

[Rockbadchild]

We are looking at a used 2017 JD 4044r with 800 hours now at our regional dealership. Has the power beyond option for a BH, a skid steer type attachment mount on the loader. Comes with a bucket and forks. Would need to add the circuit to the loader to power the grapple. (cost 1K to add) and a roof grapple of sorts.... Has cab.

a grappler for trail clearing is amazing... you can use the power beyond to add a other valve in series to power the grappler that would only cost you a valve and a few hydraulic line which is like $300... if you buy a valve with power beyond you will still have one available.

 

[shooterdon]

Arly, when I got my machine, I added the third function for the grapple and the extra $700 was worth it. I use my grapple a lot for handling logs and I process about 35 cords a year.

We had a bad ice storm last spring (no powder for 17 days) and I helped neighbors clear 2.5 miles of our county road so we could get out and cleared the downed trees/branches on their properties. The grapple was a god send and I am the only guy with a grapple.

You posted the EA grapple, and it is likely the best grapple out there, but it is priced accordingly. My MTL grapple is one of the least expensive and has done a lot of work with no issues at all. It cost $1000 when I got it and is now $1800:

MTL RG-7 HD Root Grapples 60" & 72" Models - Black or Orange — MTL Attachments

Brand New Built in the USA Skid Steer Universal Quick Attach RG-7 Root Grapple ***LIMITED 150 PRODUCTION per Month OF RG7 MODELS*** Highest quality Construction - BUILT IN THE USA Only 150 of the RG7 Grapples will be made each Month to be sold- This includes all sizes and Models of the RG7

www.mtlattachments.com

My tractor has more lift capacity than the JD 4044 (2700 lbs at the pins) and I have not damaged the grapple. But I don't do stupid things either. Well, I lifted the rears trying to lift a log that was way too big.

You can likely get the MTL plus the third function for the cost of the EA Wicked grapple.

Back to the third function. The extra $700 was easy for me to justify. When I got my machine I figured I would be using it for another 15 years. $50/year. Plus, I added a tree/post puller and was thinking about a hydraulic front blade. This year I will be replacing my pallet forks with hydraulicly adjustable forks. Another place where a third function is the cat's ass.

 

[shooterdon]

Why is grapple and EA highlighted and linked to EA?

Cut this crap out please. I have no desire to support EA.

 

[Milo]

We are looking at a used 2017 JD 4044r with 800 hours now at our regional dealership. Has the power beyond option for a BH, a skid steer type attachment mount on the loader. Comes with a bucket and forks. Would need to add the circuit to the loader to power the grapple. (cost 1K to add) and some root grapple.... Has cab.

That's like a nice size tractor for use on your trails, I don't think I'd want any larger. I wouldn't want a cab for woods work because many places I'm in are too tight and sometimes I end up getting on and off often. I don't need AC in summer and in winter I just wear my insulated 1-piece suit and enjoy the outdoors.
But you may benefit from a cab tractor there in winter.

 

[Rockbadchild]

I would also get a brush cutter with it, that will save you lots of wiper snipper.

 

[ArlyA]

I would also get a brush cutter with it, that will save you lots of wiper snipper.

We are. Just didn't mention it.

 

[airbiscuit]

Now that you have your own camp/trails, what will happen to the trails you put so many volunteer hours into?