Okay, so I have a DK40se also and have been thinking about the purchase of a
grapple. I have no idea about the size of
grapple I need. If you wouldn't mind and have the time, please explain your reasons for disadvantages and complications to grapples wider than 60 inches. In other words, how does 2 uppers complicate matters? Is it hydraulics? I don't want to dive onto something I would not be pleased with.
Briefly:
1) lower cost
2) smaller size = more manuverable
3) smaller size = less storage space
4) smaller size means the force of the
grapple is concentrated in a smaller area when ripping out roots etc. You have XXXX lbs of breakout force from your loader and you can divide that force by the
grapple width to calculate the max force you can exert on a given root/rock etc. Point is that narrower grapples give you greater breakout force concentration which is almost always what you want
5) When raking or pushing with the
grapple, with a 48 inch
grapple even the outside tines are still lined up or inside the FEL arms. If you hit a stump or big rock with the edge of the
grapple there is relatively little twisting force applied to the FEL. With a wider
grapple (or bucket edge) if you hit an unseen object with the edge of say a 72 inch
grapple you are putting a significant twisting load on your FEL. Not good. FELs are tough but there is little doubt that tractor FELs are designed and engineered for LIFTING, not Pushing. They can push but not a safely as a bulldozer. Consider how a bulldozer's arms are short, stumpy while tractor FEL arms are long and thin in comparison.
6) Although it is understandable that people would think wider grapples will carry more, in practice there is very little difference. Brush is "sticky" so a 48 inch
grapple can easily
grapple a much larger chunk of brush than is actually contained within the
grapple width. 48 inches if fine for any size log for example. Indeed a 48 inch
grapple can carry bigger logs because the
grapple weighs less so your net lift capacity is greater even though the
grapple is smaller.
7) Hundreds of TBN users with 48inch grapples are virtually unanimous that they are happy with the 48 inch size.
8) You can spend the money you save on other implements
9) Small is beautiful
