GRAPPLE for Mini-EXCAVATOR

[DDW_OR]

I have a 2008 Bobcat 331
Weight = 8,000
Hydraulic flow = 15.9 GPM
front lift = 1,000
side lift = 800
https://rtlequipment.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Bobcat-331G-spec.pdf

looking for a log grapple with rotator that is made in USA.
so far i find Europe and Canada, and almost any place but USA.

will be moving logs up to 12 foot and RR ties up to 8 foot
the thumb will work the grapple and i will install a 3-way valve on the bucket cylinder to operate the rotator


I have the following attachments:
Turbo saw
Brushhound 30EX flail mower
Bobcat auger, may be able to use this for the rotator.
Update 8/2/2018: Bobcat stated that it cannot be used for lifting

[Bruno of NH]

The small rotators and grapples are used a lot in Europe and Canada .
That's why you find them made there. 
A FF sponsor Farms makes one
Get a hold of Pickens Equipment he will set you up

[Bruno of NH]

I have a grapple and rotator made in Canada and it's well made

[DDW_OR]

yep i looked at the ones in Canada. they look well made.
and i looked at Farms, also well made.

i am hoping to find equal quality made in USA.
if i cannot find one then i will try Canada.

found one on Craigslist from a guy in Wisconsin

[Skeans1]

Most of our USA grapples are made here in the PNW which is a different style then you'd want, one they're heavy built, they won't close as tight as the European pulp grapples, and our aren't the parallel style of closing.

[DDW_OR]

Most of our USA grapples are made here in the PNW which is a different style then you'd want, one they're heavy built, they won't close as tight as the European pulp grapples, and our aren't the parallel style of closing.

that is what i thought.
that is what i found out when looking for a processor head for the Bobcat E80, finally got an Arbro 400 from Finland. will give the guy in Wisconsin a call

[Cub]

Valby is another option. Not sure where they are made or if they make them for your application. But they are good buckets. Lots of guys around here have them on the older small franklin and iron mule forwarders. 

[DDW_OR]

here is what i have found

FARMA Most sold grapples on the market | FARMA
valbygrapples Log Grapples
branchmanagerusa 56" T1001 Mini Grapple, High Quality, Best Pricing, Branch Manager?
gatergrapples Available Grapples made by Gater Grapples for Mini or Compact Excavators, Skid Steers, and Backhoe Loaders
dymaxinc Hydraulic Rotation Grapple - Dymax Inc
hultdins Grapples, Saw Units, Rotators and Accessories for heavy equipment - Hultdins Inc.
wallensteinequipment Log Grapples | Log Grapples - 3-Point Hitch | Wallenstein Outdoor Power Equipment

[DDW_OR]

on Ebay Country/Region of Manufacture:
Farma = Estonia
VALBY = Finland
dymaxinc = way too heavy, smallest one weighs 750 lbs/340 kg

ICM  = Italy

[Skeans1]

Take a look at Craigslist down around Eugene there's a nice little 490 JD with grapples and a fabtek head for cheap.

[DDW_OR]

Take a look at Craigslist down around Eugene there's a nice little 490 JD with grapples and a fabtek head for cheap.

thank you for the info, but i do not need or want a skidder or that size excavator.
the grapple with rotator price range i have been looking at have been under $2,500

[DDW_OR]

called the guy in Wisconsin. all of the steel comes from USA, and is made in the USA
so got one on order and should be ready to ship in 2 weeks.

will use the Bobcat auger motor for the rotator. do not need to spin it 360 degrees, just 180
will use a couple Anchor Shackles to make the connection.

[DDW_OR]

update: canceled the Wisconsin order.
the post hole auger cannot be used for lifting logs.
this put the grapple + rotator out of my price range.

so still looking, will update when i find one.

[barbender]

I think your budget's a bit on the light side, aren't most rotators at least $1000 by themselves?

[Skeans1]

I want to say the last rotator we bought for the forwarder was around 2500.

[DDW_OR]

think thinning operation, not logging.
i am looking for rotators between 1 and 3 ton

[Skeans1]

I am thinking thinning, we thin from 19-35 year old timber some times older it sounds like you're thinking PCT. Curious are you going to have enough flow to run the head? What size mains are they requiring and the return? Is your thumb a foot treadle or is it on the joystick button?

[DDW_OR]

I have two bobcat excavators
E80 = now has an Arbro 400 stroke harvester head

the 331 = need rotator and grapple
https://grapplepros.com/products/farma-34-log-grapple

[mike_belben]

Material handlers have 360 rotators, sometimes with hydraulic ports for a cylinder.  Mine is a kinshofer that i bought from scrapyard i worked at.  Industrial surplus and truck wreckers are a good place to look.

[barbender]

I thought I saw around $1000 for a rotator in that size.

[DDW_OR]

the link i have in "reply #17" goes to a grapple + rotator + shipping for about $1,950

[47sawdust]

I have that same grapple and rotator.The build quality is excellent.I don't think you can beat the price.

[barbender]

That looks like a nice unit, and that's a great price!👍

[DDW_OR]

The grapple should be here this week.
will use the adapter plate (A) from the Auger to attach the rotator and grapple 



 

[maple flats]

That link has me thinking. $1950 for 34" Grapple with rotator may be on my excavator some day. Great price and made in USA, free shipping too. My 4 ton mini will lift 2500# but only with the blade down in front and the load up close. As I reach out the lift goes down quickly, or more accurately the ability to hold the weight up without tipping the excavator. At about 3-3.5' out I can lift a 23" (At mid point) x 17' off the side of my mini but I need to have the blade facing the mill and down to lift a log that size out to set it on my log bunks  in on my Peterson, If not I would tip and damage to track on the near side. That is The most I can load on the mill using my bucket and thumb. As I showed (a picture) in the past, I have lifted a bigger one using a cross bar and 2 suspended tongs but I barely got than on the mill. That was hemlock if I recall. If I add the weight of a grapple and rotator I might need to lift a slightly lighter log too.
I'm starting to think.
Now back to the original thread.