size and model of grapple

sliverofmercy · December 15, 2024, 05:39:38 AM

i just got a mill...hm130max and tractor - kubota mx5400. i want to get a grapple for the logs. i have the 16 foot trailer. any recommendation on the grapple? kubota said that they have one for 4900 but even the rep said it's overpriced and i could just get one aftermarket. not sure where to start though. online? local dealer? any recommendation of make/model for my usage?

a local dealer i spoke to recommended their ironcrafted ctgrdc60 or 66.

https://www.ironcraftusa.com/compact-tractor-skid-steer-grapple-rake/

SawyerTed · December 15, 2024, 07:00:28 AM

Congratulations on the mill. You will enjoy it.

I have an MX5100, predecessor to the 5400. It's a little light for handling some of the logs I have. Anything over 1,800 pounds is above the loader limits. A 24" SED Oak 8' long will require me to roll, drag and nudge it around.

Your logs might not be that heavy but a grapple will reduce the lift capacity by a few hundred pounds.

A dedicated counterweight helps a lot and is more compact and maneuverable than an implement on the hitch. Even with loaded tires a heavy load on the loader makes the tractor light in the rear end.

Enjoy the mill and be careful out there!

Good luck and let us see some photos of lumber you cut!

Ranger1986 · December 15, 2024, 08:41:24 AM

In answer to your grapple question I have a case 580c backhoe and on the front loader I use skidding tongs to pick up and move logs depending on size cost less than 200 dollars

customsawyer · December 15, 2024, 08:54:08 AM

I don't think that grapple will have enough curve to the bottom tines to help with holding the logs. I have the Worksaver for my tractor and really like it.

Nebraska · December 15, 2024, 09:01:03 AM

I have a 66 inch grapple from Titan Attachments I like it very well. I also have purchased a couple things from Ignite attachments. They had very good service and was pleased with them as well. I think I would look at a 60 inch brush grapple for your Kubota. I like mine it would be one of the last things I would part with.

thecfarm · December 15, 2024, 09:23:58 AM

You will like sawing.
How many hp is that tractor, 60hp?

KenMac · December 15, 2024, 04:03:26 PM

I don't know their situation right now, but I bought a root rake grapple from Everything Attachments in 2016 or so. It only weighs 225 lbs. and is rated for 50 hp, so my B26 is well matched to it. They made various widths and all have Ar400 steel in needed areas. Mine is 60" and is worth the high price of $2400 I paid then. It was the lightest model with a high hp rating I could find. I know EA has had some business issues, but their equipment seems to be top notch. I do not like the grapples with long bottom tines and I have found that 2 individual top clamps would be better for my uses.

rusticretreater · December 16, 2024, 02:14:18 AM

I also have an everything attachments grapple. You need to check on the weight of the grapple being considered and the lifting limit of the tractor. Then consult a log weight/size chart for different species. Then you will know how big a log it will actually lift.

The grapple is certainly well constructed and uses thick hollow tube construction to make it lighter and more rigid at the same time. I have not regretted the purchase one iota.

The other thing I did was get a quick change attachment. Definitely recommended.

beenthere · December 16, 2024, 10:52:03 AM

About as light as you can go is to add a thumb to a set of forks on the loader. The thumb just secures the log(s) and also works very well for moving brush and tree tops. Less expense too.

The Thumb

Pic of my Thumb

ajschnitzelbank · December 22, 2024, 10:06:28 PM

If the main use is logs, there's a style of grapple that is well suited for that task, don't know if there's a name for it, but makers include Igland, Sundown, and Frostbite. I have the Frostbite and like it. Very sturdy.

Seachaser · December 26, 2024, 10:06:30 AM

I have the dual cylinder type with independent jaws. If I had to do over again I would get the top to match the bottom. Independent jaws are good for logs but not for brush. You have to have the third function for a grapple.

rusticretreater · December 26, 2024, 10:59:02 AM

One of the good things about my grapple is that it is clamshell and curved on the top and bottom. This allows you to "pick" a log off the top of a pile or tilt it downward and gently set a log on the mill. You can also grab a log on the mill, lift and rotate it too. This saves you much effort and strain from using the ol' cant hook.

It is also a root rake, so you open it, rotate the tines into the ground and go backwards. It scrapes the ground, breaks up tough ground and is great for rippin' out the darn sticker bushes or clearing off.

It just depends on what functionality you need the most.

plowhog · December 29, 2024, 02:46:43 PM

My tractor came with an HLA root grapple. That beast weighs upward of 1,000 lbs and really cuts into lift capacity. It wasn't really suited for me due to the amount of weight.

I switched to a Frostbite grapple. That works well, except they shipped with the wrong hydraulic fittings and I got stuck with a $150 charge to switch it over. Back then it was pay in advance and after seeing EA go down along with many deposits, I'd think twice about that.

Beware the grapple though. If using forks, and a log takes off on you, oh well. Not too much bad can happen. If it is cinched down tight using a grapple and weight shifts sideways, or you hit an unexpected bump or hole, you might be in for a ride until you can unload the hydraulics. Because you are firmly attached to the log that has decided to do something you didn't expect.

alecs · December 30, 2024, 08:42:06 AM

There are lots of other threads on here about grapples. Some additional information is out there on the forum if you haven't seen it yet.

I have Artillian pallet forks for my tractor and it's by far the handiest attachment I have. I've been considering a thumb for them but haven't tackled the necessary third function / splitter on the hydraulics. I have the same mill as you and I am definitely limited by the loader capacity for the size logs I can cut. As others have said, beware of the added weight of a grapple relative to the loader capacity.

Cattoon · January 10, 2025, 06:04:42 PM

Look at the add a grapple from precision mfg. I have one on my L2800 Kubota and it is great. I use it for handling logs and moving slabs and brush.

GRANITEstateMP · January 12, 2025, 01:25:58 PM

We did 90 full cords of firewood last year. Every log was moved with my M series Kubota and Frostbite/Igland style grapple. I've had the grapple as long as I've had the tractor (ok, I got it a week later) and moved lots of logs with it. It excels at moving logs, long or short. I can place "short" 4' logs right onto my infeed belt, just got to be careful.

That being said, it isn't very good with brush, or small debris. But, for moving logs, and even being precise loading them, its my go to. I helped a fella that I owed a favor to mill some lumber up a few years back. He is a good fella and sharp on his mill, but not an equipment operator. He was loading the mill with forks, and doing an allright job, just taking a bit. I asked if I could load with my tractor and grapple, and promised I'd still get back to be tail gunner. I was able to set the logs on his mill quicker, with no rolling, and better control. We then moved his tractor with forks and loaded the forks with finished material. It worked well and we got through the pile in good time

Igland on the JD at the farm

Firewood logs piled up by the Kubota with Frostbite grapple. Most are 12'

TimW · January 14, 2025, 11:40:46 PM

Here is my grapple. I like this style as you can move logs, scraps to the burn pile, even move boards from the mill to the stack. It is 6 foot wide and heavy duty, about 800 pounds, but my loader will pick up 3900 pounds at the pivot pins. I can throw fork lift pallets on it and move them around without clamping down.
For lighter weight, get a one arm grapple put on your forks.