Looking for a grapple attachment for a skid steer. Which one would you reccomend?
I use a set of 48" grapple forks (Titan) and really like them.
The 48" gives a longer reach when loading/unloading from a trailer and has enough capacity to carry 3-4 smaller logs at once.
It can take a heck of a bite out of a brush pile too.
Without switching attachments I can do most of the work of standard pallet forks, only having the take off the grapple forks when I need pick up a pallet that's extra high.
Down side is that if only carrying one or two small sticks the grapples don't clamp down tight. Of course if you can clamp them at the tips of the grapple you're fine.
Alan
The first unit I bought was not heavy duty enough and the tines were all bent in no time. I upgraded and love my new one, the heavy duty CID model:
https://cidattachments.com/product/heavy-duty-root-grapple (https://cidattachments.com/product/heavy-duty-root-grapple)
Pay attention to recommended skid steer size when shopping grapples. These grapples are pretty heavy and you can lose a lot of lifting capacity due to the weight of the grapple itself, which is more of a factor in lower HP machines. I've got a Bobcat T550 and this model grapple suits it perfectly. Loaded a 34" diameter x 10' long black walnut log up into a dump trailer with it yesterday.
I have a 84" root rake style from Lofflin in NC. They may be CID now as it's from the same town.
It's on a 115hp big Gehl and I've had it for about 15 years now and even doing what I shouldn't do, only 1 of the grapples is tweaked a little.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cXYLe5RvlfM
I bought a used Bobcat made one. Solid and heavy, just don't use as much as I thought would.
https://demo-dozer.com/ (https://demo-dozer.com/)
i have used "dirt works" for about 13 years. that is where I bought my boom/crane also. I moved the hydraulic hoses to the left, and have made new grapple arms.
Grapple Buckets - 84" Extreme Grapple Tine Bucket | Skid Steer Bobcat Tractor Attachments | Quality Welding Service (https://www.qualityweldingservice.com/qm22/index.php/grapple-bucket-84in-extreme-grapple-tine.html)
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This is the Demo Dozer bucket with removable floor. Best bucket and most universal I've ever had. You can do so many things. Go watch the U tube videos and you will see. Compare
Looks neat @Walnut Beast (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=49695) !
We have the bobcat heavy industrial grapple. The idea of a grapple fork is intriguing @alan gage (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=36602) . Can you pick up lumber stacks?
You usually get what you pay for. Cheap ones use low grade steel and cheap cylinders. Look at how the hydraulic lines are run and other parts are protected
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This is one I just got mostly for handling logs, the steel is pretty heavy and if I bend it is my fault. I can handle my round bales in a pinch too, I don't have to change attachments to feed if I am using it. Need to make up an adapter so I can use it on both tractors.
Bit unsure of the grapple definition, wondered if the thread author missed the log part. Might have specified the size and type of material to be handled etc.
Does that grapple have a brand logo - Nebraska?
Rotating Log Grapple for skid steer demo by Swift Fox Industries - YouTube (https://youtu.be/Q3vgk_10tfE)
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Yeah the grapple has a brand name but I wasn't going to show it for them ;). Its a Native American Hatchet Brand. 66 inch. Pretty similar to Doc's.
Quote from: nativewolf on January 14, 2021, 08:13:28 PM
Looks neat @Walnut Beast (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=49695) !
We have the bobcat heavy industrial grapple. The idea of a grapple fork is intriguing @alan gage (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=36602) . Can you pick up lumber stacks?
Yes, as long as they're not too tall. I can't remember off the top of my head but a 4' stack might be pushing it.
Alan
Not sure the brand I have but it has a u shape in the face of the grapple arm. This allows you to pick up or grab logs from the end. Very handy when working in the woods. Can grab the end of the log out of a tight spot.
I really like having a grapple stump bucket. Very versatile after i did some stuff to it. And a 742 cant lift much after you put on a 900 lb grapple.
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This is what mine is worst at because its got interference tines rather than bypass.. It cant bite down all the way.
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I removed a tooth and put in a hitchball hole for walking my bunk trailer around down the main firewood trail. I winch to the trail then load with the grapple.
I built one that is the style that Riwaka linked to in the video. Mine isn't nearly as nice, but I have moved hundreds of cords of wood around my yard with it. It's fast and versatile, I've found the clam brush grapples to be a really clumsy way to deal with logs. The only thing I dislike is that I have to unhook the hydraulic quick couplers to attach my forks to move pallets. Otherwise it would almost never come off.
If you really want to move some stuff you could get a Vernig 84" skeleton double clamshell grapple. Grapple weight 1,700 lbs. These are popular for brush and trees 🌲
I dunno if id have enough machine left to lift a broomstick with that pinned on!
:D
I'm not surevif the guy is still selling skidsteer grapples and stuff. If your in ontario he is just outside Lakefield so south of Lindsay. He use to sell a ton of skidsteer new stuff and he had real nice skidsteer grapples in stock . I believe 54 inch opening . Now they were log grapples like a big log loader in a sawmill. Not pallet forks with arm added on top and built in the USA . He was always on kijiji selling stuff
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The Vernig grapples I had posted about are the ones on the left
Virnig, Notch, Jenkins Iron are all good. If you want two claws it is a huge advantage to have them independent rather than both controlled by a single cylinder. That way you can grab things like a pile of brush that are not the same height on each side and both claws will be tight to the load.
I should have gotten these from my guy back when I looked at them in the summer. Grab Tec is a really good grapple and unique with the dual action grapple. But the price for the 84 " went up from 6k to 8k
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i have contemplated incorporating a leaf spring linkage into a double jointed grapple clamp for that reason. basically to make a fork grapple stand vertical for pallet action and then close up and curl around even a smaller log.
i dont like that none of these grapples bypass their neighboring tine. i want them to clamp on a 6" limb.
for a single smaller log/tree I catch it in-between the tines and thumb tips. for a group it works fine to grab the bunch.
Quote I catch it in-between the tines and thumb tips.
Do that too..
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I've been using the Skeleton Grapple (Skid Pro), and it's been great for moving rocks and sifting debris. When buying, I looked at different grapple options and chose this one based on my needs. Skid Pro offers different grapple attachments and provides detailed specifications for each to help you pick the right one. You can check them out here (https://skidpro.com/skid-steer-attachments/grapples/). It's also a good idea to search online for other brands and options to find what works best for you