Best Cab and Chassis for a Grapple Truck

[OasisTree]

Curious what you guys are setting your trucks up with, new or used, and why. I am looking for a tight turning radius truck, with plenty of power. Not looking to stay under CDL, and want to be able to pull a trailer. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Reach]

No experience with one set up as a grapple truck, but in my experience in big trucks, not much can turn as tight as some of the Freightliners.

 

[Lumberjack]

What’s your budget?

How many yards?

Rear mount or dump?

 

[Tim Meagher]

A 2007 and older truck won't have as many emissions/ problems. 2007-2012 or so had some emissions issues but they've gotten better but still can land you in the shop for weeks. Most newer trucks like the 567 and 4700 turn sharper then others but with enough wheelbase a sharp turn is just havoc on tires/suspension. Its hard to have it all on a big truck.

Wheelbase and front end turning angle play a large roll. Box size also is critical on wheelbase choice. 20K front end for a big truck is a must. Bigger brakes, heavier loads, more contact patch for stopping.

(52-54" axle spacing)

For residential a 260" WB with a 22-24"box works well IMO
275" for a 24-25' box
275-284" for a 26-27' box.
Over 284" or so and its hard to turn and scrubs the tires badly.

Tag axle is nice to reduce the chances of bouncing, add support for heavy loads and trailers. Spread out weight to get into driveways etc. A pusher will also reduce front end load and offer another set of brakes.

There are some basic hardox boxes out there like brandon . They are nice but not ideal. They have a bigger sill where the bed mounts to clear any axles someone will have. This allows them to be sold and mounted anywhere. This raises the center of gravity and reduces yardage . Most of them are 50-65 yards with/without a cab shield. They also aren't tall enough to protect the loader.

I recommend going to a builder so the bed is custom made for your truck and larger. Typically they can be 24-27' and 70-80 yards. I did some research last year and really like the fit, finish and details of the company I chose. The guy was super helpful and it was a great experience from start to finish. His bed design is stout and attention to detail was excellent.

24.5’ body is around 73 yards. 24.5’ take 8.5 x 9.5 x length divided by 27 will give you cubes of the body add 2.5 -3 yards for cab shield depending on its height and length. Its roughly 3 yards more per foot of box length.

Ended up at 273" WB 200" CT and a 24.5' box. Truck turns and handles weight well. 13'2" I wanted the bed 2" taller then the loader seat cover to protect it.

Rear mount has alot of pro's over a mid mount. Less weight,no extra dump cylinders, truck can't tip when dumping, load a trailer,working off the back opens up alot of options.
Attached are a few examples of universal 45-50 yd hardox beds vs custom 71-80 yd.

 

[eastsidetimber]

A 2007 and older truck won't have as many emissions/ problems. 2007-2012 or so had some emissions issues but they've gotten better but still can land you in the shop for weeks. Most newer trucks like the 567 and 4700 turn sharper then others but with enough wheelbase a sharp turn is just havoc on tires/suspension. Its hard to have it all on a big truck.

Wheelbase and front end turning angle play a large roll. Box size also is critical on wheelbase choice. 20K front end for a big truck is a must. Bigger brakes, heavier loads, more contact patch for stopping.

(52-54" axle spacing)

For residential a 260" WB with a 22-24"box works well IMO
275" for a 24-25' box
275-284" for a 26-27' box.
Over 284" or so and its hard to turn and scrubs the tires badly.

Tag axle is nice to reduce the chances of bouncing, add support for heavy loads and trailers. Spread out weight to get into driveways etc. A pusher will also reduce front end load and offer another set of brakes.

There are some basic hardox boxes out there like brandon . They are nice but not ideal. They have a bigger sill where the bed mounts to clear any axles someone will have. This allows them to be sold and mounted anywhere. This raises the center of gravity and reduces yardage . Most of them are 50-65 yards with/without a cab shield. They also aren't tall enough to protect the loader.

I recommend going to a builder so the bed is custom made for your truck and larger. Typically they can be 24-27' and 70-80 yards. I did some research last year and really like the fit, finish and details of the company I chose. The guy was super helpful and it was a great experience from start to finish. His bed design is stout and attention to detail was excellent.

Ended up at 273" WB 200" CT and a 24.5' box. Truck turns and handles weight well. 13'2" I wanted the bed 2" taller then the loader seat cover to protect it.

Rear mount has alot of pro's over a mid mount. Less weight,no extra dump cylinders, truck can't tip when dumping, load a trailer,working off the back opens up alot of options.

View attachment 72960View attachment 72962View attachment 72964View attachment 72966

What's your thoughts on set forward versus set back front axles? And how do they impact turning radius?

 

[Tim Meagher]

Set back saves 17" on a western star 4900 vs set forward. Other chassis may be different. If you are building big truck that needs 270-280" of wheelbase I'd save the inches. Now, if you are staying with a 250-260" WB then a SF is probably ok.

Less wheelbase will turn sharper but to short with a big bed or rear mount doesn't ride or handle weight well IMO.

 

[Billtree27]

L

Set back saves 17" on a western star 4900 vs set forward. Other chassis may be different. If you are building big truck that needs 270-280" of wheelbase I'd save the inches. Now, if you are staying with a 250-260" WB then a SF is probably ok.

Less wheelbase will turn sharper but to short with a big bed or rear mount doesn't ride or handle weight well IMO.

ove my ford ltl9000 with a prentice 124 loader

 

[Tim Meagher]

Looks good. Ironically my Brother's company is A Budget Tree in central florida.

 

[Billtree27]

Looks good. Ironically my Brother's company is A Budget Tree in central florida.

Small world, whats the deal with them brush loading trees instead of chipping them?

 

[Tim Meagher]

Truck is used daily for wood pickups or palm. He has 6-8 crews that have chippers but alot of 15-18"+ logs are left curbside for the grapple truck.

We also get some hurricanes so the truck will be ready for fema hauling with a trailer.