Favorite grapple for logs?

Gareth's Tree

Gareth's Tree

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Location
Ashtabula
I bring my tractor to most tree jobs to move logs, and currently I use forks. However, I know that my efficiency would be greatly improved with a grapple. So, I was debating what style, and or brand, of grapple would be best. I know there are grapple buckets, root rake style grapples (like a grapple bucket but with tines instead of a bucket) or the rotating log style grapple. What do you use, or which one do you like best and why?
 
BMG on mini because I have to load the dump trailer from the back due to not enough reach to go over the side. WR Long grapple rake on the tractor. I can load over the side and clean up brush. Tractor is faster once on site if debris is a distance from the trailer or the debris is large. Mini is much faster to the site, load and unload and many times can leave with the last load of debris... So the tractor doesn't get used too much now.
 
flyingsquirrel25 said:
BMG on mini because I have to load the dump trailer from the back due to not enough reach to go over the side. WR Long grapple rake on the tractor. I can load over the side and clean up brush. Tractor is faster once on site if debris is a distance from the trailer or the debris is large. Mini is much faster to the site, load and unload and many times can leave with the last load of debris... So the tractor doesn't get used too much now.
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So, do you have to drive your tractor to site? My tractor is often on the job with us because I have a 3 point stump grinder on it. The downside to my setup is that it takes a 25-foot equipment trailer just to haul the tractor and stump grinder around. Plus it's heavy, about 8500 pounds with the stump grinder, that isn't including the trailer.
 
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tomtrees58 said:
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we have 3 of them
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You have all three of the different kinds that I was curious about. So what would you recommend for someone who does residential tree work with a tractor? What would be the best all-around grapple? The one thing that I had thought about the bucket style grapple is when I need to clean up a stump I wouldn't have to bring a different bucket, but other than that I don't know if it really seems to have enough positives.
 
Which ever grapple you decide to get don't get a cheap one there are a lot out there and cheap grapples and tree work don't work well together.
 
Gareth's Tree said:
You have all three of the different kinds that I was curious about. So what would you recommend for someone who does residential tree work with a tractor? What would be the best all-around grapple? The one thing that I had thought about the bucket style grapple is when I need to clean up a stump I wouldn't have to bring a different bucket, but other than that I don't know if it really seems to have enough positives.
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the root grapple you can get one on eBay 1300.00 free shipping the one in the is one had it for 3 years now its great
 
Gareth's Tree said:
So, do you have to drive your tractor to site? My tractor is often on the job with us because I have a 3 point stump grinder on it. The downside to my setup is that it takes a 25-foot equipment trailer just to haul the tractor and stump grinder around. Plus it's heavy, about 8500 pounds with the stump grinder, that isn't including the trailer.
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No, I don't have to drive it to the work but can if its close enough. Its just a pain to load in the dump trailer and strap it down. Its TIGHT. I sold my equipment trailer a couple years ago :muyenojado: in an effort to free up yard space and $$$. But I'm finding that to have been a bad decision. I am now looking for a 7x16 dump trailer to make it easier to haul the tractor (and more wood when using the mini).
 
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Not to derail thread but I have same thoughts on trailers as flying squirrel I do have an equipment trailer for min excavator and skidsteer and use dump for mini loader and stump grinder. Did stumps all day and had to unload Ramps and etc. Been thinking of a small 12' tilt easy on and off and small to tow behind bucket. So ordered the bri mar 12' tilt a little pricey but a lot easier to load and unload throughout the day.
 
tomtrees58 said:
the root grapple you can get one on eBay 1300.00 free shipping the one in the is one had it for 3 years now its great
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I'm actually a little surprised that it seems like the root rake grapple is the clear choice for a tractor. I guess I thought that the rotating log style grapple would have been the better choice. Why do you guys like the root rake grapple over the log grapple? It seems most people like the log grapple for the mini skids, is it because they are better on a smaller machine?
 
Being able to steer on a dime makes the BMG type grapple what it is. I would have to shuttle forward and reverse turning the wheel to position the grapple with the tractor. The root grapple you can just push until it is square or approach it different to get it to grab. Also with the tractor you have a much higher lift hight so over the side of a trailer is easy.
I would imagine a rotating grapple might work well on a tractor, but my machine has only one set of aux hydros. So it wouldnt work in my case.
 
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