Grapple Truck Advice

reola · Dec 6, 2017

Hi all,

this is the most active forum i've come across regarding the use of grapples and I need a little guideance if you don't mind.

I'm looking to buy a grapple truck that will initially be used for wildfire cleanup in California (licensed in lousiana). After this, the plan is to partner with local landscapers for cleanup and possibly storm cleanup as needed in the future.

I've no experience at all with these trucks but have driven semi's before. How do I avoid getting shafted when buying used and will I get decent service out of a $30k unit that's 15 years old?

Jasonk · Dec 7, 2017

$30k will buy you a nice used grapple than you just need another 50 or so for the truck
Really not kidding though.

reola · Dec 7, 2017

Jasonk said:
$30k will buy you a nice used grapple than you just need another 50 or so for the truck
Really not kidding though.

So basically any truck out there in the $30k range is not worth having? That's what I needed to know. Thanks.

flyingsquirrel25 · Dec 7, 2017

reola said:
So basically any truck out there in the $30k range is not worth having? That's what I needed to know. Thanks.

This is dependent on your business. I think when Jason commented it was very general and probably where he as at in business. Yes he is correct a good boom and good truck cost money... a bunch of money. But do you need a Tri-axle truck? Can you live with tandems or a single? All have their limitations and all have their pluses. Are you looking to haul 7-8 cords of wood at a time or 3? Can you sacrifice capacity for maneuverability? Or sacrifice maneuvering for capacity? Can you wrench on your own truck? What are your capabilities? What are you trying to pick up, 6000 pound logs or 2000 pound logs?
Also the perception of “worth” is dependent on your situation. If I can get a truck on my budget that I can put 10,000 pounds on, it’s not worth the expense to me because I can almost do that now with the dump trailer. Conversely if I can put 20k on that essentially doubles plus my current hauling capacity so the expense in my mind would be justified. But bigger truck = more $$$.
With a budget of 30K you will have to sacrifice some of the wants and needs on your wish list. But you might get lucky and find a gem hidden somewhere. A buddy of mine picked one up last year for 19k. The first few months was tough getting him to pick logs because he was finding all the things wrong with it. But it’s running good now... but it’s not a beauty going down the road, and he doesn’t really care. I would and you may not. Like I said it’s all in where you are at in business! Good luck

Lumberjack · Dec 7, 2017

For storm/disaster cleanup you usually need a tri axle max yardage truck.

My former truck:

eastsidetimber · Dec 8, 2017

flyingsquirrel25 said:
This is dependent on your business. I think when Jason commented it was very general and probably where he as at in business. Yes he is correct a good boom and good truck cost money... a bunch of money. But do you need a Tri-axle truck? Can you live with tandems or a single? All have their limitations and all have their pluses. Are you looking to haul 7-8 cords of wood at a time or 3? Can you sacrifice capacity for maneuverability? Or sacrifice maneuvering for capacity? Can you wrench on your own truck? What are your capabilities? What are you trying to pick up, 6000 pound logs or 2000 pound logs?
Also the perception of “worth” is dependent on your situation. If I can get a truck on my budget that I can put 10,000 pounds on, it’s not worth the expense to me because I can almost do that now with the dump trailer. Conversely if I can put 20k on that essentially doubles plus my current hauling capacity so the expense in my mind would be justified. But bigger truck = more $$$.
With a budget of 30K you will have to sacrifice some of the wants and needs on your wish list. But you might get lucky and find a gem hidden somewhere. A buddy of mine picked one up last year for 19k. The first few months was tough getting him to pick logs because he was finding all the things wrong with it. But it’s running good now... but it’s not a beauty going down the road, and he doesn’t really care. I would and you may not. Like I said it’s all in where you are at in business! Good luck

Well said

Fivepoints · Dec 8, 2017

Be prepared to rebuild hydraulic cylinders on a truck like that. I just bought a 2001 sterling with a petersen tl3 loader myself in that price range. I've only had it a couple of months and its already had two cylinders leaking. They were not leaking when I purchased the truck. I bought it from a friend of mine that I work with some so I'm extremely familiar with this truck. It still is going to happen with these. The booms are really prone to crack at the pins on these. Check it over carefully. I know someone else that bought a grapple truck similar that ended up in about 15k worth of repairs to the grapple.