Rotating grapple for skid steer

Caleb1 · Apr 24, 2017

Hi all
We have recently purchaced a terex PT 50T and would like to fit it with a 360 degree rotating grapple. I am sick of using a 4in1 bucket to feed the chipper. I have seen all the you tube videos of people using them and it looks perfect for what we do. My issue is that my engineer said that it will be really hard on the rotator and may need replacing within 12 months? I'm really not sure how a track loader can be harder on a rotating grapple than a digger? Thoughts?

Regards Caleb.

flyingsquirrel25 · Apr 24, 2017

Log trucks have rotators on the grapple, not a whole lot different. You don't hear anyone complaining about the Ryan's grapple or the rotating BMG. I don't think you will have big issues like that... you could always go with the non-rotating BMG as a compromise. Once you figure out how to rotate it with your approach it works great and saves $$$$.

tc262 · Apr 24, 2017

I've found a rotator is not needed on a skid loader. The problem with a skid loader and a rotator is you don't have the reach to pickup from the middle of the load, thus the opposite end is still on the ground and requires a lot of force to rotate the load. I'd just get a bypass grapple and set it up on a swivel like Branch Manager attachments does. I see your from New Zealand so purchasing from the states I'm guessing isn't cost effective for you, but the guys at Top Notch Equipment in MN have great products and even better customer support.

Tanner28 · Apr 24, 2017

I would not be without a rotator. I have them on two articulating loaders. For my market and area it's priceless. I have both set up to free float also for dragging. You really can't go wrong though either way.

Shane Brown · Apr 30, 2017

Have you checked out ICM-na.com They have what you were looking for, and are very reasonably priced with free shipping!

Tanner28 · Apr 30, 2017

Shane Brown said:
Have you checked out ICM-na.com They have what you were looking for, and are very reasonably priced with free shipping!

That's who I bought my last grapple and rotator from. They are well priced and have very good service. Caleb1 will still need to have a quick attach boom fabricated to handle the grapple. Keep in mind you will not get free float unless a separate control bank is used. You can use a hydraulic diverter to get open/close and rotation but no free float.

Tanner28 · May 1, 2017

tc262 said:
I've found a rotator is not needed on a skid loader. The problem with a skid loader and a rotator is you don't have the reach to pickup from the middle of the load, thus the opposite end is still on the ground and requires a lot of force to rotate the load. I'd just get a bypass grapple and set it up on a swivel like Branch Manager attachments does. I see your from New Zealand so purchasing from the states I'm guessing isn't cost effective for you, but the guys at Top Notch Equipment in MN have great products and even better customer support.

If you custom build your own boom for the grapple like I have now twice, you can usually get the reach to rotate a pile. If I can't, most of the time as some of the weights lifted I can then rotate the pile and re-grab if necessary. Most all booms I see for sale are far to short.

Shane Brown · May 1, 2017

How long is your boom that you built?

Tanner28 · May 1, 2017

Not a brush pile in the picture I know, but I hope my point comes across.

Tanner28 · May 1, 2017

From the bottom of the quick attatch plate, the boom tip is 40" out and 60" high. This is measured when the plate backing is perfectly vertical.

Shane Brown · May 1, 2017

Any chance you have some measurements from when you built it? Have you had any issues you would change since building it?

Tanner28 · May 1, 2017

Just a few more to give some ideas of what I use. They work great

Shane Brown · May 1, 2017

I like it! LOL

southsoundtree · May 1, 2017

Tanner, what's up with the open top box mod?

tc262 · May 1, 2017

Tanner28 said:
View attachment 44231

If you custom build your own boom for the grapple like I have now twice, you can usually get the reach to rotate a pile. If I can't, most of the time as some of the weights lifted I can then rotate the pile and re-grab if necessary. Most all booms I see for sale are far to short.

Yeah I totally agree. If using a skid loader instead of an articulating loader that log in your picture would be in the operators lap tho. I build my own hangers as well but they are not quite as pretty as yours.

Tanner28 · May 1, 2017

southsoundtree said:
Tanner, what's up with the open top box mod?

A loader 95% of the time goes to the job for feeding the chipper or loading wood. We have 2 chip trucks that we can use and the bucket usually hauls the loader. Since we very rarely chip into the bucket I cut the roof off to load wood over the side. It's almost always carrying a load. The chip beds a bit light though for log hauling and getting in rough shape. When I replace the bucket truck I'm thinking of buying an actual debris bed to have installed in replace of the thin metal chip box. The floor is very bowed down between the support braces.

Tanner28 · May 1, 2017

A better shot of the bed, not pretty but it works well.

southsoundtree · May 1, 2017

Creative!

Caleb1 · May 1, 2017

Tanner28 said:
View attachment 44236A better shot of the bed, not pretty but it works well.

It's a good set up.

Caleb1 · May 1, 2017

I have an engineer working on a grapple for me. We have made it long with two options to hang the grapple. I will get it next week I will take photos and give my feedback.