Thanks Mike, I watch a few different ( actually a bunch )of videos. One of the consistent views is they LOVE THEIR GRAPPLE. The brand and style varies bur they all agree that a grapple is a very useful implement. Take care.
A couple more reasons for the grapple rake style are it’s less stress on the machine when raking and picking up heavy loads. The weight is generally held a bit closer to the pivot pins. But the biggest one in my experience is if you ever use the grapple to load into a truck the traditional grapple doesn’t allow you to load as high. I have an f450 dump truck with 42” sides. A bobcat t300 with a traditional grapple doesn’t clear the sides when dumped. The grapple rake unloads in my truck easier and allows me to get more in the truck before you start pushing debris off the other side. With the traditional grapple you have to try to fling the last few pieces off the end of the tines as you are backing up and you still end up dropping a bunch of debris on the ground.
Great overview of Grapples! Depending on the application I would suggest that even a 4 or 5 foot wide grapple is just fine on a subcompact or compact tractor. The narrower width makes it lighter (hence more lift capacity) and more nimble in the woods. If you want to rake large areas, clearly a wider unit takes fewer passes, but for brush, logs, rocks, and other general use, narrower is just fine. HLA makes an excellent modest cost product called the Light Duty Root Rake Grapple - I have one on a Kubota L4060 and it works great. However my inspiration for this particular grapple came from another TH-cam channel - GP Outdoors. He has several videos using the HLA grapple and it compliments what you said about the clamshell rake style. Probably not ideal for big round bales of hay though - the opening is 33.5 inches. For everything else it works awesome!
Hey Mike, Try raising your loader, curling your grapple down and crawling forward at the same time. If you get good enough you won't leave a giant crater in the ground . I know this from experience. You get more in the grapple this way. We have a dedicated grapple similar to the one in your video but not nearly as tall but deeper. Also are bottom teeth curve up at the tips. Watch how much your bottom teeth curve up when you buy one because at max open it is not as wide. Great video!
Awesome video Mike. I have the single cylinder extended fork type that you mentioned and love it. However the style you now like and recommend not only rakes and picks things up but weighs about 200 lbs. less than the extended fork grapple. This is a huge difference to add to the capacity of a loader.
I’m buying a Precision 322 double lid for my Kubota L3901. Super excited for what it can do. It’s in at a nearby dealer, I just need to drop off my tractor for 3rd function install.
Another great video Mike. I wish I had gotten a different grapple than the one I have. Mine has a single grapple and if I had known then what I know now I'd have gotten one with two clamps. However even a "bad" grapple beats "no" grapple!
I wish we had the same selection of grapples over here. I only see grapples like the Igland GR20 which is a variation of the clam I guess. That and box blades. Those looks so neat.
Good info. What's your thoughts on the single "lid" grapple ? I know u mentioned two grapple and one in the middle, have u tried the one that has one grapple the width of the implement?
Just an FYI for potential buyers...I ordered a 333D72SS Rake Tine Grapple from a dealer that carries Precision Mfg. I ordered it sight unseen based off videos and much study and was a bit disappointed that the pivot points are not greasable. Fortunately, I can easily add greasable pivot points to the grapple lid hinge but the cylinder pivots are a no-go. There's not enough meat to drill and tap for a grease zerk. Oh well, I guess if I ever wear it out before I die I will have got my moneys worth out of it. I'm just an occasional user and not a demolition or land clearing contractor.
Good video Mike. I am searching for a grapple for my Tractor. I read that EA uses 1/4" steel while others 3/8s to keep the weight down plus they are considerably more expensive. But I will research them. Thanks for your knowledge friend. Mark.
This would be my choice: asktractormike.com/product/the-closer-344-72-grapple-rake-for-skid-loaders-and-mid-range-tractors/, but I'm prejudice, that's what I sell. Made here in Missouri by Precision Manufacturing, they specialize in brush removal equipment. Those old Fords are stout tractors, built like a tank. Hang on to that one!
Do you mean width or how heavy? If you're going to be working it hard, get this one: asktractormike.com/product/the-closer-344-72-grapple-rake-for-skid-loaders-and-mid-range-tractors/. Those 545 Fords were a beast, don't ever get rid of it.
I am in active negotiation to get shipping to Canada, (for products on my website, which include grapples.) As of now, no. However, we are trying very hard to figure a way to get products to our awesome Canadian viewers
I do believe you didn't mention all the extra things you can do with a clam shell rake type grapple like everything attachments makes. You can back rake with them making many jobs easier on clean up. One needs to watch videos on the everything attachments wicked root grapples to see all that they can do. They put other grapples to shame. They are light weight by using better steel and cutting weight away where possible. If you are going to have a grapple buy a grapple anything less like attaching one to forks or a bucket won't do the job of a grapple and you waste. Half the money it would have cost to buy a real grapple in the first place.
Thanks Mike, I watch a few different ( actually a bunch )of videos. One of the consistent views is they LOVE THEIR GRAPPLE. The brand and style varies bur they all agree that a grapple is a very useful implement. Take care.
A couple more reasons for the grapple rake style are it’s less stress on the machine when raking and picking up heavy loads. The weight is generally held a bit closer to the pivot pins. But the biggest one in my experience is if you ever use the grapple to load into a truck the traditional grapple doesn’t allow you to load as high. I have an f450 dump truck with 42” sides. A bobcat t300 with a traditional grapple doesn’t clear the sides when dumped. The grapple rake unloads in my truck easier and allows me to get more in the truck before you start pushing debris off the other side. With the traditional grapple you have to try to fling the last few pieces off the end of the tines as you are backing up and you still end up dropping a bunch of debris on the ground.
Great job on your video. Got some good ideas on how to talk employer into buying grappler.
Great overview of Grapples! Depending on the application I would suggest that even a 4 or 5 foot wide grapple is just fine on a subcompact or compact tractor. The narrower width makes it lighter (hence more lift capacity) and more nimble in the woods. If you want to rake large areas, clearly a wider unit takes fewer passes, but for brush, logs, rocks, and other general use, narrower is just fine. HLA makes an excellent modest cost product called the Light Duty Root Rake Grapple - I have one on a Kubota L4060 and it works great. However my inspiration for this particular grapple came from another TH-cam channel - GP Outdoors. He has several videos using the HLA grapple and it compliments what you said about the clamshell rake style. Probably not ideal for big round bales of hay though - the opening is 33.5 inches. For everything else it works awesome!
Hey Mike, Try raising your loader, curling your grapple down and crawling forward at the same time. If you get good enough you won't leave a giant crater in the ground . I know this from experience. You get more in the grapple this way. We have a dedicated grapple similar to the one in your video but not nearly as tall but deeper. Also are bottom teeth curve up at the tips. Watch how much your bottom teeth curve up when you buy one because at max open it is not as wide. Great video!
Awesome video Mike. I have the single cylinder extended fork type that you mentioned and love it. However the style you now like and recommend not only rakes and picks things up but weighs about 200 lbs. less than the extended fork grapple. This is a huge difference to add to the capacity of a loader.
I’m buying a Precision 322 double lid for my Kubota L3901. Super excited for what it can do. It’s in at a nearby dealer, I just need to drop off my tractor for 3rd function install.
Always good stuff Mike, still trying to put the cash together for my grapple, no shortage of work on my 10 acres, thats for sure.
Another great video Mike. I wish I had gotten a different grapple than the one I have. Mine has a single grapple and if I had known then what I know now I'd have gotten one with two clamps. However even a "bad" grapple beats "no" grapple!
I wish we had the same selection of grapples over here. I only see grapples like the Igland GR20 which is a variation of the clam I guess. That and box blades. Those looks so neat.
Good info. What's your thoughts on the single "lid" grapple ? I know u mentioned two grapple and one in the middle, have u tried the one that has one grapple the width of the implement?
Just an FYI for potential buyers...I ordered a 333D72SS Rake Tine Grapple from a dealer that carries Precision Mfg. I ordered it sight unseen based off videos and much study and was a bit disappointed that the pivot points are not greasable. Fortunately, I can easily add greasable pivot points to the grapple lid hinge but the cylinder pivots are a no-go. There's not enough meat to drill and tap for a grease zerk. Oh well, I guess if I ever wear it out before I die I will have got my moneys worth out of it. I'm just an occasional user and not a demolition or land clearing contractor.
Good video Mike. I am searching for a grapple for my Tractor. I read that EA uses 1/4" steel while others 3/8s to keep the weight down plus they are considerably more expensive. But I will research them. Thanks for your knowledge friend. Mark.
Your channel is awesome and I needed to watch this. Very helpful!
Good info, 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻, thanks, Paul from Texas
I think that clam style is more gentle on the ground and debris while picking up.
What do you think of the westendorf bc-4200 brush crusher? I have a johndeere 3032e tractor with out extra hydraulic hook ups.
Good stuff. Do you have any experience with the no hydrolic grapples? The BC 4200 would be an example. Looking to buy one for my TC 30.
Mike, who makes the clam type grapple you show in the video, is there link to where I can get one ?
Mike looking for a root grapple that would be compatible with my 545d Ford industrial tractor any recommendations
This would be my choice: asktractormike.com/product/the-closer-344-72-grapple-rake-for-skid-loaders-and-mid-range-tractors/, but I'm prejudice, that's what I sell. Made here in Missouri by Precision Manufacturing, they specialize in brush removal equipment.
Those old Fords are stout tractors, built like a tank. Hang on to that one!
Love this particular grapple! What is the manufacturer and model?
All made by a company called Precision and available here: asktractormike.com/products-for-sale/tractor-attachments/. They make good stuff!
Great video, Mike. Thanks!
What size grapple do you recommend for a 545d ford tractor
Do you mean width or how heavy? If you're going to be working it hard, get this one: asktractormike.com/product/the-closer-344-72-grapple-rake-for-skid-loaders-and-mid-range-tractors/. Those 545 Fords were a beast, don't ever get rid of it.
Is it possible to get a grapple for a 40 hp Kubota in Ottawa Canada ?
I am in active negotiation to get shipping to Canada, (for products on my website, which include grapples.) As of now, no. However, we are trying very hard to figure a way to get products to our awesome Canadian viewers
Who makes the grapple in this video?
Precision Manufacturing in Sedalia, MO.
"If you have a grapple, and you don't use it that much..." I do not understand this statement. I put my grapple on, and SELDOM take it off!
4x4 Moses Me too!!
the vid was good but the rock was kinda embarrassing
I do believe you didn't mention all the extra things you can do with a clam shell rake type grapple like everything attachments makes. You can back rake with them making many jobs easier on clean up. One needs to watch videos on the everything attachments wicked root grapples to see all that they can do. They put other grapples to shame. They are light weight by using better steel and cutting weight away where possible. If you are going to have a grapple buy a grapple anything less like attaching one to forks or a bucket won't do the job of a grapple and you waste. Half the money it would have cost to buy a real grapple in the first place.