I wanted to get some significant use before offering a review so after grappling about 40 decent sized trees I figure I can offer my opinion.
The negatives first.
It’s a tight fit for the SSQA hookup. I know it should be snug but it’s just shy of having to force it. I assume the grapple is too tight vs. the Kubota hookup being too wide. Nothing I couldn’t clean up with a grinder but I shouldn’t have to.
The powdercoat seems to chip/flake easily. Not a major concern as it’s a working implement but I’d think it should be a bit more durable.
That’s about it.
Once I got the hang of the best angle to have the bottom teeth I found it does an excellent job of digging in a bit and “root raking” to cleanup the ground. Using the lid to back drag is very effective as well for cleaning up debris and raking out small roots. I have hit some large roots/rocks with the bottom and lid tines that stopped the tractor in it’s tracks. Zero bends, dings or visible damage. I’m not proud to say it but I have done a few things I probably shouldn’t have with it and suffered no ill effects (picking the front of the tractor off the ground whilst attempting to pull down a partially severed branch, picking up off center oddly shaped loads clamped tightly, pushing heavy logs with the lid, etc.).
The serrated/pointy teeth do their job holding the logs/large rocks firmly, the cylinders function evenly and apparently have plenty of clamping force. All of the pivot points have easily accessible zerks for servicing. Weighs 300 pounds, made of AR400.
Basically my review is that I see no real weaknesses with it, it’s durable (I am actually shocked that I haven’t damaged it with my shenanigans) and it does everything that I’d expect from a root rake grapple. In my opinion it is worthy of consideration if you are in the market.
The negatives first.
It’s a tight fit for the SSQA hookup. I know it should be snug but it’s just shy of having to force it. I assume the grapple is too tight vs. the Kubota hookup being too wide. Nothing I couldn’t clean up with a grinder but I shouldn’t have to.
The powdercoat seems to chip/flake easily. Not a major concern as it’s a working implement but I’d think it should be a bit more durable.
That’s about it.
Once I got the hang of the best angle to have the bottom teeth I found it does an excellent job of digging in a bit and “root raking” to cleanup the ground. Using the lid to back drag is very effective as well for cleaning up debris and raking out small roots. I have hit some large roots/rocks with the bottom and lid tines that stopped the tractor in it’s tracks. Zero bends, dings or visible damage. I’m not proud to say it but I have done a few things I probably shouldn’t have with it and suffered no ill effects (picking the front of the tractor off the ground whilst attempting to pull down a partially severed branch, picking up off center oddly shaped loads clamped tightly, pushing heavy logs with the lid, etc.).
The serrated/pointy teeth do their job holding the logs/large rocks firmly, the cylinders function evenly and apparently have plenty of clamping force. All of the pivot points have easily accessible zerks for servicing. Weighs 300 pounds, made of AR400.
Basically my review is that I see no real weaknesses with it, it’s durable (I am actually shocked that I haven’t damaged it with my shenanigans) and it does everything that I’d expect from a root rake grapple. In my opinion it is worthy of consideration if you are in the market.
Last edited:
