Any Grappler Operating Tips

[UnEasyRider]

One thing I didn't see anyone mention is using float mode.
When I'm picking up brush and dead limbs, I'll roll the grapple out a little and just skim the dirt while pushing the junk into a decent pile. Once I've pushed it into a pile, I will float the loader while rolling the grapple out and inching forward. This moved the grapple over top of the pile (think the "claw" machines at the old arcade that grab stuffed animals). Both jaws are on the sides of the pile. Like if you were to pick up a pen from the floor. Float let's the loader articulate as you roll the grapple. I can't find the video I was watching.
Heavier stuff like logs and/ or rocks I'll essentially do the same thing . Once it's grabbed, I'll curl the grapple and bring those pistons in. Stacks of logs I'll run the tines in the dirt under them.
Now, I do have a different grapple with the long lower tines. And, I don't care so much about scars on the woodland dirt. Anyway, someone may have a decent video of what I'm describing.

Never thought of using float...good idea!

 

[mdhughes]

Like The Evil Twin, when you go to close the grapple, have the loader in float and as you are closing the grapple curl the grapple. This will keep the back of the grapple on the ground and not pick up the front of the tractor.

GP Outdoors has a good video on it. I will post the link if I can find it.

 

[UnEasyRider]

Like The Evil Twin, when you go to close the grapple, have the loader in float and as you are closing the grapple curl the grapple. This will keep the back of the grapple on the ground and not pick up the front of the tractor.

GP Outdoors has a good video on it. I will post the link if I can find it.

How'd you know I was picking up the tractor a lot and getting aggravated??? Thank you for the good tip!

 

[mdhughes]

How'd you know I was picking up the tractor a lot and getting aggravated??? Thank you for the good tip!

Just one of those things you learn

This is one off the videos that GP has done on using a grapple, there is a later one, but I haven't found it yet:

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I guess that better than a trail of backhoe pins!

Hahahah.......Yea, thats why I have a "spare BH pin" in my tool box.

 

[The Evil Twin]

Just one of those things you learn

This is one off the videos that GP has done on using a grapple, there is a later one, but I haven't found it yet:

That isn't the video I saw, but exactly what I'm talking about.
@UnEasyRider just make sure you don't use float approaching the pile. Only once you touch it so to speak, and want to begin rolling it out. Otherwise, you could snag something in the ground and cause damage. That vid is a good basic example of what I'm talking about.

 

[UnEasyRider]

That isn't the video I saw, but exactly what I'm talking about.
@UnEasyRider just make sure you don't use float approaching the pile. Only once you touch it so to speak, and want to begin rolling it out. Otherwise, you could snag something in the ground and cause damage. That vid is a good basic example of what I'm talking about.

Thanks for bringing that most important point up...otherwise I might have......lol

 

[bearskinner]

Get a set of old automobile tires. When you can pick them up and stack them, then pick up pairs and stack them, you have it figured out. Gentle on the crush controls until you need to gather and crush.

 

[Snowman7]

IMO cutting up a tree will help with the learning curve. After you cut your first tree up in to firewood, by the time you are done you will be at a Homeowner Pro Level (AIST) . Cutting up a tree allows you to buck up longer/larger logs and hold to cut, as well it will help you pull branches out to where cut-able (if that is even a word) and you will have opportunity to move large chunks / rounds and have a pile of branches / tops. Get all the cleaned up and you will have the hang of it.

If cutable is not a word, it should be, I like it!