Any Grappler Operating Tips

[UnEasyRider]

Noob here with only like 2 hours or so with my grappler. I think it's taking me wayyyyy longer than it should to pickup small branches, logs etc on my property. Seems I'm batting 1 for 3 on picking up something the first time. Not sure if I should be curled going down or go down with the grappler level and push a bit til whatever falls in the grappler and close it or what to do. I know there is a learning curve but hopefully some of the guys will have some tips to make this go better/faster.

 

[ken erickson]

I think your spot on with being a bit of a learning curve and you will quickly get the hang of using your grapple! .

That being said I pick up a LOT of smaller diameter dead scot pines that range from 2 to 5 inch. Of course I pick up much larger trees and limbs.

The technique that works really well for me is that I will come over the top of the tree or branches with the grapple in close to a full curl, drop it down so the fixed tines are just at ground level then close the top grapple lid. I will adjust my curl and loader height as I close the lid to do as little ground disturbance as possible. My grapple is a Landpride SGC06 which has short lower fixed tines.

You can see in the picture I still have a lot of curl in the grapple but have already started to raise the loader arms and curl back.

 

[NCL4701]

What style do you have? Long bottom or vertical (aka root rake)?

 

[UnEasyRider]

I think your spot on with being a bit of a learning curve and you will quickly get the hang of using your grapple! .

That being said I pick up a LOT of smaller diameter dead scot pines that range from 2 to 5 inch. Of course I pick up much larger trees and limbs.

The technique that works really well for me is that I will come over the top of the tree or branches with the grapple in close to a full curl, drop it down so the fixed tines are just at ground level then close the top grapple lid. I will adjust my curl and loader height as I close the lid to do as little ground disturbance as possible. My grapple is a Landpride SGC06 which has short lower fixed tines.

You can see in the picture I still have a lot of curl in the grapple but have already started to raise the loader arms and curl back.

View attachment 109819

Thanks Ken!...I will try your method tomorrow

What style do you have? Long bottom or vertical (aka root rake)?

It's a Lynn's CR505G and I believe it's the root rake type as thats what it says on my invoice.

 

[D2Cat]

You can go to YouTube College, or just simply use logical thinking. If you were using your hand to pick up the material you're wanting to move how would you place your fingers, where would you place your thumb? You simply have a few more "thumbs" and hydraulic pressure to handle big loads!

Think about it, try it, see how it works, then modify what you think might help. Do that for an afternoon and you'll get the hang of it.

You pick up something too long or too heavy, or both and you'll quickly recognize the problem. Keep experimenting and you'll grasp it quickly.

 

[NCL4701]

Thanks Ken!...I will try your method tomorrow


It's a Lynn's CR505G and I believe it's the root rake type as thats what it says on my invoice.

Per Google images, yes that’s a root rake type. Mine is a long bottom so its similar but a little different. Good advice from Ken. And I do agree with D2 Cat.

When I started with mine I was trying to use it like a bucket with a lid, trying to slide under things before clamping, which didn’t work very well. I was pushing stuff around without getting a lot in the grapple.

Started having much more success when I started thinking of it like a giant hand to reach over top of stuff to grab it. You can use it to push stuff into piles with tines near vertical, but curl forward over the top to clamp and lift.

 

[UnEasyRider]

Per Google images, yes that’s a root rake type. Mine is a long bottom so its similar but a little different. Good advice from Ken. And I do agree with D2 Cat.

When I started with mine I was trying to use it like a bucket with a lid, trying to slide under things before clamping, which didn’t work very well. I was pushing stuff around without getting a lot in the grapple.

Started having much more success when I started thinking of it like a giant hand to reach over top of stuff to grab it. You can use it to push stuff into piles with tines near vertical, but curl forward over the top to clamp and lift.

The image of the hand doing it will really help. Can’t wait to try it tmrw. For next time is the other kind that you have better for just picking stuff up and not ripping roots than what I have???Thank you for your imput. Craig

 

[NorthwoodsLife]

I have a short-lower- tined grapple as well. Having used just forks much of my life to move branches and logs, there's definetely a learning curve.
I've been operating various tractors over the years and my 'root' grapple is my least used peice of equipment. I use forks.

I should have gotten a long-lower-tined grapple, due to my old habits of driving under the pile.

Good luck. Practice.

I don't use mine, and don't practice with it. I just don't care for it. But that's my issue.

 

[NCL4701]

The image of the hand doing it will really help. Can’t wait to try it tmrw. For next time is the other kind that you have better for just picking stuff up and not ripping roots than what I have???Thank you for your imput. Craig

I don’t really know which style is better for picking stuff up. Either seems to work quite well for that.

I suspect yours is better for ripping roots than mine because I have to curl mine pretty far forward to get the lower teeth into the ground and I’m not real excited about getting grossly aggressive with the curl cylinders way extended. It works great for brush and logs, though. If I need to get ugly with roots the rippers on my boxblade are more likely my weapon of choice.

 

[skeets]

The grapple has a fairly sharp learning curve,, and once you figuer out how it works for you it will all be good. Most guys open wide come in low so the lower jaw is just above the ground and gather up your targets then pan down and close the jaw,,, it takes some time but you will pick it up. Oh and one more thing,,,,,, if you aint got at least 1 bent tooth your not using it

 

[UnEasyRider]

The grapple has a fairly sharp learning curve,, and once you figuer out how it works for you it will all be good. Most guys open wide come in low so the lower jaw is just above the ground and gather up your targets then pan down and close the jaw,,, it takes some time but you will pick it up. Oh and one more thing,,,,,, if you aint got at least 1 bent tooth your not using it

Thanks Skeets!

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I also find using it a little frustrating at times. It definitely takes a little practice.

One thing that I found helpful is how you "toss/stack" the stuff your cutting.

I have a hell of a time unless I can approach the stack/pile "sideways"

If I don't approach from the side, it all slips out as I'm moving.

The good part about the entire stack slipping out as I go, is that I leave a trail of sh!t, so I can easily find my way back! (Hansel and Gretel have nothing on me)

 

[mikester]

Make your grab while moving forward slowly. Angle the lower grapple jaws to self feed while moving forward, closing the grapple just keeps stuff in place.

Make and grab small piles of small branches, it's easier than trying to grab one branch at a time.

Have fun!

 

[In Utopia]

I found that putting the bottom teeth of the grapple in a vertical or even just past that and then drag at ground level pushing and rolling until it's a good bundle. Then without curling bring the top teeth down and grab the whole bundle. Using this method I was able to pick up shredded up cedar trees down to ground level so the ground would go back to native grass.

 

[ve9aa]

All I can think of when I read this thread is Len Denton "The Grappler" LOL (wrestling)

 

[Bmyers]

As other have noted, it is a learning curve. At first I was wondering why I spent the money when it would be quicker doing it by hand. Yet, a little practice, a LOT of patience, you will master it and wonder how you ever got along without it.

 

[ferguson]

Get a some branches in a spot you dont care if you rip up & " Practice Makes Perfect"

 

[The Evil Twin]

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.

 

[rc51stierhoff]

Noob here with only like 2 hours or so with my grappler. I think it's taking me wayyyyy longer than it should to pickup small branches, logs etc on my property. Seems I'm batting 1 for 3 on picking up something the first time. Not sure if I should be curled going down or go down with the grappler level and push a bit til whatever falls in the grappler and close it or what to do. I know there is a learning curve but hopefully some of the guys will have some tips to make this go better/faster.

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.

 

[cthomas]

I also find using it a little frustrating at times. It definitely takes a little practice.
The good part about the entire stack slipping out as I go, is that I leave a trail of sh!t, so I can easily find my way back! (Hansel and Gretel have nothing on me)

I guess that better than a trail of backhoe pins!