Has anyone tried using the branch manager grapple or any other type of rotating grapple on a BX series? I have a BX2380 that i’m trying to use for tree work (kubota because that reliability and it’s my nearest dealer). Thinking of getting an adapter plate to mini skid plate to make this work. Anyone have experience with this?
Branch Manager/Rotating Grapple for BX
- Thread starter Bx23DG
- Start date
OntheRidge
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
Kubota L47 TLB, Homestead 55" grapple, LP 1684 rear blade, WR Long 84" snowplow
We had one on a mini articulating loader where I used to work(tree service)-manual rotation. It was built very well and was easy to use once you got the hang of it.
Good to hear. There is definitely an appeal for the rotating since you can fit through more narrow areas. I feel like the standard tractor grapple just wouldn’t do as good of a job is residential areas where space constraints matter.
GreensvilleJay
Well-known member
Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
Avant is the articulated machine to look at . Their 24hp machine has same Kubota engine as my BX23S.
Local arborist has one. agile little beastie, amazing what it can do ! Only negative is the plastic fenders kinda ,well, ain't made very strong but if I needed an offroad 'tree' machine, I'd buy one PDQ.
Local arborist has one. agile little beastie, amazing what it can do ! Only negative is the plastic fenders kinda ,well, ain't made very strong but if I needed an offroad 'tree' machine, I'd buy one PDQ.
Had a SSQA Smart Grapple logging grapple. Modified to fit cat2 3pt also. 12K hydraulic winch. Good for carrying long ways thru gates and loading into back of trucks. Sold it several times what I paid to a local tree surgeon. Got county road contract. They love it! Work it most every job, 15years. Use it to carry limbs and feed a chipper. Saves tremendous labor. Not that heavy but wood gets heavy quick. Sadly company in Roberts Montana closed.
Often use the Danuser Intimdator to carry long wise now. Particularly tall saplings down the driveway roots and all.
Often use the Danuser Intimdator to carry long wise now. Particularly tall saplings down the driveway roots and all.
That’s a dope photo! Looks legit! Also curious: do you have a link to the type of grapple you’re talking about? Can’t seem to find it.
If I had the money I would 100% get an avant. My setup for about a year now has been my bx with bucket, forks, and a 3pt chipper. It worked pretty well and made me some decent money. I recently got a 6 inch chipper and now looking to make my machine useful in other ways. I figured grapple would be a good place to start until I can save enough to get something cool like an avant.
In theory it sounds nice but in reality you don't have the lift capacity to handle much with a BX. Putting a heavy attachment and extending the load forward give you even less lift capacity.
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Smart Grapple was great design by-pass grapple. Close to zero opening. The gimbal allow easy placement around logs, saplings, or posts. Could carry logs completely off the ground. Built by a forester for forestry management. Still get to see it in action occasionally.
Mikester is right, you don’t have much tractor to use an implement like that. The Danuser Intimdator is 650#. That’s half the lifting capacity of the B26. It’s great for pulling in invasive plants. Grip low, drive forward multiples lifting force to pull roots and all up. Got to pick the right weather and ground conditions.