Grapple Opinions Again

[AllDodge]

M9540 with skid steer attach

Looking at several and like the clam shell style. Many list as root rake but I'm not going to try and bend the FEL arms trying to do something like that. Skid Steer Attachment Depot has a 72 inch which looks like what I'm thinking about

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Skid-Steer-Tractor-Loader-Attachment-66-Root-Rake-Clam-Grapple-Ship-199-/202565401440?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10

Its a clam shell and is 600 pounds. Can get the extreme which weight is 900 or so pounds, but that also reduces the amount it can pick up.

The thing I'm looking for is the style. Want something to pick up brush, trees and some rocks, but no need for digging in the dirt, have other stuff to do that

 

[Jchonline]

This is the kind I have, also called a root grapple. The shape of the bottom row of tines allows it to dig into the soil and pop smaller roots out, and even do some minor harrowing .

I mainly use mine for the above, brush, logs, and rocks. The trick with these is that you dont really scoop much. You get over and close the top to draw the material into the bottom tines.

If you just want something that makes it easy to scoop like a bucket get a rock grapple with this type of look.
https://www.everythingattachments.com/Root-Grapple-For-Large-Utility-Tractors-p/eta-wrg-lut.htm

You dont have to get EA, or even a dual lid but you get my meaning on the long bottom tines.

The dual lid makes it easier to grab uneven or unbalanced items and still keep them level.

 

[12251hd]

I have a M6800 with an Extreme 72 HD root grapple. Works great for me.

 

[AllDodge]

Have used one like in my link before with a 50hp tractor. It did quite well and was one of the reasons I was looking at the type again. Didn't think about have independent dual grabs for the uneven type loads, which is a good point.

My buddy has one that looks like the EA and the one in last pic. He has already mentioned the thing is so heavy that there went half his lift capacity on his 65hp JD. Has fluid in all tires and helps if he puts the box blade on the 4 point

 

[Jchonline]

Looks like you are at about 3000lbs lift at full height right? What are you lifting over a ton? I agree you dont want to loose a bunch, but if you find something around 600-800 lbs it should be a good mix of strength and weight.

 

[AllDodge]

Looks like you are at about 3000lbs lift at full height right? What are you lifting over a ton? I agree you dont want to loose a bunch, but if you find something around 600-800 lbs it should be a good mix of strength and weight.

Very good point, but also no need for it to be heavier then need be, I'm thinking. As before, have picked up a bunch of brush and trees with a clam shell and it did a good job, and not that heavy. Like the idea of a flat blade and a shield to keep the limbs out of the grill

 

[AllDodge]

Bought the MTL X Series Talon grapple yesterday, weights about 1100 for the 72 inch. Decided on it because it has a solid plate across the back. This should help keep some of the sticks/limbs from getting to the grill. Think I will make a plate to cover the grill as well.

https://www.mtlattachments.com/attachments/hd-talon-mtl-extreme-root-rake-grapple-attachment

Bought the 3rd function remote from Barlow in Somerset. Heck the 3rd function cost about half what the grapple did.

 

[Jchonline]

Congrats. I dont think you will need to worry about bending that one up!

 

[AllDodge]

Finished the line install for now, may make some changes later

The lines came with clamps to attach in factory locations. The lines are a bit long and they stick up some close to the cab


Made a loop and reconnected to keep them a bit lower


Good - Grapple came in
Bad - Came with flat face connectors, being shipped AG connects, so we continue to wait