Pallet Fork Grapple

[je1279]

So I've read in numerous places that pallet forks and grapples are often ranked as the top attachments that you can get for your tractor. I definitely have a need for a grapple as I have some land that I want to clear. I can also see the use of the pallet forks, especially for unloading new attachments and relocating them on the property. I saw that some companies make a a grapple attachment for pallet forks and was wondering about folks experiences with these. I like the idea of it taking up less space and costing roughly ~$1000 less than purchasing each separately. However, is the sacrifice of not having the bottom grapple portion worth it?

 

[Bmyers]

It will depend on what you are needing to do? If you are just needing to move brush/logs, then the fork tines should work. If you are needing to dig into the brush and get roots and debris, then the bottom grapple is a big deal.

My use, I utilize the bottom root rake grapple section a lot. So a combo grapple/forks wouldn't meet my needs.

 

[je1279]

It will depend on what you are needing to do? If you are just needing to move brush/logs, then the fork tines should work. If you are needing to dig into the brush and get roots and debris, then the bottom grapple is a big deal.

My use, I utilize the bottom root rake grapple section a lot. So a combo grapple/forks wouldn't meet my needs.

I guess my next question is does an LX2610 have enough power and mass to utilize the bottom grapple in that manner?

 

[Bmyers]

GP Outdoors has some videos of the LX and a grapple, probably be worth taking a look.

#366 Kubota LX2610 Compact Tractor. All About The Grapple. How To Use It. Tips and Tricks. outdoors (youtube.com)

 

[PoTreeBoy]

So I've read in numerous places that pallet forks and grapples are often ranked as the top attachments you can get for your tractor. I definitely have a need for a grapple as I have some land that I want to clear. I can also see the use of the pallet forks especially for unloading new attachments and relocating them on the property. I saw that some companies make a a grapple attachment for pallet forks and was wondering about folks experience with these. I like the idea of it taking up less space and costing roughly ~$1000 less than purchasing each separately. However, is the sacrifice of not having the bottom grapple portion worth it?

MagicMan posted about a thumb for his forks here:

What did you do to or on your Kubota today?

Some real snow finally imminent, off with the loader and time to harness up the blower. Forecasting 10cm/4" tonight then Tuesday night maybe double that. Can only hope!

www.orangetractortalks.com

Might do what you want.

 

[i7win7]

I guess my next question is does an LX2610 have enough power and mass to utilize the bottom grapple in that manner?

small brush, yes bottom bar limits depth of tooth bite.

bigger brush

anything bigger, chainsaw and grapple

 

[je1279]

Thank you i7win7. My main concern is for anything ~5 feet or less. Anything else I would cut down with the chainsaw.

 

[Bmyers]

Thank you i7win7. My main concern is for anything ~5 feet or less. Anything else I would cut down with the chainsaw.

I'm assuming you mean 5 feet in height. The issue will depend on what you are trying to dig out and your soil conditions.

 

[je1279]

I'm assuming you mean 5 feet in height. The issue will depend on what you are trying to dig out and your soil conditions.

Yes 5 feet in height. It is mostly weeds, brush and small saplings that I'm concerned about. Anything larger I will cut with a chainsaw and then grind with a stump grinder. Soil is a combination of clay and shale which I know is less than ideal.

 

[UpNorthMI]

I’d buy a separate full grapple rather than use the forks, you will find the grapple so much easier to operate and be efficient. I just purchased a smaller 60” wide grapple at MTL attachments for under $1,000 delivered for my L3901, they have many models at this price point and cheaper. In my opinion smaller tractors are limited in their groundwork capability with a grapple and FEL. Sure you can do just about anything with enough time and effort. A grapple is a great tool for ripping out bushes and smaller trees . A tree puller is very useful but again smaller tractor loaders have limits.

Don’t buy too large or heavy of a grapple, there are nice light weight grapples from Everything Attachments but they are at a higher price point. For your LX I would suggest keeping the grapple under 500lbs and no wider than 55 or 60 inches.

Once you have a grapple you will wonder how you survived without one and you will find so many uses.

 

[Thunder chicken]

I have a single arm grapple on my forks.
for picking up logs I added a 3rd fork tine. It’s spaced slightly off center so I can still pick up pallets with either 2. Helps to keep logs from falling in between the tines as I’m grabbing from a pile. It will move brush ok, likely not as slick as a dedicated grapple like others have. This one will come off with a couple bolts and a bit of grunting if you have something tall to pick up, as the arm does not raise straight vertical.

 

[Nicfin36]

I have no experience with a pallet grapple. But, I would think what Thunder Chicken says would be a good assessment. A tool made specifically for a job will always be superior, but that doesn't mean you can't get by with something else.

I wold not substitute my grapple for what I do. I also think you are underestimating what your tractor can do. I have cautiously refrained from pushing my tractor, but the more I use it, the more capable I find it. The last time I used my grapple, I pushed two trees over. I found if you can push it over, you can get it out of the ground....at least with those two. You might have to work it back and forth to get it up though. In the future, if I can push it over with my grapple and it is an actual tree and not shallow brush like privet, I will then cut it about 3 or 4 feet from the ground, remove that and then push it side to side and pop it out with the grapple if I can.

 

[je1279]

Thanks everyone for your comments. You have convinced me that a light weight dedicated grapple is the best choice for what I plan on using it for.

 

[Showmedata]

I have a single arm grapple on my forks.
for picking up logs I added a 3rd fork tine. It’s spaced slightly off center so I can still pick up pallets with either 2. Helps to keep logs from falling in between the tines as I’m grabbing from a pile. It will move brush ok, likely not as slick as a dedicated grapple like others have. This one will come off with a couple bolts and a bit of grunting if you have something tall to pick up, as the arm does not raise straight vertical.

Hi @Thunder chicken is that home-built or from a vendor?

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Thanks everyone for your comments. You have convinced me that a light weight dedicated grapple is the best choice for what I plan on using it for.

Smart choice, I think.

Not only that, but forks are pretty cheap comparatively speaking, so they are easily had in the future.

 

[je1279]

Just to follow up on this, I ended up going with a EA Wicked 55 grapple. Haven't got to the land clearing yet, but it proved useful on multiple occasions for cleanup after storms.