So I was clearing through my property and was able to knock down a bunch of small trees with the loader, dug up 2 stumps i think it was with the back hoe and probably cleared a 1/2 acre or so (among doing other things). In short I made a giant mess of trees, branches and a few stumps. I think i am at the point now where I need a grapple and was wondering what you guys are using/would recommend.
Grapple for a BX
- Thread starter jwolfet
- Start date
I have a Land Pride SCG0660 claw grapple for my LX4020 that I like and use to carry logs, bunches of tree branches, stumps, and small boulders. You didn't mention what model/size tractor you have, which will factor in what grapple would be suitable. Remember the weight of the grapple will affect the amount of material you can lift with your loader. Also you will need a third function on the loader to power the grapple.
My Land Pride SGC0660 grapple would be too heavy for a BX. The Land Pride SGC0554 would be the appropriate size and weight claw grapple for a BX. My grapple would work on a BX, but it is 70 lbs heavier than the SGC0554 and that means you would reduce the amount of material you could carry with your loader by the 70 lbs.
Elliott in GA
Well-known member
Equipment
LX 2610SU w/535,LP RCR1860,FDR1660,SGC0554,FSP500, DD BBX60005
I have had an SGC0554 grapple on my LX for over 5 years; it is undamaged. I have moved countless loads of brush, small trees, bigger logs, torn down large shed roof and timbers, big rocks and a few telephone poles with the grapple. A little thought and skill go a long way in preventing damage to your grapple, loader and tractor.
However, I do not use it to uproot bushes (including large privet), because I have found my bucket with toothbar to be much more effective. Open tines on a grapple (would vary with the design) let too much slip through, but a bucket with a toothbar catches everything. The tubes that span the grapple tines also limit your ability to dig down/get under things. You can dig with a bucket.
There are many great grapples with different designs (pros and cons to each). You should not expect too much from any grapple on your machine or any smaller compact tractor in terms of ripping stuff out of the ground, but grapples are the best tool for carrying and loading many types of debris.
However, I do not use it to uproot bushes (including large privet), because I have found my bucket with toothbar to be much more effective. Open tines on a grapple (would vary with the design) let too much slip through, but a bucket with a toothbar catches everything. The tubes that span the grapple tines also limit your ability to dig down/get under things. You can dig with a bucket.
There are many great grapples with different designs (pros and cons to each). You should not expect too much from any grapple on your machine or any smaller compact tractor in terms of ripping stuff out of the ground, but grapples are the best tool for carrying and loading many types of debris.
FYI - your lift capacity is about 510 lbs. 20" forward of the pins.
Minus about 130 lbs. for the bucket yields 380 lbs. net capacity.
So the heavier the grapple the less capacity.
Choose wisely.
Minus about 130 lbs. for the bucket yields 380 lbs. net capacity.
So the heavier the grapple the less capacity.
Choose wisely.
I have an EA 48" Wicked Grapple. Great all around for tractor size
. My only complaint is trying to pick up multiple limbs (cantelope-basketball size) in one bite. A long bottom grapple would probably work better in that situation.
. My only complaint is trying to pick up multiple limbs (cantelope-basketball size) in one bite. A long bottom grapple would probably work better in that situation.
Yep. good advice.
a lot of people have exaggerated expectations on the BX lifting capacity.
LA340 (340kg) 340kg=750lbs.
you won't come close to lifting 750.
Caveat Emptor ...
should have stuck with team Green.....
I use my SSQA HLA 900# pallet forks as a 'grapple'. has worked great for past 7 years'. Economical to buy, NO 3rd function kit to buy $$$ or install, Easier to install( no hoses ! ). Since it weighs less than a grapple, you get more payload. Once you get using it , it's easy to haul ugly brush and logs. Used it one summer to reclaim the 'edges' of an 8 acre field,farmer gained about 20' more on 3 sides.
It's also great at ,well, moving pallets of stuff.......
might be a possible option for you ?
It's also great at ,well, moving pallets of stuff.......
might be a possible option for you ?
Elliott in GA
Well-known member
Equipment
LX 2610SU w/535,LP RCR1860,FDR1660,SGC0554,FSP500, DD BBX60005
You might being doing this already. I have found that when using a claw style grapple, the best way to get a big load is: fully open the grapple above the brush pile, lower the grapple to compress the brush and then close it while the brush is pinned to the ground. This approach also nearly eliminates any chance of limbs poking your grill (you are not driving into the brush pile).
YMMV
Yep, that way works very well for smaller brush. Grabbing multiple size soccer ball size limbs can sometimes be challenging depending on how crooked they are.
They downgraded their lift capacity to a claimed 8xx lbs. from the 1100lbs i think it was. Either way I am fine with what I was able to lift yesterday. The backhoe was just fine yesterday as well. I haven't noticed any diminished capacities other than the bucket being smaller. The loader is alot more sensitive so i had to get used to that for a bit. On the green machine you have a significant amount of joystick movement before the loader does anything. If lifting capacity is the biggest concern neither machine is a fit.Yep. good advice.
a lot of people have exaggerated expectations on the BX lifting capacity.
LA340 (340kg) 340kg=750lbs.
you won't come close to lifting 750.
Caveat Emptor ...
should have stuck with team Green.....
If you want to get really into capacities - a skid steer/ctl is going to be where its at. There is always a bigger or more specialized machine.
I already had the landpride 3rd function installed when i bought my bx.
Been looking for one myself. If you have a quick attach on your FEL like I have, there are fewer available. Most are direct pin. May consider removing my quick attach but haven’t looked to see how much a PITA it is to remove. Going this route will give more lift lbs. make sure you have ballast weight in the back. Serious pucker factory when the rear tires come off the ground lifting heavy weight.
I am curious as to what 3rd function kit that is - my landpride kit doesn't have that protective cover.