Best Grapple Style for Firewood? Clamshell vs. Flat Botttom.

[@ArmsFamilyHomestead]

Either way I’ll still say a grapple is by far the best attachment for a tractor!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

I agree. It's totally changed how much we use our tractor. We already used it a lot, but now I feel like I use it daily. -Chad #purplecollarlife

[@gidzey4783]

Looking forward to getting mine this weekend!

[@Tractors_Trucks_And_Pups]

Yep, our tractor that we have had for about 2 years has I believe about 200hrs on it, 195 of those we have had the grapple on and ide say 185hrs using it, especially clearing 10acers for this past year. Best investment we have made, it's great for my firewood business too. Only thing is for what were doing with it, we got way to of a light duty grapple and has required many repairs (we're done with the land clearing on the 10 acres now so for the rest of its life for now at least only has to keep up around the house and mainly lifting firewood logs

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Tim: I have the Land Pride SGC0554 clamshell grapple. It is specifically made to fit my Kubota 23s. I had its 48” brother on my old BX 24. For my application it works well. I use it primarily for brush. When i have wood to move, I pick up several small diameter limb pieces. Logs, are easily moved one at a time… as long as I remove protrusions that interfere with the single top shell from getting a good grip. The weight limitations on subcompacts limit my options… but, if I prepare loads correctly I find that I can do any job within the weight and diameter limitations of the equipment. My neighbor has a much bigger grapple mounted on his skid steer for those loads that exceed those limitations…. And I have a key that fits it! Thanks for the comparison… watching the two different types of grapples was enjoyable!

[@Kcolby47]

Team effort pays off again. Seeing the differences in grapples (and some of the comments) point out that compromises in performance depend on the individual user and the expected uses for that equipment. Thanks for providing compact tractor owners with information to make more informed buying decisions. Blessings.

[@rebelcitysports1outlook713]

My analysis of the grapples would be this: Clamshell is superior for detail work, flat-bottom is superior for heavy lifting.

[@mikegraziano1562]

This was fantastic! Showing both styles side by side was a great idea...I'm glad you mentioned at the end how much time you actually spent doing the whole job as it puts things in perspective...Really nice drone work too! Thanks guys!

[@rogerr1296]

Excellent video. I have been playing with mine (root rake style) and the tips that I picked up on in this video that I wish I would have known before trying to use one are, tilting forward and coming down on the load and, that clamping pressure is not a one time squeeze and done, you have to keep pressure on the clamps when picking up a load. It took me a few times, and a few dropped loads, to figure those out. You make it look easy...lol. As far as which one is best, like you said, depends on the job. If you are mainly picking up logs for things like milling lumber or cutting firewood, the Artillian is the best hands down. For more general work like handling brush, limbs, rocks...with only the occasional log hauling, the root rake style is probably your best bet. Mind you, this is a amateur tractor operators humble opinion. ;)

[@AbomAdventures]

Hey guys, my viewers led me to your channel. We just bought our first tractor so I wanted to come and learn! We bought the Kubota L3901 with fork and grapple attachments. Looking forward to checking out more of your videos.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Welcome! Congratulations on your new tractor!

[@timraber6575]

Tractors and chain saws….. Looks like a fun afternoon!!!!

[@rougaroux2359]

Grapples are great in general. But you have shown the abilities of each grapple. The Clamshell is great for more brush and the one that Tim was using is great if you are mainly dealing with logs. I am glad that Tim and Christy are blessed enough to be able to show us the advantages of both types. God Bless y’all

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Thanks! Yes, we are blessed. Hopefully this demonstration can help. It is fascinating to see advantages and disadvantages of each different style of attachment.

[@paulmollise1856]

I have a everything attachments 72” wicked grapple, it’s like a cross between both styles you have showed, it has one solid across dual cylinder clam, and the bottom teeth extend out just enough to cradle the logs but not far enough like a fork, staggered clam teeth to close in between, I had it four years and it’s worked flawless, any design is way better than using your back!! Nice video!!

[@jesseamaya4413]

Got my vote on not using your back!

[@ralphfarmer7621]

Hey Tim and Christy, thank you for all of the great video's and advice. I finally was able to get my first tractor. A big reason that I chose my John Deere 3025E was the plant tour #2 that you did. I try to buy American owned and built. Then I bought a Brush Crusher BC 4215 from Good Works Tractor, because it's built in the USA and it doesn't need any hydraulics. That was the end of my budget, so for ballest I bought a County Line "L" Bracket. That hooks up to my 3pt hitch. I use a HD pallet with a 55 gallon drum of water. All works great except when the top of the drum pops off and drenches me with water, good thing I live in north Florida. So after the shock the water doesn't feel to bad. Again thank you Tim and Christy for a great show.

[@steventhomson2042]

Great video, love watching and learning how to use my new Precision grapple! Thanks Tim and Christy!

[@Ramblin_Rob]

Just took delivery of my 2023 1025R. Being a firewood consumer the AV-20 was the most important attachment after the loader/backhoe and mower. Grapple was the 1st thing i tried on large stumps. worked well.

[@Freecan67]

I am Drooling over the Grapples. As I have a Big Wood Job to do. Great Job. God Bless.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Good Comparison

[@emmalinesalmon7619]

I also use the Everything Attachments 72” Wicked Grapple on my LS 4145 and it is an excellent combination of the grapples used here. Wonderful video. Thanks

[@f.davidbush9093]

Love my CTA grapple had it since 2016

[@jimmcknight3021]

Thanks for showing the difference in the types of grapples. I think this may be the first or second video that I've seen where you're able to switch out grapples to show the strengths and weaknesses of each one. I'm just thinking your neighbor may be tempted to buy an ad a grapple for his bucket on his Kubota or buy a kit to convert it over to a skid steer. Hey, I think maybe I just gave you and the neighbor an idea for one or two new episodes! Lol lol

[@franklackie2469]

Really like your bright green trailer. ❤

[@OutDoorAdventures_1907]

Cool to see what work one can do with such a small tractor!

[@brains84]

Love my Artillian grapple for cutting and moving logs.

[@douglasmorton6121]

That Artillian Grapple is amazing! Nice video folks!!

[@walterhyder3059]

I love this concept (grapple loader). I have a Kubota L3010 with a standard M246 Bush Hog loader. I love the Bush Hog loader as it is substantially more rugged than the L-series loaders from the mother company. I am going to look into the grapple options, for sure! I like the clam shell

[@ericlaker1983]

Thank you Tim / krisity and friends enjoyed very much. Love my grapple no doubt! Thanks to you Tim lol!

[@philsmock4943]

I have a Frontier grapple on my 1025R and it works great for what I do. It was interesting to see different styles of grapples in action. That was a huge tree. What about 48" across at the base. Wow. Big tree. Thanks for showing how each grapple works.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yes, just over 48” at the base. We haven’t cut the last 8’ or so. Not sure what to do with it!

[@haroldphipps3457]

@@TractorTimewithTim cut to 12" long pieces. About a pound of tannerite duct taped to the center of the round ought to do it. If not, try 2 pounds on the second one. Film it please. 😁

[@mikedickey7903]

I've been watching the recent footage of the clamshell style grapples, and I just couldn't see making that work anywhere near as well as my Artillian grapple-rake-grapple set up. This video confirms it, in a sense. But obviously, there are objective application variables as well as subjective personal preference and the way each person thinks about how to get the work done variables, too. I'm very glad I have the Artillian set up, also, because of the versatility with using their other attachments with the frame. My only struggle is: I use the grapple a lot, and I like to use the forks a lot. Swapping between those two isn't super easy on the back… so, it's tempting to dedicate one frame and keep the grapple on one frame full time, and then use the forks and snow blade (and stump bucket in the future) interchangeably on the other frame. It's just an expensive option for the marginal convenience to get a second frame, though… But other non-Artillian forks options are as expensive or more.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Excellent observations, Mike. Thanks!

[@mikedickey7903]

@@TractorTimewithTim Furthermore, in case anyone reads this far into the comments: it's truly amazing how much the 1025R with the grapple can do - with the proper amount (I use about 650 lb) of rear ballast. I'm blown away by the size of the live/wet logs it can safely haul. I've seen people try to use the grapple with little to no rear ballast, and there's just no way you're going to get anywhere near as much work done (or as safely) that way. For someone not accustomed to farm/heavy machinery, getting work done with this setup has been super inspiring.

[@toddh3774]

@@mikedickey7903 I had the same problem when switching between the grapple and forks. I found that keeping the rake and grapple sections on furniture dollies then coming into them with the frame tilted forward about 45deg picking just the top edge to pick them up and then curling back half way to vertical you can then slide them easily to catch the slots on the frame and lock them in. Reverse steps to remove them. Much better than dead lifting them!

[@mikedickey7903]

@@toddh3774 Thanks for mentioning this. The thought had occurred to me, but I kept thinking, "There's no way that'll work reliably." I do have some issues getting the components on/off of the frame. But I'm going to give that a shot now, man - thanks for the nudge.

[@eternalbliss1168]

always so much to learn from your video's and fun to watch

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Thanks!

[@stephendixon4619]

Great video again Christie, You go girl.

[@mitchellgourley3653]

You guys did a great job

[@midcoasttractorservice9182]

Grapple time is always the best time! I love my Granite grapple! I feel it has the best of both worlds with a bit of a bucket on the bottom but not too much!

[@ranger6x660]

That looked like fun guy’s! Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@butchmaster5757]

Wow First! Thanks for all the great content!

[@erichedges2948]

Tim You were talking about battery in dump trailer. We have trailers similar to that here at Recycle. I had winch cables run to back of the trucks to power those trailers instead if batteries. That cable is on a solenoid under hood to protect electrical system.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Have one, but the rear connector corroded off.

[@erichedges2948]

Ouch

[@Fellgla]

I have the flat bottom grapple, love it. Move logs, hay, clean up trash. It stay on more the bucket. But small detail work not so good.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yes. Good analysis. I like to see folks able to see both the positives AND the negatives of an attachment or tractor.

[@KirtH27]

I have the frontier grapple and i have not had a chance to try it. Excited to try it out on our hunting property, i have some decent size Black Ash trees to move

[@toddcreech3763]

That was fun watching. Great job videoing too.

[@KUBBI7488]

I got basic one 42 in bought it from Mtl attachments works just fine ! Local kubota dealer sells same one for double price what I paid!

[@brucealvarez9263]

The "perfect" spot for filming this would also likely be the dangerous spot! Seems like the flat bottom is best for logs and works very well for brush. What is the clamshell BETTER at picking up?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

clambshell is great at very small detailed loads. Say one branch of 2 inch diameter. Frustrating with long bottom grapple. ...as it doesn't clamp down as well on small loads.

[@BG-vq9fd]

Decisions decisions, still not sure which way to go. Christy, good video of each grapple. Drone shot in travel was cool.

[@jarrodp6068]

Love that dump trailer!! And its bright green which.isnmy favorite color!! 👍👍😁 Unfortunately I don't have the money to be able to buy/afford one

[@LongBinh70]

"Now that's why I love big equipment..." as he's standing there holding a 14" electric saw... 🤣🤣🤣

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Not just ANY battery chain saw! That ONE battery lasted all evening.

[@wfealy]

Great Video ... Like you said in the video "Most of us don't have the luxury of having multiple grapples laying around to choose from" Question Tim .. If you HAD to choose which style would you select for all around general use.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Can’t answer that, Wayne. Not sure. It would depend on your usages.

[@kylerayk]

Clamshell

[@mikeg.8159]

Clamshell.

[@randalmiddleton8068]

Enjoyed the video TTWT... I'll still stand by my AV20F as the best all around grapple IMO

[@daver2787]

What year is the ultimate dump? May have helped build that particular one.. Awesome videos

[@GCraigmile]

Got my my JD 1025!! 👍👍👍👍

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Congratulations!

[@Vickvineager]

Your issue at 11:25 is exactly why I didn’t buy that type of dump trailer. You’ll be in a real bind if something gets hung up & you have no way of unjamming it. The barn-door is the best way to dump logs of that size.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Turned out to not be an issue. We drove forward and it came out. The beauty of this type of door is that it is also a hydraulic ramp…strong enough for 6+ ton mini-Ex. Like everything else, there are compromises!

[@tinachambers4887]

Hi Friends enjoyed the video have a day love from TEXAS

[@bc65925]

Today was the delivery of my Farm World paper (good publication if you didn't know.) and there was a complete added section on the big whoop-di-do in London Ohio. I wonder if they know what great advertisement experience they are missing out on since they didn't say a word about TTT being there?

[@thomasyerbey337]

Hey Tim 🚜🇺🇲 another great video

[@Chris_L034]

i think the 1st grapple is primarily used for grubbing roots out of the ground, the 2nd is more for brush and logs.

[@sinclairpages]

The more I watch, the more I am impressed with the Still battery chainsaw. If I could only afford one.

[@DanielTorres-hu1zq]

Nice demonstration of two different types of grapple and skill needed to use both. Tim, can you explain in more depth the two connections needed for Artillian grapple? Christie, can you describe the drone you use and why you chose this particular model? Thanks to both of you for all you do to educate and entertain your viewers.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

The drone is Mavic Pro 2. It has very good 4K video quality.

[@DanielTorres-hu1zq]

@@TractorTimewithTim Thanks!

[@edwardhogan8197]

In both my previous dump trailer and my current trailer (equipment trailer with an electric winch) I have had the plug wired up so the battery charges when I'm going down the road with a battery cutoff. Never had a problem with either setup

[@peterkoster5053]

Have you though of putting a larger solar panel on the top of that goose neck part to charge the battery as you drive or as you park it it can always charge.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yes. Have it…but not installed yet.

[@terrygroce1594]

Interesting difference in the two grapples.

[@jdfleetguy28]

I typically come away frustrated every time I use my clamshell style grapple. I have a MTL that s shaped a lot like the artillian you switched to. I have 5 different grapplers, and that style is by far my favorite for most task. Great video as always Tim!

[@johneaton4364]

im making a grapple attachment interchangeable between my Quick-Tach Bucket (Custom-made) and my Pallet Forks. Single cylinder, 2 ft , tapering to 12 inches connected with flat plate rounded off on the bottom edge to pick up without scarring.

[@ilmo2313]

Was that the 2038 in the background when loading the trailer? Great video showing the diversity of all the equipment on the this job. I like the drone shots.

[@georgemainwaring71]

Hey Tim for your battery operated trailers why not try a soloer panel to keep them charged up

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Have one…need to install it.

[@michaelengler5165]

I'm a fan...watch Outdoor with the Morgans and Mike's grabble on his Kubota works very well... thinking he might only have 3 teeth to grab... doesn't pick up piles of things but a few big logs nicely

[@RCPSU4]

That's a ton of firewood. Hope you convince Rex to get a Bucketeer for his tractor. Any time we cut a tree down it's mostly cut for us to heat the house in the winter. The rest goes up by the road and people do come by and take it (free sign magic). What was used to mow the area afterwards, if you mowed it?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

We don’t plan to mow it. Optimally, it will grow up into woods again. It will look awful for a few years, but it will eventually grow up again.

[@joshkimbrough7584]

Hey Tim have you put enough hours on the R14 tires for a review? I am ordering a tractor monday. And was wondering what the experience had been in different conditions ?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

They are fine. I would order again.

[@ivanavila2631]

Where did you buy that grapple for John Deere and will the grapple fit my John Deere 2032r

[@carlcook3297]

Great team work. In the big pile of logs did you see any snakes?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

No. Not many snakes in this area.

[@OldGuyGolf]

Not to get off the subject. I would like to see Tim's opinion on meg-mo mower blades. I would love to see a video about them as I am truly interested in purchasing some, just want to make sure they work as advertised.

[@dsmith7978]

I based my decision on Artillian from your first episode when you introduced it. I don't think I would want anything else. Great people too.

[@mlevesque3022]

I’ve been looking at both grapples. Choosing one style for general use would be the rake-grapple-rake? Not sure my finance committee is on board, yet.

[@watershedoverlook]

Curious if it took more than one battery for the chainsaw to complete this project?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

To my knowledge, only one battery.

[@benjaminbrooks7979]

Would you mind comparing the weight of these grapples to the 4 in 1 bucket you ran in a previous video? Really glad you posted this because I've been weighing the advantages of each style of grapple over the weekend.

[@glennt7151]

Which battery saw is being used?

[@paulkleinschmit9871]

At the end when Tim was saying that the Artillion (sp?) was showing off was where that grapple was at its weakest. Dumping into a trailer. The clamshell grapple doesn't have to tilt much to dump into the trailer. The flat bottom grapple does have to tilt DOWN INTO the trailer, which may limit the amount that you can load into a trailer.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Good point.

[@tonytaylor1277]

Buying 1025r today. Grapple is on the invoice, thinking I should not get the John Deere av20 and get the artillian. What are your thoughts time.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

I REALLY like two clamp grapples. They are definitely a step up in my opinion.

[@mattphillips4260]

on a different note with the stuff stringing out like that it makes the pile of wood safer to work on and more easy to cut it up and or split also

[@ww3ok]

Good times.

[@nathanbrodeur]

Tim if you get NOCO gb 150 it can charge and boost with a override to quick jump start it tells you the voltage in the battery for Diesel engines it goes up to 7 L engines and 9 L gas engines 80 jumps on one charge

[@turdferguson5300]

Your place is like Chucky Cheese for men, you have more fun toys than I've ever seen in one place. Most dealerships can't compete with your variety of attachments. That's why people are so willing to help, "we get to go to Tim's"! I don't blame em. lol

[@wingersww]

Tim, this episode is making want a grapple again!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Sorry Dave!

[@weijingburr2392]

Somebody over there has worked in Audio, TV or films, cause the attention to Audio is on another level in these productions.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Thanks for noticing. We do put a lot of effort into our audio but have no formal training.

[@MrGDurbin]

I like using my forks. I cut the logs about 10 ft long and I can haul multiple logs at a time. I also skid the main trunk up to the house so I can process it.

[@nealtubbs9608]

I love my grapple. It's on my tractor more than any other attachment.

[@68spc]

I have a long bottom, dual lid, EA wicked grapple. I got it for moving logs for firewood and it works great. I assumed the short bottom would not let me move big piles. This video kinda confirms that. The only downside is the lid opening when closed is large. So if you are moving small brush, it doesn't work as great.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yep. Same experience for me. You have correctly identified the strengths and weaknesses!

[@zachary3777]

@@TractorTimewithTim I'm curious about the log grapple style. Where it has two long teeth on the bottom, but still closes all the way.

[@glenncollins1417]

Looks like Flat bottom for moving bigger pieces . Clam style for moving small brush would depend on what you deal with more. Love the trailer but was wondering if that big stuff was going to get stuck on the gate at the top.

[@rydplrs71]

Doesn’t the truck power and charge the dump trailer when hooked up and running?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

The charge is very slow using that approach…and my add on cable providing high speed charge…well, the connector corroded off due to salt. Gotta work on that!

[@rydplrs71]

@@TractorTimewithTim gotcha, I don’t actually use that on my truck (no dump trailer) but it’s 40 amp, so it has a reasonable charge rate.

[@rydplrs71]

@@TractorTimewithTim you should have a 30a charge circuit on a 2018-2020 f-350, but it needs to be activated through the dash menu, otherwise it only charges when the brakes are applied. I’m assuming you have fuse 27 installed.

[@williamhall5401]

The charge circuit that is provided through the trailer tow package is meant to charge a small battery for the break away brake system and to run some aux lights on your trailer. Thats why it is typically a 30 or 40 amp circuit. When that hydraulic pump gets in a bind it can pull 100 amps easily. The best way is to add a "warn winch" style plug to the truck and all the trailers that need power.

[@javabean215]

You can really hear the difference in the driveline isolation between the Kubotas and the Deeres. Close your eyes and replay the video and I bet you can pick the Kubota out every time by that hydrostatic whine.....

[@cbrookb]

Tim, been watching your videos since the early days. Which grapple type is best for general purpose? Tractor for hire type work. Picking up and clearing debri, both growth and junk. My tractor is a Bobcat CT2035. The more I research the more unsure I am. Root grapple or root rake grapple? You are the grapple boss. I trust and appreciate your opinion. Keep those videos coming. Thanks.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

I like both styles. The Artillian is my favorite long fork style. The Precision (agfolks.com) is my favorite short tine style.

[@UnderTheFloor79]

Man, its so flat there. I moved to Tennessee and here you regularly see property advertised as a "rare level lot... perfect for a daylight basement house...."

[@rickker57]

Does anyone make an electric grapple for the 1025r so third function isnt needed ?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Yes. But it doesn’t work very well.

[@bgslade1]

Seemed like he was doing a lot of cutting. How many battery changes did he have to do?

[@TractorTimewithTim]

None…to my knowledge.

[@duck-n-cover477]

One longer log works fine in clamshell otherwise, it gets too heavy for subcompact. Clamshell is better if you plan to use it as root rake and pick up debris other than just logs.

[@mkc0005]

I have to say Tim you’re sort of like Barbie. You’ve got all the cool toys. Is there a Malibu Beach House hidden somewhere in your shop?

[@silverbackag9790]

I purposely choose one made of AR400 steel that doesn’t have cross bracing. Bit heavier than some models but I have a Kubota MX with decent lift capacity on FEL and 1000lbs of weight on the rear plus loaded tires. I can pick up a log and saw up the whole thing at waist level including between the teeth of the grapple. No bending down.

[@stevethiel5838]

What brand matches your requirements? Looking for grapple for 56 hp. Kubota.

[@silverbackag9790]

@@stevethiel5838 Faver. Their GX series.

[@stevethiel5838]

@@silverbackag9790 , Faver GX definitely looks well built! Only about 2 hours from where I live. Any issues with yours?

[@crazyfarmer2564]

I like my brush grapple but I think the root grapple would work better in certain areas .

[@jefferywalton8176]

For what? Grubbing roots out of ground is a better job for a ripper. Had a rock bucket (3” spacing) with a grapple on my backhoe, never took it off. Worked great in dirt and moving gravel (#4 stone). Want one for my 3033r but called Notch, $3800. Little high yet. Paid about that for the backhoe setup.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Redline Systems has a rock bucket.

[@marvindiamonjr.9631]

All I got is one tractor, one trailer, and one old guy. Sometimes it's hard, but I get 'er done!

[@stuartgibson1896]

Sounds like air ride on the trailer would help with loading material/equipment and dumping the trailer.

[@FrankinJax]

Does anyone know about a 4 in 1 bucket? Thanks!

[@TractorTimewithTim]

We’ve shown one a few times on this channel. Once quite recently.

[@barney1941]

log grapple. Fransgard sk-950 is same idea as frostbite put heavier ,better fit and finish and made with Hardox in Denmark

[@jimhines9553]

I could not get by without a grapple on my tractor. When the tractor will not handle it we go to our skid steer and grapple. On both we use a root rake grapple.

[@denslod2930]

Add a grapple to your pallet forks, best of both worlds.

[@gidzey4783]

Boy that hydraulic whine on the Kubota is ridiculous. That would drive me nuts. Between that and the threadle peddle, it was an easy decision to go with a John Deere

[@richardstevens3461]

man I need that battery powered saw

[@oregonlt3]

Ever try that pallet fork add-a-grapple? Seems like it would be slick here sliding under the logs.

[@TractorTimewithTim]

Shoot! Shoulda got it out for this project!