What is the best grapple? Root Rake VS. Rock Rake grapple comparison

What's the best grapple? How the heck should I know?! We're comparing a Worksaver Grapple to an LS Tractor Grapple, so that should be pretty fun!
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[@oldbuzzard76]

This guys style and demeaner is great . Laid back , informative , concise , with some tong and cheek humor . Would be a good dude to know .

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

You're making me blush!

[@cfunk10]

I need one or both of these types in my life.

[@davidmendonca5992]

I hope you are talking about the blackberry bush (I agree) but the best blackberry is in a pie or on a waffle. Fun watching the differences as you worked.

[@javabean215]

Don't know if you thought about it or if it matters to you, but instead of storing your chain around your brush guard and scratching the visible paint, you can store it inside the loader torque tube. Big box home stores have expanding drain plugs with wing nuts that you can stuff into the tube end to keep stuff from falling out but still give easy access. I've seen some people get real jiggy with it and cut a section of PVC pipe to fit in the tube like a circular slide-out drawer. Also, we have thornless blackberries here, and they are awesome for making homemade jam!

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

Thornless blackberries sound wonderful! All I've got is the pokey buggers. Hate every one of them!

[@jjfore0921]

I use mine for picking up leaf piles in the fall. It actually works great for that! There is a video of it on my channel.

[@amybratten8829]

Excellent run down - really helped to see the differences

[@stewartalison733]

Thanks for sharing I have the one you didn’t care for but in my work in the woods I felt it was the best choice. After watching your video I made the right decision for my situation. Like you stated all depends how your application is.thanks again for sharing

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

Don't get me wrong- I love a good flat bottom grapple! At least once a week, i fo something and think about how useful it would be!

[@drgnner6028]

My "root rake" is wonderful. Did a lot of work moving logs (400 hours worth). Mine opens all the way and I can roll it forward and drag stuff out like those horrible Black berries. Nice video.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

Which one do you have?

[@mr.redneck2715]

What you proved is the grapple is the best attachment you can buy and you need both kinds! Having said that the root rake is much lighter and will pick more weight if you have a small tractor. Can’t go wrong with either grapple. I bought the worksaver and love it!

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

I like that solution. Gotta have a backup plan at all times

[@robertweber1934]

I have a root grapple. I use a cinder block on each side and it holds the grapple up straight making it easy to hook in to...

[@jokinjoe9447]

I got a everything attachments wicked root rake grapple and i love it , it stays on my tractor 3/4 of the time , when i take it off i open it up about half way and set it on the ground so i can drive back to it to hook it up , no problems at all!!!!

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

I hear tons of great things about the EA stuff! Hope I can try one out soon

[@ThreeStrandsFarm-tv1hq]

Great , fair comparison! Well Done!

[@madtater5948]

thanks for sharing the video, I don't have either one of those attachments but I think the rock grapple is a better choice. it just looks like it can pick up more stuff by its design

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

It definitely handles large items way easier.

[@michaelchastain4957]

Thanks for the video! I thought that was the way I wanted to go but wasn't sure. I see the advantages of both in certain applications but I am convinced now that I am with you on which is best for me!

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

Get out there and wreck some stuff!

[@garrytalley8009]

I personally have a smaller tractor and a root rake. My root rake does have a flat bottom and wide opening jaws. There are a lot of variables in all the rakes. single top, double top, single cylinder, double cylinder length of tines number of tines. Nice comparison for two different rakes. I prefer my root rake vs. others because it fits my needs. As you have shown some do some things better than others even though they can do the same things much of the time.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

What brand did you get?

[@ellobo1326]

Well, I found an easy way to sharpen my mower blades. 😏 Good comparison. Thanks.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

I like the method where you just tear the deck off. Way easier to get to the belts and blades.

[@chrismcelroy7915]

You can get an add on grapple clamp for about $500 to put on your forks. That would give you most of the functions of the one you borrowed and usually works even better for logs.

[@rudya7818]

Thanks. Now I know what type of grapple I need on my place, the root grapple.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

You could always buy both. Just to be safe, right?

[@bad.wabbit]

Been debating about getting an LS or other brand tractor for a few weeks, your video's have convinced me to go with LS

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

If you have a good dealer nearby, I think you'll really like it!

[@bad.wabbit]

@@HomesteadBandwagon I'm about 20 miles east of Forks, WA. So, I can call Lietz or you folks, if you deliver out here.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

@@bad.wabbit Leitz is WAY closer. Stick with them. They're good guys. If they don't have a tractor and I do have it in stock, I'll gladly transfer it to them for you.

[@bad.wabbit]

@@HomesteadBandwagon thank you!! Appreciate that alot!

[@no_handle_required]

Get one of each, it makes bigger smiles.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

I'm always a fan of spending more money!

[@donmcgimpsey1706]

I have seen firewood producers use a rock grapple for splits, rounds, and logs. The rock grapple also drops all the shake and some bark. Of course, a skid steer or tracked equipment would be ideal for softer ground and would lift much more weight. (For about $75k) The price might be too much for smaller businesses or farms.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

I definitely like that flat bottom for picking up huge piles of wood and whatnot, but it's really pretty gentle on the ground as well. Might have to invest in one if I start doing a ton of firewood or get a saw mill like every other outdoorsy KZbin channel eventually does!

[@SpeedyCotton55]

Great video, just the info I was looking for. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@stevegorman8168]

good advice on the two

[@NickNardone]

Incredible video!! Thank you!

[@Wsldbrd1]

you should have tried a single lid grapple( the long flat bottom) I use my box scrapper to push dirt and roots of wild black berry, then I use the grapple to gather the brush and shake dirt out, put that in a pile close by until you have made a big pile, then grab a huge bite of pile and take to burn area or dump trailer etc... Have fun ..... Love my equipment and the play time

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

I find that the flat bottom grapples struggle to gather as much small material in one pass, and you need to rotate them into the dump position to sub-soil, which puts you in danger of tearing out your hydraulic cylinders. Out here, we really can't lead with a box blade because the black berries are so dense! It's like backing into a brick wall

[@Wsldbrd1]

@@HomesteadBandwagon removing the brush is one thing, to sever the roots another challenge (in clay or sand or etc..) I also have an excavator, so I try many different approaches and note what results each may leave. But its all fun ( some people can't understand how it can be both fun and therapeutic for your well being) Relax with it and realize you won't clean an acre a day , so keep nibbling at it , you'll put a good dent in it.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

For sure. I'll go out for "just an hour" and end up staying out past dark, feeling nice and relaxed after a rough day at work

[@scottandersen420]

This dude is tearing the hell out of his yard, cool

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

Yards are overrated

[@kb9844]

ats funny just today i was looking at the flatter bottom rake an thay talked me into the one you like better....thank you for veryfiing my choice.. good comparison ....

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

You'll love it. What brand and model did you go with?

[@kb9844]

@@HomesteadBandwagon 60 inch compact tractor grapple rake by CID atactments

[@CharisBreadcasting]

Thank You! Exactly the info I needed to make my decision.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

What brand are you looking at? I'm always interested in checking out new stuff!

[@CharisBreadcasting]

@@HomesteadBandwagon We recently purchased 15 acres in SE Missouri, then a Branson 2515h tractor. I just lucked into a solid deal on a 5' Bush Hog BH215 cutter and 6' King Kutter box blade ... a grapple is my last must have. As I type this I'm on the Skid Steer Attachment Depot website. Also looking at MidState Attachments out of North Carolina. My local IronCraft dealer (formerly Titan Implements, different from Titan Attachments) is competitive but both places I've listed above are a couple hundred bucks cheaper, and we are almost tapped out after going the cash route on the land.

[@jbbayarena9274]

Double cylinder vs single cylinder - you didn’t mention

[@Bennett5363]

Wasn't expecting to see a Mastercraft lawnmower. Can't say there would be too many of those in the US.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

She's an oldie! All sorts of treasure tucked away in the blackberries out here

[@guybob548]

Would you or anyone know if Braber Grapples are quality?

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

I haven't personally used one, but we do sell Braber equipment from time to time. Every piece I've seen has been very high quality. I'd guess their grapples would be as well!

[@wtfx5757]

I noticed you picked the hydrostatic model of this tractor. I am curious as to your reasons for choosing this over the shuttle? My father is looking to purchase the 47 HP model of this tractor, but is undecided on the transmission choice. Your video about the grapples is also quite helpful. Thank you.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

In our area, hydros outnumber shuttles by about 50 to 1. We've got a lot of tight quarter work and do tons of brush cutting and loader work. With the cost of a clutch replacement being so high and the hydro being so user friendly, there are very few people who want a shuttle.

[@cspfitch]

Great video

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

Thanks!

[@stevegorman8168]

i can get a force regen and have a blinking yellow triangle any suggestion

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

Might need to take a trip to the dealer. That flashing symbol may require them to plug it into the LS diagnostic computer to pull some codes

[@carltrano1325]

Blackberry hate, they are magically delicious

[@bossturbo]

Which one is better for digging up brush to clear land?

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

I'd definitely go with the root rake. Lends itself way better to disrupting root systems with less potential harm to your loader arms

[@stevegorman8168]

will the rock grapple work as well a round the sawmill,

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

Definitely. That's the one I recommend to customers running mills or fire wood processors

[@802louis]

Another great job

[@mikerj]

Are those really blackberries? They look more like Rosa Multiflora - a relative of the blackberry and rose. And very invasive and sharp.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

Yessir. Himalayan Blackberries. Our Scourge

[@sheldoncoder4821]

🎉

[@SteadfastRC]

Could you make a video showing how you got the third function hydrylics on the front, i just bough this same tractor.

[@stylus2253]

You missed one test, one which I have on my farm and that is from when you use the deep mulch system for over a year lays down hay as bedding and it becomes layered up to 2-5 ft thick. The layering effect causes anaerobic decomposing-- the hay just rolls up and it can't be moved w bucket or backhoe-- which grapple works best?

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

We used to do that with the bedding for our sheep. Didn't have a tractor, so it had to be mucked-out with a pitch fork. Just terrible. I'd bet the flat bottom grapple would work the best for that stuff!

[@stylus2253]

@@HomesteadBandwagon thanks!

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

A feller might just get a set of trash forks or a skeletonized bucket/rock bucket, though. I'll bet trash forks would work great for that job!

[@scotthamilton4426]

Thank you for this video -- super helpful! I'm about to pull the trigger on my first tractor, and I'm making decisions regarding initial implements. Which type of grapple is one of the toughest choices, but whichever I choose, I'm looking forward to not dragging brush around by hand one branch at a time! By the way -- I'm also trying decide between a box blade and a rear blade for maintenance on my 1/2 mile, hilly and twisty caliche driveway.....any suggestions are appreciated!

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

Whatever grapple you end up with will make life waaaay easier! I would pick a box blade over any other blade without question. It makes driveway maintenance way easier, and can do other jobs well too. If you're only using it for a driveway, consider a land plane/grading scraper. It's more of a one-trick pony, but it's the best for driveways

[@scotthamilton4426]

@@HomesteadBandwagon Thank you! BTW -- I just recommended your awesome grapple comparison video on my Orangetalk and TBN threads regarding which type of grapple to choose.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

Thanks! That's means a lot to me

[@blisterphish490]

Unless you plan to do significant mowing or other field work, just buy yourself a good used skid steer. I have a 45 hp tractor that I've had for 2 years and have less hours on it that the 74hp skid steer I've had for 6 months. Just a far more suitable machine for all around land management work. Wish I'd have saved the $$ on the tractor, and equally expensive attachments, and just gone skid at the outset.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

Skid steers are definitely a great tool.

[@jakecrane3690]

What model tractor you got there

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

That's an LS MT342. It's been a pretty great machine. Just hit 500 hours this year

[@1millionstartups]

Thanks for informative video, looking to get first grapple for autumn brush and poison ivy cleaning and winter burning, and think a root rake will fit my needs better as my needs are similar to yours. Curious if you prefer narrower to get into tighter spots and more control, or wider to get more and bigger things?

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

I like having a grapple about as wide as the tires so i can clear brush more efficiently without constantly wrapping materials around my axles. A wider version of the Worksaver wouldn't hurt my feelings

[@rolandroach2670]

open your grable wider if posible the first try and put a little more down pressure with arm pistons and your grable should side down the over the log on the first try not the third try 10:31

[@brianhillis3701]

Root rake and forks should meet your needs.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

Heck yeah. My two favorite tools

[@bobberger918]

Good video

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

Thank you! You are COMPLETELY correct!

[@thebubbacontinuum2645]

I can do all of that stuff with a debris fork I built from scrap for maybe $600, plus a bucket for scraping off weeds, and I can move several times as much brush or logs in one load. I didn't have to add new hydraulics. I can also move most pallets. I'm starting to think grapples are more about toy appeal than function.

[@raucoin98]

Hey bro like your videos I have a dilemma maybe you could help with I have a LS tractor 4046

[@raucoin98]

The glow plug relay sometimes starts and some times just the ligh comes on without and clicking... already replaced the relay didn't solve it?

[@RobertGammie]

What model is your LS Tractor?

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

We've got the MT342. It's a little beast!

[@barney1941]

you look like tinmans brother, he is a chainsaw guy on youtube

[@fergieferguson2457]

Different subject but you and thousands of ppl call yourselves homesteaders now you did use farm a cpl times!I grew up on a farm still live on a farm!why homestead and not a farm?am I missing something here with Uncle Sam or is it just cool to say homestead?because I see homesteaders doing the same things that I do on my farm.some with less land than me some with a lot more.I own 545 acres and 90% is non crops so what am I missing.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

I think the word "Homestead" is a popular catch-all term for small scale farms or just chunks of land that are big enough to have a few animals or some veggies or something like that. I use the term with a little tongue-in-cheek as we're by no means farmers, and definitely aren't living off the land

[@davidlarge6159]

What size tractor is that?

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

That's an LS MT342- large frame 40HP. It's been a beast!

[@tedbennett6817]

How about noxious bushes like Automn Olive removal?

[@granmabern5283]

I think some use “ homestead” because they are just starting out and dreaming big.😅

[@dalemarshall625]

He'll you spread the logs out no wonder you can't pick them all up at once the second time try a round hay bale

[@kontsombos7540]

It's not very impressive. Too slow and clumsy .

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

I disagree 100000%. Greatest tool I've ever used. Makes land clearing simple and easy for a very low price compared to a skidsteer.

[@kontsombos7540]

@@HomesteadBandwagon Τhe Root Rake was not impressive at all. The Rock Rake was much better.

[@SpeedyCotton55]

Great video, just the info I was looking for. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

I never met a grapple OR a burger i didn't like!

[@rickrockin155]

Ive been looking for a rake, the 3 point rake saw was cool, it good for cleaning weeds and roots and such. Unfortunately titan does not make it for a skidsteer. So it seems my next best choice would b the clamshell root rake. I agree with u, the better choice is the root rake, lot more versatility.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

It'll earn its keep real fast!

[@Denis-tu1pd]

I use forks to move logs about 24 inches round and 20 foot long .it is risky. After looking at this awesome video I am going to buy the root rake it's way more useful in many ways. Thank you for the awesome video Denis from Santa Rosa

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

Did you get the grapple yet? Which one are you going with?

[@Denis-tu1pd]

@Homestead Bandwagon no not yet I am looking at the grapple that has short bottom teeth. They close tight and it would be easier to pick up the rounds. I have to wait until I finish working on my 36 Chevy gasser.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

There's a bunch of great options out there. Sounds like you're having tons of fun!

[@spartanhunter6269]

Great video. I just ordered the flat bottom (EA 66 inch Wicked Root Grapple). While on the phone the sales guy said i should really consider their Rake Grapple. I was pretty sure i was getting the one i want so i didn't listen. Now 3-4 days later i am in panic mode on whether i should of gone for the rake. So.... you said you were thinking about another video... Here is my land situation... hunting property... so clearing trails that have downed Ash, Poplar, Pine or Cedars. Clearing shooting lanes? Seems like the rake might win? Picking up rocks from piles (old farmers used to pile rocks up every season). Digging up a stump or a boulder in the ground? Make it fast as i probably only have a week or two before i can't change my order. LOL. Thanks again... great (helpful) video!!!!

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

The flat bottom is much better for picking up trees and large material without wrecking the ground underneath. On the onther hand, I would really not be comfotable doing any digging work with a flat bottom. Too much risk with your hydraulic cylinders exposed!

[@CarlosJimenez-be5zk]

I bended the crap out of my 66” grapple trying to dig stumps (small I should say) don’t make the $2500 mistake I did. Even to push trees, I wouldn’t risk to try to dig them out.

[@HomesteadBandwagon]

Definitely gotta be a little gentle pushing on buried stuff. I got a bend in one of the teeth on nine from fighting with a bit of buried cement

[@ocho27hd]

@@CarlosJimenez-be5zk was that with the flat bottom or curved bottom?

[@CarlosJimenez-be5zk]

@@ocho27hd curbed