Got a new toy for my new toy! I've been wanting a grapple bucket since I first saw one four or five years ago. I was going to build one but all my loaders were either too small or big to be working in the woods. But now that my Brother and I bought a skidsteer I just had to have one. While looking at pictures trying to figure out how I wanted to build one I found some reviews on TractorByNet. Of a WildKat grapple bucket. Even their econo bucket was very well built. And only $1050 and $188 for shipping. So I ordered one up and it came in last nite. And I got to play with it for a hour or so today. And it sure is handy!
It opens up to 36" and all the tines are 1/2" steel plate.
No problem lifting and moving logs around now.
Even grabbing it one end so I can hold it off the ground and cut it up.
Then I grabbed some 30" popple rounds and moved them to the splitting pile.
Then on to picking up brush and moving it to the burn pile.
This is the biggest log I moved. A good sized willow trunk. Clamped it down and lifted it no problem.
I still have to get to the JD dealer and see if I can get the foot pedals changed over to hand controls. Trying to run the bucket with foot controls is just awkward and jerky. While I am sure I would get better with them I just don't see me being able to get the smooth action I can with hand controls. But it can sure clean up a mess fast. And I am really looking forward to getting all the brush and logs cleaned up on the trails I made at the farm.
Billy
It opens up to 36" and all the tines are 1/2" steel plate.
No problem lifting and moving logs around now.
Even grabbing it one end so I can hold it off the ground and cut it up.
Then I grabbed some 30" popple rounds and moved them to the splitting pile.
Then on to picking up brush and moving it to the burn pile.
This is the biggest log I moved. A good sized willow trunk. Clamped it down and lifted it no problem.
I still have to get to the JD dealer and see if I can get the foot pedals changed over to hand controls. Trying to run the bucket with foot controls is just awkward and jerky. While I am sure I would get better with them I just don't see me being able to get the smooth action I can with hand controls. But it can sure clean up a mess fast. And I am really looking forward to getting all the brush and logs cleaned up on the trails I made at the farm.
Billy