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Thanks for the info. I really like the idea of "biting" into the pile rather than trying to scoop up the wood with the loader, which doesn't work well most of the time.
I agree on the size issue, and was thinking of going for a ~72 inch unit. Now the big problem is the model and type. I like the bottom tine design of your Markham unit. The longer bottom tines with the upswept tips seem to be the best design for grabbing wood and holding the largest quantity of wood possible, regardless of whether or not it's in log or split form.
Here's a pic of one from Unlimited Fabrication that is similar to what I'm describing:
I'm leaning away from the "clamshell" designs...they seem to be too shallow mouthed for grabbing wood (although maybe has a more powerful bite due to geometry and better designed for breaking concrete, etc.)
Here's a list of the manufactures I could find that seem to make ones that fit the bill:
Unlimited Fabrication
Loflin Fabrication
Markham Welding
Construction Attachements (still in business?)
I guess putting aside tine spacing, thickness and opening size, what other features make the price difference between these unit? Steel quality? Piston quality?
-Mark[/quote]
Below would be two others to look at - Horst welding and WR Long
http://www.wrlonginc.com/rbg.htm
Me personally Im not a big fan of the two grapple design - gets too awkward in grabbing & lifting and holding on to things.
Your M59 has the lift ability, but smaller machines have to keep the weight of the grapple in mind, so it dosent take away from the FEL lifting ability. Skid Steer grapples weight over 1k pound and more....
Your application may vary so maybe discuss with manufacturer about your specific needs - like wood splits and how the gaps need to be closed up somewhat then standard offerings....or with logs, some reverse teeth really help hold the log in place for transport...
Good luck