Dump bed or grapple arm?

[Isaac Carlson]

I have been wanting to build a dump bed and grapple arm for my truck. My problem is I don’t think I can do both. My original plan was to just build a dump bed to help with unloading, but then I saw a grapple on a truck and really liked it. I don’t know if I can do both because of the added weight and lost space. The grapple would be handy for a lot more than just wood. I could lift engines, beef/pig carcasses, pull posts, etc... The dump bed would only dump stuff, which is a great thing, but loading is still a pain.

Does anyone have any experience or insight into solving this dilema?

My boss said I should put the grapple on the truck and build a dump trailer. That way I can move stuff with the truck and load the trailer if I want to.

 

[duramaxman05]

You could design the tongue on the trailer so you could put a lift on it and still have it dump. You could also reposition your axles so it would take some of the weight off the tongue with the lift.

 

[bholler]

It really depends on you and what you do. I use my dump bed all the time for work and home use i am sure i would use a grappel but not as much

 

[VirginiaIron]

The make compact truck hoists/cranes and also units that utilize a 2" receiver

(broken link removed to https://www.walmart.com/ip/1-000-LB-Tow-Hydraulic-Pickup-2-Hitch-Mount-Truck-Crane-Swivel-Hoist-Lift/927433877?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=3032&adid=22222222228078710044&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=s&wl2=m&wl3=192054297268&wl4=pla-300242935622&wl5=9008915&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=113500432&wl11=online&wl12=927433877&wl13=&veh=sem)

https://m.northerntool.com/shop/tools/NTESearch?Ntt=davit+crane

 

[Jazzberry]

How about a small excavator and a trailer? Seems like it would be a lot more useful. Lots of tree companies use this setup. Hire out for digging/trenching and make it pay for itself.