Root Grapple Vs. Root Rake

Perhaps you have just cleared an area of land to start landscaping, or you want to clear up general debris with efficiency but the bucket on your skid steer just isn’t fit for that purpose.

In this case, it may be worth exploring the vast attachments that are available on a skid steer. Most skid steer attachments have universal hookups that can be used on any make of skid steer.

If you have a particular application in mind then root rakes and root grapples often come in different dimensions and sizes to fit your specific needs.

Root rakes and grapples are extremely durable, especially if you do the right research, find the best products on the market and are prepared to pay for quality then these tools can be reliable for a lifetime.

Skid Steers Direct is the only website you need to visit when it comes to all things skid steer. They offer great American made products that are of the highest quality.

Skid Steers Direct is run by experts who understand the problems of finding reliable gear for the blue-collar man and understand how the tools are used.

Ковши, транспортировка материалов

Грейфер широко используется как в лесном хозяйстве, так и в других сферах для обработки различных типов материала и мусора. Грейфер оборудован такими же захватами, как и ковш для демонтажа, но нижняя часть изготовлена из прочных стальных стержней, что обеспечивает:

Доступны две модели: ширина 1300 мм с двумя захватами с гидравлическим приводом и более узкая модель 900 мм с одним захватом. Гидравлические цилиндры и шланги грейферов хорошо защищены металлическими пластинами.

ТЕХНИЧЕСКАЯ ИНФОРМАЦИЯ

420 & 423

Tree removal

The root grapple is widely used in the tree industry, and it works also in other jobs where different types of debris need to be handled. It is equipped with the same grapples as the demolition grapple buckets, but the bottom part is made of strong steel bars. This allows:

The hydraulic root grapple is a strong and versatile attachment for handling trees and roots etc.

The heavy-duty design features plenty of clamping power ideal for loading and piling brush, logs, rocks and light demolition debris.

Hydraulic cylinders and hoses & fittings are well protected against falling debris

Technical data

The root grapple is widely used in the tree industry, and it works also in other jobs where different types of debris needs to be handled. It is equipped with the same grapples as the demolition grapple buckets, but the bottom part is made of strong steel bars.

Two models available: 1300 mm wide with two hydraulically operated grapples, and a narrower 900 mm model with one grapple. The hydraulic cylinders and hoses of the grapples are well protected with metal covers.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

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Having a convenient grapple is always a great thing when you love digging your own things. A grapple can come in handy for a variety of purposes like brush, limbs, rocks, digging, etc.

Depending on the purpose, choosing the right Grapple is more than necessary as the Grapple mostly dictates how efficiently you will be able to complete the job.

But confusion may always arise between the types of Grapple and their functionalities.

If you are confused between a root grapple and a root rake grapple, we are here to fix all of your issues regarding these two types.

If you are interested, let’s jump into the discussion-

A  root grapple tends to be narrower compared to a Root rake grapple

The most noticeable difference that is visible to the eyes between a root grapple and a root rake grapple is the shape of these items.

In general, a root or log grapple tends to come with a narrower shape when compared with a root rake grapple.

The average length of a log grapple will be anywhere between 30 to 35 inches, whereas a root rake grapple will have a length of nearly 65 to 70 inches.

Therefore, a root rake grapple will cover a wider area to cover a better space.

Both machines have different intended purposes.

Comparing both these devices with one another turns out to be productive and efficient when you do it on purpose. That is why choosing the devices for the right intended purpose is more than necessary.

While a root grapple or a log grapple can come in handy to pick up logs, a root rake grapple will bring forth the best experience when picking up bulk materials like roots, brush, limbs, or rocks.

A root grapple will mostly use a single-cylinder, whereas a root rake mostly will come with a dual cylinder.

Well, that is not to be the truth all the time. But in general, a log grapple or a root grapple tends to come with a single-cylinder construction. On the other hand, a root rake grapple should equip with a dual-cylinder construction.

At the same time, it is also true that a root grapple will have a larger single-cylinder, whereas a root rake grapple will have two smaller or mid-size cylinders.

When height is a concern, root grapple tends to be significantly taller

We know that a root rake will be nearly 5 to 6 feet wider, but when it comes to the height, the device tends to come with a comparatively smaller height.

On the contrary, a log grapple will come with a better height but smaller width.

Therefore, a log grapple will bring forth more versatility when it comes to cutting logs above the ground.

There is a plus point of having less height as well for all root rake grapples. The lower height helps these machines to pick up bulk materials with high-end proficiency.

A log grapple feels heavier when installed on your tractor

Although the weight of the root rake’s Grapple is always more than the root grapple, the root grapple feels heavier because of the geometry that it comes with.

When you maneuver these devices by installing them on your tractor, you will notice that a log grapple, because of its taller height, feels much heavier compared to a root rake grapple.

But the parallel construction of a root rake grapple allows the tractor to feel less weight despite having better weight compared to a log grapple.

A log grapple will ensure more visibility compared to a root rake grapple

A root rake grapple will have more teeth compared to a root grapple. Therefore, a log grapple tends to deliver more visibility.

But when you take the intended purpose into consideration, the visibility should not create any hassles at all.

Your primary focus with a log grapple will be to pick up and cut down logs, whereas a root rake grapple will come in handy to pick up bulks from the ground.

A root rake grapple is more versatile compared to a root grapple

This topic is an important decision factor. By versatility, we are here indicating the situations where you will use these devices.

A root grapple, having fewer teeth, is better at picking up logs and such things. On the contrary, a root rake grapple with its multiple teeth construction will allow you to use the device in multiple scenarios.

As a result, when versatility is in concern, a root rake grapple should ensure more productivity.

Which one should you choose?

When it comes to choosing a specific grapple for your intended purpose, giving priority to your preferred type of works seems relevant.

When you have to cut down and pick up a large number of logs every single day, a log grapple or root grapple will come in handy to make you comfortable with your process.

On the other hand, if you are someone who has to handle a great variety of chores every single day, a root rake grapple with its larger size and width should bring the optimum efficiency you would cherish getting.

Final summary

One great thing about having a root rake grapple is that these devices do a tremendous job when it comes to raking down the ground and getting most of the materials out. But a root rake grapple may not suffice when you are trying to collect a larger rack from above the ground. That is when your root grapple or log grapple serves you in the best possible way. Therefore, choose wisely to have the best possible experience in the longer run.

Comparison

Whether you want to use a root rake or a root grapple depends on your application of the tool. The root rakes mono functionality shows that it was engineered with one purpose in mind.

This can be a huge advantage as it means that the product was engineered to optimise it for the one function of raking. This means a lot of unnecessary weight has been left behind so you can maneuver and be efficient in movement.

In comparison, the root grapple is a multi-purpose tool that has multiple applications. The handling and accuracy that is lost through increased weight is supplemented with the clamping power of the grapple bucket’s jaws.

The environment that you are working in can also be a factor when comparing the two tools.

If you intend to be lifting much heavier material such as felled fir trees, then you might want to use a root grapple as the jaw’s power can pick up heavier loads and transport them easily.

In comparison, if you are clearing dead trees that are much lighter than you may prefer the easier to steer root rake which will optimise your efficiency and speed when executing the task.

This can be the biggest thing to consider when choosing between these two attachments: what the application of the tool is, and deciding whether you desire a more maneuverable and efficient tool, or a tool that is engineered for power and stability.

What Is A Root Grapple?

A root grapple is also another attachment for the ever-useful skid steer. A root grapple has a bottom jaw of flat teeth and an upper jaw of more pronged teeth.

The flat bottom jaw of the root grapple allows for optimal stability and the upper jaw has the ability to puncture through an item providing further balance.

The root rake is the perfect tool for scooping up and carrying rocks, logs, bush, and more, with more stability than a bucket.

Root grapples are also useful for pulling things out of the ground such as trees and their roots. For example if you are excavating bamboo, the bamboo will splinter and seed itself in the soil.

With a root grapple you can penetrate the ground and remove the tree with all its roots, removing it completely and leaving it clear for your next job.

The root grapples clamping power comes from hydraulic cylinders, hose springs prevent the cylinders from being damaged.

McLaren’s grapple bucket is one of the best root grapples on the market. Twin 2” x 8” hydraulic cylinders provide 3045 psi of clamping power.

The cylinders are equipped with a stopping mechanism which means that the jaws will never hyper extend or get stuck in position. The available sizes are 66”, 78”, and 84”.

A universal skid steer hookup means that the root grapple is ready to fit onto any skid steer and help you get the job done.

What Is A Root Rake?

A root rake is an attachment to a skid steer, it’s pronged teeth makes it the perfect tool for raking through material. The root rake is a heavy duty attachment that is perfect for forestry and land clearance.

After trees have been felled a root rake is the ideal tool to clear them up quickly so your work can continue.  The same raking function is applicable on loose dirt as well for general raking purposes.

The teeth are spaced 12” apart which allows dirt and soil to pass through while the rake picks up troublesome stones and pushes twigs and felled trees.

The holes between the teeth also allow for a clear view from the driver’s cab enabling safety as well as efficiency. A root rake essentially has the same function as the teeth on a bucket.

However, the mono functionality of the root rake allows weight to be replaced with maneuverability and speed.

Blue Diamond root rake is the first stop if you’re interested in a quality root rake. The dimensions vary from 33” x 60” to 31.5” x 84”, and in relation its weight can go from 1025 lbs to 1215 lbs.

Your choice of weight and dimension will change by application. Reinforced tubing in the mainframe helps prevent damage and makes the root rake durable to all applications giving you the freedom to solve any landscaping issues.