Today we compare the Brute Force MFG log grapple to the extreme duty root rake grapple from Stephens Attachments. Both grapples can move logs and brush but each of them have their own strengths.
Good morning Adam. Thanks for the demo - it looks pretty well built - heavy commercial steel I imagine. Great for logs which I think is mainly what you need it for. Here, I have a wider variety of needs so would prefer my root rake grapple - brush, limbs, rocks, digging etc. but definitely I think for your firewood business, it makes good sense to have a log grapple. Have a good weekend and thanks again!
I purchased add a grapple from precision manufacturing it attaches to your pallet forks it works very well for brush and holding logs. I also added the log clamp. Very versatile attachment. What I like about it is you can use it for moving brush cutting logs and then moving some pallets without changing attachments on your loader.
I have a Frontier AV20F on my JD 3032E. It's extremely capable and very versatile in my firewood and tree work. Handles logs well and is perfect for brush removal without having to change implements. I'll still with the root grapple for the versatility.
Im looking at lpog grapples because my root grapple is so heavy around 900 lbs and lowers my capacity on tractor. I found a brand called frost bite that weighs around 400lbs vs this one at 600lbs. Appears it is better suited for something larger or a skidsteer. If weight of the implement was not an issue I would choose a root grapple because it can do so much more. If they made one smaller and lighter better suited for a tractor that was not $3400 then I think they would have a winner.
It looks like you can cut almost the same amount of log on each grapple. That being said I would choose the root grapple due to the versatility of it. Great video.
Very cool Grapple for the specific purpose it is made for. I also love that the closed captioning says applause and then laughing while the chainsaw is running
The root rate grapple, you could use to work the land more and still grab and pick up things like a law grapple it would probably be more durable, and you could always set the logs off to the side and cut them
I currently have a heavy duty root rake grapple for a skid steer (1150lbs) I sold the skid steer and now only have a Kitot 55hp tractor. The grapple is too heavy for the tractor so I’ve been considering getting a log grapple. I think I’d get enough use out of it to justify getting it. As it is now, I have a grapple I can’t use. I want to have a skid steer again some day but that’s a long way away still
What model, hp, and attachments do you have for your tractor. And would you recommend that size tractor for doing micro logging and logging clean up. When I’m ready to get a tractor I want to have the right size tractor to haul logs and not be too big for my 10k 6x10 trailer.
I think I'd take the root grapple over log grapple. I think I would have more use for it. My biggest problem is the brush left after cutting up a tree in farmers field. But either one would work because as of now, all I have is my two arms and hands. 👍🤣
Look forward to hearing your thoughts on the log grapple now that you've used it some more. I need a log grapple, been harvesting firewood far too long with a winch and forks. It works well but I need a more precise grip to grab logs from my piles, both multiple logs, and that one that kicks sideways that I have to toss to the back with one fork in order to grab the rest. And also to be able to pick logs off the ground in uneven terrain. Obviously a root grapple would be useful for brush and roots so who knows I might have to get one of those too, eventually.
With the work I’m doing I prefer the brute force log grapple. It gives you a narrower pinch point. A lot easier to grab uneven logs. For tree tops though the brush grapple is the way to go.
Older video, I know but just priced out a Brute Force and I think way over priced compared to what's out there. Even a new Frostbite is still under 2k and these are 3500.00! All these top dog things are the best when they're free!
Great video Adam. You’re on a tear in putting out videos lately.......we all enjoy it. I’m like most others in preferring the root grapple simply due to its multiple uses. The other is rather one dimensional......but incredibly useful for that application. Stay safe
Personally I prefer the brush or the root grapple over the log but but the log grapple is definitely the way to go if you're handling strictly logsPersonally I prefer the brush or the root grapple over the log but but the log grapple is definitely the way to go if you're handling strictly logs
I thought that you were going to compare the 2 but instead all you did was use the log grapple and then asked us to tell you which we thought was more useful. Huh?
Both attachments have their place. I want the log grapple to go with my Land Pride grapple. But the reason I want the log grapple is it would make setting logs on my Brute Force firewood processor so much easier.
Have a root grapple with independent clamping teeth. Very versatile for logs, brush, stumps, ect. Log grapple looks more convenient for just logs but looks like more of a uni tasker
I run a root rake Land Pride SGC1060(?) and you're exactly right you have to either drop the log or open the jaws and slide it out while wedging a short piece of wood on the short end to hold it up. It's usually faster to just drop the log and buck it on the ground. I couldn't justify the log grapple for my 3-4 cords a year. I considered a grapple that slides on the pallet forks for log work... I might build one.
As others said it's seems the root grapple can do more tasks, but each has a place. What is your favorite method/tool for marking/making same length of firewood?
Like shown when you cut a piece off the first log, the Brute Force grapple will have a problem loading a truck unless the log is perfectly balanced unlike the grapple rake which has a more secure grip sideways and won't move on you once picked up.
If I was was to do jus logs which I cut a lot of wood I’d pick the log grapple but to do brush n logs the other would def b handy I have a set of forks my my kioti 2610 n they wrk well for me I’d love to have a grapple either one would b nice lol both have great uses but love my forks
I went with a root grapple myself. Although, I got one with dual Independent clamps. It’s the wicked root grapple from Everything Attachments out in North Carolina. With the two individual clamps I can grapple the end of a log and cut all the way down and maybe have one or two cuts at the end. The thing is wicked so probably where it got its name.
So I’d go with the root grapple over the special log one. The clamping does look better but one can work around that with a regular grapple. Like most I have a ton of brush to deal with also when cutting. So I think the grapple wins out to be more versital
Looks like a frostbite log grapple rebadged with brute force name. They are a specialized unit but you can dig out stumps with those lower arms, I've done it.
For bigger logs especially those where the log is wider on one side, the root rake grapple is not ideal.... because it has two cylinders working at the same time, one end will want to squeeze more than the other placing a significant stress on the grapple itself. Cause I handle bigger stuff all the time, I’m waiting for mine to break.... single piston log grapple is better for handling logs... as the name implies
My guess on the splitter: I was originally thinking it might be a Wolfe Ridge, but since Brute Force sent you the grapple, I bet they might have sent one of their splitters as well (Maybe a bundler too???) I never realized Brute Force was so close to where I grew up, and now is only about an hour and a half from where I live. Might have to check into them when lookin for a grapple. I think I could get uses out of both grapples. I ordered a couple loads of 8' logs to be made into firewood, but also have a lot of brush to deal with on the property. One thing I think would be nice to see is how the Brute force stands up to grabbing brush and moving it around. I would bet it would do ok, but never know.
Adam, Each has its advantages for their specific jobs, but the Brute Force is the bomb for grappling logs from the pile. Especially when you get those 30 inchers donated from the tree service guy. About that speed bundler, did you get any speed loading trays with it? If not they look very easy to fabricate on a press brake. I've seen them demonstrated on a supplier video. Very effective for a two person team. Patrick PS I sent you by email a link to a video of the Twister Wrapper using the loading trays. Pretty slick productivity enhancer for a two person crew. One stacking the trays one operating the wrapper. Another tool for speed and less hassle is an inexpensive hooked stretch film cutter. You can hang it from a lanyard on the wrapper and slit the film in a second with a clean cut. It's around $5 .00 from any stretch film supplier. Buy a few as they seem to walk away when friends use them,lol. Better to tie them with a lanyard thru their lanyard hole.
I have a Ventrac 4500Z with a bucket and teeth and a grapple that is as wide as the bucket 60". It works very well at picking up roots or limbs or a few logs up to 800 lbs to hold and cut as firewood. I do have to reposition the logs to get those last cuts. I would choose your root grapple because it can do more things. We really enjoy your videos and commentary, Thank you!
I would probably use the root grapple more. The Brute Force looks really nice and heavy duty but it’s kind of a one trick pony. If you had the Brute Force and needed to move brush you’d have to go grab a rake and pitch fork I guess?? 😁
Hey Adam, I have the everything attachments wicked grapple and love it so far, biggest reason I went with it was because of its relatively light weight (200lbs) to maximize my lifting. How does the brute force grapple compare to others weight wise? It looks beefy!
Frostbite make a great log grapple .brute force looks like a nice unit. what i have found is you need a tractor with some rear end weight .a full size utility tractor works best moving logs around. small tractor is light weight and could be a tipping hazard.be careful lifting !
Root grapple hands down. I can pick up logs with it in a pinch ( pun intended) but that log clamp is next to useless in brush and for rocks or roots ... Its a one trick pony.
I bought a Frostbite log grapple for my skid steer. Great tool. Best part is the weight savings. The frostbite is 300 pounds, maximizing my skid steer's capacity. It can work on brush in a pinch, but not the best.
I was going to say that the root rake seems to be more versatile, but that looks like it has already been said more than once. The other piece of equipment would be better if you only needed it for that one purpose.
Looks like you've got that Holzforma running well now. A 70cc saw like that is a proper size for a man. No grapples for me though my processor has a yarding infeed
In the future when I get a new loader tractor I want to get the root grapple I think around my farm I'd find more uses for that than the log grapple. I can use the root grapple to move brush it might even work for me to clean out my goat pens .and also move big bales of hay plus use it for moving firewood
Nice video, I can see the benefit of the log grapple for the smaller horsepower tractors. Anything to free up excess weight on the front will allow you to pick up all that you need. It is best to utilize the curvature of that log grapple, especially going into the pile and tilting the grapple accordingly. Great work with keeping the chainsaw out of the dirt. However, with this log grapple alone, are you able to now use that to pick up all of the pieces of wood, without them falling through the middle? I would definitely rather have a piece of equipment more versatile. Anytime you are using your tractor to do the work, you are winning in the long run. Where are these grapple manufactured?
