View attachment 161352 We just got a new JD5115M, 115 HP, 4wd, open station, FEL with third function. Total weight is around 12,000 lbs as is. We burn a lot of wood at work and the house and I have a little money left in this equipment budget. I am looking at getting some sort of grapple bucket and possibly a skidding winch. We will probably use this to thin some stands on the WMA along with other things like vehicle recovery.
First, does anyone have any experience with BOTH a root grapple (smaller tine spacing, flat bottom, thinner tines) and a grapple rake (curved, thick times)? We ha e some fields with bigger rocks that come up every now and then but we also need to move tree tops and trees in the fields. Will a root grapple do both jobs?
Second, what size winch would I need for this tractor? I was looking at Hud-son website and looks like the Uniforest 85 is the biggest, but I believe the 65 would work fine. Other than them, who else deals with these types of winches, preferably on the east coast? What other brands are out there besides Farmi?
Nice Tractor.
This is my 70hp that I use with a Solesbee’s 72” Brush Grapple: they now call them Grapple Rakes. This one new was $2,800.
I’ve got a buddy that runs 95hp skid steers that has destroyed the more economical Grapples. Understand they are ok for smaller machines, but you don’t have a small machine. He is probably going to but my Solesbee’s because he is tired of the cheaper ones failing on him. I’ll explain why mine is for sale in a moment.
http://solesbees.com/skid_steer_grapple_rakes.php
Now,
As you can see, I run a Utility tractor for my Tree Service. I’ve asked Solesbee’s to build a Log Grapple. The flat bottom Brush Grapple is great on a Skid Steer, but it becomes challenging to see well when put on a Utility Tractor.
We’ve owned other Solesbee’s Grapples for over 20 years using them on Case Skid Steers. Grandfather bought the 2nd one they built.
What’s a Log Grapple you say?
Young’s Welding calls them a Root Grapple, but it’s a similar concept.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/190998077121
I’ve been after Travis with Everything Attachments for over a year to build a Wicked 74” or 78”.
Reason being, the 66” is the largest they offer with the full length lid, & I don’t like running over stuff, mashing it into the ground. I want a grapple as wide or preferably slightly wider than my tire tracks so I can get everything in the path.
You will too on that machine.
Solesbee’s is considering building me what I’ve described.
Mr. Young out in Kansas doesn’t want to build a 78” Unit because he’s set up for the 84” model, hasn’t sold nearly any of the 72” models, & recommends I go with an 84”.
Dump trailers are 83” wide on the inside & I don’t want an 84” anyway.
If I were you, I’d,
1. talk to Solesbee’s, call & ask for Lee Jay,
(770) 949- 9231
2. Message or call Travis with EA,
Tell them you want a 78” single lid strong grapple like I just described. I need a bit of support here.
Why not just go with another make?
The lighter weight Grapples will come apart on your machine just like they have on others.
2. Winch-
• Uniforest or
• Farmi
See my Barrett Brother’s Uniforest 45- I’d go with an 85 on your tractor.
I’m going with the 65H for my machine.
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We just got a new JD5115M, 115 HP, 4wd, open station, FEL with third function. Total weight is around 12,000 lbs as is. We burn a lot of wood at work and the house and I have a little money left in this equipment budget. I am looking at getting some sort of grapple bucket and possibly a skidding winch. We will probably use this to thin some stands on the WMA along with other things like vehicle recovery. 
Yes, unfortunately. BUT, according to the service guys at a well respected dealer, one with DEF is better than one with just a DPF alone. I think the 75HP and below are DPF only and above is DEF. I've been happy so far now that I straightened some things out with the dealer I used. I will say that Meade helped me work out the issues I had with Ritchie, so I bought the grapple from them. 
