Farm equipment designers have now developed a multipurpose grapple that efficiently tackles user's difficult tasks.

The hydraulic grapple rake is mounted on a dirt bucket, either by a bolt-on or welding method, and gives tractors the ability to pick up both heavy-sized loads and small materials with the same tool.

Tool Advancement

Dusty L. Weiss, of Construction Associates of Spokane Inc., ordered the grapple for the company's tractor in June 2009, and said it's a great innovative tool for the company's everyday needs.

"I recently moved debris from the company's property," Weiss said. "To move the material myself would have taken an unwarranted amount of time; the bucket grapple easily allowed me to accomplish this task."

Whether it's agriculture or demolition work, Weiss recommends the bucket grapple as an efficient solution for those needing to save time and money.

Yet, Weiss had a few suggestions for improvement of the bucket grapple design.

Weiss' 36 inch across attachment weighs almost 200 lbs., therefore reducing the amount of weight carried in each load. "Tractor users are often trying to take on more than they can easily handle," Weiss said. "If you lessened the weight of the grapple, you could pick up heavier loads, making work much more productive and efficient."

New and Improved

AnBo Manufacturing, a company based out of Colville, WA., has recently created a new bucket grapple that can carry the weight a user desires – with poise and simplicity.

Duane S. Kaler of Chattaroy, WA, purchased his AnBo grapple in April 2009, and said he believes the attachment is very valuable.

"We recently bought a 41-acre spread of land and were in need of a grapple that could efficiently remove hay, brush and other small materials," Kaler said.

For these tasks, Kaler uses his grapple as an attachment on his tractor's 72-inch bucket – bolted in place.

"Although the bolt-on method is handy for removal purposes, I don't ever plan to take it off," Kaler said. "It's just such a convenient tool."

The AnBo Bucket Grapple is available in most bucket sizes, and is branded with forward-raking tines that create the option for raking to be done in both a forward and backward motion.

"No more inefficient manual labor for me – The AnBo Bucket Grapple works great for a variety of large and small tasks!"

Built Stronger to Hold Longer

The AnBo bucket Grapple is uniquely made of AR400, a steel with almost two time the Brinnell rating as that of T1, allowing the grapple to be lighter in weight, yet stronger. Furthermore, the grapple can now handle larger payloads without bending the tines because of the new tensile strength of the metal – 50 percent greater than T1.

Jim Gurnea, owner of a 160-acre plot in Ione, WA., believes this steel is a critical part of what makes the AnBo Bucket Grapple so useful and unique.

"Whenever you maintain strength while reducing weight it's a great thing," Gurnea said. "Luckily, the AnBo Bucket Grapple is designed with steel that permits both."

Gurnea, who previously worked for a steel company, believes the AnBo Bucket Grapple design is just what a farmer is looking for. "While AR400 is 'tougher steel' for the manufacturer to work with, it helps create a tool that is both light weight and can hold," Gurnea said. "There's less mass to move with a hydraulic cylinder – what a great idea!"

Gurnea also said he has no need for a chain or strapping system with his attachment – it holds items securely in the bucket.

"Essentially, whether it's the middle of March or November, the AnBo Bucket Grapple is a useful tool to have around," Gurnea said.

To learn more information, please visit www.anbomanufacturing.com, or call 866-684-3330.

AnBo Manufacturing is a farm equipment machinery business that specializes in Skid Steer Grapples. They offer a wide variety of Grapples. For more information, please visit www.anbomanufacturing.com or call 866-684-3330. Unique version for reprint here: A Tool Farmers Are Grappling For.