Update:
The grapple saw is at least everything I thought it would be and then some more. I've cut some whole trees over 20" in diameter without issue. I haven't tried grabbing any (over ~2') large logs yet to see how it will handle that, but under 2' is gravy. The grapple tines are individual, nothing connecting the two per side. I'm liking that a good bit. If you grab dirt, most of it falls out on its own, and it doesn't scoop up as much either. The first time I filled the bar oil reservior, I was a bit surprised with how much it took. Then I considered how much I had cut and it made perfect sense. All told I'm on my second chain, ~500-600 trees have been cut, 80%+ have been chipped.
I do need to make version 1.0 of the hanger for my excavator, taking what I learned from the proof of concept hanger. I also need to do some cleanup of the plumbing on my dipper.
My excavator (13.2k lbs) is about as small as I would want to go doing straight clearing work, bigger would be better. Doing residential work, a 4t (10k lb) machine would be ok, maybe a 3.5t, but that seems like it would be getting pretty small. The two hydraulic circuits on my excavator are exceptionally handy, being able to run the grapple and rotation simultaneously. I haven't had an issue with the grapple, tilit, and saw being on the same circuit. I could see how that could be an issue with the slower boom of a knuckle boom. With the excavator it's as wide open as the machine can move it. Then again, with the knuckle boom, you could reduce the tilt down speed and it should be easier.
In closing, it's the future of some forms of tree work. It should be exceptionally well suited for my fields. I'm looking forward to getting it on a residential job so I can shoot video for the people who say they like the grapple but don't do enough land clearing to justify it. I'll also make a hanger for my track loader at some point. It's at Treesmith's son in law's house currently.
Some chips from the saw!
Action shot!
