Since July 2022, I have an artillian "system" : 2 SSQA fork frames, iron fist grapple, 36" pallet forks and artillian 72" snow plow. Tractor is Kubota LX2610 cab, Here's my 2 cents 1) I dedicate grapple to one fork frame until a project is done, components are too heavy to frequently remove. Still like modular design because rakes & grapples come off individually allowing stacking for storage. Easier to handle 90 lbs. components than 300+ lbs. complete grapple system. 2) Strengths - picking up logs/limbs works great, brush piles too; build quality excellent, no binding. Customer service first class. 3) Weakness - iron fist opens pretty high, the "finger" often catches on other material behind whatever you're trying to get ahold of so you can't close the fist. Piston on iron fist is too weak, doesn't help pull the load into the rake (or mouth). However, as Neil points out, serrations hold loads firmly. On one hand a dedicated SSQA would make the system lighter, but then limits modular purchasing options & storage attractiveness for suburban users keeping their attachments on garage shelving.
He lifted a log until his back wheel was off the ground, I can't help but think about his video about over loading the front axle. The answer at that time was to add weight to the back to reduce the load on the front axle. This is a perfect example to show that was wrong, in fact the opposite.
When I see you grab some bamboo twigs, I thought not bad how it clamps on just a few pieces and holds them tight. But when you really put it to a test on that big log, I go wow excellent video demo. Therefore from what I see, it looks to me that this grapple might work better if just one clamp in middle.....
I've had the older Artillian Grapple/forklift system for my LX2610 for the last 2 years. At 65 years old, I'm already having trouble moving the grapple units by hand. Bigger and heavier is a deal-killer for me.
Love the in-depth review as always, and good call on the weight issue. I was leaning towards the iron fist but hadn't even thought about how much more they weighed than the standard system.
I want just one section to add to my pallet fork set. I hate all the other grapple designs, but this one looks great, and will save me huge $$ over a full grapple.
The other issue that many never talk about is the weight of all that stuff, it adds up fast, and when you have a small tractor you take up all your lifting capacity in just the attachment alone, leaving you with not much working capacity. I had thought about a grapple for my BX, but the weight of a grapple combined with the already light working capacity of the loader, it makes no sense wasting that kind of money on something you cannot really get much lift out of. A lot of that stuff you can simply use pallet forks for. Doesn't seem any company really thinks about the smaller tractors when designing this stuff. It also seems that many manufacturers love to hide their attachment and implement weights for some reason as well, doesn't make any sense to be hiding those numbers but they do it and it makes the buying process difficult, and oftentimes even a phone call to the company doesn't give you any help either. Looks like the Land Pride 48" grapple for a BX weighs only 156 pounds....not bad, but you got a lot of weight hanging off the loader that significantly reduces your lift capacity. Those grapples would be great, but for the price its not worth it on a sub-compact tractor...and that new Artillian setup is even heavier which certainly would not be an attachment for a small tractor at all, and in the demo here, I don't see any point of all that extra movement of the grapple claws up top, seems to me just an added piece that is inevitably going to get bent, even 3/8" thick steel is going to bend when you put it into a bind, which you will do moving around logs and types of materials that are heavy, bulky, and tend to try and twist and bend while you are trying to manipulate them.
I agree Neil that Artillian should try this set up without having to buy their frame. They and Precision mfg I feel are the two best innovative American companies when it comes to grapples. Cool that you sell both.
Great demonstration Neil. I really like the concept of their grapple but, I do agree with you. Make a Dual grapple solid frame mount unit that weighs less. Quick Attach it off if you need the pallet forks. Too much heavy lifting for change over. I would end up leaving it assembled and by separate frame with pallet forks.
Innovative design for sure. Seems like open and close is too fast. Do you think a flow restrictor would slow it down a bit and make it smoother? I did this on a hydraulic angle plow and it made a big difference.
I have been looking for the right grapple, I have watched the video reviews of the Artillian Modular iron fist grapple. I agree with the concept of the iron fist design but find the modular system too heavy and time consumming. Plus the extra expense of all the parts does not justify the purchase of this one.
Great video on the Iron Fist!! Upset however that I came to your shop last weekend to look at and possibly purchase and you didn't have one. I loved your idea of having it's own mounting frame and not requiring the pallet frame. The extra cost for the pallet frame is a huge drawback and holding my up from ordering one anyway.
Boy, thats a lot of moving parts and small fasteners for a grapple. Looks like a case of someone reinventing the wheel and creating a solution for a problem that doesnt exist.
The geometry is definitely interesting, it a way forward vs the typical curve claw on a single pin. I'm with you Neil. the modular aspects is not really a seller. if I can't used the loader do change it, and have to do it manually, I will just undo the quick coupler.
They make awesome products but the modular system is what steered me away. The added weight and proprietary design are two big "no's" for me. Like you said, the ssqa already has it figured out. Just make implements that hook on to that.
The bases in engineering something for multiple decades longevity is the more complicated the faster it becomes useless. It is an expotential equation.. And no matter how carefully you are .. shit happen! What would 3/8”steel look like if a 3 ton tree fell on it? Instant junk! I’ve been a millwright all my live and made tons of money fixing complicated machinery. And know, if possible to do the same job simply..avoid complications at all cost.
So far that’s the grapple that’s I want…but my one concern has been what you showed with attempting to pick up that log. If something stops the first section from clamping, the 2nd and 3rd section won’t continue to clamp. For me I’m probably worrying about nothing, but…
Excellent video and balanced comments. Very helpful
Since July 2022, I have an artillian "system" : 2 SSQA fork frames, iron fist grapple, 36" pallet forks and artillian 72" snow plow. Tractor is Kubota LX2610 cab, Here's my 2 cents
1) I dedicate grapple to one fork frame until a project is done, components are too heavy to frequently remove. Still like modular design because rakes & grapples come off individually allowing stacking for storage. Easier to handle 90 lbs. components than 300+ lbs. complete grapple system.
2) Strengths - picking up logs/limbs works great, brush piles too; build quality excellent, no binding. Customer service first class.
3) Weakness - iron fist opens pretty high, the "finger" often catches on other material behind whatever you're trying to get ahold of so you can't close the fist. Piston on iron fist is too weak, doesn't help pull the load into the rake (or mouth). However, as Neil points out, serrations hold loads firmly.
On one hand a dedicated SSQA would make the system lighter, but then limits modular purchasing options & storage attractiveness for suburban users keeping their attachments on garage shelving.
He lifted a log until his back wheel was off the ground, I can't help but think about his video about over loading the front axle. The answer at that time was to add weight to the back to reduce the load on the front axle. This is a perfect example to show that was wrong, in fact the opposite.
i agree with come up with a dedicated.
When I see you grab some bamboo twigs, I thought not bad how it clamps on just a few pieces and holds them tight. But when you really put it to a test on that big log, I go wow excellent video demo. Therefore from what I see, it looks to me that this grapple might work better if just one clamp in middle.....
I've had the older Artillian Grapple/forklift system for my LX2610 for the last 2 years. At 65 years old, I'm already having trouble moving the grapple units by hand. Bigger and heavier is a deal-killer for me.
Love the in-depth review as always, and good call on the weight issue. I was leaning towards the iron fist but hadn't even thought about how much more they weighed than the standard system.
Heavy!
I want just one section to add to my pallet fork set.
I hate all the other grapple designs, but this one looks great, and will save me huge $$ over a full grapple.
Good video Neil. I’ve been happy with the iron fist Grapple so far
The other issue that many never talk about is the weight of all that stuff, it adds up fast, and when you have a small tractor you take up all your lifting capacity in just the attachment alone, leaving you with not much working capacity.
I had thought about a grapple for my BX, but the weight of a grapple combined with the already light working capacity of the loader, it makes no sense wasting that kind of money on something you cannot really get much lift out of. A lot of that stuff you can simply use pallet forks for.
Doesn't seem any company really thinks about the smaller tractors when designing this stuff. It also seems that many manufacturers love to hide their attachment and implement weights for some reason as well, doesn't make any sense to be hiding those numbers but they do it and it makes the buying process difficult, and oftentimes even a phone call to the company doesn't give you any help either. Looks like the Land Pride 48" grapple for a BX weighs only 156 pounds....not bad, but you got a lot of weight hanging off the loader that significantly reduces your lift capacity. Those grapples would be great, but for the price its not worth it on a sub-compact tractor...and that new Artillian setup is even heavier which certainly would not be an attachment for a small tractor at all, and in the demo here, I don't see any point of all that extra movement of the grapple claws up top, seems to me just an added piece that is inevitably going to get bent, even 3/8" thick steel is going to bend when you put it into a bind, which you will do moving around logs and types of materials that are heavy, bulky, and tend to try and twist and bend while you are trying to manipulate them.
You just said it all.
Great video/Demonstration Neil.. ima have to try one out myself
Great review and constructive criticisms. 😁👨🚒
Now that's a Kool piece of equipment!!!
Tell me how it works after you have used it for a minimum of fifty hours
Because no matter what it is it will always work best when it is brand new
Pretty cool how the grapple can rap around brush and doesn’t need another cylinder. Thanks for the video Neil 😁👍🚜💨🍳
I agree Neil that Artillian should try this set up without having to buy their frame. They and Precision mfg I feel are the two best innovative American companies when it comes to grapples. Cool that you sell both.
Very fair unbiased review. Thanks a bunch.
why they don't make a stripped down economy version like the standard L series but the same size of a b or bx series.
I would mostly definitely find a way to bend it. But for homeowner use it may be great
That was a very good observation. At some point it is cost / time worthy to have dedicated implements.
Great demonstration Neil. I really like the concept of their grapple but, I do agree with you. Make a Dual grapple solid frame mount unit that weighs less. Quick Attach it off if you need the pallet forks. Too much heavy lifting for change over.
I would end up leaving it assembled and by separate frame with pallet forks.
I like that grapple. I have their frame but have not decided on a grapple.
Innovative design for sure. Seems like open and close is too fast. Do you think a flow restrictor would slow it down a bit and make it smoother? I did this on a hydraulic angle plow and it made a big difference.
since i have a larger tractor with more flow its pretty fast and a restrictor would help. A smaller machine with less flow would not be so quick.
Good video Neil and agree with the modular part and think it would just be as easy to change implements.
I have been looking for the right grapple, I have watched the video reviews of the Artillian Modular iron fist grapple. I agree with the concept of the iron fist design but find the modular system too heavy and time consumming. Plus the extra expense of all the parts does not justify the purchase of this one.
I don't care much for the Punisher face on the front cross plate. Other than that, and the lack of a dedicated frame, it is pretty cool.
Another great video Neil, but I'm an EA man.
The IRON FIST!! Most unique grapple design on the market. Enjoying ours so far!
Seems to me that those "non-serviceable" joints would benefit from being greaseable.
Great video on the Iron Fist!! Upset however that I came to your shop last weekend to look at and possibly purchase and you didn't have one. I loved your idea of having it's own mounting frame and not requiring the pallet frame. The extra cost for the pallet frame is a huge drawback and holding my up from ordering one anyway.
Very interesting design! I am totally happy with my Virnig grapple purchased from you guys. The thing is amazing and perfectly suited to the L2501! 👍💪
Boy, thats a lot of moving parts and small fasteners for a grapple. Looks like a case of someone reinventing the wheel and creating a solution for a problem that doesnt exist.
Have you had any experience with the "Demo Dozer" grapple bucket?
The geometry is definitely interesting, it a way forward vs the typical curve claw on a single pin.
I'm with you Neil. the modular aspects is not really a seller. if I can't used the loader do change it, and have to do it manually, I will just undo the quick coupler.
I will never understand why they decided to build everything on a pallet fork frame when so many good quick attach systems are available
They make awesome products but the modular system is what steered me away. The added weight and proprietary design are two big "no's" for me. Like you said, the ssqa already has it figured out. Just make implements that hook on to that.
💥 Great video Neil! Artillian is definitely innovative and makes a quality product. I loved the apple product analogy.
*Keep on tractoring!*
The bases in engineering something for multiple decades longevity is the more complicated the faster it becomes useless.
It is an expotential equation..
And no matter how carefully you are .. shit happen!
What would 3/8”steel look like if a 3 ton tree fell on it?
Instant junk!
I’ve been a millwright all my live and made tons of money fixing complicated machinery.
And know, if possible to do the same job simply..avoid complications at all cost.
So far that’s the grapple that’s I want…but my one concern has been what you showed with attempting to pick up that log. If something stops the first section from clamping, the 2nd and 3rd section won’t continue to clamp. For me I’m probably worrying about nothing, but…
I, too, was confused by why that would happen.
another over priced over engineered piece, pallet fork do exactly the same job,
Well, no they do a similar job, but not "exactly" the same job.