Tractor-mounted Branch Grapples

Tractor branch grapples are agricultural implements designed for the collection, transport, and handling of bulky plant material such as branches, cuttings, and pruning residues. They are attached to the tractor’s rear lift and use the power of the hydraulic system to open and close the material-retaining arms. Their robust structure makes them suitable for use on farmland, in orchards, vineyards, and wooded areas where large quantities of plant residues need to be moved.

The tractor branch and prunings grapple with a load capacity of up to 700 kg features a frame designed to support heavy loads and facilitate the collection of irregular materials. The rear structure uses solid vertical tubular bars; this configuration increases load capacity and makes unloading the collected material easier.

The system includes two upper closing arms that hold the material securely during lifting and transport operations. The wide opening of the arms allows work on large volumes of branches, pruning residues, and cuttings. When fully closed, the tips of the arms extend beyond the lower structure; this configuration reduces material loss during handling.

The implement is connected to the tractor by means of a Category 1 and 2 three-point linkage and is suitable for tractors with power ratings above 35–40 HP. The movement of the arms is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder, which converts the tractor’s oil pressure into mechanical motion for opening and closing the structure.

The lower section consists of 6 tines approximately 98 cm long with a conical fitting, designed to penetrate branch piles easily and allow the lifting of large quantities of plant material. The removable tines make maintenance and component replacement easier.

The fully demountable structure reduces bulk during storage and facilitates transport of the implement when it is not mounted on the tractor.

The tractor-mounted branch grapple is an agricultural implement designed to collect, lift, and transport large quantities of plant residues. It is used after pruning operations, woodland clearing, or the maintenance of agricultural areas, when piles of branches remain that are difficult to move manually.

The fork structure with long tines allows the implement to be inserted easily under the material to be collected. The upper closing arms make it possible to secure the load during lifting and transport, reducing material dispersion. The connection to the tractor lift and the hydraulic cylinder allow heavy loads to be handled quickly and efficiently.

The tractor-mounted branch grapple is used in several operating contexts:

• Cleaning vineyards and orchards: collection of prunings and pruning residues after seasonal operations;
• Maintenance of wooded areas: handling of branches and wood resulting from forestry cutting operations;
• Collection of agricultural plant residues: moving cuttings and organic material accumulated on the ground;
• Loading branches for transport: transferring material to storage, shredding, or disposal points.

This implement belongs to the professional category. The available models feature a robust structure, high performance, and are designed for frequent work. They are suitable for farms, contractors, and operators who regularly handle large volumes of plant residues.

The tractor-mounted branch and prunings grapple works by being connected to the tractor’s rear lift and uses the agricultural machine’s hydraulic system to operate the closing arms. The structure consists of a lower fork with long tines and two upper arms that secure the material during lifting and transport operations.

The lower tines, approximately 98 cm long, penetrate piles of branches and plant residues, allowing large quantities of material to be lifted. Once inserted under the load, the upper arms close by means of the hydraulic cylinder and hold the material against the implement’s rear structure.

The operation of the implement is based on several structural elements:

• Three-point linkage for tractor: enables connection to Category 1 and 2 lifts, allowing height control and lifting through the tractor;
• Hydraulic cylinder: uses the tractor’s oil pressure to open and close the upper retaining arms;
• Rear structure with vertical tubular bars: increases load capacity and retains material during transport;
• Upper closing arms: hold branches, cuttings, and pruning residues during lifting;
• Removable conical-fit tines: facilitate material collection and allow quick tine replacement.

During operation, the operator inserts the fork under the pile of branches, slightly raises the implement with the tractor lift, and activates the hydraulic circuit to close the upper arms. In this way, the material is compacted and retained, allowing it to be transported to the unloading or processing point.

Tractor-mounted prunings grapples are implements designed for the rapid handling of large quantities of plant residues. Their robust structure and hydraulic system make it possible to operate on farmland, in vineyards, and in wooded areas with heavy loads. The implement helps reduce the time required to collect and transport material resulting from pruning and land-clearing operations.

These implements offer several key advantages.

• High load capacity: the reinforced structure and load capacity of up to 700 kg make it possible to handle large quantities of branches in a single operation. This reduces the number of passes required to collect plant residues.
• Easier material collection: the tines, approximately 98 cm long, easily penetrate piles of branches and cuttings. This configuration allows material to be lifted even when it is unevenly distributed across the surface.
• Secure load retention: the hydraulic upper arms hold the material during lifting and transport. The closing structure reduces the fall of branches during movement.
• Compatibility with agricultural tractors: the Category 1 and 2 three-point linkage allows coupling with numerous tractor models. The implement operates with tractors of at least 35–40 HP.
• Demountable structure and easy maintenance: the conical-fit tines are removable and allow quick replacement. The demountable structure reduces bulk during equipment storage.

Compared to other agricultural implements used for handling plant material, such as pallet forks or agricultural buckets, the tractor-mounted branch grapple features a configuration specifically designed for branches and prunings. The long tines and closing arms make it possible to retain bulky material that would otherwise tend to disperse when handled with other tools.

Tractor-mounted branch grapples available on AgriEuro can also be selected according to their main technical features. These parameters make it possible to identify the implement best suited to the type of tractor used and the quantity of material to be handled. The choice of structure and load capacity affects performance during the collection of branches, pruning residues, and plant cuttings.

The implement structure, the strength of its components, and its load capacity determine the type of work that can be carried out. On AgriEuro, models can be selected by evaluating certain specific technical features that distinguish the different configurations available.

• Series: identifies the implement’s structural design and the type of work for which it is intended. The medium series is suitable for medium-sized tractors and medium-duty work; the heavy series is designed for demanding tasks involving the shredding of grass and wood, even of large diameter, and in the presence of stones.
• Load capacity: indicates the maximum weight that the implement can handle during collection and transport operations. In the available models, load capacity reaches up to 700 kg, a value that makes it possible to lift large quantities of branches and plant residues with a reduced number of operations.

Purchasing a tractor-mounted branch grapple from AgriEuro gives access to a specialised catalogue of agricultural implements selected for professional work and for handling large plant residues.

The main advantages available at AgriEuro are several:

• Fast and free shipping managed by AgriEuro logistics centres: products are shipped directly from the company’s logistics warehouses. This system ensures fast delivery times and efficient shipment management across the whole territory.
• The possibility to order spare parts that are always available: replacement components are available for every implement and can be ordered even after purchase. This availability helps keep the implement efficient over time.
• Careful and personalised after-sales support: the assistance service supports post-purchase operations with dedicated technical support. The support system helps resolve any product-related issues.

Discovering the range of tractor-mounted branch grapples available on AgriEuro makes it possible to identify the implement best suited to agricultural and forestry work.