What makes the CG-XD Clam Grapple different from standard grapples?
The CG-XD features an independent dual jaw design where both jaws move separately to conform to irregular loads. Unlike single-jaw or fixed-jaw grapples that struggle with uneven materials, the CG-XD's jaws adapt to whatever you're picking up—whether it's scattered brush, mixed demolition debris, or awkwardly shaped logs. This design gives you a more secure grip and reduces material loss during transport.
Combined with the massive 60-inch opening and AR200 steel construction, you get a grapple that handles extreme-duty applications while maintaining the versatility to work across multiple job types. The independent jaw system means fewer dropped loads, less repositioning, and significantly better productivity on real-world job sites where materials aren't neatly stacked or uniform in shape.
Which size CG-XD Clam Grapple should I choose for my equipment?
The right size depends on your machine's capacity and typical workload. The 86-inch model works well for high-horsepower skid steers in applications requiring maneuverability in tighter spaces or moderate material volumes. The 96-inch option suits larger skid steers and utility tractors handling substantial loads in land clearing or demolition work. The 107-inch model is ideal for medium-duty wheel loaders and the highest-capacity skid steers tackling large-scale commercial operations.
Before selecting, verify your machine's hydraulic flow rate, lifting capacity, and rated operating capacity to ensure proper matching. Forge Claw's team can help you determine the best fit based on your specific equipment model and intended applications. Proper sizing ensures you maximize the grapple's performance without overtaxing your machine's hydraulic system or structural limits.
What applications is the CG-XD Clam Grapple best suited for?
The CG-XD excels in extreme-duty commercial applications including land clearing, storm cleanup, demolition debris handling, scrap yard operations, log and timber handling, and heavy material management. The independent dual jaw design makes it particularly effective for materials that are irregular, scattered, or difficult to grip—exactly what you encounter in real-world conditions.
Tree service professionals use it to handle large piles of brush and whole trees efficiently. Demolition crews rely on it for managing concrete chunks, twisted rebar, and mixed waste materials. Scrap yard operators appreciate how the jaws conform to different load shapes for secure transport and sorting. Agricultural operations use it for moving large brush piles, handling fence debris, and general property maintenance. Anywhere you need to grab, move, and securely hold heavy or awkward materials, the CG-XD delivers the performance and reliability professional operators demand.
How does AR200 steel construction benefit long-term performance?
AR200 steel is specifically engineered for abrasion resistance and impact durability, making it ideal for grapples subjected to constant contact with rocks, logs, concrete, metal, and other abrasive materials. Unlike standard steel that wears quickly under heavy use, AR200 maintains its structural integrity and edge definition far longer, reducing repair frequency and extending service life.
This material choice also provides an optimal strength-to-weight ratio—you get extreme-duty performance without the excessive weight that would reduce your machine's lifting capacity or hydraulic efficiency. Over months and years of operation, AR200 construction translates to lower total cost of ownership through reduced downtime, fewer replacement parts, and sustained performance. The material resists deformation from impacts and maintains tight tolerances at pivot points, ensuring the independent jaw system continues operating smoothly even after extensive use in demanding commercial applications.
What maintenance does the CG-XD Clam Grapple require?
The CG-XD requires minimal but consistent maintenance to ensure long-term performance. Perform daily visual inspections before operation, checking for hydraulic leaks, damaged hoses, loose hardware, and structural cracks. Grease all pivot points according to the manufacturer's schedule to prevent premature wear and ensure smooth jaw operation. Inspect hydraulic connections regularly and tighten as needed to prevent leaks and maintain consistent clamping force.
Check jaw tips and high-stress areas periodically for excessive wear, though the AR200 steel construction resists abrasion far better than standard materials. Keep the grapple clean of accumulated debris that could interfere with jaw movement or trap moisture against steel surfaces. With proper lubrication and basic inspection routines, the CG-XD will deliver years of reliable service. Forge Claw recommends following Stinger Attachments' maintenance guidelines and addressing any issues promptly to prevent minor problems from becoming costly repairs.
Can the CG-XD handle loads on uneven or sloped terrain?
Yes, the independent dual jaw design specifically addresses the challenges of real-world job sites where terrain is rarely level and materials are seldom neatly positioned. As each jaw moves separately, they can conform to loads sitting on sloped ground or irregular surfaces, maintaining secure grip even when one side of the material is higher than the other.
This adaptability is crucial for land clearing operations on hilly properties, demolition sites with uneven debris piles, and outdoor environments where you can't control ground conditions. The 60-inch opening also allows you to approach loads from angles that would be impossible with smaller grapples, giving you flexibility in how you position your machine relative to the material. Operators report significantly less frustration and fewer dropped loads when working in challenging terrain compared to fixed-jaw grapples. The CG-XD's design acknowledges that professional work happens in imperfect conditions and delivers the adaptability to maintain productivity regardless of site challenges.
How does the 60-inch opening improve productivity?
The 60-inch maximum opening allows you to grab substantially more material per cycle compared to grapples with smaller openings. This means fewer trips between the material pile and your destination point—whether that's a truck, chipper, burn pile, or sorting area. On high-volume jobs like land clearing or demolition cleanup, reducing cycle count directly translates to completing work faster and moving on to the next job sooner.
The wide opening also enables you to handle larger individual pieces that would require breaking down or multiple grabs with smaller grapples. For tree service work, you can pick up entire piles of brush in one clamp rather than making multiple passes. In scrap yards, you can grab bulkier items and awkward shapes more easily. Time savings compound throughout the workday—what might have been a two-day job with standard equipment often becomes a single-day completion with the CG-XD, improving profitability and allowing you to schedule more projects.
Is the CG-XD Clam Grapple worth the investment compared to lighter-duty options?
For commercial operations and professional contractors running equipment hard on a regular basis, the CG-XD delivers superior return on investment through durability, productivity, and versatility. Lighter-duty grapples may have lower upfront costs but typically require more frequent repairs, wear out faster, and lack the capacity to handle challenging loads efficiently.
The CG-XD's AR200 steel construction means you're not constantly replacing worn components or dealing with structural failures that cause downtime. The independent jaw design and 60-inch opening enable you to complete jobs faster, take on work that lighter grapples can't handle, and operate more efficiently across diverse applications. Over the equipment's service life, reduced repairs, increased productivity, and the ability to tackle higher-value jobs typically result in significantly better total cost of ownership. If your operation depends on reliable equipment that performs consistently under demanding conditions, the CG-XD represents a sound investment. Forge Claw offers flexible financing and free nationwide shipping to make professional-grade equipment accessible.