What makes a clam grapple different from a standard root grapple?
A clam grapple features two independently controlled jaws that open horizontally, while a standard root grapple typically has fixed tines that close vertically from top to bottom. The CG Clam Grapple's horizontal jaw design with a 46-inch maximum opening lets you grab large round bales, logs, and irregular materials that won't fit in traditional grapples. The enclosed back transforms it into a dual-purpose tool that scoops loose materials like gravel and mulch while the tines grip solid objects.
Each jaw operates separately, giving you precise control to adjust your grip on uneven loads without repositioning your machine. This design excels at material handling tasks where you need to grab, hold, and transport a wide variety of materials throughout the day without switching attachments.
Will this clam grapple work with my skid steer model?
The CG Clam Grapple is designed for skid steers and utility tractors in the 50 to 100 horsepower range and comes with multiple mounting options to ensure compatibility. It includes a Universal Quick-Attach carrier that fits most modern skid steers without modification, plus a John Deere 100-500 series carrier for operators running Deere loaders. The bolt-on mount design means you can swap carriers in the field if your fleet changes or if you want to share the attachment across multiple machines.
Hydraulically, the grapple works efficiently with mid-sized machines without overtaxing your system. It comes with multiple hydraulic coupler options including flat-face and quick couplers, so you won't need custom hoses or adapters. If your skid steer falls in the 50-100 HP range and uses standard mounting systems, this grapple will integrate seamlessly with your machine.
Can this grapple handle both loose materials and solid objects?
Yes, the enclosed back design is specifically engineered to give you versatility across different material types. The solid back panel creates a base that holds loose materials like gravel, manure, mulch, and dirt while the 19 tines (10 on top, 9 on bottom) grip larger solid objects like logs, rocks, and bales. This dual functionality means you can scoop a load of gravel in the morning and stack firewood in the afternoon without changing attachments.
The independent jaw control lets you adjust your technique based on what you're moving. For loose materials, use the enclosed back as a scoop and close the jaws to secure the load. For solid objects, the tines penetrate and grip while the powerful 3,000 PSI hydraulic cylinders maintain clamping force during transport. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized attachments and keeps your operation efficient.
How much maintenance does the clam grapple require?
Maintenance requirements are minimal but important for long-term performance. The primary maintenance task is greasing the 1-inch pivot shaft regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations to keep it moving smoothly and prevent premature wear. Before each use, perform a quick visual inspection of the hydraulic hoses and fittings for leaks or damage, especially if you work in rough conditions.
Keep the tines free of debris buildup that could interfere with operation, and inspect them periodically for damage or excessive wear. Touch up any paint chips or scratches to prevent rust from taking hold on the AR200 steel construction. The greaseable pivot shaft design makes routine maintenance straightforward and quick. The welded hydraulic cylinders and abrasion-resistant steel construction are built to handle thousands of cycles with minimal intervention. Treated right with basic care, this grapple will outlast your current machine and transfer to your next one without missing a beat.
What size clam grapple should I choose for my machine?
The CG Clam Grapple comes in three widths to match your machine size and application needs. The 66-inch model weighs approximately 855 pounds, the 75-inch version weighs around 915 pounds, and the 84-inch grapple weighs about 1,025 pounds. All three sizes share the same 46-inch jaw opening, tine configuration, and construction quality, so you get the same grip strength and durability regardless of width.
Choose your width based on your machine's lifting capacity and the typical width of materials you handle. Larger machines with higher lifting capacity can accommodate the 84-inch model for maximum coverage on wide loads. Smaller machines in the 50-60 HP range pair well with the 66-inch model to maintain proper weight distribution and machine stability. The 75-inch option offers middle-ground versatility for operators who handle varied materials. Consider the width of your loader arms and bucket when selecting size to ensure proper visibility and clearance during operation.
Is the clam grapple suitable for commercial land clearing work?
Absolutely. The CG Clam Grapple is built for commercial operators who need equipment that performs under demanding conditions day after day. The AR200 abrasion-resistant steel construction withstands the punishment of clearing brush, moving rocks, and handling debris that breaks down lighter-duty attachments. The 2-by-8-inch hydraulic cylinders rated at 3,000 PSI provide the clamping force needed to hold onto heavy, awkward loads during transport across rough terrain.
The independent jaw control lets you adjust your grip on irregular materials like root balls and tangled brush without losing your load or repositioning your machine. The enclosed back design means you can switch between clearing brush and moving dirt or gravel without changing attachments, which keeps jobs moving efficiently. Contractors use this grapple for site preparation, lot clearing, storm cleanup, and demolition support. The 2-1/2-inch structural tube reinforcement and greaseable pivot shaft are built to handle the high cycle counts that come with commercial use, season after season.
How does the independent jaw control improve performance?
Independent jaw control gives you operational flexibility that fixed-position grapples can't match. Each jaw operates on its own hydraulic circuit, allowing you to open one jaw wider than the other to match the shape of irregular loads like rock piles, brush heaps, or awkwardly shaped logs. This means you can grab materials on the first attempt instead of repositioning your machine multiple times to get the right angle.
When transporting loads across uneven ground, you can adjust jaw pressure on the fly to maintain your grip without stopping. For delicate materials, you can reduce clamping force to avoid damage, while heavy or slippery objects get maximum pressure from both cylinders. The independent control also helps when loading materials into tight spaces or against obstacles where one side of the grapple needs to stay closed while the other opens. This level of control translates directly into productivity gains because you spend less time maneuvering and more time moving materials.
What applications work best with a clam grapple versus other grapple types?
Clam grapples excel at mixed material handling where you need to move both loose and solid materials throughout the workday. They're ideal for ranch and farm operations that involve moving hay bales, manure, gravel, and firewood in the same afternoon. Land clearing contractors benefit from the ability to grab brush piles and then scoop the resulting debris without switching tools. Landscaping operations use clam grapples to handle mulch, stone, logs, and equipment materials on residential and commercial projects.
Tree service professionals appreciate the 46-inch jaw opening for moving large diameter logs and the enclosed back for cleaning up chips and debris. Municipal maintenance crews use them for storm cleanup, park maintenance, and facility management where versatility matters more than specialized performance. If your work involves frequently switching between different material types or you need one attachment that handles the bulk of your daily tasks, a clam grapple delivers better value than multiple specialized grapples sitting in your yard.
Forge Claw offers free nationwide shipping and easy financing on all attachments, making it simple to get the equipment you need delivered right to your door.