I've been using grapple buckets for several years. I've got 2 right now.
The one I'm using right now for moving logs around is a rock bucket with grapples, it has regular teeth on the cutting edge and 3/4" or so bars to form the bucket. It dig's up small stumps, and "bushes" pretty good, but the grapples don't close all the way down to the cutting edge which makes it a pain dealing with brush. It's an after market brand (skidsteer solutions or something like that), but it's built stout and does a pretty good job.
My other grapple is made by Thomas, and has to be my all around favorite when working where you have to get on a gravel road. It is basicly just a smoothe bucket with the grapple attachment. The tines on the grapple are 3/4" thick and has held up well for the last 6 years. If you have to bring slash & logs down (or up) to a gravel road you'll tear the road up with a skidsteer. With this bucket you can back drag a couple of passes once in a while to keep everyone happy. It takes a little practice, and finesse to keep from picking up rocks & dirt with the slash, but it can be done.
Andy
