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How to choose the right forestry equipment
The choice depends on the machine you have, the type of work and the weight of the logs to handle.
1. Log grapples
They grip and move logs, branches and firewood. They carry 400 to 2,500 kg, open from about 1 to 1.6 m and fit mini excavators from 1.5 to 10 t. With a hydraulic rotator the grapple turns through 360°, so you can position the log without moving the machine.
2. Forestry shears
They cut shrubs and small trees up to 10–13 cm in diameter and, thanks to the built-in grapple, hold the cut tree so you can move and stack it safely. They suit clearing of banks, field edges and parks and thinning work, on mini excavators from 1 to 3 t.
3. Sorting grapples and rotators
The sorting grapple handles stones, timber, scrap and mixed materials, on mini excavators from 0.8 to 3.5 t. Hydraulic rotators, rated from 1,000 to 4,500 kg, fit between the arm and the grapple and are chosen according to the weight of the grapple and the load.
4. Timber cranes and log conveyors for tractors
The forestry crane mounts on the three-point hitch of tractors from 30 hp and loads logs up to 250 kg, with grapple and rotator included. The log conveyor, driven by the tractor hydraulics, lifts firewood up to 3.6 m to load trailers and piles.
5. Hydraulics
Grapples and shears run on the machine's auxiliary hydraulics: check the required pressure and oil flow on the product page. Versions with a rotator need an extra hydraulic function for rotation.
| Equipment | Machine | Key figure | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Log grapples | Mini excavators 1.5–10 t, cranes, front loaders | Capacity 400–2,500 kg | Logs and firewood |
| Forestry shears | Mini excavators 1–3 t, forestry cranes | Cutting up to 10–13 cm | Shrubs, small trees, thinning |
| Sorting grapples | Mini excavators 0.8–3.5 t | Capacity 150–250 kg | Stones, timber, mixed materials |
| Hydraulic rotators | Between arm and grapple | Capacity 1,000–4,500 kg | 360° grapple rotation |
| Forestry cranes | Tractors from 30 hp, three-point hitch | Load 250 kg, height 3.3 m | Loading logs |
| Log conveyors | Tractors with 2 hydraulic outlets | 5 m ramp, height 3.6 m | Loading trailers and piles |
What is the difference between a log grapple and a forestry shear?
A log grapple grips and moves logs and firewood that are already cut. A forestry shear cuts the tree at the base and holds it with its built-in grapple, so you can fell, move and stack with one attachment.
Which mini excavator can take a log grapple?
Log grapples fit mini excavators from 1.5 to 10 t depending on capacity, and shears machines from 1 to 3 t. Check the machine weight, pressure, oil flow and type of arm connection on the product page.
Do I need a rotator?
No, but with a rotator the grapple turns through 360° and you can position logs without moving the machine: handy for loading trailers and building neat piles. It needs an extra hydraulic function.
Can they be used with a tractor?
Grapples and shears also fit forestry cranes and front loaders. For a tractor without a loader there is the three-point forestry crane, complete with grapple and rotator.
What diameter can a forestry shear cut?
Depending on the model, trees and branches up to 10–13 cm in diameter. It is designed for shrubs, coppice shoots and small trees; larger trunks need a chainsaw.
Products marked with the Italian flag and the Made in Italy indication are designed and manufactured predominantly in Italy; products without these indications are essentially manufactured abroad.