Virnig's Skid Steer Attachments Blog

NEW! Rotating Log Grapple for Mini Skid Steers

Written by Tyler Monson | Mar 6, 2024 at 2:05 PM


Virnig is excited to announce the launch of our revolutionary V20 Mini Skid Steer Rotating Log Grapple attachment, your ultimate partner for loading, unloading, and transporting logs, brush, and boulders with ease.

Engaging in tree work poses significant challenges and is extremely physically demanding. The V20 Mini Skid Steer Rotating Log Grapple is crafted to alleviate the time and labor involved in handling logs, rocks, or brush.

When paired with a single mini skid steer, the Virnig log grapple results in substantial labor savings, equivalent to an hour's work saved for each crew member. This tool efficiently addresses the demanding nature of tree work while offering a long term solution for reducing workload and enhancing overall productivity.

Especially beneficial in constrained environments, such as urban areas, our mini log grapple allows seamless navigation through narrow gates, tight forest spaces and surroundings with minimal ground disturbance.

Why settle for less when you can have the best? Check out all the ways Virnig has designed this new attachment to truly be the best in the industry.

If you'd rather read than watch, below are the key points in the Mini Skid Steer Rotating Log Grapple walkaround video.


270° MANUAL ROTATION. 360° HYDRAULIC ROTATION AVAILABLE

The manual rotate version is a suspended grapple that freely swings and rotates 270° for efficiently grabbing and positioning logs, brush, and rocks. The operator typically rotates the grapple by making contact with logs or the ground to accurately place the jaws where needed.

Proficiently operating a manually rotating log grapple demands substantial operator skill, given the precision required for effective maneuvering and positioning. Optimize control and reduce ground disturbance by upgrading to the 360° Hydraulic Rotation option.

OPTION: 360° HYDRAULIC ROTATION

Upgrade to 360° continuous hydraulic rotation for full control, allowing you to pick up and position logs and objects precisely where needed. Hydraulic rotation is easier for a beginner operator to use and causes less ground disturbance than manual rotation.

The 3-ton rotator provides a dynamic load rating of 3,375 pounds — three times higher than the industry standard.

The steel guard protects hoses and fittings, ensuring durability in challenging conditions.

There are two main options to control the rotator and cylinder.

  • One utilizes the 12-volt accessory plug on your mini skid for power. It includes a box used to control the rotator and open & close functions of the grapple jaw.
  • The other option (for Vermeer® only) utilizes the mini skid steer’s secondary hydraulic circuit or couplers to control the rotator and jaw cylinder functions.


3/8" AR400 STEEL JAWS

The jaws, crafted from 3/8” thick AR400 steel, open to 60” wide and bypass each other to grip smaller logs securely. The industry standard jaw material, A36 steel, falls short in wear resistance and is approx 3-5 times less durable than AR400. A36 steel also possesses a much lower strength-to-weight ratio than AR400.

Smooth jaw tine tips provide less grip strength which can result in slippage or an inadequate hold on logs. Virnig uses jaw tines with serrated tips to ensure a secure grip, resolving issues related to slippage or an inadequate hold on logs.


300LB OVERALL WEIGHT (W/ MINI UNIVERSAL MOUNT)

Designed light and strong, the rotating log grapple weighs in at 300 pounds, maximizing the lifting capacity of your mini skid steer.


HOLDING VALVE PREVENTS JAWS FROM OPENING UNINTENTIONALLY DURING OPERATION

Competitor log grapples without a holding valve may encounter the jaws slowly loosening when in the closed position, leading to them losing a log while traveling.

The standard holding valve ensures the jaws don’t drift open as you’re hauling objects which ensures the load is secured at all times.

Operators are often driving backwards while dragging logs, so they can't keep an eye on the grapple and load. With Virnig you can drive backwards with confidence, knowing the log will be secured in the jaws.


STANDARD PUSH BAR, ROPE TIE-OFF POINTS & TRAILER RECEIVER HITCH

Integrated into the frame are standard push bar and rope tie-off points (bollards). Use the push bar to guide trees to fall in a safe direction. The tie off points help guide large logs and heavy branches to safe locations.

The trailer receiver hitch is easily accessible, allowing you to move trailers and wood chippers around the job site where needed.


SERRATED CRADLE SECURELY GRIPS LOGS IN VERTICAL & HORIZONTAL POSITIONS

Aggressive serrations on the cradle ensure a secure grip on logs in both vertical and horizontal positions. Many competitor log grapples don't secure logs as well in both positions.


OPTIMIZED HOSE ROUTING & RECESSED GREASE ZERKS SAFEGUARDED FROM POTENTIAL DAMAGE

Branches can damage hoses and cause downtime. Other log grapple hoses are more exposed and not protected well. Virnig provides optimized hose routing and wraps hoses with HD poly hose guard to protect against abrasion and provide crush resistance, reducing costly hose repairs. 

Exposed grease zerks can get damaged during operation. All Virnig pins utilize recessed grease zerks which are protected from damage. 

Bolts and nuts can’t be greased and are prone to fail. Virnig utilizes zinc plated pins instead of bolts which are cross drilled every couple of inches to distribute grease throughout an entire pin for superior grease retention and corrosion resistance.  



MINI SKID STEER MOUNTING OPTIONS

Choose from three different mounts to match your mini skid steer:

  • Mini Universal (all brands except Bobcat® and ASV®)
  • Bobcat® Mini
  • ASV® Mini


THANKS FOR READING!

Experience the V20 Mini Skid Steer Rotating Log Grapple—your ultimate companion for heavy-duty tree work. Click here to find your nearest Virnig dealership.

If you're interested in hearing more about how our mini skid steer attachments stand out from the competition, click here to check out this blog post.