How to Know What Steel is Actually High-Quality

Before you buy a Grapple or other implement for you tractor be sure to know what steel its made of. Not all metals are equal.

What makes an implement like a grapple great? There are three main factors:

The steel, the weight, and the hydraulics

The steel used is the primary factor for an implement. The weld quality and design go without saying. The steel grade is a major factor in an implement's service life, and there are significant differences in strength among metals, as shown in the chart below of common metals used for implements. When choosing your implement, be sure to check the metal grade before you buy.

The Weight. You can reduce the weight by using a higher grade/strength of steel, which makes for a much stronger and lighter implement. By reducing weight, you gain more lift capacity. Heavier does not always mean better or stronger. Low-grade steel means heavier, whereas high-grade steel means lighter, but stronger.

The hydraulics. High-quality hydraulics are also important for longevity. Make sure the psi on cylinders, hoses, and fittings are compatible with the implement and have good hydraulic force/psi. Some companies design in a build-back to make room for their hydraulics, which in turn reduces the lift capacity. Some basic information to know before you buy.

Additional Metal Information:

AR500 has higher abrasion resistance but is brittle, while AR400 has higher impact resistance. AR400 is quenched and tempered, through hardened, abrasion-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. This specialized plate is designed for applications that demand both wear resistance and impact toughness. AR400F is an optimal combination of hardness, corrosion and abrasion resistance, formability, and weldability.

Understanding why AR (abrasion-resistant) steel is optimal for manufacturing an implement. Read more at www.leecosteel.com