With over 50 models to choose from our experts will assist you in determining the correct grapple loader for your new or used chassis. Scaffidi has over 40 years experience installing and customizing grapple loaders. We also have a full line of new and used chassis to choose from or we can assist your local dealer.

Most dealers handle 2 different models. Scaffidi offers more than 50 different models in the Serco and Kesla brand names. Axle and frame capacities are the foremost safety considerations. Application, length of frame, and cab clearance are significant but secondary.

Steer axle capacity is the first consideration when mounting a grapple loader behind the cab. Other factors include application and type of body. A dumping body does require a front mount. A fixed body can utilize either a front or rear mount. A rear mount loader does allow the use of the entire length of the boom for a greater reach.

All Scaffidi grapple loaders come standard with an operator’s seat belt, 3-point operator’s access, and a valve body guard. Options include oversized square tube ladders, operators kill switch, oversized outrigger pads, strobe light, various work light packages, boom height warning system, and side mount operator’s seat for increased visibility.

A grapple loader certification of loader stability test should be performed by every authorized dealer when installing a machine. This test certifies that the grapple loader is legally compatible with the chassis. This safety test is performed through a complex mathematical formula that includes the axle capacities, wheelbase, grapple boom length, grapple loader capacity, and grapple loader tare weight.  Don't settle for a one-line statement.  Get the report.

The operator should perform an inspection, lubricate all grease fittings, and check fluid levels daily before using the machine. The loader should be serviced and inspected at a minimum of every 60 days depending on duty cycles.

A Z-style grapple loader folds up behind the cab. Combined with a high lift tailgate this allows the operator to raise the body and dump his load with the convenience of never having to leave the cab. Scaffidi offer numerous Z-style loaders with different lifting capacities and boom lengths. 

Standard on all Scaffidi loaders is a 10 micron dual element bypass filter with a flow rate of 100 gallons per minute. We do not recommend a spin on filter which is susceptible to freeze in cold weather, rupture, or bypass and also has a considerably lower flow rate. 

New loaders should have the oil and filter serviced within the first 1,000 hours. Under normal operating conditions every 1,000 hours or annually, which ever comes first.  More often in severe service applications.

Scaffidi recommends a tank capacity of 1 gallon for every gallon pumped per minute. The standard Scaffidi hydraulic tank is a 55 gallon steel tank with internal filter, also included as standard equipment are an oil level gauge, oil temperature gauge, and tank baffles. Optional hydraulic oil tank heaters are recommended for operating temperatures below 25 degrees.

Aluminum is an option to consider for improved appearance and weight reduction.

Local climate and extreme operating conditions are key factors in this determination. A hydraulic oil cooler will prolong the life of the machine and reduce maintenance costs. Scaffidi offers optional single, dual, and 4 fan coolers. Fan cages are also available to protect the cooler.

Gates 4-wire hose is standard on all Scaffidi installations. This premium hose offers an exceptional bend radius.

Options include a plastic spiral, cloth, or coiled steel wrapped hose.

Scaffidi uses all flared end collared steel hydraulic tubing, not black water pipe. The advantage of steel hydraulic tubing over water pipe is a smoother inner bore for less resistance which equates to less heat build up and a cooler running machine.

The bypass grapple tips bypass each other to firmly grab the load.

The butt grapple tips butt up against each other and will cradle the load. A butt grapple has more pinching or grabbing power and also has a larger surface area.

Clam shell, manure, tine, scrap, modified trash/brush, pole, rock, and barrel grapples are available. Also Scaffidi can custom build a grapple to your specifications. Hardened steel is available for severe applications.

Continuous rotation is a hydraulically actuated function that allows for a 360 degree uninterrupted rotation of the grapple without any hose concerns.

Scaffidi offers 3 different hydraulic rotator options. These are used in log, tree service, and standard applications. Scaffidi offers 2 different gear driven rotators. The gear driven style is generally used in heavy duty applications such as waste, rock, and continual use operations.

The Standard Scaffidi PTO is a heavy duty 82 Series providing an improved torque rating and helps prevent progressive transmission damage from PTO failure

Dog bone mounting pads are a special option that helps disperse the stress on the bottom mount of the grapple loader tie down area. This option helps to increase frame rail and loader structure life.

A squirt boom is a hydraulically actuated boom extension that provides a longer boom reach yet allows the boom to be carried in a shorter bed or body.

Depending on the chassis and tire size most Serco grapple loaders are 13’ tall. Scaffidi also offers folding joysticks, a fold down seat back, and folding arm rests. The seat is also adjustable and replaceable if needed. Additional options include a heated seat, heated control levers, and a boom height warning system.

All of the grapple loaders that Scaffidi sells have oversized chrome plated pins and greaseable bronze bushings. Tapered roller bearings are standard on the Serco 7000 models.

Yes, all grapple loaders are grit blasted for a rough textured finish. This provides a clean and larger surface area for the paint to adhere to. They are then primed and painted with a special epoxy paint. This prolongs the life of the grapple loader by deterring rust.

Serco grapple loaders supply a quick access cover to valve bank. This provides ease of service and also guards from road debris and grime.  Not having an open access provides additional operator safety from a blown hose or hot hydraulic oil.

Hydraulic controls operate the controls valves manually via levers. Electric controls operate the control valves electrically. The electric style is a higher maintenance option that has an initially higher cost and also requires additional service.

Outrigger legs should be lowered one at a time until firmly on the ground. Lowering both legs at the same time can cause severe damage to your hydraulic pump. The outrigger legs are designed to unload the suspension and should NEVER be used to lift the wheels off the ground.  

As is the custom around the world, most localities have a specific dialect and terminology. In Wisconsin these machines are simply called loaders. Elsewhere the terms we have heard are: knuckle boom, self loader, picker, lift, clam, grapple, loading grapple, boom, crane, and grapple boom. What’s the jargon in your neighborhood?