Grapple with Incorporated Winch

Abstract

The invention is directed to a loader with a grapple and a winch device, or a grapple and winch device combination configured to attach to a loader. The grapple has an upper grapple arm, a lower grapple arm, and a cavity formed between the upper and lower grapple arms. The winch device is housed within the cavity. The grapple and winch device are operable with a shared hydraulic actuation system, with the shared hydraulic actuation system comprising a separation of a hydraulic line to proportion the hydraulic pressure provided to the grapple and winch device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A loader comprising a grapple comprising a winch device. 
     
     
         2 . The loader of  claim 1 , wherein said grapple comprises an upper grapple arm, a lower grapple arm, and a cavity formed between said upper and lower grapple arms, wherein said winch device is housed within said cavity. 
     
     
         3 . The loader of  claim 1 , wherein said grapple and winch device are operable with a shared hydraulic actuation system. 
     
     
         4 . The loader of  claim 3 , wherein said shared hydraulic actuation system comprises a separation of a hydraulic line to proportion a hydraulic pressure provided to said grapple and said winch device. 
     
     
         5 . A grapple configured for attachment to a loader, said grapple comprising a winch device. 
     
     
         6 . The grapple of  claim 5 , comprising an upper grapple arm, a lower grapple arm, and a cavity formed between said upper and lower grapple arms, wherein said winch device is housed within said cavity. 
     
     
         7 . The grapple of  claim 5 , wherein said grapple and winch device are operable with a shared hydraulic actuation system. 
     
     
         8 . The grapple of  claim 7 , wherein said shared hydraulic actuation system comprises a separation of a hydraulic line to proportion a hydraulic pressure provided to said grapple and said winch device.