Oct 22 2025
How the Excavator Grapple Saw Works - Simple, Safe & Smart Tree Removal
If you're looking to streamline your tree removal operations, few tools are more effective—or more in demand—than the excavator grapple saw. Whether you’re clearing storm damage, working in tight suburban spaces, or felling large trees in sensitive areas, this hydraulic attachment combines precision, power, and safety like nothing else.
So how does it work?
Let’s break it down.
What Is an Excavator Grapple Saw?
An excavator grapple saw is a powerful tree removal tool that mounts to the end of an excavator boom. It combines:
- A hydraulic grapple (to hold and manipulate limbs or logs)
- A hydraulic chainsaw (to make the cut)
This system allows a single operator to grab, cut, and move large sections of a tree—all from the safety of the cab.
Hydraulic Operation – Core Components
Most modern grapple saws, including those from Intermercato, use existing excavator hydraulics with minimal modification.
Here’s how the setup works:
| Function | Hydraulic Requirement |
|---|---|
| Grapple | One auxiliary circuit (open/close) |
| Rotator | One auxiliary circuit (rotate left/right) |
| Saw | Powered by solenoid-operated flow control |
- The chainsaw motor is activated by a 12V or 24V solenoid, which diverts flow to the saw motor.
- The saw operates on one-way hydraulic flow, typically at 160–250 bar.
- A large return-to-tank line is essential to avoid heat and backpressure in the system.
Independent Control Means More Precision
Unlike some grapple saws that work in a sequence (grab ? cut), the Intermercato system allows independent control of:
- Grapple movement
- Rotation
- Saw activation
This means the operator can:
- Rotate the head
- Position the grapple
- Cut when ready
All without waiting for one function to finish before the next starts. The result? Smoother workflow, safer operations, and cleaner cuts.
Works With Your Existing Excavator
One of the biggest benefits? You probably already have the machine.
If your excavator has:
- Two auxiliary circuits
- 12V or 24V electrical supply
- Proper return-to-tank plumbing
...then installing the grapple saw is a straightforward attachment upgrade—not a major machine overhaul.
Premium Components for Long-Term Reliability
Quality matters in tree removal gear. The Intermercato grapple saw features:
- Parker hydraulic motors – World-renowned for reliability and performance
- Interlam chainsaw heads – Made in Italy, with 25+ years of hydraulic chainsaw expertise
- Heavy-duty grapples and rotators – Built for forestry-grade workloads
Safety by Design
Because the operator stays in the cab, not beside the saw:
- Chainsaw injuries are nearly eliminated
- No climbing = no fall risks
- Lexan cabin shields are recommended as an extra layer of safety from rare chain-shot events
The entire process is safer, faster, and requires fewer ground crew.
Benefits of the Excavator Grapple Saw System
- Cut and hold limbs before dropping
- Minimise ground damage – perfect for work near homes, gardens, or infrastructure
- Reduce manual labour and fatigue
- Ideal for storm cleanups, removals, and tight-access jobs
- Greatly improves crew safety and jobsite productivity
Summary: How It All Works Together
- Excavator controls the rotator + grapple
- Operator positions the limb or log
- Solenoid activates the saw for a clean cut
- Cut material is safely lowered or dropped into a chipper or pile
- Rinse and repeat—efficiently and safely
Ready to Upgrade?
If you're already using an excavator, the grapple saw is one of the smartest attachments you can invest in. It turns your machine into a high-performance tree removal system—faster, safer, and more profitable.
