Abstract: A pivot connection for a grapple having a link member with a journal-bore at one end, a yoke member with spaced-apart parallel arms receiving the one end of the link member therebetween bores in the arms, and a pivot pin mounted through the bores in the arms in the yoke member and the journal-bore in the link member to pivotally connect the two members together. Tapered, counter-bored brake surfaces are provided in each side of the link member concentric with the journal-bore. Tapered brake cores are slidably mounted on the pivot pin and located in the counter-bores facing each other, each core located between an arm of the yoke and the link member, in such a way that the break cores are not load bearing structures in the pivot connection. A mechanical connection applies pressure to one of the cores to force both cores against the brake surfaces to brake the link member relative to the yoke member.