Grapple Which type of grapple is best suited for...

[IslandTractor]

hmm, seems like the most comparable thing today is the 48" Wildkat economy. I have to see how wide that opens. As your one pic shows, I want to be able to pick up big diameter logs and rounds to split up for firewood. Regarding large rounds, I have a question. Say I have a 36" diameter round that is cut to a 20" length. If the round is set on it's side, so cut sides facing out, is it possible to pick the round up clamping on the cut ends? So tilt the grapple to full dump position, and clamp and pick up by lowering grapple onto the round from above. Reason I ask is I want to be able to work large rounds onto the log splitter like this. Hopefully this makes sense.

Picking up a 20"x36" log in the manner you plan would be easy with most any grapple. Every grapple opens more than the 20" you would need. You'd just need to have adequate vision to judge where the bottom and top grapple tines are which can be a little tricky but you could rig a temporary mirror to help if necessary.

 

[cstamm81]

Thanks for the replies guys, I want to make sure such an expensive tool will save my back and enable me to get these large rounds into the splitter. I need to make sure I can get as much utility as possible out of the grapple I choose.

 

[Dingo Man]

TSO, for what it is worth I, like apparently everyone else on here am in the grapple market to. I just finished installing a WR Long 3rd function valve and will be buying a grapple here soon. For what it is worth back two years ago Island Tractor stated his case about the smaller grapples over on the Kioti forum and he convinced me. I am going with a 48" single, but have yet to figure out which one. I am leaning toward the NAI or Wildcat econo.

 

[T Dew]

Has anyone heard of or have any experience with these? HLA Attachments - ROOT RAKE C/W GRAPPLE

 

[IslandTractor]

Has anyone heard of or have any experience with these? HLA Attachments - ROOT RAKE C/W GRAPPLE

That is a very heavy clam shell style grapple. Good for brush and raking debris and roots on the ground but because there is essentially no horizontal component to the bottom tines, it depends entirely on hydraulic force to keep the load secure. It also is limited the same way a 4n1 bucket is by the nature of the top hinge. If you load a large log first, you cannot pick up any smaller logs in the same load. Contrast that with the 'standard' non clamshell style grapple which has a long horizontal component to the bottom tines so gravity holds the load in place and the top tines just keep the load from falling forwards. With a standard grapple you just cram as much in as you can then lower the upper jaw to hold it in place. Clamshell grapples are more expensive and heavier for a given size too.

 

[T Dew]

I will admit that I do not have a lot of grapple experience, but that is what common sense was telling me as well. I am leaning toward something like this for my own use OBG1 I was hoping for something I can use to move as much debris at a time as possible. I just worry about the ones with the long horizontal tines being able to get under and uproot things.

 

[IslandTractor]

I will admit that I do not have a lot of grapple experience, but that is what common sense was telling me as well. I am leaning toward something like this for my own use OBG1 I was hoping for something I can use to move as much debris at a time as possible. I just worry about the ones with the long horizontal tines being able to get under and uproot things.

The grapples with long horizontal bottom tines are actually better to get bigger roots. The clamshell probably is more efficient for raking smaller roots but cannot get under the deeper thicker roots as well and cannot use the advantage of leverage like the long bottom tine OBG type can. Clamshells rake, OBG types lever. Both do well with roots generally based on TBN experiences.

 

[kenmac]

I bought this Thumb grapple 36" and installed it on my bucked. I've been pleased with it.While not what I would call a true grapple.For what I've used it for, I have been pleased & it has served me well

 

[IslandTractor]

I bought this Thumb grapple 36" and installed it on my bucked. I've been pleased with it.While not what I would call a true grapple.For what I've used it for, I have been pleased & it has served me well

Those bucket grapples are a great bang for the buck and are very useful for dealing with brush.

 

[TSO]

Those bucket grapples are a great bang for the buck and are very useful for dealing with brush.

If I had an extra 60" bucket... OR a rock bucket... I would consider adding the thumb, especially due to the price. However, I don't think that adding that onto my 72" bucket, without adding a tooth-bar, would be anywhere near as capable as a dedicated grapple bucket. I have a feeling that I'll probably use the grapple bucket more than any of my other front-attach stuff. I already probably use my Forks vs Bucket in a near 50/50 split, I would guess I'll probably use the Grapple 50% of the time, and the other 2 will split the remainder.

 

[mangus580]

I just ordered my grapple today - I went with this one...

http://stores.palletforks.com/-strse-70/48"-LW-Root-Grapple/Detail.bok

 

[TSO]

I just ordered my grapple today - I went with this one...

http://stores.palletforks.com/-strse-70/48%22-LW-Root-Grapple/Detail.bok

I think that's the 1 I'm leaning towards also... Do you know if they're in stock or built to order ? I'm hoping you get it soon enough to give another review before I make a purchase.

 

[4734]

I purchased a EA 72" Wicked Grapple recently and have had a chance to use it for about 20 hours now.

I can't speak for other grapples because I have not used any of them but I will give a short review of the EA Wicked Grapple.

I went on EA's web site and decided on the Wicked Grapple based on the fact that it appears to be well engineered, light weight, strong and two independent jaws. EA's customer support is outstanding and suggested the 72" unit for my tractor.

A few days later my grapple arrived by truck, upon inspection I observed that this thing was a serious piece of equipment. It is built much stronger than I thought, and well engineered as expected from EA. As advertised those teeth are sharp and should cut though roots and grip logs well.


I hooked up the grapple on to my Kubota MX5100 and started learning how to use it. I am in the process of cleaning up large piles of logs, lumber and junk that the previously renter so nicely left for me to clean up. Anyway, after a few hours I was getting the hang of it and have stacked several large burn piles.

The grapple worked flawlessly, no problems and due to the lighter weight I was able to left more than I thought.

I then began using the grapple to dig around the base of a couple of trees that needed to be removed and pushed them over. Then I just picked them up, put them on the burn piles and then scrape up the debris and some roots.

Those sharp teeth really cut though the roots and really dug into the logs holding them firmly. The two closing lids really came in handy for those odd shaped logs, stumps and even some concrete steps.

Since putting the grapple on my tractor I have not had it off, even when mowing the field I use it to warn me of large hidden objects in the tall grass.

Lastly, I want to give EA a big Thank You for building a great grapple, great customer service, fair price and free shipping. I would highly recommend this grapple, I would buy again if I needed to.
I am in no way paid, compensated or have any financial interest in EA only a happy customer.

Greg

 

[mangus580]

It was in stock - called about 11:30 am and it shipped today! (along with my hay spear)

I think that's the 1 I'm leaning towards also... Do you know if they're in stock or built to order ? I'm hoping you get it soon enough to give another review before I make a purchase.

 

[T Dew]

Does anyone have any first hand experience with both the OBG1 and the Everything Attachments Wicked Root Grapple for Compact Tractors ?

I am torn between the two. The everything grapple is a little bit cheaper, but I have never seen one in person. Any input would be appreciated. This has been a great threat; I've learned a lot.

 

[94BULLITT]

Does anyone have any first hand experience with both the OBG1 and the Everything Attachments Wicked Root Grapple for Compact Tractors ?

I am torn between the two. The everything grapple is a little bit cheaper, but I have never seen one in person. Any input would be appreciated. This has been a great threat; I've learned a lot.

The Wicked grapple is lighter than the Long grapple. I have a wicked grapple. I love it. My tractor will never hurt it.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/271507-everything-attachments-wicked-grapple-build.html Go to page 29 for pictures of it in action.

 

[TSO]

I think the EA Wicked RG looks fantastic... I just don't know (because I'm cheap) if I can justify spending twice the cost. I have no doubt it's built better, but double the money is hard for a guy like me to get past. I'm also not sure if I want a single or dual lid yet...

 

[mangus580]

I think the EA Wicked RG looks fantastic... I just don't know (because I'm cheap) if I can justify spending twice the cost. I have no doubt it's built better, but double the money is hard for a guy like me to get past. I'm also not sure if I want a single or dual lid yet...

I was in exactly the same boat.... and decided there was no way I could justify it....

 

[TomSeller]

Does anyone have any first hand experience with both the OBG1 and the Everything Attachments Wicked Root Grapple for Compact Tractors ?

I am torn between the two. The everything grapple is a little bit cheaper, but I have never seen one in person. Any input would be appreciated. This has been a great threat; I've learned a lot.

The WR Long OBG1 opens to 47" while the EA only opens to a mere 30". This is an apples to oranges comparison. You might want to compare WR Long's OBG2 for price range and even it opens to 44". The EA grapple is too small in my book on the vertical opening which is what you need to you grab debris. In any event, I would go narrow with an L grapple.

 

[IslandTractor]

If I had an extra 60" bucket... OR a rock bucket... I would consider adding the thumb, especially due to the price. However, I don't think that adding that onto my 72" bucket, without adding a tooth-bar, would be anywhere near as capable as a dedicated grapple bucket. I have a feeling that I'll probably use the grapple bucket more than any of my other front-attach stuff. I already probably use my Forks vs Bucket in a near 50/50 split, I would guess I'll probably use the Grapple 50% of the time, and the other 2 will split the remainder.

I certainly agree that dedicated grapples do grappling work more efficiently than add on grapple arms to a standard bucket, but the add on grapple is way more efficient than a standard bucket for dealing with brush and is a good choice for someone without a quick attach. Adding a toothbar does help quite a bit but doesn't approach the ability of a regular open bottom grapple for digging out roots etc. adding a grapple arm via welding or bolt on plus use of the rear remotes for control is easily the least expensive way to add grappling capability to a CUT. If you already have at least one rear remote, you can have a functional grapple set up for less than $500 spent on a grapple arm and hydraulic hoses and fittings.

You use the term bucket grapple which to me describes a purpose built solid bottom without sides and a typical top grapple arm or two. Those are used mostly by the skidsteer community and are great for construction debris collection. Not as effective as traditional open bottom grapples for digging roots or brush work though.