wr long or ??? for brush & logs?

lwm · Sep 23, 2013

Hi, M59 owner looking for something better than pallet forks to grab brush and logs. Brush is to move it to a chipper, logs is to move them and to hold them while cutting them up.

The M59 has about 4000 pounds of lift at the pivot so something that could use that lift would be nice.

I was leaning towards the wr long OBG-1 but would like to know what other people have found useful.

Thanks!

mikehaugen · Sep 23, 2013

Many people here have been happy with the EA wicked grapple.

http://www.everythingattachments.com/Tractor-Loader-Root-Grapple-s/66.htm

lwm · Sep 23, 2013

mikehaugen said:
Many people here have been happy with the EA wicked grapple.

Tractor Universal Skid Steer Quick Attach Loader Root Grapple

I saw that one, it looks smaller, opens less wide, handles less load, right?

It seems like EA was going after the smaller tractor market with that thing (and that's neat, nice they did that). But I've got a 59HP tractor, it's got a lot of lift. Isn't the wicked grapple a little light duty for that big of a tractor?

Deerherd · Sep 23, 2013

I ordered a WR Long RBGD 84 grapple a little over three weeks ago that is on the truck to be delivered this week. RBG

Was going to order the same style you are considering but after using a friends who has a tree service, went with the RBG series.

I think the EA version is nice, but a little small for your tractor. Good luck and I'll be sure to post a new thread when it arrives.

Xfaxman · Sep 23, 2013

lwm said:
Hi, M59 owner looking for something better than pallet forks to grab brush and logs. Brush is to move it to a chipper, logs is to move them and to hold them while cutting them up.

The M59 has about 4000 pounds of lift at the pivot so something that could use that lift would be nice.

I was leaning towards the wr long OBG-1 but would like to know what other people have found useful.

Thanks!

With that much lift capacity, you need the Monster Grapple:

Notice the high back that gives it a 51" high opening.

Mine is 6' wide. Making a burn pile.

Got it here: New Loflin Extrem Monster 72" 6' Grapple Root Rake Bucket Skid Loader Holland | eBay

94BULLITT · Sep 23, 2013

lwm said:
I saw that one, it looks smaller, opens less wide, handles less load, right?

It seems like EA was going after the smaller tractor market with that thing (and that's neat, nice they did that). But I've got a 59HP tractor, it's got a lot of lift. Isn't the wicked grapple a little light duty for that big of a tractor?

I have a EA Wicked grapple. It is more than enough grapple for my L4240. It is lightweight and made out of high grade steel. I am not sure if it would be enough for a M59, it is marketed for compact tractors. I would contact them before I purchased one and see what they say. A machine like the M59 is probably better suited to the WR Long OBG-1.

TomSeller · Sep 24, 2013

The WR Long OBG1 and Wildkat Heavy Duty have openings to 47" and 46" respectively. These are above the typical 34" to 36" opening you see on home owner grapples. 4000 lbs is a lot of lift so keep that in mind on your choice to verify if the units are rated for that. My smallest loader is 3200 lbs at the pins and others run up to your 4,000 lb range so I know what you are dealing with. The EA stuff is marketed at the compact market and only opens to 34". That is small for your machine in my opinion. The Loflin mentioned is a beast, opening to 51". I had not seen that make before but if it is of reasonable weight and lift capacity, that is a good option. You are borderline Skidsteer in lift so I would stay away from the homeowner stuff. Xfaxman is kind of the large grapple expert on TBN, he won't steer you wrong. Islandtractor is the unquestioned smaller grapple expert, he may chime in as well.

NHbotanut · Sep 24, 2013

I originally got my WR Long RBG2-48 for picking up logs and brush/tree limbs after having some logging done at our previous home. I have also used it to build several stone walls.

I can't speak for the other brands, but I think WR Long's is a top quality product with excellent customer service. I liked their products enough to buy one of their 4in1 buckets 3 years ago when we built our house.

NHbotanut · Sep 24, 2013

Here are a few pics from last January.

newbury · Sep 24, 2013

NHbotanut said:
Here are a few pics from last January.

View attachment 338161 View attachment 338162 View attachment 338163

HOW did you manage to lift that log with a 7610?
How big is/was it?
It looks about 10'x20"

trktrman · Sep 24, 2013

newbury said:
HOW did you manage to lift that log with a 7610?
How big is/was it?
It looks about 10'x20"

Through my computer screen, I can hear every bolt/loader mount on that tractor screaming for relief.

Deerherd · Sep 24, 2013

OP-If you are going to handle lots of logs, don't go with the flat bottom style especially in the larger size. It takes a pretty large diameter log to actually get held between the jaws, which can be real aggravating if you are trying to hold it with the grapple and cut.

It's much easier picking a single log off a pile or placing it on a trailer with the RGB style, less likelihood the log will roll.

And if you want to grab a big brush pile to post a picture on here it has a 70" jaw opening, which beats the flat bottom style hands down.

The down side is not many people make them and they are pricy but I talked to Travis at ET and he said they are coming out with one fashioned after the Bradco for smaller tractors that should prove to be very popular. Good luck in your search!

lwm · Sep 24, 2013

Deerherd said:
I ordered a WR Long RBGD 84 grapple a little over three weeks ago that is on the truck to be delivered this week. RBG

Was going to order the same style you are considering but after using a friends who has a tree service, went with the RBG series.

I think the EA version is nice, but a little small for your tractor. Good luck and I'll be sure to post a new thread when it arrives.

I'm starting to lean towards that one too. Looks like it might grab brush better. Anyone tried both the RGB and the OBG and care to comment?

The comment that someone made about grabbing logs being harder with the OBG style resonates with me, seems like smaller ones would be a pain.

94BULLITT · Sep 24, 2013

I think the OBG would be more versatile you can dig out stump with it and it will grip a log better.

I think the RBG would be better for brush.

Sent from my Samsung SPH-L710 using TractorByNet

lwm · Sep 24, 2013

94BULLITT said:
I think the OBG would be more versatile you can dig out stump with it and it will grip a log better.

I think the RBG would be better for brush.

Sent from my Samsung SPH-L710 using TractorByNet

OBG may grip a big log better but because the tines don't mesh a smaller log will rattle around in there.

RPG is interesting, it looks like it cant roll backwards enough to act as a scoop, its more like fingers pointed straight down. The OBG might actually grab more brush if you are pushing up against a pile.

I wish there was a local dealer with a pile of brush that I could go play with

Deerherd · Sep 24, 2013

I've owned two flat bottomed grapples, first a CA (Construction attachments) and then a MIE (Michigan Iron & Equipment) and liked them both. The MIE was really well made. Having gone without one for six months, I will say having ANY grapple is better than none!

The dealer just called and he's dropping off the grapple tonight on his way home, so there will be pictures....

lwm · Sep 24, 2013

Deerherd said:
I've owned two flat bottomed grapples, first a CA (Construction attachments) and then a MIE (Michigan Iron & Equipment) and liked them both. The MIE was really well made. Having gone without one for six months, I will say having ANY grapple is better than none!

The dealer just called and he's dropping off the grapple tonight on his way home, so there will be pictures....

Really looking forward to hearing what you think, I'll hold off until you report back. My only concern with the RBG is that you can't get under stuff. Might not be an issue but I'd love to hear from someone who has one.

TomSeller · Sep 25, 2013

Deerherd said:
OP-If you are going to handle lots of logs, don't go with the flat bottom style especially in the larger size. It takes a pretty large diameter log to actually get held between the jaws, which can be real aggravating if you are trying to hold it with the grapple and cut.

It's much easier picking a single log off a pile or placing it on a trailer with the RGB style, less likelihood the log will roll.

And if you want to grab a big brush pile to post a picture on here it has a 70" jaw opening, which beats the flat bottom style hands down.

The down side is not many people make them and they are pricy but I talked to Travis at ET and he said they are coming out with one fashioned after the Bradco for smaller tractors that should prove to be very popular. Good luck in your search!

If the lower jaws are not very long, like the PalletForks.com rake grapple, you can't always pick up much with them. Wildkat, WR Long and others have longer lower teeth which helps grab the bottom of the load.

Deerherd · Sep 25, 2013

The first noticeable difference between my last tractor/grapple combination (Kioti DK35/Michigan Iron & Equipment grapple) and this one is is I can tear up lots of ground with much less effort. I really should have waited for today when it was light but I couldn't! :laughing:

This grapple digs much better than any I have owned so far but then again the edge is basically a tooth bar with replaceable teeth and I'm using a much larger tractor. Hopefully I will be able to cut some holes in a few hedge rows. I have quite a few downed trees and will post some more photos later. It's going to be a good day....