4 in 1 bucket or Grapple??

[hunt4570]

So I bought a new to me tractor with a WR Long UJ2-62WR 4 in 1 bucket, but with the mess I have in some of my woods I'm thinking a grapple might be a better thing. I've never really used either one, my new 4 in 1 a little but only very little. So what do you guys think? 4 in 1 or grapple?? Can I ask here if someone would be interested in making me a trade, or is that a no no?

 

[CurlyDave]

I have both a 4-n-1 and a grapple. They are sufficiently different that I do not think of them as substitutes for each other.

I keep the 4-n-1 on the machine most of the time, but if I have brush, logs, trees, large rocks to move, the grapple goes on and the job is much easier.

 

[TomSeller]

If you are clearing debris in your woods, a grapple is the way to go. No doubt.

 

[Xfaxman]

Grapple: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/267492-wicked-root-debris-grapple.html

 

[IslandTractor]

I also have both. I mostly do land clearing/bush hogging but also do some backhoe work. Rule of thumb is that for anything that requires gathering/clamping/moving brush, trees, stumps etc then the grapple is far superior. I mount the 4n1 essentially only if I am digging with the BH and need to refill and smooth out the dug areas afterwards. I have the grapple mounted about 80%. 4n1 about 10% and standard bucket or special 3pt adapter about 5% each. I could live without a 4n1 if I had a grapple and standard bucket. No way could I live without a grapple.

The 4n1 is extremely inefficient at collecting and securing brush/logs simply because it is a top hinged pincer. Whatever object goes in first is held in place by essentially jamming the jaws open. If you load a 3" branch first then nothing 3" or smaller will be able to be clamped after that. The 4n1 works fine to grab any individual object but it is not nearly as flexible as a grapple that scoops up any type of load and then simply clamps to provide a bit of stability.

Also, 4n1 buckets are way more expensive than grapples.

My advice: get a grapple. If you find there is a specific task you need a 4n1 for add it later. IMO the only people who really get benefit from a 4n1 are contractors who need to have the flexibility of the 4n1 as a single implement on a jobsite and are using it as an all purpose Swiss army knife with attendant inefficiencies.

 

[hunt4570]

I also have both. I mostly do land clearing/bush hogging but also do some backhoe work. Rule of thumb is that for anything that requires gathering/clamping/moving brush, trees, stumps etc then the grapple is far superior. I mount the 4n1 essentially only if I am digging with the BH and need to refill and smooth out the dug areas afterwards. I have the grapple mounted about 80%. 4n1 about 10% and standard bucket or special 3pt adapter about 5% each. I could live without a 4n1 if I had a grapple and standard bucket. No way could I live without a grapple.

The 4n1 is extremely inefficient at collecting and securing brush/logs simply because it is a top hinged pincer. Whatever object goes in first is held in place by essentially jamming the jaws open. If you load a 3" branch first then nothing 3" or smaller will be able to be clamped after that. The 4n1 works fine to grab any individual object but it is not nearly as flexible as a grapple that scoops up any type of load and then simply clamps to provide a bit of stability.

Also, 4n1 buckets are way more expensive than grapples.

My advice: get a grapple. If you find there is a specific task you need a 4n1 for add it later. IMO the only people who really get benefit from a 4n1 are contractors who need to have the flexibility of the 4n1 as a single implement on a jobsite and are using it as an all purpose Swiss army knife with attendant inefficiencies.

I already have the 4 in 1 bucket, it came with the tractor I bought. I was trying to figure out how much I really want it. I've decided a grapple would be more useful to me cleaning up my new homestead. I cannot afford both right now... just bought a place, a tractor, ordered the Caroni yada yada yada.. need to figure the best way to go about making the switch.

How big is your tractor, by the number I'm guessing a 40 HP? How big is your grapple and what kind is it?

 

[dirt ditch]

I was in the same boat and able to trade my almost new 72" JD 4 in 1 for a new 72" NAI grapple for my skid steer. It did cost me $400 to trade but it was worth it to me.

 

[IslandTractor]

I already have the 4 in 1 bucket, it came with the tractor I bought. I was trying to figure out how much I really want it. I've decided a grapple would be more useful to me cleaning up my new homestead. I cannot afford both right now... just bought a place, a tractor, ordered the Caroni yada yada yada.. need to figure the best way to go about making the switch. How big is your tractor, by the number I'm guessing a 40 HP? How big is your grapple and what kind is it?

My tractor is 40hp and has lift capacity of about 2700lbs. My grapple is a light duty 48" open bottom style. Made by Millonzi who is out of business. If I had to replace it (It is fine despite aggressive use for about eight years) I'd probably get one of the light/medium weight 54" or 60"(max) single lid grapples from Everything Attachments. I'd actually prefer a 48 but they don't make that for a 40hp. My current grapple is essentially a generic style and there are many manufacturers who make similar grapples. I am impressed that virtually all the generic grapple manufacturers are just welding shops and put very little thought into their product. Everything Attachments has put a lot of effort into designing a true light duty 50" grapple that is limited to 35 hp. The 54/60 is a hybrid of the bottom from a heavier grapple plus the lid from the light duty. Best compromise available IMO right now for 40-60 hp CUTs.

If I was in your shoes I'd sell that 4n1 in a minute to get a true grapple.

 

[hunt4570]

My tractor is 40hp and has lift capacity of about 2700lbs. My grapple is a light duty 48" open bottom style. Made by Millonzi who is out of business. If I had to replace it (It is fine despite aggressive use for about eight years) I'd probably get one of the light/medium weight 54" or 60"(max) single lid grapples from Everything Attachments. I'd actually prefer a 48 but they don't make that for a 40hp. My current grapple is essentially a generic style and there are many manufacturers who make similar grapples. I am impressed that virtually all the generic grapple manufacturers are just welding shops and put very little thought into their product. Everything Attachments has put a lot of effort into designing a true light duty 50" grapple that is limited to 35 hp. The 54/60 is a hybrid of the bottom from a heavier grapple plus the lid from the light duty. Best compromise available IMO right now for 40-60 hp CUTs.

If I was in your shoes I'd sell that 4n1 in a minute to get a true grapple.

I believe that will be my plan, what do you think its worth? great shape hardly had the paint scraped.

 

[Underdog57]

I

Grapple: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/267492-wicked-root-debris-grapple.html

View attachment 413023

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Boy that new EA single lid grapple is sweet...... I'm drooling over the 54" big time!!

 

[IslandTractor]

I believe that will be my plan, what do you think its worth? great shape hardly had the paint scraped.

I haven't priced 4n1's recently. I recall though that a 60" 4n1 from WR Long (excellent manufacturer) cost something over $2000 a few years ago. You might check eBay for recent sales of buckets similar to yours. I'd imagine that something between $1000-$1500 (much closer to $1500 unless you are located in a sparsely populated area) would be reasonable to ask if the bucket is in great shape and you want a quick sale. 4n1 buckets are generally significantly more expensive than grapples so selling a used 4n1 should get you enough cash for a new grapple.

Edit: my estimate of 4n1 value may be pretty low. I just saw a 72" newish 4n1 that looks like mine that is on CL for $2600. I'd check MSRP for your 4n1 and knock off 25% for a quick sale or perhaps try for more if you can wait.

 

[TomSeller]

I

Boy that new EA single lid grapple is sweet...... I'm drooling over the 54" big time!!

So am I. That 39.5" opening sure makes them nice. Plus the weight is coming in very low per the other thread.

 

[hunt4570]

I haven't priced 4n1's recently. I recall though that a 60" 4n1 from WR Long (excellent manufacturer) cost something over $2000 a few years ago. You might check eBay for recent sales of buckets similar to yours. I'd imagine that something between $1000-$1500 (much closer to $1500 unless you are located in a sparsely populated area) would be reasonable to ask if the bucket is in great shape and you want a quick sale. 4n1 buckets are generally significantly more expensive than grapples so selling a used 4n1 should get you enough cash for a new grapple.

Edit: my estimate of 4n1 value may be pretty low. I just saw a 72" newish 4n1 that looks like mine that is on CL for $2600. I'd check MSRP for your 4n1 and knock off 25% for a quick sale or perhaps try for more if you can wait.

The one I have is in excellent condition as I said.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Grapple: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/267492-wicked-root-debris-grapple.html

View attachment 413023

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Thanks for posting those pics next to one another..... 66" cartoon vs. 66" steel!!......It's pretty cool to see how a computer generated drawing can turn into reality.

 

[IslandTractor]

The one I have is in excellent condition as I said. http://s255.photobucket.com/user/hunt4570/media/South Carolina/IMG_1933_zps310d701b.jpg.html

I have that exact 4n1. Got mine off eBay for peanuts when I was the only bidder because it had a JD mount rather than skid steer. Easy conversion. I think you can check WRLong for pricing and aim for 75% via CL.

 

[hunt4570]

So I'm leaning toward that Everything Attachments grapple, heck you guys are close enough you have an add for one in my local (Columbia SC) Craigslist. I've a Kubota L3540 HST with a LA724 loader with quick detach bucket (skidsteer type) Tractordata.com website lists it at 37hp. Which grapple would you suggest? 50" 0r 54"? Any advantage to the "double claw" as opposed to the single on the 50"?

I need to see if I can get my 4 in 1 sold now..

 

[IslandTractor]

I'd get the 50" except for the limited opening. If you are collecting brush that would be a bother. If you just have general purpose plans for the grapple the 50 would be fine. Otherwise I'd go for the 54" which still has a single lid.

I'm a bit biased but I have never understood why someone would want to pay more for dual lids that add nothing to flexibility but do drop net lift capacity. In eight plus years there has never been a single item that would fit into my grapple that I could not secure with my single lid.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

So I'm leaning toward that Everything Attachments grapple, heck you guys are close enough you have an add for one in my local (Columbia SC) Craigslist. I've a Kubota L3540 HST with a LA724 loader with quick detach bucket (skidsteer type) Tractordata.com website lists it at 37hp. Which grapple would you suggest? 50" 0r 54"? Any advantage to the "double claw" as opposed to the single on the 50"?

I need to see if I can get my 4 in 1 sold now..

At $1690(intro. price), I think the 54" single lid is the cat's meow! Island's opinion in the grapple dept. carries a lot of weight around here(no pun), so I don't think he'll steer you wrong.
I think he's helped steer us to a great new grapple! :thumbsup:

The thing about it is......The perfect grapple for one is not the perfect grapple for another. This is why we have expanded the line up to give you more to choose from and, at the same time, confuse the heck out of you! :laughing:
Travis

 

[hunt4570]

Well I just put my 4 in 1 bucket for sale in craigs list, We'll see if I get any bites... unless of course you take trades.

And I think Island Tractor is a bad influence here! He's already talked me into ordering a flail mower and now he's working on the grapple!! I'm going to go broke listening to him!:laughing:

 

[IslandTractor]

Well I just put my 4 in 1 bucket for sale in craigs list, We'll see if I get any bites... unless of course you take trades. And I think Island Tractor is a bad influence here! He's already talked me into ordering a flail mower and now he's working on the grapple!! I'm going to go broke listening to him!:laughing:

Do you have a backhoe yet? You might need a ripper attachment for it!

Also, you might want to list your 4n1 here on TBN. I've never used the classified section here but it does still exist as far as I can tell.