The WICKED Root & Debris GRAPPLE!!!!!!!

[EverythingAttachments]

Both EA attachments resting on the ground (waiting for my new tractor, which, unlike EA, didn't get shipped in a timely manner!):

View attachment 483050

Awwww. They look so lonely!!
Travis

 

[sidecarist]

Got my grapple and pallet forks the other day and I unloaded them today.

I'm beginning to think that maybe IslandTractor is right in his thought that people tend to buy too large of a grapple

View attachment 483049

Both EA attachments resting on the ground (waiting for my new tractor, which, unlike EA, didn't get shipped in a timely manner!):

View attachment 483050

Don't get all worked up. I bought a 66 dual lid and am quite happy with it so far. Tight woods work is not a big priority for me so I went the same width as my bucket. I'd think you'll be quite happy with a 66 on your NX55.

My Branson is similar size there are pics here http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...t-debris-grapple-post4561187.html#post4561187

 

[bubbacuse77]

There are reasons for narrow grapples and reasons for wide one......just depends on your application, don't loose sleep over your grapple being 66" I'm sure the ladies will be impressed!

 

[DieselBound]

As I'd previously mentioned, the reasons why I chose the 66" version is because: 1) That's basically the width of my [new, yet-to-be-delivered] tractor- pretty standard that one gets an implement the width of their tractor; 2) I constantly veer off the pathway a bit and snag blackberries (I do this with my B7800, which has a tooth bar on the bucket- it works well). If Island had to face my blackberries I'm pretty sure that he'd come to appreciate a wider grapple :thumbsup:

I suspect that most folks learn to just use what they have.

 

[IslandTractor]

As I'd previously mentioned, the reasons why I chose the 66" version is because: 1) That's basically the width of my [new, yet-to-be-delivered] tractor- pretty standard that one gets an implement the width of their tractor; 2) I constantly veer off the pathway a bit and snag blackberries (I do this with my B7800, which has a tooth bar on the bucket- it works well). If Island had to face my blackberries I'm pretty sure that he'd come to appreciate a wider grapple :thumbsup:

I suspect that most folks learn to just use what they have.

1) Everyone is happy with their grapple so your final point is correct.
2) There is absolutely no rule that says a grapple needs to be the same width as the standard bucket on a CUT. Most people have grapples a foot or more narrower on CUTs.
3) I spend a lot of time pushing into thick brush including blackberries and bullbriar. If I am in thick brush several things make the narrow grapple fine. First, I fill up the grapple within six or eight feet and need to take the load to the burn pile. Secondly, if I am mowing the grapple acts like the prow of a ship, it creates a V shape clearing that I drive through. I've never had problems pushing through thorny brush.
4) We've been through the advantages of a narrow grapple but they basically boil down to physics (applying more force across a narrower area), weight (larger net lift capacity with lighter grapple), better maneuverability and lower cost. Other considerations are that a narrow grapple is less likely to twist the FEL if you hit an immovable object with the edge of the grapple (physics again).
5) We now have hundreds of folks here on TBN with grapples, many of them with narrow like the EA 50 inch compact. Have you seen any threads discussing the need to "upgrade" to a wider grapple??? I doubt Travis gets many calls to upgrade or complain that their grapple is too narrow.

Be happy with your grapple, it will be fine and become one of your favorite implements but it would also have been fine if it were narrower.

 

[TomSeller]

I have a wide L grapple, a narrow L grapple and a wide rake grapple and there is a time and a place for each. I do a lot of grapple work and select the grapple I need for each job. If I only could have one, it would be the narrow L grapple, hands down, no questions.

The extra carrying capacity and maneuverability is a big benefit. Properly built and sized SMALL grapples carry MORE load. The only thing I use the wide L grapple for is clearing brush. I do like tall openings on my grapples and to the extent that narrow grapples sometimes have short openings, that can be a negative.

 

[Mikejeakins]

Hey guys. Do you have double lids or a single?

 

[lostcreekranch]

One each.

 

[TomSeller]

Hey guys. Do you have double lids or a single?

This is a dangerous discussion to start

But since you asked. My narrow L grapple has one. My wide L grapple has two. The rake grapple has one.

 

[k0ua]

Hey guys. Do you have double lids or a single?

single.

But you have opened a very large can of worms.

 

[TomSeller]

He is forgiven for he knows not what he asked.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

This thread needs an action video.

 

[k0ua]

Well, that was a nice video.

 

[sidecarist]

I chose a dual lid, but I think the difference would be minor after the limited use I've had so far. My reason for choosing the dual lid was increased clamping force from 2 cylinders.

 

[Mikejeakins]

lol I wasn't trying to start anything.

 

[k0ua]

lol I wasn't trying to start anything.

No harm no foul. But there are several "sticky subjects", or worm cans.

1: What is the best tractor to buy?
2: Which tire type R1, R4, R3 is best?
3: Which transmission is best?
4: How many lids should a grapple have?
5: How wide should my grapple be?

The basic problem with these questions is that they cannot be answered. Or the answer is "it depends", but a lot of folks will defend their choices to the death. In my opinion the answers are simple.

1: Kioti
2: R4
3: Hydrostatic
4: One
5: As narrow as possible.

These answers of course are all in jest.

 

[IslandTractor]

In my opinion the answers are simple. 1: Kioti 2: R4 3: Hydrostatic 4: One 5: As narrow as possible. .

Exactly. Now if we could just see eye to eye on the AR15 thing!!

 

[IslandTractor]

I chose a dual lid, but I think the difference would be minor after the limited use I've had so far. My reason for choosing the dual lid was increased clamping force from 2 cylinders.

Number of lids is one of those things that is hard to judge without actual experience and most grapple buyers don't have experience before buying. Dual lids are great for holding loads of small bits and pieces but really aren't needed for large objects or sticky stuff like brush. An extra lid costs more and weighs more so I'd advise any inexperienced potential grapple buyer to get one lid unless you are picking up construction debris as a major part of your intended grapple use. Just look at the human hand for verification. How many thumbs do you have on each?

 

[k0ua]

Exactly. Now if we could just see eye to eye on the AR15 thing!!

Well that is pretty simple too. For low end AR15's I like DPMS. For high end I like Daniel Defense. Which ones do you like? Oh, and do you prefer direct impingement gas systems or operating rod?

 

[Mikejeakins]

I'm kind of partial to Rock River ars.