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

houser52 · Feb 28, 2017

EverythingAttachments said:
Haul that tractor on out to the factory, hook it up & play!!
I'll have the camera crew meet you out there.
Travis

Can't beat that. Sounds like your confident enough that if I hook up to it I'll want to leave it on.

Xfaxman · Feb 28, 2017

EverythingAttachments said:
It's a great time for a friendly discussion.

I'm pretty sure some members have used both styles, so let's do it!
Travis

The style that works best depends on what tasks it will be used on the most.

I have had both styles and like the L bottom the best. The main difference is picking up small brush and tree limbs.

My first grapple ever, didn't hold much of this stuff:

Notice how much is left on the ground.

Works well on big single items: :thumbsup:

My favorite style L bottom, works better on small brush and trees:

Nothing left on the ground.

And rocks:

:thumbsup: More rocks: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...n-picture-thread-post4339583.html#post4339583

EverythingAttachments · Feb 28, 2017

Great examples Xfax!
Travis

EverythingAttachments · Feb 28, 2017

houser52 said:
Can't beat that. Sounds like your confident enough that if I hook up to it I'll want to leave it on. &#55357;&#56836;

Yes, fairly confident. We've already sold three new 55" grapple rakes this afternoon!
One for a Kubota B2320, a Kioti CK35 and a New Holland TC34.
Travis

Xfaxman · Feb 28, 2017

EverythingAttachments said:
Great examples Xfax!
Travis

Thanks. Even though these are bigger grapples, the operational functional differences are the same as smaller size grapples.

The clamshell pictured above is bigger than the L bottom, but it won't pick up as much brush.

IslandTractor · Feb 28, 2017

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

I agree with Xfaxman that the L shaped grapple is more generally useful. I've only used a clamshell briefly but I own a 4n1 bucket which has the same clamping geometry. The clamshell would be great for pure brush or for any single object but the standard L grapple will usually hold more, can be loaded with more stuff without dropping what is inside already and can handle multiple different sized objects at the same time. The clamshell would be better at scraping up debris in the ground but less effective digging out stumps and saplings.

TomSeller · Feb 28, 2017

Xfaxman said:
I have had both styles and like the L bottom the best.

Exactly. I have both styles as well and find little use for the rake style. It is handy at times, mosty back raking and crude dozer work, but it is the least used compared to either L grapple.

EverythingAttachments · Mar 1, 2017

TomSeller said:
Exactly. I have both styles as well and find little use for the rake style. It is handy at times, mosty back raking and crude dozer work, but it is the least used compared to either L grapple.

I remembered you have had both styles. Thanks for the input, Tom.

Here's my take...
I think both styles have certain advantages. This new grapple takes lightweight grapple construction to the next level and maintains strength at the same time.
Ted proved it by testing the grapple on our L6060 and putting footage on YouTube for the world to see.
The dozer-like tine geometry promotes a small tractor's ability to push the tines through the ground with ease.
The root rake style allows you to pull brush, vines and other debris backwards, which isn't recommended with many long bottom grapples.

If your tractor isn't dependent on the ultra light weight, you should easily be able to push our unobstructed long-bottom Wicked Grapple tines through the ground.
You should be able to grab a larger pile of brush with the traditional Wicked style because you can cradle and physically fit more "inside" it.
Travis

IslandTractor · Mar 1, 2017

Keep in mind that CUT FELs are designed and built for lifting, not bulldozing. Long and thin loader arms are nowhere near as tough as short stocky bulldozer arms. Pushing a "submerged" grapple into soil that may hide boulders and stumps or even big roots could result in off center strikes that could damage the FEL if enough momentum is built up. I'd prefer to do that type of work with a box blade or subsoiler.

EverythingAttachments · Mar 1, 2017

IslandTractor said:
Keep in mind that CUT FELs are designed and built for lifting, not bulldozing. Long and thin loader arms are nowhere near as tough as short stocky bulldozer arms. Pushing a "submerged" grapple into soil that may hide boulders and stumps or even big roots could result in off center strikes that could damage the FEL if enough momentum is built up. I'd prefer to do that type of work with a box blade or subsoiler.

Yes, as with anything, caution should be exercised, but Wicked tine design makes it easier, safer, more efficient for you to push up vines/roots and then scoop them up with one motion.
Travis

EverythingAttachments · Mar 1, 2017

I experienced it first hand with my father in law's Kubota L3301.
I uploaded the video and shared it in the EA Channel FB Group, but I can't upload it directly to TBN without putting it on YouTube first.
Travis

IslandTractor · Mar 1, 2017

EverythingAttachments said:
Yes, as with anything, caution should be exercised, but Wicked tine design makes it easier, safer, more efficient for you to push up vines/roots and then scoop them up with one motion.
Travis

View attachment 500357

The issue isn't getting the tines to move efficiently through the soil, rather it is a risk of striking a large unseen object off center and twisting the FEL arms. That type of work should be done at slow speed with a grapple. If you want to go fast, use a 3PT implement. I'd personally use the 3PT/box blade for open spaces and reserve the grapple to clean up areas not easily accessible with box blade.

EverythingAttachments · Mar 1, 2017

IslandTractor said:
The issue isn't getting the tines to move efficiently through the soil, rather it is a risk of striking a large unseen object off center and twisting the FEL arms.

Sounds like this could be another pro for a narrow grapple?

Travis

IslandTractor · Mar 1, 2017

EverythingAttachments said:
Sounds like this could be another pro for a narrow grapple?
Travis

Geez, I'd have never thunk that...

RichM752 · Mar 1, 2017

EverythingAttachments said:
Yes, as with anything, caution should be exercised, but Wicked tine design makes it easier, safer, more efficient for you to push up vines/roots and then scoop them up with one motion.
Travis

View attachment 500357

Who'd a thought 25 yrs ago a photo such as this would "turn me on"?

EverythingAttachments · Mar 1, 2017

Steve from Florida posted these pics on the EA Facebook Page of his new Mahindra 2555 with the EA 66" Single Lid Wicked Grapple.

EverythingAttachments · Mar 2, 2017

Add one more to the Grapple Uses tally!!
A guy posted this yesterday in the Everything Attachments Channel.
He has the 50" Wicked Grapple on his B2620. The grapple was made for his LA364 pin-on mount.
Travis

"I have low water bridge as part of my driveway. For years every time we had a big rain I had to put on the boots and gloves to manually drag all the debris away.
Today it was partially plugged and with my Wicked Root Grapple it was cleaned out with a couple of grabs. If I hadn't been taking the photos I would not have needed to get off the tractor."

RichM752 · Mar 4, 2017

Got her home, and now we have snow for a few days.

innrkid · Mar 5, 2017

My tractor finally showed up and the grapple was the first thing attached! Before getting the grapple dirty I snapped a few shots....and snapped a few first loads. I am very impressed. I may have wanted some additional hose length. At full roll forward the hoses do utilize the spring loaded hose guide. It may be fine, but makes me nervous. I did lessen the guide and get a few more inches.
Net net...I would buy again from EA.