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

[Cataclysm]

Cataclysm, good post and good pictures. :thumbsup:

Here is the Website that I use for planning when to burn the brush piles: Map Results | Wind, Forecast, Radar, Weather & More | WindAlert

Today and tomorrow would be good:

View attachment 513270

Hey I haven't seen that before thanks!! I usually burn during a long rainy day when I can't work or when the show is on. There are too many big fields and houses nearby to risk a lighting off a big brush pile with out some rain/snow for me at least.

You well know how fickle the Oklahoma wind can be!

 

[Cataclysm]

Cataclysm, nice work. Couple of points. Those fittings look like they may be JIC. Don't over tighten them or they will split. Been there done that.

You might want to practice compressing piles of brush before traveling. Pretty easy to do once you get used to "rolling" the brush forward while compressing with jaw open and then closing. Kind of like rolling a smoke. You can get more into each bite and it's less likely to fall out while traveling. With a bunch of brush to move I often create separate smaller piles to optimize getting a max load by compressing down with grapple bottom before final loading. You'll learn quickly how big to make the smaller piles before compressing and rolling to get optimal load.

Thank you! Good tip on the fittings, they do feel a bit squishy when tightening them down. I haven't split one yet on the automotive builds I've done but it always pays off to be careful.

I was working on rolling the brush into the grapple, its a little bit different technique than the clam shell on my CAT. On the CAT you can roll forwards and backwards several times and get a pretty dense load of brush. I couldn't see how to effectively roll backwards with the grapple so I would roll it forward while tilting the grapple more and more until finally pressing almost straight down for the last possible bit of brush before mashing down the lids.

With brush it looks like compaction is worth while. I would consider adding a few suitcase weights to the front to help with the compaction but I use this tractor in yards a lot and want to keep the contact patch PSI low.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

All, I did receive my 54" single lid grapple on Friday from Fedex which is 6 weeks to the day from when I ordered it from EA. Picked it up late in the day and was able to install the grapple same day in the dark no less without issue. Hook up was a breeze and hydro hoses were exactly what was needed so Thanks Travis! I cycled thru opening and closing the cylinder several times then checked my hydraulic fluid. Added about a quart to get it back between the lines and good to go! Have put about 4 hours on grapple today and it is performing flawlessly.

Man, those NX tractors are becoming quite popular and I sure LOVE seeing the Wicked Grapple on em!!
Travis

One question - I was thinking there was a spring attached to the hoses that kept the hydro lines up and away from the action? Is that an optional item? or aftermarket? If so anyone have a link? Thanks.

The single lid models do not come with a spring hose saver, but it is offered as an accessory here on the website: TRACTOR HOSE SPRING KIT
Here's a peek of fellow member DieselBound's installation of it.

 

[IslandTractor]

The single lid models do not come with a spring hose saver, but it is offered as an accessory here on the website: TRACTOR HOSE SPRING KIT
Here's a peek of fellow member DieselBound's installation of it.
View attachment 513466

I thought EA intended those spring hose savers to be welded to the grapple. I guess the torque tube works too.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

This thread is for Wicked Root Grapple pic's so here's a few from my first day with the Wicked Root Grapple. I took the day and worked a full tank of diesel through the LS using the WRG 10 hrs straight through. I had a lot of grapple work that I had been saving up and wanted to get a feel for using a grapple. I also wanted to work the WRG when I was tired. Sometimes things show up when your tired that you don't otherwise notice.

I started out moving some old busted up round hay bales. I had to jump out every 5 minutes and roll up string from the bales. I don't want that stuff wrapped up in my hub seals.


Here's the first brush pile from a tree that blew down on the fence a month or so ago. I only lost about 2 sticks carrying that tangle 1/4 mile through the pasture to one of the burn piles.



Next up was the cedars I cut out of the fence and just threw them clear of the fence.


I had one small issue with the grapple that is worth noting. I developed a hydraulic leak at the "T". A few turns of the wrench and all was well. For what it is worth all four of the horizontal threads into the "T" were just finger tight. Not a problem, just something to check out and tighten up if needed before you head off to the back 40.


Then I piled up all the clean out from a fence project. This pile wound up at least 4 times this big plus another about this big at the other end of the fence line.


Here's a gift of a beautiful Oklahoma sunset I was given as I was heading home for the day. My Grandfather and I used to work this property when I was a kid. I am working on restoring it to its former productivity. I know this is him smiling down on me.


I want to write up a short review once I have time to think over today.

Thank you Everything Attachments for a superior product!! This Wicked Root Grapple is well worth every penny!

Wow, the pics are great. I guess the wait time gave you enough time to plan all kinds of playtime..err, hard, strenuous chores to take care of! :laughing:
Your tractor is obviously managing the size beautifully!! :thumbsup:
Travis

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Summary of things missed during my week's vacation!

Awesome grapple pics transitioning to ongoing size and lid configuration saga :banghead:.
Slight thread derailment. :steeringwheel: :trafficcone: :roadblock:
Awesome grapple pics transitioning to ongoing size and lid configuration saga :banghead:.

I'll take it!! :laughing:
Keep up the great work, guys! :applause:
Travis

 

[kthompson]

Boy what a discussion! I have one question and not sure will ask it correctly so chime if I don't: and how do you not scratch them using for such work as shown here? Will two coats of wax protect these grapples? Forgive me, had to ask. lol

 

[EverythingAttachments]

I thought EA intended those spring hose savers to be welded to the grapple. I guess the torque tube works too.

It works either way. Some prefer to mount it to their torque tube for use with multiple attachments.
Zip tying the two hoses together 1/2 way between the grapple and tractor improves uniform coiling and really helps "tame" the hoses when a spring saver isn't present.
Travis

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Boy what a discussion! I have one question and not sure will ask it correctly so chime if I don't: and how do you not scratch them using for such work as shown here? Will two coats of wax protect these grapples? Forgive me, had to ask. lol

Throttle up and let it eat!! If you get lucky, it'll end up with as much distinguishing character as this one, which was "Ted Tested" on our Kubota M6-141. :laughing:
Travis

 

[Cataclysm]

Here's a view down between the hood and loader arm. With this configuration I am able to drive along a fence line and pick up stuff close to the fence. Usually its cedars that are easy to grab. Sometimes its something like this that takes lining up on. In this case a salt block holder that's cleverly disguised as an old tire and aluminum rim. It's neat to be able to pick up stuff like this and haul it around the pasture to where I need it and then just drop it off.