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

[Cataclysm]

Good question. I would think it depends on what I am getting in terms of added functionality for the extra weight. If I were a firewood dealer then 150 lbs would be a fair trade off for the extra wood I could carry as the limitation on load size with firewood is clamping not lift capacity. If I were only interested in moving stumps or logs then IMO all the lost lift capacity is regrettable as the second lid doesn't add anything. For brush it is a toss up as the second lid doesn't add much but also doesn't detract from load capacity as brush just isn't dense enough to challenge lift capacity.

And, I have to come back to the simple fact that regardless of weight penalty significance, dual lid grapples cost more and are beneficial in only limited settings. A narrow single is just fine for the great majority of tasks that a private landowner might need a grapple for.

No doubt for a specific task one type or the other could have an edge at the expense of other tasks. From what I read on here the grapple is purchased as a multi tool and it certainly is for my uses. To me greater versatility of a dual lid is more important than the last few pounds of lift. If weight is an issue I'll simply make an extra round. No big deal.

Has anyone thought of the limits on the front axle of the tractor on some of these super heavy loads? I know the weight of the grapple is unimportant in that respect its the total load that counts. I'm just thinking of the front axle rating and is it being exceeded with some of these big grabs?

Cost wise its a one time purchase. Get the one you want. Has anyone worn out a Wicked? Where is the oldest known Wicked?

I agree the average user could get by with a narrow single and save some money.

 

[IslandTractor]

No doubt for a specific task one type or the other could have an edge at the expense of other tasks. From what I read on here the grapple is purchased as a multi tool and it certainly is for my uses. To me greater versatility of a dual lid is more important than the last few pounds of lift. If weight is an issue I'll simply make an extra round. No big deal.

Has anyone thought of the limits on the front axle of the tractor on some of these super heavy loads? I know the weight of the grapple is unimportant in that respect its the total load that counts. I'm just thinking of the front axle rating and is it being exceeded with some of these big grabs?

Cost wise its a one time purchase. Get the one you want. Has anyone worn out a Wicked? Where is the oldest known Wicked?

I agree the average user could get by with a narrow single and save some money.

Rule #1: All grapples are great
Rule #2: Everyone is happy with their grapple
Rule #3: Different grapples are optimized for some tasks but can generally perform any grappling task.
Rule #4: See Rule #1

My persistence in arguing for narrow single is based on experience knowing it does everything I have ever asked it to do on my tractors. Additionally recognizing that grapples were never designed for CUTs. They were designed for skidsteers and for use on construction sites. That is where the dual lid became popular on grapple buckets and then straight grapples. Nobody ever sat down and did a needs assessment before designing grapples for CUTs they just downsized a bit. For the typical private CUT owner who doesn't pick up construction debris all the time it just seems the cost savings, greater maneuverability and higher net lift argue for narrow single. Narrow single makes particular sense for small and medium size CUTs with loader capacity less than a ton IMO. As always YMMV but it seems clear that anyone who does choose a narrow single will be happy and have some extra beer money.

 

[sidecarist]

I'll weigh in with how I decided to buy a 66in dual lid...

Width wider than the tractors wheels was important to me for clearing next to fences and structures. My grapple gives me 3-4"over tire width. Suits my needs.

Dual lids because I was lifting lots of awkward shaped brush/stump debris piles and thought the flexibility would be helpful.

In the end it has worked well for me. It's surprising to me some times that when closed sometimes I'll have one lid closed all the way, and the other open 50% or more yet both are clamped tight. That said I think if I had ordered a single lid I wouldn't be wishing for a change, it is remarkable how much these will grab and lift.

It's hard to estimate weights from the seat, but with my tractor I've lifted every brush pile I've grabbed, logs are different and can easily be too heavy to lift safely. This isn't a grapple problem, but a loader capacity and or balance problem. Either are easily resolved.

 

[r0bg]

Pulled the trigger on a Wicked Grapple last week. I'll surely be going crazy in anticipation because I've got work lined up for it already.

Called Travis prior to ordering seeking recommendations for my DK series Kioti. He suggested a 54" or 60" single lid after we talked about what I'd be using it for. Couple days later I placed my order and was impressed when my phone was ringing less than a minute later. It was Travis to ask about my hoses and fittings. We got everything lined up and sometime in the next 6+ weeks I should have my grapple.

I read this thread from beginning to end and want to thank all the contributors who schooled me along this journey. Actually it began before now, in late 2015 I started here and from TBN I learned as much about tractors, transmissions, and implements as I could. I learned about EA and began watching their educational videos and TTT's (Teds torture tests). For a noob it all made sense and it was helpful to see what to do AND what not to do.

This threads been extremely educational and entertaining. I now know with certainty that humans have one thumb and that's all we need. Doesn't matter if it's palm up or down or even if the fingers can wrap around irregular shapes. I know the history of a defunct implement company. Most of all I know that since I don't clean up construction sites regularly I should NEVER have a need for more than one lid on my Grapple and that if I buy a narrow one there's only a microscopically small chance that I'll ever look back and wish I'd bought a bigger one.

Joking aside, thanks all. I'm sure I'll be more than happy with my choice and I appreciate all the wisdom here as well as the customer support I've already seen from EA. Pics to follow in the next couple months

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Congrats.

I needed a grapple tonight. Gave a forsythia an overdue hair cut, hauled 2 pallet fork loads away. First load fell off.

 

[Cataclysm]

Pulled the trigger on a Wicked Grapple last week. I'll surely be going crazy in anticipation because I've got work lined up for it already.

Called Travis prior to ordering seeking recommendations for my DK series Kioti. He suggested a 54" or 60" single lid after we talked about what I'd be using it for. Couple days later I placed my order and was impressed when my phone was ringing less than a minute later. It was Travis to ask about my hoses and fittings. We got everything lined up and sometime in the next 6+ weeks I should have my grapple.

I read this thread from beginning to end and want to thank all the contributors who schooled me along this journey. Actually it began before now, in late 2015 I started here and from TBN I learned as much about tractors, transmissions, and implements as I could. I learned about EA and began watching their educational videos and TTT's (Teds torture tests). For a noob it all made sense and it was helpful to see what to do AND what not to do.

This threads been extremely educational and entertaining. I now know with certainty that humans have one thumb and that's all we need. Doesn't matter if it's palm up or down or even if the fingers can wrap around irregular shapes. I know the history of a defunct implement company. Most of all I know that since I don't clean up construction sites regularly I should NEVER have a need for more than one lid on my Grapple and that if I buy a narrow one there's only a microscopically small chance that I'll ever look back and wish I'd bought a bigger one.

Joking aside, thanks all. I'm sure I'll be more than happy with my choice and I appreciate all the wisdom here as well as the customer support I've already seen from EA. Pics to follow in the next couple months

Welcome to the club! Your going to wonder how you ever got by without a grapple!! I saved up grapple jobs for quite a while even before ordering.

You already know this but we likes pictures!!! Get your kodak ready.

 

[IslandTractor]

Welcome to the club! Your going to wonder how you ever got by without a grapple!! I saved up grapple jobs for quite a while even before ordering.

You already know this but we likes pictures!!! Get your kodak ready.

Times 2. Welcome to the back saving life of a grappler.

 

[Sysop]

Indeed, I think most likely never remove their grapple after getting it because it is simply the most useful tool to have on the front. I know that's the case with me...

 

[woody]

my goodness I have read this thread for hours. I made a deal last Sunday on a grapple and I know very little about it but it has a new home and I will be using it. Bring it on what have I done?

 

[EverythingAttachments]

my goodness I have read this thread for hours. I made a deal last Sunday on a grapple and I know very little about it but it has a new home and I will be using it. Bring it on what have I done?

What have you done, you ask? You've acquired a 956 pound grapple. :shocked: Hope you have one heck of a tractor to put it on....like at least 75+ horsepower!!
Travis

 

[Sysop]

Ideal mating for a BX! :laughing:

 

[buckeyefarmer]

IT will congratulate you.

 

[IslandTractor]

my goodness I have read this thread for hours. I made a deal last Sunday on a grapple and I know very little about it but it has a new home and I will be using it. Bring it on what have I done?

View attachment 515085

Well, you might be able to lift he grapple with the B26. Maybe even lift it with a load of paper towels but maybe just one paper towel. No chance to lift it with the BX.

That grapple is designed for a big skidsteer. Not sure what you paid but I'd suggest listing it in the large machinery section of Craigslist.

Then call Travis and buy a 300lb 50" single lid compact grapple

 

[Cataclysm]

my goodness I have read this thread for hours. I made a deal last Sunday on a grapple and I know very little about it but it has a new home and I will be using it. Bring it on what have I done?

View attachment 515085

Welcome to the club woody! I will give you the benefit of doubt and ask what width is the grapple and what are you going to put it on? I see your listed tractor/mowers but thought I would ask.

Looking at CA's site it may be a 54"/454 lbs or 60"/473 lbs.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Welcome to the club woody! I will give you the benefit of doubt and ask what width is the grapple and what are you going to put it on? I see your listed tractor/mowers but thought I would ask.

Looking at CA's site it may be a 54"/454 lbs or 60"/473 lbs.

Yes, tractor info will be great. Wrong page though, Cat....
Here's what he has: Construction Attachments XTreme Duty Root Grapple For Skid Steers and Larger Tractor Loaders
It looks like a 66", but I guessed 73" because of the # of tines.

66" weighs 862 pounds.
73" weighs 956 pounds.
Travis

 

[woody]

sorry guys I did not tell the whole story, got it with a 2012 Kubota L45 and I will have to measure to be sure of the size.

 

[IslandTractor]

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

sorry guys I did not tell the whole story, got it with a 2012 Kubota L45 and I will have to measure to be sure of the size.

That's better but still considerable overkill. I don't recall the lift capacity of the L45 but suspect it is about the same as my DK40se so under 3000lbs. A nearly 900lb grapple is going to cut your net lift capacity by at least 1200-1300lbs. That thing really is designed for big skidsteers on construction sites.

Use it an see how it does. I'd think you could easily sell it on CL and afford a new smaller/lighter EA with the proceeds. Not sure what you paid for it but I'm guessing it was $3000 or so new and it looks to be in good shape.

 

[woody]

I just bought the L45 and grapple was sitting there calling my name but I don't know if it has ever been used the board that is stuck in it looks like it could be part of the shipping crate but I'm not sure about that and it is 66"

 

[k0ua]

I just bought the L45 and grapple was sitting there calling my name but I don't know if it has ever been used the board that is stuck in it looks like it could be part of the shipping crate but I'm not sure about that and it is 66"

So tractor data say the L45 loader the TL1000A lift to full height at the pins is 2848 Minus the weight of your 66 inch grapple of 862 puts you at 1986 lbs. But that is at the pins and of course would have to be derated considerably out there where the "rubber meets the road" . So yeah your L45 is going to handle it, but you could have had another 400 to 500 lbs of lift capacity with a lighter grapple made of high strength but lighter steel. But we don't know what you paid for it either. For all we know, you got it as such a deal you couldn't pass it up.

 

[IslandTractor]

It's a valuable grapple so he shouldn't have any trouble selling it. No way a L45 is going to generate the types of force that grapple is designed to handle. My DK40 is about the same size and I've done just fine with a 300lb grapple for ten years. The midrange EA would be more than adequate.