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

[DieselBound]

Worried about getting off the tractor with a full mouth? Not sure if a dual lid grapple would have been able to bite on this (tapered to the left there on the trunk).



I've picked up bigger and heavier ones, but this is close to what I figure is a safe limit (this is wider shot of the above trunk).

 

[LiveDog]

Worried about getting off the tractor with a full mouth? Not sure if a dual lid grapple would have been able to bite on this (tapered to the left there on the trunk).

View attachment 533693

I've picked up bigger and heavier ones, but this is close to what I figure is a safe limit (this is wider shot of the above trunk).

View attachment 533694

Got to hand it to you Lad... Seems you do a lot with that rig... Love the enthusiasm... This is NOT a competition... JUST a comparison... PLEASE be safe...

 

[DieselBound]

Big stuff is, mostly, just moved a short distance: get it out of the brush and to a spot where it's easier to cut for firewood.

It is hoped that my pictures help to dispel any worries that these grapples aren't robust. My biggest concern, early on, was whether the the clamping force was adequate: it is- I've got a picture around here somewhere that was taken with my grapple clamping down on two conjoined stumps, dangling down from the grapple (clearly the full weight was being held by the clamping force).

 

[Peter 315]

Big stuff is, mostly, just moved a short distance: get it out of the brush and to a spot where it's easier to cut for firewood.

It is hoped that my pictures help to dispel any worries that these grapples aren't robust. My biggest concern, early on, was whether the the clamping force was adequate: it is- I've got a picture around here somewhere that was taken with my grapple clamping down on two conjoined stumps, dangling down from the grapple (clearly the full weight was being held by the clamping force).

What size grapple and why did you choose a single lid

 

[DieselBound]

Went with the 66" grapple.

Single lid because I felt that one was less complex than two: less hoses, one less cylinder. The width of the lid was a larger percentage of the overall size of grapple than the other sizes. For the dual lids the 54" would be the highest ratio/percentage. I like having the sides of the lower part of the grapple more exposed (a dual lid would shift out further) so I can watch the tines (I'll reach off to the side and snag things, intentionally).

So far everything that I've aimed to pick up and move I've been able to. I'm sure that at some point I'll run across something that I won't be able to pick up; however, after what I have picked up I really cannot see running across anything more substantial (for sure there are things that are bigger -HUGE- that I wouldn't even try- even stuff I wouldn't think to try with a 19k lb excavator that I rent).

 

[Peter 315]

Thanks I'm thinking of getting one in the spring

 

[Xfaxman]

:laughing:

Worried about getting off the tractor with a full mouth? Not sure if a dual lid grapple would have been able to bite on this (tapered to the left there on the trunk).

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If it had a wider opening, a dual lid would pick it up. :laughing:

 

[IslandTractor]

PROGRESS REPORT... North Line Bed... 66" EA Grapple-Bucket...

These are not really 'action shots' because I am uncomfortable getting on/off the tractor to 'stage' pics ESPECIALLY with some of these VERY LONG/HEAVY logs but I think YOU get the gist... Also, productivity is a consideration since the law of diminishing returns is kicking-in... As promised I have made some progress/pics on this hurricane IRMA damaged area of LARGE pines now called the 'North Line Bed'... The combo-tractor/grapple-activity/experience allows me to make this report (MUCH more to come)... There have been several LARGE/LONG logs moved/placed with the EA wicked grapple in order to provide some retaining for all the wood/brush-chips (they rot VERY fast in this semi-tropical environ of Central Florida)... BE VERY CAREFUL PICKING/MOVING LARGE/LONG LOGS!!! THEY CAN/WILL RACK YOUR LOADER/TOPPLE YOUR TRACTOR AND THE GRAPPLE BUCKET MAKES IT EXPONENTIALLY EASIER FOR THIS TO OCCUR... AGAIN, WATCH OUT...!!! I realize the chips are 'attractive' to certain 'critters' but at least it is in a concentrated area and I can also effectively 'treat' them in a concentrated way... I run the 'clean' brush through the chipper, burn the 'dirty' and mix the two for a soil amendment-balance... Anyway, I also want to report/update for those who have been curious-asking/following/providing help-input, that my KUBOTA L4701 DT seems to perform well with the EA 66" Wicked Grapple... It was a tough decision, what size (60/66/72) and configuration (single/dual-lids)... I chose the 66" not just as a 'middle-of-the-road' compromise but for the added strength on the sides (due to the 3.5" vs 7.5" tine spacing) while trying to keep the width close to my wheel-base... As far as the weight is concerned, the EA 66" dual-lid grapple-bucket is the max I would put/recommend on this tractor/loader and still have plenty of 'lee-way'... That said, YOU would also do just fine with the 60" Wicked Grapple, but again, I am happy with this one for the added leverage/strength... As for the dual vs single-lid, I am VERY happy/satisfied with the dual-lid because, I do a LOT of far-reaching/corner-grabbing/strategic-edge-picking/maneuvering View attachment 533690 and very often handle unbalanced/uneven loads, thus I feel the dual-lid lends me an advantage... View attachment 533689... So far, so good... Stay tuned...

Why do you think unbalanced or uneven loads are better handled by two lids? Do you need two thumbs to hold an uneven or unbalanced object in your hand?

 

[DieselBound]

:laughing:
If it had a wider opening, a dual lid would pick it up. :laughing:

I'm going to reach over and smack you! :laughing: (compared to you I'm doing child's play!)

As to carrying unbalanced loads... it's the lower part of the grapple that carries the weight. The lid is used to HOLD the material in place. As I noted, I don't go very far with loads like this: I'm just fishing stuff out- this piece was drug out with a 19k excavator and I wanted it moved to an even better place to cut on it- I was surprised that I was able to fetch it; required backing and turning, so not all just dead-lift and travel straight forward. I have no idea what the minimum width would need to be in order to carry the load I did; I'm sure that IT can comment on this (he is able to do a lot with a narrower grapple). I've got another picture around in which I've snagged an old octopus-looking stump WAY off to one side of the grapple -had some people claiming that it's NOT the way to carry a load (yes, but sometimes you go with what you end up with); other than nearly tipping over from later going over soft ground (my terminus point) I was OK- again, short distance.

I'm firmly of the belief that one can pretty much do anything with any grapple. Different tractors and grapples might require a little different angle of attack, but if you are good enough in evaluating things and you can get a good bite you're likely going to be able to get done what you need to get done.

 

[IslandTractor]

I'm firmly of the belief that one can pretty much do anything with any grapple. Different tractors and grapples might require a little different angle of attack, but if you are good enough in evaluating things and you can get a good bite you're likely going to be able to get done what you need to get done.

Yep. The best grapple is any grapple you can get your hands on. I've yet to wish I had a wider heavier grapple but if I had a bigger grapple I'm sure it would do the job too.