I have a Kubota L2501 and am looking into these 2 grapples. The Falcon is 1/4' 50 grade steel and the CID is 3/8" 50 grade. Most others that I have looked at are 3/8" A36 which is a weaker steel and they are also heavier. The only thing that I can see that I'm not sure about is these don't look like they have greaseable pins.
Grapple Help
- Thread starter coltbean
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Rustyiron
Super Member
Other than the construction details, the falcon is a better all purpose design than the other one which would be better suited for racking roots but very little carrying capacity. Grease zerks are mandatory and I can't imagine that both don't have them at all the moving parts. I wouldn't get too hung up on the steel type or thickness considering the size and weight of the tractor. No "cut" on your tractor intended. I have a 84" grapple constructed of 3/8 that's either on a 5 ton 115 hp skid steer or my m9540 and I've been working it hard for 15+ years, I've tweaked one of the "lids" but that was just plain abuse on my part.
Gordon Gould
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I agree with Rusty. For my purposes I would greatly prefer the Falcon. The CID is much to flat to hold much and won't surround the load as it clamps down like the Falcon will.
gg
gg
homesteader13
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It really depends on what your primary purpose of the grapple is.
And you can drill and tap grease zerks in, thats a simple task. (Although should have been done when it was manufactured in my opinion)
And you can drill and tap grease zerks in, thats a simple task. (Although should have been done when it was manufactured in my opinion)
ehcrain
Bronze Member
I have a cid grapple like your photo and am saving pennies for a replacement. It's less than a year old but the short comings mentioned in earlier post are spot on. It's held up to my 3901 just fine but doesn't grab as well as I want.
BRMyers
Platinum Member
I prefer the clamshell type of grapple. I have found that it allows to get in and get the roots out and at the same time, I have been able to carry decent size loads.
If you can, go check them out in person. I'd get the lightest grapple possible for your machine otherwise you lose too much lifting capacity. I've got the root rake style which is better for ground engagement but it isn't practical for grabbing large log loads or for doing firewood. I have to keep the grapple about 6 feet off the ground when I'm hand loading the grapple or logs just fall off. Check out BRMyers pics and where he is holding the load to see what I mean. My machine will lift the weight but the root rake is like trying to grab large bundles of sticks with tweezers.
When I'm doing firewood I keep wishing I bought the L style grapple.
cjoffutt
Silver Member
Lighter and stronger. However, probably more money, no idea how much the falcon is.
Subcompact Compact Tractor Wicked Root Grapple 50" Single lid
