Now I Need A Grapple. . .

[jezreel]

Sorry for a simplistic, I'm sure well discussed thread. . . But, I'm new and need some good input.

I Really wanted to get the Artillian grapple system, but. . . It looks like in need a Diverter Kit installed to operate the dual grapples. At least today I saw a video of a guy installing one. I was smart enough to get the 3rd function valve installed before delivery, but I didn't know about a diverter kit. I am not confident that I could install a diverter kit properly and I don't really want to spend any more money than I have to. So that leaves me to looking at other brands. I have googled and read threads on TBN and YouTubed the heck out of "Best Grapples." So that leaves me asking questions. I know asking which grapple I should get is like asking what tractor I should get. Different grapples for different folks for different needs. I will be using it mainly for moving brush, rocks and logs. I like the idea of the dual grapple system, but I don't know if you need a diverter kit for all of them. I've looked at websites of Titan, EA, Quick Attach, MTL, and others. I want USA built. OK, here are some questions.

1) General thoughts on grapple brands.
2) What size grapple would be best for my MX5400
3) Dual Grapples or Single Lid. . . That is unless I need a diverter kit.
4) Any other thoughts.

Thanks. . .

jp

 

[4570Man]

Duel lid grapples only have one hydraulic circuit. There’s no difference in the plumbing between duel and single lid grapples.

 

[rademamj1]

If you already installed a 3rd function valve, my choice would be the EA Wicked Grapple. This is an extremely light and durable grapple, and the EA customer support is great.

 

[Peter 315]

60" would work fine.......

 

[4570Man]

60" would work fine.......

Agreed. There’s no need for a wider one. Really a wider one is almost always worse.

 

[RSR]

I'm in the minority on here, but unless you are primarily moving large piles of brush, I would seriously look at an Igland GR 20 style grapple. Sundown makes a virtual identical style that most dealers should be able to get in.

This style is cheaper, lighter, and I think, much more versatile. I think it is far superior for digging/moving rocks and logs, and picking things up, in general. It's more like a backhoe with a hydraulic thumb. Now imagine how unwieldy a 60"+ backhoe would be trying to pick stuff up.

 

[ericm979]

Yep, dual lid grapples have both cylinders teed together and they run off one connection. In practice the two lids often do not move at the same time, when there is no load. If I open them one opens faster/first then when it reaches the end of the travel, the other finishes. Same when they are closing.

Dual lids are good for irregular hard objects, like logs that are not straight. You'll get more grip on them than with a single lid. I often carry log/logs that are so heavy the loader will not curl with the grapple pointing down. The lids alone hold the load.

The EA grapples (I have the wicked 60") are light and strong. Some other cheaper grapples have 2-300 lbs more steel in them, which sounds great until you realize that's 2-300 lbs off the grapple's payload. Of course you pay for the quality, but it's worth it.

The Wicked style grapple with the long lower tines is kind of a generalist- it's great for brush and acceptable for logs. Not that good at digging. If you're not lifting brush and want to lift logs or dig roots, there are better types of grapple.

 

[kenmac]

If you already installed a 3rd function valve, my choice would be the EA Wicked Grapple. This is an extremely light and durable grapple, and the EA customer support is great.

I'll second that.. A EA wicked 60'' grapple is one tough grapple.

@ only 400 # it's most likely the lightest grapple on the market in the 60'' size

Why does weight matter ? A heavier grapple reduces lift capacity

It ain't cheap but If you want a strong build grapple, you won't find a better one

People like them so much, there is most likely a 2-3 month wait


customer service is second to none. I when I had an issue with my grapple. They paid shipping back to their plant, made repairs, and paid shipping back to me,

Does any other grapple manufacture do that ?

 

[buck12]

My 5460 is similar in size to your tractor and 60 inch works well for my uses. You can spend a lot of money on a premium brand grapple or buy buy one of the the cheaper grapples. I think the main difference is the type of steel used and the weight. I have owned a single lid Wild Kat on previous tractor and have a dual lid MTL on my current tractor. Both were lower costs units and have served me well for general property maintenance.

After owning a single lid grapple for over ten years and now having a dual lid, I do not find that the dual lid makes a huge difference. Both types met my needs.

 

[kenmac]

Sorry for a simplistic, I'm sure well discussed thread. . . But, I'm new and need some good input.

I Really wanted to get the Artillian grapple system, but. . . It looks like in need a Diverter Kit installed to operate the dual grapples. At least today I saw a video of a guy installing one. I was smart enough to get the 3rd function valve installed before delivery, but I didn't know about a diverter kit.

Not sure what you had installed. But if you had a 3rd function kit installed, that is all you need to operate a grapple

 

[jezreel]

So, when looking at the EA Attachments I see two grapples. . . Wicked Root Grapple for Compact Tractors and right next to it, Wicked Root Grapple for Large Compact and Utility tractors. I assume, for my MX5400 I would need the Large Compact and Utility Tractor version. The choice there is 55" and 72". There is no 60". Would 55" work just as well as 60".

Also, I know this has been hashed out on many forums, but the Free Shipping within the continental US is bogus, as I am 150 miles outside of their radius and I don't live in Mexico:smiley_aafz:. Am I to assume it is full shipping cost anywhere outside the shipping radius?

Thanks for the info so far.

 

[jezreel]

Not sure what you had installed. But if you had a 3rd function kit installed, that is all you need to operate a grapple

The video I watched on Artillian shows a guy installing two sets of hoses to a diverter. I assume since each grapple attachment is separate from the other, you need to install something that sends the hydraulics to each grapple unit.

 

[kenmac]

The video I watched on Artillian shows a guy installing two sets of hoses to a diverter. I assume since each grapple attachment is separate from the other, you need to install something that sends the hydraulics to each grapple unit.

are you talking about purchasing the dual lid, or single

I run the 60'' single lid on my CX105 and on my MX 5100

As far as shipping cost, and which grapple would best suit your needs. You should call them and discuss your needs/wants, and about shipping cost. I wouldn't think you would have to pay entire shipping amount, but that's something they can answer better than I

 

[kenmac]

The video I watched on Artillian shows a guy installing two sets of hoses to a diverter. I assume since each grapple attachment is separate from the other, you need to install something that sends the hydraulics to each grapple unit.

Your 3rd function kit is the ''diverter valve''. that should have been installed with buttons on your joy stick. The 3rd function kit should have come with hoses going from the 3rd function valve to the front of the tractor for operating a grapple.

I'm not sure what you had installed but that's how my 3rd function kit was installed

 

[k0ua]

Step one is to clarify what you had installed. You said 3rd function Kit. If that is true, you do NOT need a divertor kit. Second, it makes no difference in what is required to run either grapple a dual lid or a single lid, NO DIFFERENCE. There are three (that I can think of) ways to run a grapple. A third function kit, A diverter valve, and the third way is off of the rear remotes.. If you have a true third function kit installed, that is ALL you need. You should have buttons on your joystick. A diverter valve can work fine too, It is called a diverter because it diverts the flow of usually the curl dump circuit to run the grapple, SO you cannot do the two functions at the same time. But people get along with it fine. Me, I use the last option,because it was extremely cheap and I run my own hoses from the rear remotes to up front on the torque tube of the loader for hookup of the grapple. I have a single lid Wicked. My rear remote lever was extended a bit to make it easier to operate while keeping my hand on the joystick. This is unique to Kioti tractors. Since you have a Kubota, you be the judge if you could conveniently operate the rear remote lever for grapple lid open and closure.

So to sum up: What did you have installed? Remember you only need one method no matter how many lids the grapple has. Even if it had 3 lids it would make NO difference. You still just need two hoses going to the grapple. In My opinion, I like smaller grapples, and find them more useful than wider grapples. I like lighter grapples built out of high tensile steel instead of heavy grapples built out of low strength (A36 mild) steel. I prefer the single lid, but opinions vary widely on that. YMMV. I hope this helped. Keep asking questions, and keep studying.

 

[rademamj1]

I assume, for my MX5400 I would need the Large Compact and Utility Tractor version. The choice there is 55" and 72". There is no 60". Would 55" work just as well as 60".

Also, I know this has been hashed out on many forums, but the Free Shipping within the continental US is bogus, as I am 150 miles outside of their radius and I don't live in Mexico:smiley_aafz:. Am I to assume it is full shipping cost anywhere outside the shipping radius?

Thanks for the info so far.

You can still use the 55" with an MX5400 tractor, and I personally would prefer the 55" over the larger and bit more cumbersome 72". Regarding the shipping range, I would certainly think they would still give you free shipping even 150 miles outside their radius.

So talk to EA about the 55" vs 72" grapple comparison and adjusting their free shipping radius for a definite order.

Update: I just saw your from Eustace, Texas. If your doing any land clearing, your really going to love the grapple. And EA told me they consider anything East of I35 is in the free shipping radius.

 

[oosik]

What 4570 Man said - post #2 and K0UA says - post #15. If the Artillian grapple needs two hoses - they will come, already installed on the grapple. You will simply plug into the grapple with the input and output hoses from your installed 3rd function valve.

I checked that link to Artillian. Interesting concept. I wonder if they have dealerships or all is ordered from them in MA. I couldn't find a "dealer link" on their web site.

 

[jezreel]

Thanks for the responses. YES, I have a standard 3rd function valve kit on my machine. Buttons on the joystick and two hoses up front to hook on to.

After the talk about the size, I believe I will be getting the 55" or 60" for whichever brand I go with. EA is probably the frontrunner now. It seems to be the popular choice on TBN.

And yes, I am preferring to get the dual lid model.

 

[kenmac]

Thanks for the responses. YES, I have a standard 3rd function valve kit on my machine. Buttons on the joystick and two hoses up front to hook on to.

Well, that's all you'll need... Except for the grapple of course

Not knowing which connectors they installed on the hoses on your tractor. You might want to discuss the connectors you have when you call EA, so they can install the correct quick couplers that will match up to yours.

I didn't discuss this, and had to take off the connectors shipped on the grapple, and buy some that worked with what was installed on my tractor

 

[k0ua]

Thanks for the responses. YES, I have a standard 3rd function valve kit on my machine. Buttons on the joystick and two hoses up front to hook on to.

After the talk about the size, I believe I will be getting the 55" or 60" for whichever brand I go with. EA is probably the frontrunner now. It seems to be the popular choice on TBN.

And yes, I am preferring to get the dual lid model.

Well, there you go, you should be good to go as is, the only other thing you need to check on is what connectors and what *** of those connectors do you have on the front of your tractor, and what connectors and what ***'s will the hoses from the grapple supplier will have. The common connectors are called AG and the second most common is Flat Face Both of these connector types have numbers of course, The AG quick couplers are called ISO 5675 for the 1/2 inch which is the most common size. I like to have both a male and a female on the tractor (supply) side and of course a male and female on the grapple side too. This allows you to never get confuse as to which hose plugs into which and the lid buttons will always operate the same way each time, AND also when you take the grapple off you can plug in the male to the female which keeps dirt off of/out of the stored grapple

The Flat Face connectors are common on skid steers but many tractors can be set up to use them also, and they are called ISO 16028. You can google to identify what you have on the front of your tractor now. Then you can specify to the grapple supplier what you want it shipped with.