Brand new L3901. Nothing but joy...almost.

[Recuts]

Brand new member here in Upstate NY with a brand new L3901! I expected it be fun, but never expected as much fun as I have been having. I have put 15 hours on it, mostly cutting a field and working on the gravel road. Unfortunately, I hit a big rock with the rotary cutter and put several thumb size dings in the blades. I also snapped one of the shanks on my box blade when I hit a huge underground rock on the road. But other than those two bonehead moves, all else has been total joy! I am already seeing a grapple as my next purchase. I have the 3rd function installed. Research has narrowed down the choices to a EA Wicked 55 or a Homestead Pinnacle. Anybody have first hand experience with either grapple that they wish to share?
Best, Dave

 

[jeff9366]

You may be as happy with SSQA Pallet Forks as you would be with a grapple with a total installation cost of 2-1/2 times what SSQA Pallet Forks cost.

VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=tractor+pallet+forks+vs+grapple

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[diesel85]

Oh, how I really want a L3901. I should just bite the bullet and get one. Very nice machine!

 

[4570Man]

I don’t think they make any small enough to really do that machine justice but I’ve been very satisfied with my Favor grapple.

 

[Recuts]

You may be as happy with SSQA Pallet Forks as you would be with a grapple with a total installation cost of 2-1/2 times what SSQA Pallet Forks cost.

VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=tractor+pallet+forks+vs+grapple

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Thanks Brother Jeff. I’ve heard that before. Thinking.

 

[k0ua]

Wicked 50 inch on my Kioti. That is plenty big and tough enough for your 3901 also. Forks are great and I own a set, but there are just some jobs that a grapple rules. Remember the heavier the grapple is, the less you can lift with it. Just my opinion of course.

 

[Recuts]

Wicked 50 inch on my Kioti. That is plenty big and tough enough for your 3901 also. Forks are great and I own a set, but there are just some jobs that a grapple rules. Remember the heavier the grapple is, the less you can lift with it. Just my opinion of course.

Right Brother James. Keeping weight in mind.

 

[dusty3030]

EA wicked is a hell of a grapple for a compact tractor. I appreciate mine the more I use it. I've had cheaper ones I"ve broken and bent - the EA is like a Timex back in the day, it takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

 

[oosik]

You will learn to REALLY appreciate what a grapple allows you to do. Regarding your other "problems". Walk any area you are about to mow or grade BEFORE you start the job. Identify hidden objects - mark or remove.

This is my VERY HD Land Pride grapple.

 

[oosik]

By-the-way ------ welcome to TBN and the forum. BEFORE you get all "grappled up" consider doing something like this to your grill guard. Sticks, stobs and limbs have a very nasty way of damaging grills, radiators and batteries. I had this done at a local welding shop.

 

[Smokeydog]

Upgraded grill protection is a must do for grapple work. OTT has some fabricators making some bolt on ones for newer models.

Have used a wicked 54” dual lid grapple on a B26 for several years now. Absolutely loved it. Without a doubt highly recommend. Think it’s rated to 55hp tractor.

 

[Recuts]

Thanks Smokeydog. I feel silly asking, but what's OTT?

 

[Midniteoyl]

Brand new member here in Upstate NY with a brand new L3901! I expected it be fun, but never expected as much fun as I have been having. I have put 15 hours on it, mostly cutting a field and working on the gravel road. Unfortunately, I hit a big rock with the rotary cutter and put several thumb size dings in the blades. I also snapped one of the shanks on my box blade when I hit a huge underground rock on the road. But other than those two bonehead moves, all else has been total joy! I am already seeing a grapple as my next purchase. I have the 3rd function installed. Research has narrowed down the choices to a EA Wicked 55 or a Homestead Pinnacle. Anybody have first hand experience with either grapple that they wish to share?
Best, Dave

About Homestead:

 

[Recuts]

About Homestead:

Ouch!

 

[Jchonline]

Watch your lift capacity with the grapple. It looks like yours is at about 1050 max height correct? Remember a 500 lb grapple takes away from that lift capacity, and will make your tractor front heavy without adequate rear ballast.

EA is great if you can wait a few weeks/months to get one. Landpride has been a great choice for me as well. I have the same grapple as Oosik but they are 900ish lbs alone...so not something you want to use.

 

[Smokeydog]

Thanks Smokeydog. I feel silly asking, but what's OTT?

Orange Tractor Talks

All things Kubota.

 

[Recuts]

By-the-way ------ welcome to TBN and the forum. BEFORE you get all "grappled up" consider doing something like this to your grill guard. Sticks, stobs and limbs have a very nasty way of damaging grills, radiators and batteries. I had this done at a local welding shop. View attachment 699611

I just ordered what looks like a great one at 5Eleven Designs. Thanks to all for this advice. Obviously important!

 

[oosik]

Recuts - I assume your location - Finger Lakes is back east somewhere. Reason I ask - I lived in AK for 22 years and there is a Finger Lakes about 50 miles NW of Anchorage.

 

[Recuts]

Recuts - I assume your location - Finger Lakes is back east somewhere. Reason I ask - I lived in AK for 22 years and there is a Finger Lakes about 50 miles NW of Anchorage.

Cool. I didn't know that. I'll look it up. Yep, Central NY. Big clean lakes.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

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EA Grapple here... I totally punish mine on the MX