Recent content by smokin joe

Here was my final spreadsheet of all the stats with prices I researched if its helpful as a reference for anyone. I got the Virnig 48" dual lid (green font). The color highlights were characteristics that were important. Green was for best in category, yellow not so good, orange highlight was...

Cool. That's what I was thinking. I'll go with the 48" virnig. Saves the most weight and I think it will do just fine. Thanks all.

Man, if I had the money I would definately buy a mini excavator. Very versatile and easy to use and reposition. That said I bought an L3901 kubota specifically to have the backhoe because I could not afford a mini escalator and a skid steer. Its immensely useful. I use it all the time...

What width is good for logs and firewood. Does narrower make it better? I'm looking 60" or 48"

Is that a basketball goal pole? I am trying to imagine a basketball hoop in the middle of a field, placed there 20 years ago...

That data is not accurate for my tractor. But the point is well taken. With a compact tractor like the L3901, my lift capacity can be greatly effected by the weight of the grapple. I have a midsota 14" dump that I need to dump over the sides. So getting stuff up to a decent height is a valid...

Good point. This is now my number one concern. I have narrowed my purchase down for a long bottom grapple. I am 80% with the Virnig SGV30 CT in 54" or 60" (305/320 pounds) or the EA 54" root grapple. (400 pounds). The Virnig is 1/4" steel and EA is 3/8" steel, grade 50. I think the EA lids are...

Thank you all. Because of the information in this thread I am now leaning toward artillian or virnig though EA is nit out. I have changed from a root rake style to a root/rock or long bottom dual-lid grapple.

Thanks. I wasn't considering that...now I am. Also looking at a dual lid design with longer tines on the bottom. I have lesser of a need to rake the ground as I have a heavy duty box blade with sacrifices I think could manage the roots if I took the backhoe off.

I have a BH77 on an L3901. I use it more than all the other implements combined and the main reason I bought the tractor in the first place. I also keep it off half the year. And I still say I use it more than even the FEL. I have rented a mini ex before and could not justify the expense of a...

Thanks. Both helpful comments.

Also...I have read what I can find on the steel types and thickness. EA used to be my front runner but it's only 1/4" AR450. In practice is that steel too thin and/or brittle?

This forum is great! I was leaning towards a QA product (below) and got several recommendations on other products. I am leaning toward Homestead or EA for a grapple for my L3901. Any opinions on these products below? Any recommendations on other brands? Mostly for limb and log ( 25"dbh oak)...

Thanks for the options. EA looks promising if I can deal with a 3 month lead time. I'll check out some of the others. Ballast is 900 pounds with the backhoe.

Cool. Thanks for the explanation.