Another Grapple Thread

[Geotech]

Getting ever closer to my purchase, trying to decide on a grapple. My final contenders are:

1.) EA 55 inch Wicked Root Rake Grapple (clam shell type) $1850.00
2.) EA 50 inch Wicked Root Grapple (top lid type with flat bottom) $1580.00
3.) LP SG0660 (clam shell type) $1700.00

I'll be using this for moving brush piles around, clearing/uprooting briar and carrying logs - possibly firewood and anything I may use it for but haven't thought of yet. I'm considering the Land Pride SG0660 since I could wrap it into the tractor package and save the hassle of going with EA. The hassle being that it would be a separate purchase from the rest of the package, would take months to arrive (it's the first implement I have use for, effectively delaying use of tractor for that time) and I'd have to drive an hour round trip to pick it up from the nearest shipping depot.

Open to any and all thoughts on this. Frankly, the only thing I don't really like about the LP grapple is the short length of the teeth past the bottom support bar. But I've never used grapple and this will be my first tractor, so I probably don't know what I want.

 

[DaddyFlip]

I don't have a tractor or a grapple yet either, but I'm shopping intensely. Based on what I've seen and read, my first choice would be #1 for several reasons. It has the serrated tines to improve grip/grasp, it has the double outside tines on the upper jaw for strength, it is lighter by about 40 pounds (depending on what tractor you get, could make a small difference), and the lower effective tine length is longer (assuming the updated model with tubing retains that length- I haven't seen one yet). I just like the design better overall and it would be worth paying for it separate to me.

However, LP makes good products and you would have warranty and convenience with your selling dealer and the ability to finance in; not insignificant benefits. What you may give up in ultimate performance and desirability might be offset by more practical considerations and a unit that nearly the equal of the EA.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

The 55" Wicked Root Rake Grapple is absolutely the best grapple available for small compact and subcompact tractors. It takes lightweight grapple construction to the next level and maintains strength at the same time.

These are direct quotes only referring to our Wicked Grapple Rake. Some are from the EA Channel Facebook Group, some are from TBN and some are from email, so I'll leave all anonymous.
"Makes a world of difference! I'm so glad I got this grapple for my Kubota BX23s. It's been great at clearing the brush and prickers along my driveway and around the yard. This really adds a lot of versatility to my subcompact TLB. Quality build and easy to quickly get good results for a new owner like myself."
"I can't testify to the ability of the wicked grapple but what I can say for sure is that the smooth grapple tines on my landpride suck for holding stuff. Constantly dropping logs and boulders because of it. Should have bought a wicked grapple but for now mine will have to work. All that said, as soon as it's financially feasible a wicked grapple will be on my list of things to order to replace the landpride."
"really wish i did not already have the Landpride version EA is much better"
"I wish dealers could substitute attachments on new sales, but obviously Kubota dealers only use Landpride"
"Having teeth on this grapple blows the Landpride grapple away ,not to mention the other improvements."
"Man I wish EA would have been building these things when I bought mine. They are somewhat setting a new standard for everyday use grapples."
"I have a smaller tractor, 26 HP Deere, this light Grapple has been ideal for removing brush and scouring out roots. Well put together."
"I put this on my JD 1025R and man, what a tool. It has taken the place of my bucket as the permanent fixture. I'm moving brush, rounds, logs and cleaning up in short order and with less back muscle. My best implement buy so far."
"Very excited just received my 55" Wicked Root Rake Grapple today! Have to say that I am very impressed with the level of detail on the unit from the tabbed and bolted cylinder pins, grease fittings and to top it all off they even installed Parker hoses with swivels on the lines at the tee's. Top shelf."
"Love my 55" its amazing what I am able to pick up with it. The other day I was able to unload a bunch of 6x6 timbers 3 at a time came down from the top and clamped all 3 at once. also works great for logs roots and using the lid to back drag and pick up the small stuff is great. "

Design. End tines are doubled up. Doubled up center mounted hinge point, greasable pivot points, and the thickest walled DOM round tube you've ever seen on a grapple running through the lower tines to prevent bending. Each lid tine extends to the 2nd lid tube instead of just welding a triangle on the leading tube like the LP(10 series). We even take it a step further and gusset them, which provides extra insurance against bending. Our way is stronger and will also hold onto small and/or loose debris more efficiently. Even our front lid tube is DOM. Solid, continuous welds. Serrated upper and lower teeth for gripping and ripping.

Our Wicked Rake lineup gives me the ability to provide an ideally sized and weighted grapple for subcompacts all the way up to 100HP machines!
The Wicked 55 is just over 200 pounds, the Wicked 60 is 400 pounds, and the Wicked 66 is under 700 pounds.

This is just a quick, brief observation. I hope it helps.
Travis

 

[oosik]

After some deal of research - I choose the clam shell type - also called the root and rock type. I have no brush - or more properly stated - I have no brush that I'm going to cut - its all Buck brush about two feet tall and in small patches. I use mine for digging out and moving large rocks and moving big chunks of ancient Ponderosa pine.

The tines are spaced on 6" centers so the upper lid works well for light back dragging and smoothing.


View attachment 576328

 

[DaddyFlip]

The 55" Wicked Root Rake Grapple is absolutely the best grapple available for small compact and subcompact tractors. It takes lightweight grapple construction to the next level and maintains strength at the same time.

Design. End tines are doubled up. Doubled up center mounted hinge point, greasable pivot points, and the thickest walled DOM round tube you've ever seen on a grapple running through the lower tines to prevent bending.

Ted - Have you added doubled up center mount hinge point to the WR 55"? I know it's on the 60 and 66. The new DOM tubing on the bottom tines looks great, further confirming this would be my first choice, regardless of financing and delivery time. Worth the wait to me.

 

[AllDodge]

What I see is funny is advertising a root rake grapple for a small tractor, the tractor does have enough power to actually use it. Not bad mouthing a grapple, I like them, but the root rake is a joke IMO. Used one with a 50hp JD 4x4 and there is no way even with its filled tires that it would do much more then scrape the surface, and if you went a little deeper the tractor just spun wheels. The flat stock across the tines would stop it anyway.

To use a root rake you need a dozer

It was one of these, note round bars on bottom

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Ted - Have you added doubled up center mount hinge point to the WR 55"? I know it's on the 60 and 66. The new DOM tubing on the bottom tines looks great, further confirming this would be my first choice, regardless of financing and delivery time. Worth the wait to me.

The 55 remains with the outer hinge points. It has held up great and we'll leave it as is to conserve weight. The DOM tubing really adds to the rigidity vs no doubled up outer tines on the LP and no DOM tubing.

It feels great to have all of these choices to offer. I can talk to people with various tractors and really set them up with the perfect grapple. No settling.

Some people, even with lighter tractors, have chosen the 60 because they prefer bomb proof over lightweight. L2501, L3301, L3901, L3800 tractors come to mind as examples of tractors in which the 400 pound weight wouldn't kill, but more people with those tractors choose the lighter 55.

I'm glad you're able to wait. It sounds grueling, but people tell me all the time that they're so glad they waited once their Highly Functional Wicked Work of Art arrives!
Travis


This review by a guy who chose the 60 comes to mind...
"EA 60 inch Wicked Root Grapple, I talked to Travis about both the 55 and the 60 inch root Grapple for my L3800. I had a lot of storm damage in my apple orchard that needed to be cleaned up. I would recommend giving up 200 lbs of lifting capability for the strength and durability of the 60 inch 400 lb root grapple. I'll gladly make more trips with the Wicked 60. My L3800 can't cant hurt it, it's built for a much stronger tractor. Don't worry about the wait time it's well worth it. My neighbor purchased a land pride for his 60 horse tractor, didn't want to wait for a wicked sixty. he crushed it on the first day moving firewood. I came in and completed the whole job in 40 minuets, didn't chip any paint. Boy was he pissed. LOL Wicked 60 all the way!"

 

[oosik]

Well - AllDodge - some of us just have to make do with what we have.................

Some of us find our way in the dark with a candle - some with a bright lite - - hopefully we can all find the other side.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

What I see is funny is advertising a root rake grapple for a small tractor, the tractor does have enough power to actually use it. Not bad mouthing a grapple, I like them, but the root rake is a joke IMO. Used one with a 50hp JD 4x4 and there is no way even with its filled tires that it would do much more then scrape the surface, and if you went a little deeper the tractor just spun wheels. The flat stock across the tines would stop it anyway.

To use a root rake you need a dozer

It was one of these, note round bars on bottom
View attachment 576336

All Wicked Grapple rakes now feature round, thick walled DOM tubing on the lower tines and on the front of the lid. It's all about putting the weight in all the right places. This tubing expensive, premium material and thicker than anyone else uses, but it's incredibly strong.

These compact tractor owners show how very capable they can be with the right tools...

26hp Kioti

"175 hours with the Kioti CK2610HST and the Wicked 55 Root Grapple and 2.1 acres are clear root free and grass was planted! Couldn't have done it with out EA! Time to build my retirement home."

Compact MX Kubota with the Wicked 60

L6060 with the Wicked 60

L6060 with the Wicked 55

 

[EverythingAttachments]

How about this John Deere 2720 with a Wicked 55. This is a small framed compact tractor.
From the EA Channel Group.

"The Wicked Grapple helps me exert my evil feelings towards 40 year old forsythia overgrowth. And forsythia in general. If Satan planted a bush it would be this crap."