Frontier AV20 Root Grapple-Need info

[Bliz]

I am purchasing a new JD 6115 tractor to be used primarily for tractor logging in the winter and am trying to decide on a root grapple. Ideally, I want to stick with the Frontier AV20 grapple because I can finance it at the same time I do the tractor at a good rate. My questions are, does anyone have this rake now and do you think it is rugged enough to use for moving logs and brush on a regular basis? The price ($4,600.00) is not really an issue because it is within dollars of a custom built Addington rake I was considering. Thanks for any help. Bliz

 

[medicshawn]

I guess it must be gold underneath the green paint. It doen't look like anything special. How about markham or WR Long grapples? I know Markham starts under 1000 for a light duty grapple. Alot of people sell their grapples on Ebay.

 

[IslandTractor]

I've not seen the specs/weight on the AV20 but from the photo in the JD catalog I'm surprised that they are charging $4600 (even if those are Loonies). It doesn't look any heavier than a standard duty Markham or WRLong. The Markham can be had for about a third the price and the WRLong for about half. The Frontier price even tops some of the high strength steel grapples like ANBO. That green paint sure is expensive.