Yeah I've looked at EA and agree that they are the best but hard to justify 2x the cost on something used so rarely
Grapple Help
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shooterdon
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My assumption is that the cheaper units use a lower quality steel, and to get adequate strength they need to be heavier. My MTL was cheap ($1000) and heavy but I have plenty of FEL capacity.
If I had the funds, I would have purchased an EA grapple. I move 10-20 cords of logs a year and could not justify it. Additionally, at 70 YO, I will not be doing this for too much longer.
If I had the funds, I would have purchased an EA grapple. I move 10-20 cords of logs a year and could not justify it. Additionally, at 70 YO, I will not be doing this for too much longer.
Yeah the MTL uses A36 steel at 3/8". The Falcon is 1/4" grade 50 which is stronger and lighter but probably comparable to the 3/8" A36. I'm only 40 and do about 3 cords a year plus any property cleanup but want something that will holdup. I only have around 1200 lbs lift at the pins so need to keep it light weight.
ruffdog
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Most of my "property cleanup" is cutting trees and branches. For branch piles, it helps if your grapple has the ability to grab a big arm full of debris. We make neat piles by hand as we are cutting trees so when we burn the next brush pile, I can keep feeding it with the grapple. If we have a wind or ice storm, I may have 40 big grapple piles to feed the fire. It has been the best work-saver attachment I have. Mine is a Bobcat general purpose bucket with the Bobcat grapple attachment. It is not the best design for any one job but it does work good for a variety of different jobs. I have thought of cutting back the sides of the bucket to give it more room for logs but so far it is fine. If I had a sawzall close by, I would have cut it.:dance1:
shooterdon
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Log Weight Calculator at WOODWEB
You are not handling much wood so think about your needs. The above calculator can help.
In my case, I used my heaviest wood (oak) to look at weight requirements. My firewood logs are 14" or less in diameter, and 100" long. If you need to clean up a large tree that has fallen, you can cut it to manageable lengths for firewood processing, so getting a heavier grapple may not be a bad trade off. If you are going to use the logs for lumber, cutting up to shorter lengths is not an attractive option.
Compact Tractor 48"-54"-6 " HD Root Grapple Hydraulic - quick attach — MTL Attachments
This is a smaller version (48") of the 60" MTL I have and weighs 350 lbs. Seems it would be a good fit and likely handle 98% of your needs. Only you know how often you will need to move logs heavier than 750 lbs.
You are not handling much wood so think about your needs. The above calculator can help.
In my case, I used my heaviest wood (oak) to look at weight requirements. My firewood logs are 14" or less in diameter, and 100" long. If you need to clean up a large tree that has fallen, you can cut it to manageable lengths for firewood processing, so getting a heavier grapple may not be a bad trade off. If you are going to use the logs for lumber, cutting up to shorter lengths is not an attractive option.
Compact Tractor 48"-54"-6 " HD Root Grapple Hydraulic - quick attach — MTL Attachments
This is a smaller version (48") of the 60" MTL I have and weighs 350 lbs. Seems it would be a good fit and likely handle 98% of your needs. Only you know how often you will need to move logs heavier than 750 lbs.
BRMyers
Platinum Member
EA 55" Wicked Grapple is 239lbs.
Best Rated 55 Inch Wicked Root Rake Grapple from Everything Attachments
Best Rated 55 Inch Wicked Root Rake Grapple from Everything Attachments
shooterdon
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That is a nice unit, but costs over $1000 more than the MTL and nets 111 lbs more lift capacity. For most uses, it will be difficult to justify making the additional investment. And the OP has limited grapple work so it is even tougher to justify.
shooterdon
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Coltbean,
I have a NIB diverter valve I bought when I was going to put a bolt on grapple on my JD 855 if you decide to go that way. Email me if you are interested.
When I got the LS, I had the dealer add a 3rd function. Glad I went that way. If you will be using the grapple much it is a nice set up. The LS will be my last tractor so that is why I made the investment.
If you will be keeping your machine for a long time, go with the 3rd function if you can afford it.
I have a NIB diverter valve I bought when I was going to put a bolt on grapple on my JD 855 if you decide to go that way. Email me if you are interested.
When I got the LS, I had the dealer add a 3rd function. Glad I went that way. If you will be using the grapple much it is a nice set up. The LS will be my last tractor so that is why I made the investment.
If you will be keeping your machine for a long time, go with the 3rd function if you can afford it.