Grapple..why did you buy the one you have? I am looking.

[k0ua]

I bought the small 5 foot EA grapple because I wanted a smaller lighter grapple but still with excellent strength. My tractor is at the top end size and weight wise that they would recommend for this size grapple. I couldn't tear it up if I tried. i like it because it is narrower than many (narrower than my tractor) and I like because it allows me to get in areas wider ones would not be able to. Very handy when stacking big rocks on walls. I added some plates to the jaws on one side to allow me to pulls small "trees" more like shrubs and brush, and grab and pull grape vines out of my trees. You can read about it here if you like.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...d-grapple-bush-grabber.html?highlight=grapple

 

[mvwwld4u]

Anbo is definitely worth looking at. They were very easy to deal with and very helpful when I ordered mine directly from them for my 5420 MFWD JD w/541 loader. They offer valve kits as well. Although I'm in Alabama and they are in Oregon, it was almost like they were right up the road because of their customer service. They have many different models to suit any need you possibly have too. Also, I'm very pleased with my 86" rancher series.

 

[Aquamoose]

If you are going to order a grapple and install it yourself or have somebody do it for you - then look at ANBO. Its a company that's 70 mile north of me. They will make up just about any type, style or configuration you can come up with. When I was looking - they and Land Pride were the last two "still standing". Went with Land Pride because the local Kubota dealer offered a better deal on purchase/install package.

You haven't seen a "GRAPPLE" until you've seen a BIG - grapple that weighed 8000 pounds. Built for a big wheeled loader.

I second this!!!

I actually own an ANBO grapple because of the TYPE of steel used. It’s lighter AND stronger than the Chinese. (Forgot what’s it called) I have a 6’ wide root grapple that served me very well. I couldn’t bend a single time even if I tried and I’ve abused it hard.

Do yourself a favor and look up the company to see their products, especially for commercial use.

I was lucky that it happened to be close by and I picked it up myself.

 

[Aquamoose]

This is what I used to clean up slash & storm debris two years ago. I can rake in both directions to pick up the smallest branches and pick up clustered of small logs. I believe I can pick up 3 18” diameter logs at once with them.

I should add, lift capacity for my tractor is 2,100 total. It never faltered with whatever I picked up with it and it can grab a “huge mouthful” so for your 3,100 capacity, you’ll have absolutely no problems at all.

 

[mopardude318]

For my M7060, I went with the EA 55" single lid wicked grapple for utility tractors. Made in USA, very heavy duty. I am really happy with it.

 

[sd455dan]

This sounds just like what I am trying to avoid. I am looking hard at EA. They look good and seems like good reviews but when I ask about grapples their name does not come up. I do not know what grapple I want. Sometimes I till large stoney fields and would like to be able to scoop some rocks. Someday I hope we have a good storm where I can pick up brush and down trees. Sometimes I get asked to move an old woods back into the newer woods. I mean one that has been cleared and pretty rotted and the home owner wants to make his lawn larger. I do not have one in mind only I am thinking the bottom has to be more like a bucket with spacing close enough to pick some rocks if this helps

Sounds like for many of your uses an L grapple would work for most of your needs.
Branches/slash/debris/ construction clean up they are well suited to and can be used to carry things on the lower tines.
some models of EA grapples you can add metal inserts to cut the distance in half between tines when working with smaller objects you don't want to (fall through) like smaller rocks.
If grubbing roots /vines or raking the ground is going to be the majority of use L types not as adept as a clam shell style grapple..

Also agree with the statement - Any grapple is better than none-

But with some more research and input from other TBN members and a bit more surety in the main uses for your new grapple a clear choice at least in the type of grapple should become more clear.

 

[screamin400]

Compact Tractor Dual Lid Wicked Root Grapple from Everything Attachments

I like the looks of this grapple but wonder if my 3000 pounds of list is too much for it. I have no use for this thing unless someone hires me to removed rubbish or we have a storm. I am not looking to invest any more than this to have it sit for possibly a long time. I also need one that works when it is go time. The next model up is 700 more and may be overkill for a guy who may use it a couple of times a year.

 

[oosik]

My way of thinking - I buy the biggest, heaviest, strongest implement that I can "swing" with my tractor. My 80 acres is, more or less, wide open - so no restrictions on implement size or weight. Like I've heard several state on here - I think that some times my "uses" might just be called "abuses".

I DON'T need an implement that can't withstand this type of "use" occasionally. Believe me - I have my own pile of implements that were advertised as STRONG and they now are twisted, warped, bent and sitting on this pile. Not many - but enough, so that I realize what STRONG really means in my world.

I've found that my "tip-toe thru the daisies" doesn't match what some manufacturers would term - "normal use".

 

[DaveNJ]

Very happy with my EA grapple and they are a good company to deal with. I've seen other grapples bend under use. EA uses a stronger steel in their manufacture I believe.

 

[mikester]

I've got a root grapple similar to Aquamoose for pushing out trees/shrubs in the fence lines. I figured it would put less stress on the tractor tearing out roots than the longer bottom grapples.

It does the job but I wish I bought the EA style one now because it would probably haul more firewood/brush better than mine. I can handle the weight just can't get the volume I want per scoop.

I've been considering adding a grapple thumb to my forks as an alternative.

Do yourself a favour - if your tractor can handle the weight get a HD grapple with protected hydraulics, beefy bolted on pins and bushings and greasable everything. If you get a light/medium duty unit make sure you've got a decent welder handy and be prepared to do lots of grapple mods/fixes.