Grapple width?

[coolbrze]

I'm purchasing a new grapple for my Kubota MX5800 for moving logs & brush. I'm prob. going w/ the dual lid EA Wicked Root Grapple V 2.0 What width would you recommend - 60" 66" or 72"?

 

[HCJtractor]

This has been discussed many times. My opinion is based on my extensive use of my grapple on my M6800. I would go narrow, and a single lid is plenty. I use mine very frequently for uprooting trees, scrub bushes, etc. as well as cleaning up fallen trees, chain saw debris, moving large logs. Mine is about 48” wide. I can easily push down a tree up to 8” diameter, then plunge under it to up root it. I do this a lot. A wider grapple, although good for scooping up limbs, isn’t focused enough to dig. Whereas my narrow grapple with a single lid still works great for scooping up and carrying debris. I can gather piles way bigger than I can see around, and the single lid clamps everything down just fine. A narrow grapple is more precise and can focus the power much more effectively, especially when uprooting trees and brush.
That being said, a wide grapple certainly works for scraping up brush, but so does mine. Scooping up cut limbs or logs is simple with either, both narrow or wide. But clearing land of saplings, bushes, privet, or digging up a root ball, the narrow wins every time.

 

[ttener]

I agree: wider isn’t necessarily better. The wider you go, the heavier the grapple gets. Wouldn’t you rather have the ability to grab an additional 300 lbs worth of brush? Also, since you’ll be using it in confined spaces, unlike your bucket, it’s better to be narrow- keeps you from whacking into trees that you don’t want to damage.

 

[thekkfan]

I have a 60" dual lid for my 55hp and love it. Would hate to have a wider one in the woods.

 

[Redbug]

Mine is as wide as the width of my front tires. For me that is a good size for gathering debris and not having to drive the tires over it.

 

[txdon]

60"

I had a 57" on a L5030 and it was good in the woods, my bucket was 72"

What is the distance to the outside of your front tires?

 

[Hozzie]

It's personal preference. I have an MX5800 with the 66 and like the size. It isn't wider than my tires so I can go anywhere my tractor can.

 

[oosik]

I have no "junk" brush on my 80 acres. So I went with a very heavy duty Land Pride. Its a rock & root grapple - 60" wide, single lid. I've had it for over five years and its worked out just great.

BTW - consider modifying your grill guard to protect your grill, radiator & battery.


View attachment 592692View attachment 592695

 

[txdon]

BTW - consider modifying your grill guard to protect your grill, radiator & battery.

Definitely!!!!!

 

[DavidL61]

I have the EA 66" with the single lid on my Yanmar YT347. I'm pretty happy with the width. I've used both single and dual lids. One thing a liked about the single lid is you can grab stuff in the center of the grapple.

 

[ericm979]

If you have the kind of grapple with long tines it'll stick out farther than a material bucket. If you want to maintain the same turning clearance as with the bucket you'll want a narrower grapple.

I have a 67" bucket and 60" grapple and it seems good for my use. Wider would be harder to manuver, narrower would hold less brush or cut wood.

 

[k0ua]

You will get as many answers as there are people but to me narrower is better. I often wish my 60 inch was narrower when setting rocks on a wall. I have never ever wanted a wider one.

 

[crystallake]

I also agree that narrow is better. I have the EA 66" on a MX5100. It is a tuff implement that will do a lot of useful work and is very high quality. However, after having it for 3 years moving in and out of the woods, I wish I had a more narrow one.

 

[coolbrze]

Thanks everyone, I ordered an EA 66" dual lid Wicked Root grapple yesterday. Stoked to say the least!