if the Land pride models were junk?
I wouldn't go as far to call them "junk", but they just do not come close to a Wicked.
I put this together a while back and it's pretty relevant to your inquiry above:
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.
We don't just claim it to be strong, we
tested it on our Kubota L6060(60hp tractor) and put it out there for the world to see!
For larger tractors, we've upped the game and created the
Wicked 60 and
Wicked 66, so I can recommend the most ideal grapple for subcompacts all the way up to 100 HP utility tractors!!
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. "
The 55" is 209 pounds with the lower runners bolted in. Remove them and shave around 30 pounds if you want to.
It's all about versatility. The runners serve as depth gauges in hard soil if you want to limit how far down the AR400 serrated tines dig in. If you're in nice soil or using it for an application where depth is preferred, simply take them off and bury the tines 8+ inches.
You'll be amazed with your small tractor's pushing ability because of the dozer like geometry and strong, skinny design of the tines.
Compare this to a Land Pride!
Travis
