Might go do hurricane clean up...which Grapple for my DK40SE?

[MotorSeven]

I have a buddy that lives not far from ground zero on the FL panhandle. Researching now and gathering equipment to go down for a couple of months and do debris removal. I don't know where to start or what model grapple to buy. I do remember seeing a used DK40 at my dealer with a huge grapple on it and bent hyd tubes so I know I don't want that.

I already have two extra rear remotes, so what kind of third function do I need for the joystick?

 

[MotorSeven]

Going back and forth between the Wicked & Tomahawk 66" single lid. Looks like $500 more for the Wicked delivered($1880)....not sure if there is $500 in quality difference? Weight is almost identical at 410/15.

 

[ritcheyvs]

I bought a budget 48 in grapple from Titan but cannot recommend it because (1) only two top teeth, (2) bottom teeth too far apart, and (3) it's heavy. It works OK for big stuff but is useless for small stuff; everything falls out. If I had a do-over I'd get the EA wicked grapple, for many reasons. I don't see much advantage to two lids and extra width is a disadvantage usually (IMO).

I just looked up the Tomahawk 66 grapple and it looks very similar to my Titan. Go with the Wicked.

 

[TractorGuy]

I would think a flat bottom rock grapple with close tines would be best.

 

[MotorSeven]

Ok, I will call Wicked tomorrow on their 54" single lid.

Now what do I need to add to the joystick? or do I just reach down and use a secondary lever to open and close the jaws?

 

[MotorSeven]

JD, not sure about a flat bottom since all of the stuff I will be licking up is foliage....I think.......

 

[MotorSeven]

I found this from IslandTractor:

"A diverter valve is one of three options to run a grapple. Cheapest, if you have rear remotes, is just to use the rear remotes. I did that on my first tractor and was very happy with it. Costs only fittings and hose and a few zipties to set up and after measuring and procuring those items you can be grappling in about fifteen minutes. A diverter valve, which I have on my current tractor, is an intermediate solution. I obviously use one and it works but I'm not in love with it. Benefits are that it is a bit less $ than a third function valve and that you can feather the grapple jaw closing. Downside for me is that when I get busy I not infrequently hit the button at the wrong time and dump my grapple load. That is clearly not a major complaint but rather an annoyance. More important to me is that I don't see any particular advantage over the simple rear remote control (so long as the controller is easily reached like the stick shift in 4 on the floor). A third option is the electric over hydraulic (true third function). That will cost $600-900 and offers independent control of the grapple jaw via an on off switch. Benefit is that it is a separate control (compared to diverter) and downside is that you cannot feather the valve (on or off). My advice, if you already have a rear remote, is to simply use it. All the hoses and fittings can be repurposed later as part of a diverter or third function set up if you don't like the rear remote control. And, if you don't already have at least one (preferably at least 2) rear remotes then this is a good time to consider spending that budget on rear remotes that will have multiple uses beyond just grapple control."

Looks like I just need a pair of long hoses....thanks IT!

 

[newbury]

Going back and forth between the Wicked & Tomahawk 66" single lid. Looks like $500 more for the Wicked delivered($1880)....not sure if there is $500 in quality difference? Weight is almost identical at 410/15.

For something like you are talking about what are delivery times like? Be sure to take that in to account.

 

[seacap04]

I have a Quick Attach 48" grapple designed for walk behind skid steers. Made with 3/8" high strength steel. Single lid. I work in the woods so I didn't want a wide one. I weights around 350 lbs so doesn't really cut your lift capacity by much. It rakes up debris on the ground well. I have had it a year and I have not broken it or saw the need to modified it to make it "better". Lot said from me. I use my rear remotes. I have a 7' snow plow so all ready rigged. I took the detent balls out of valve so valve handle returns to stop when released. I put quick connects where my loader quick connects are so I can remove loader with derigging everything. Because of the snowplow I have crossover relief valve at the front of loader. Not sure that is needed with grapple. This is used on a DK 45.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Motor, I sent you a PM.

My favorite width is 60", but arguments can be made for wider depending on the intended applications.

Our Single Lid Wicked Grapple for Compact Tractors is simply ideal for your machine.

Many things set our grapples apart from cheaper, economy grapples...

Look at the little hinge points and a bolt holding the lid on most economy grapples. Ours has solid, greasable hinge pins spanning the full width of each lid and our cylinder pins also feature grease zerks.

On many economy grapples, every inner tine consists of a horizontal plate and a vertical plate. ALL of our tines are continuous.

Our rear cylinder mounts extend down the front and rear of the tube to better grab it for extra support and is also supported by triangular gussets. This is one of the most critical areas on a grapple.

We use laser cut A572 steel for most of our grapple along with stronger Grade 80 laminated and serrated end tine supports. Many mfgs do not specify, but A36 is commonly used and the tines feature bulky triangular gussets which will prohibit a compact tractor's ability to push the tines through the ground for root and vine removal and also cause more damage to the area you're working on.

Check out the serrated teeth on the front/bottom of our lids. This is for grabbing and holding onto smaller logs and containing finer material. Huge open windows on theirs, so you can forget about it.
Also, most economy grapples have wide open windows in those lids with the cylinder rods exposed to what's underneath. Ours are protected by sheet metal, which also helps to contain whatever you're moving.

Our lid tines meet the lower tines, so you can pinch objects. One customer posted a pic of his grabbing a ball point pin.

Rear protection bars are standard on all long bottom Wicked Grapples.

We have some of the best, happiest, proudest customers a company could ever ask for. With over 500 EA Wicked Grapple reviews on our website alone and many more elsewhere, you can buy with total confidence.

I am truly blessed to offer the most photographed, well received grapple on the planet and interact with so many awesome tractor guys on a daily basis.
The Everything Attachments Group is another awesome resource when shopping for a grapple!!
Travis