Grapple need grapple advice

[Pokeboater]

Trying to find a new grapple. I have an Anbo that's almost 20 years old, beat to heck and back. After a lot of research I decided to get an Everything Attachments Wicked Root Grapple. Called today and there's a 2 1/2 month lead time. I really need one yesterday. One of the cylinders is busted on the Anbo, the tines are all bent and the hoses are on their last leg. Does anyone know of something similar that's available? It will go on a JD4520 w cab. I have a tree farm and mow miles of roads and use the grapple constantly pushing, moving trees and limbs out of the roads.

 

[3Lfarms]

Order the EA Wicked grapple, patch up the Anbo to working condition and use it until the new one arrives. Then sell the Anbo.
Why would you buy another grapple that will be garbage in a few years?

 

[cholland]

EA seems to be the grapple of choice based on reviews. I put my name on the list and the wait is half over now.
I also considered W.R. Long. They make a beefy grapple and do high quality work. They are also build to order, so likely a few weeks lead time from them too.

 

[mikester]

Trying to find a new grapple. I have an Anbo that's almost 20 years old, beat to heck and back. After a lot of research I decided to get an Everything Attachments Wicked Root Grapple. Called today and there's a 2 1/2 month lead time. I really need one yesterday. One of the cylinders is busted on the Anbo, the tines are all bent and the hoses are on their last leg. Does anyone know of something similar that's available? It will go on a JD4520 w cab. I have a tree farm and mow miles of roads and use the grapple constantly pushing, moving trees and limbs out of the roads.

I went with a root grapple for the same reasons but now wish I bought the L shaped bucket style instead. Grapples are awesome time savers but the root rake style doesnt let you hold as much firewood and brush as the L shaped style. I find if you push the tree over first from up top the roots pop up enough to finish the job with a regular bucket. Bigger tree roots I cant handle get dug out with a dozer or backhoe.

 

[MechanicalGuy]

Kubota land pride grapples are available right now with no wait and they are very nice.

 

[MechanicalGuy]

 

[HondaKen]

I have the Landpride grapple as well, same as above basically. Top notch quality and I use it constantly, and not gently, clearing lots of acreage of wooded land. You wouldn't be dissapointed.

 

[Rmart30]

if ya dont want a LP, and dont use a tractor like its a D4, MTL is in georgia. Mine only took 3 days to get to me from there so yours should be that or less than that, and it was under $1000 shipped. It does everything I want it to do despite what the fanboys said before I bought it.
I rolled the dice on the MTL when I bought it. I could have gotten a much HD grapple thru my work but chose not too. I knew I could easily sale the MTL for what I had in it or very close if I didnt like it. I got it, and I liked it. Almost 2 years later zero problems, bends , breaks, anything. I use my equipment hard but dont abuse it. Ive already gotten my monies worth out of it.
MTL Attachments 66" Root Grapple Bucket fits John Deere Tractor Loader | eBay

 

[thekkfan]

if ya dont want a LP, and dont use a tractor like its a D4, MTL is in georgia. Mine only took 3 days to get to me from there so yours should be that or less than that, and it was under $1000 shipped. It does everything I want it to do despite what the fanboys said before I bought it.
I rolled the dice on the MTL when I bought it. I could have gotten a much HD grapple thru my work but chose not too. I knew I could easily sale the MTL for what I had in it or very close if I didnt like it. I got it, and I liked it. Almost 2 years later zero problems, bends , breaks, anything. I use my equipment hard but dont abuse it. Ive already gotten my monies worth out of it.
MTL Attachments 66" Root Grapple Bucket fits John Deere Tractor Loader | eBay

What he said. I have the 60" dual lid. Cant be beat for the features versus price. I've seen grapples nearly twice the price with less features.

 

[Smokeydog]

I’m like you and really use my grapples often and hard. Over 20 years ago ssqa on tractors was rare. Had a full size Kubota M5030 and welded in a bobcat ssqa just so I could use a skid steer long bottom grapple. Made a Hugh difference how work got done on the farm. Now use it on a M59. New B26 needed a new grapple so ordered what I thought was the best, ETA wicked grapple. Very well designed and made. I can easily pick up a pencil to a massive pile of brush. There is a good reason for waiting time. For something that I’ll use for decades I would wait if I could. Routinely working with trees you can’t be too tough. Highly recommend the wicked grapple.

 

[HondaKen]

I just don’t think the wait time is necessary. Buying good ole fashioned American made products isn’t hard to do for this type of equipment. I have no doubt EA makes a fine product, but so does a lot of companies. I’m certain another company won’t outlast my grapple, because mine will last as long as I need it. Good luck

 

[MechanicalGuy]

I do like the three hinges that the EA grapple has, my Land Pride only has 2 hinges, so I know three is stronger, but my Land Pride really does look to be very strong, probably moreso than my tractor, but it might not be made in the USA.

 

[Rmart30]

I do like the three hinges that the EA grapple has, my Land Pride only has 2 hinges, so I know three is stronger, but my Land Pride really does look to be very strong, probably moreso than my tractor, but it might not be made in the USA.

I would rather break a grapple then break my tractor. Id rather have the grapple as the weak link if there was going to be one.

 

[flashpuppy]

My MTL has been fantastic. A thousand bucks, delivered, for a 66 inch dual lid. On my M7040, probably being used too hard, it has survived amazingly well to date. Am getting ready to order another one for a skid steer that is on the way.

 

[Smokeydog]

Not everyone needs a commercial quality grapple. The little things like, hydraulic fittings selection, type of steel, gussets, welding, design are little appreciated until you use one over time. Not having to fix equipment is important for my bottom line and enjoyment. Have enough friends who buy based on price or convenience wanting me to fix their broken equipment.

 

[mopardude318]

I’d wait for an EA Wicked Grapple! A couple of months is no time at all. That’s about what I waited for my grapple as well from them. I waited almost 6 months for my Fit-Right top-n-tilt cylinders as well.

 

[Pokeboater]

it looks like it doesn't close all the way. What keeps small logs from sliding out?

 

[Pokeboater]

if ya dont want a LP, and dont use a tractor like its a D4, MTL is in georgia. Mine only took 3 days to get to me from there so yours should be that or less than that, and it was under $1000 shipped. It does everything I want it to do despite what the fanboys said before I bought it.
I rolled the dice on the MTL when I bought it. I could have gotten a much HD grapple thru my work but chose not too. I knew I could easily sale the MTL for what I had in it or very close if I didnt like it. I got it, and I liked it. Almost 2 years later zero problems, bends , breaks, anything. I use my equipment hard but dont abuse it. Ive already gotten my monies worth out of it.
MTL Attachments 66" Root Grapple Bucket fits John Deere Tractor Loader | eBay

It looks like it doesn't close all the way. How do you keep small logs from sliding out?

 

[Rmart30]

It looks like it doesn't close all the way. How do you keep small logs from sliding out?

it closes just as any other brand of long bottom grapple with dual lids Ive used and thats probably close to a dozen different manufacturers. Top tines and bottom tines will touch when closed all the way.

If you are comparing it to a clamshell type its different. Long bottoms cradle more, short bottom clamp more to hold load. For what I do with a grapple I personally do not care for short bottoms for brush and cleanup work. If its any kinda of rotten or dry when you crush it to hold it with a short bottom you break the bundle into many pieces and loose a lot and make a mess. I compare a long bottom to like using a pitchfork on loose stuff. You can pick up a big pile of a lot of loose stuff with a pitchfork going under and cradling it.

If you are talking about moving small log that it doesnt come all the way down onto to clamp its easy... you just get it on the bottom tines and tilt back. Close lids and go.

 

[Smokeydog]

My 20+ year old long bottom, dual lid, skid steer grapple tines don’t touch but bypass. T1 steel, 72” and cost $2,200 then. Moved mountains of brush and trees.

The new 54” dual lid wicked grapple is better for the B26. Weighs half as much, tines close together. With hst can easily pick up a fist size rock or twig. Cost almost as much.
Pleasure to use.