Purchasing a Grapple...Which one??

[claykin22]

Guys, I have been doing a lot of research on this site about grapples the past week. I know that some guys, with deeper pockets than mine, will recommend some high quality/high price grapple, so I have narrrowed it down to two manufacturers. WR LONG, and Millonzi which sound like they make a good product, that is still priced in my range. I could justify spending up to $2K for a 60" model. I have read some posts that would argue a 48" is large enough. So I need your input.

I am planning on cleaning up the woods behind my house (80% of use) & clearing some fence-rows that are getting infested with trees (20% of use). I have a lot of Down trees in my woods, mostly elm, but a few maples as well, that I would like to pull out and split/burn. Also, I would like to use my MX6 chopper to take out some of the saplings, and have the ability to use the grapple to pop out whatever stump remains.

What do I need? I should probably say that I will be using a deere 3720 CUT (44HP) with a 300CX loader (~1500# pivot point, max height; ~2000# pivot point @ 59in)

Thanks
Claykin22

 

[IslandTractor]

If you've read my past posts you know that I use a 48" Millonzi on my 41hp Kioti DK 40se which has the a bit more lift capacity than your JD loader (2700lbs to full height at pivot points). I find it works just fine and have no concerns about damaging the "light duty" grapple so long as I use it as designed. I'm sure the new lower cost WR Long is also excellent based simply on their reputation.

I routinely pop out roots or just whole small trees (why take the extra step of making a mess with a bush hog?). Pop'em out and put them in a burn or compost pile.

 

[RPK]

I have the 60" WR Long. It has worked well for me with my L3130. It works great with logs and brush. It isn't quit as good at picking up rocks. It will pick up one rock at a time. But because of the design of the bottom teeth it struggles a little with rocks. I think it is considered a "root grapple" and does a good job pulling up roots and small trees.

I payed $2900.00 installed with new joystick and front remotes. A complete package from WR Long that my dealer installed.

This grapple is light duty and you must be carefull not to wack into something out in the woods.

RPK

 

[amigauser]

I also have a WR Long grapple on my B3030. I have the 48" RBG2-48 model. It is a root type grapple as the other poster stated and works great on roots and brush. I liked the WR Long clamshell design better than the Millionzi grapple design but the Millonzi runs around $1000 were the WR Long cost me almost $1700 .

WR Long
RBG

Millonzi
Untitled Document

Norm

 

[Redbug]

Claykin...I have been reading, asking TBNers, and shopping around, too. I have a WR Long grapple on order right now. It is a RBG2 60" probably like the one RPK and Norm have. I already have the hydraulic/joystick on the tractor. I highly recommend, (no matter what kind of grapple you get), that you get the WR Long valve and joystick.

Valve Kits

When I get it, I will post a few pics and insights. Let me, (us), know what your opinions are and which one you get, too.

 

[marinegrunt]

I have a 54 inch WR Long. It took me about six weeks to pick one. I like it a lot, but it does not shut as hard as I thought it would. I am also going to have to build something to cover the lines on the grapple. I was going to get the millonzi (thanks mostly to Island) and the cheaper price, but I had to get the long 3rd fuction so I just did the one stop shopping. I talked to Mr. Long a good bit, and have nothing but good things to say about the whole experience. I paid 2700 for the whole package installed.

 

[IslandTractor]

I highly recommend, (no matter what kind of grapple you get), that you get the WR Long valve and joystick.

I have one and I agree that if you go the diverter route WR Long is the way to go. You can also use rear remotes as a less expensive option if you already have a set of rear remotes. I did that on a previous tractor and found it quite satisfactory.

 

[claykin22]

I have a 54 inch WR Long. It took me about six weeks to pick one. I like it a lot, but it does not shut as hard as I thought it would. I am also going to have to build something to cover the lines on the grapple. .

What exactly makes you say it doens't shut as hard as you thought? I like the clam design of the Long because It looks like I could push small brush together before clamping down. Also, It would appear that the clam design would grab smaller trees more efficiently. My woods was logged about 40-50 years ago, so while that sounds like a while ago, a lot of the trees that are down are less than 14" O.D.

 

[claykin22]

Thanks for all the very informative replies. A few more details I should mention:

I already have a 4-in-1 bucket coming with the tractor, so the hydraulic lines will at the minimum have a quick coupler remote mounted, I assume, with the other remotes for the loader.

I was not planning on getting the diverter kit just yet. I have never used one with my old 4-in-1 bucket, and am used to simply using the third outlet control lever. Maybe this is a cheap way to do it for now...with the possiblility of adding a electric/hydraulic diverter down the road?

Any suggestions?

 

[jmc]

Claykin22,

I went thru all this to mount a 60" WR Long grapple/hydraulics kit on my Kubota L4330. A few points in no particuliar order:

I've posted this on TBN elsewhere but the Skid steer version of a WRL grapple weights too much for my size of tractor. I would seriously look at their lighter model.

The WRL hydraulic kit I used is NOT a diverter but a stand alone extra valve. A diverter steals flow from another circuit, leaving that other circuit temporarily useless. The wrong terminology may confuse your dealer.

I splurged on the Kubota tractor order and got 3 rear mounted remote valves. In retrospect, I would have ordered one of those valves mounted on the loader if that is possible. Running the grapple off a rear valve is certainly common but I didn't want a flexible hose running under the length of the tractor.

There are several kinds of hydraulic quick connectors so tell the grapple people what style yours are or they may assume wrong.

I think you're smart to get a narrow grapple.

There is an aftermarket loader manufacturer that has some interesting products and one of their people hangs out here on TBN. The company's name is something like Westfield or Westhoff and they're out in Oklahoma or thereabouts.

Good luck with your project.

John
Bloomington

 

[thunderworks]

Claykin22,

<snip>

There is an aftermarket loader manufacturer that has some interesting products and one of their people hangs out here on TBN. The company's name is something like Westfield or Westhoff and they're out in Oklahoma or thereabouts.

JMC: The company is Westendorf and they're located in Iona, Iowa.

R.

 

[Redbug]

Claykin,

These are the grapple threads I have been following lately and am subscribed to:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/109072-w-r-long-grapple.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/113018-root-grapple-question.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/114155-another-grapple-question.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/114301-grapple-fel-vendors-feedback.html


You may have been following them also. If not, some good information and opinions.

 

[jmc]

JMC: The company is Westendorf and they're located in Iona, Iowa.

R.

That's the one. Thank you. And the TBN member is Westendorf-RR.

BTW, the 60 inch grapple I mentioned previously in this thread as being a little heavy for a compact is, in fact, a 66 inch.

John

 

[marinegrunt]

What exactly makes you say it doens't shut as hard as you thought? I like the clam design of the Long because It looks like I could push small brush together before clamping down. Also, It would appear that the clam design would grab smaller trees more efficiently. My woods was logged about 40-50 years ago, so while that sounds like a while ago, a lot of the trees that are down are less than 14" O.D.

It does not chush down like I imagined. It is not a real issue. It is on a compact tractor. I also like the way it is designed. My biggest issue is I need to learn the tricks of useing it. Also, the 3rd fuction joystick is great. The weight of the grapple is not a issue either.

 

[claykin22]

Claykin,

These are the grapple threads I have been following lately and am subscribed to:

You may have been following them also. If not, some good information and opinions.

Thanks Redbug...I did a search in this forum for grapples, and it was a bit overwhelming with all of the threads to look into! I appreciate you narrowing it down.

Clayton

 

[claykin22]

It does not chush down like I imagined. It is not a real issue. It is on a compact tractor. I also like the way it is designed. My biggest issue is I need to learn the tricks of useing it. Also, the 3rd fuction joystick is great. The weight of the grapple is not a issue either.

Got ya on the "crushing". I don't expect my tractor to have overwhelming hydraulic pressure. Just enough to pick it up & hold on while I pile/drag it.

In your experience, should a guy purchase a cheaper grapple to offset the cost of a diverter kit and 3rd function joystick?

 

[claykin22]

That's the one. Thank you. And the TBN member is Westendorf-RR.


John

I like the idea of the Westendorf grapple for simply moving brush/logs & it doesn't require any extra hydraulics (a very cheap alternative).

I would also like for a grapple to be able to dig out some smaller trees & roots though, so I don't think the brush crusher is the tool for my needs.

Thanks for the insight though. Keep it coming, I am as confused as ever to what I really need!!

 

[IslandTractor]

In your experience, should a guy purchase a cheaper grapple to offset the cost of a diverter kit and 3rd function joystick?

That would be my advice. A cheap lightweight grapple plus the WRLong kit or a rear remote. You'll have every bit of the functionality of grapples costing thousands more.

Despite the fact that folks on TBN continue to buy expensive grapples, there just doesn't seem to be any real advantage. The lower priced units from Millonzi, Wildkat and WR Long on a CUT seem to be able to do anything the $3000 monsters can do.

 

[marinegrunt]

Imo, the millonzi or wrlong would be the two. You would just need to pick the design that would work for you.

 

[claykin22]

Thanks for everyone's insight to the Grapple question. I had my dealer order a RBG2 - 60" model from WR Long. I did not pull the trigger on the diverter just yet. I'm going to see how difficult it is to just use the 3rd SCV for now.

Thanks again.

Clayton