The WICKED Root & Debris GRAPPLE!!!!!!!

[IslandTractor]

Hey Travis,
We're purchasing an MX5100 HST 4x4 in the near future, and are looking at attachments for it. It will be fully ballasted out, filled tires, good box blade, etc.
My question is, would you recommend the standard compact grapple, or the mega compact/utility duty grapple? (Probably looking in the 55" - 60", single lid variety)
Our ground is fairly rocky, and I'd probably end up pushing some trees out with it, if that makes any difference.
Thanks!
-Luke :thumbsup:

It's late and Travis is either sleeping or drinking a beer so I'll give you my ten cents worth. Don't get any grapple that weighs more than 400lbs. Unnecessary. The MX5100 is roughly the same weight and loader power as my Kioti DK40se and I've had a lightduty 48" grapple that weighs about 300-325lbs for eight years now. Does everything I need including dig rocks and push trees (not the with upper lid!!). All the EA single lid grapples are an improvement over my grapple design and manufacture so their medium duty single lid would be my choice. They have a heavy duty one they just came out with that weighs about 600lbs that is just stupid for a CUT IMO. I keep forgetting their terminology and exact weights but I'd probably get the one that is about 54" single lid, weighs about ?350-400 and has the larger opening jaw.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Guess I'm stupid. I bought the 72" EA utility grapple specifically for the 42.5" jaw opening since I use it mostly for brush and trimmed tree limbs. It used on my 46 HP LS XR4046HC?

I use my 84" grapple for big heavy things. It's on my NH TL100A.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Hey Travis,
We're purchasing an MX5100 HST 4x4 in the near future, and are looking at attachments for it. It will be fully ballasted out, filled tires, good box blade, etc.
My question is, would you recommend the standard compact grapple, or the mega compact/utility duty grapple? (Probably looking in the 55" - 60", single lid variety)
Our ground is fairly rocky, and I'd probably end up pushing some trees out with it, if that makes any difference.
Thanks!
-Luke :thumbsup:

Luke, I do not have a STRONG passionate recommendation for you, but I can 100% scream that you'll love the Wicked Grapple.

You've narrowed it down to a couple of good choices and I'd definitely lean toward the 60" single lid compact model.
Those started out great and have only improved over the years with the 37" opening and new protective grid.
The only difference between the 54" and 60" is the outer tine spacing.

Now, if you're like Rick and really want the wider opening and higher capacity, the 55" utility version is doable, but it will tax your capacity more.
Rick isn't stupid. He knew what he wanted and it fits his specific application beautifully.
If he didn't have a larger tractor in the stable for heavier lifting, he may have went lighter for the smaller tractor.

We've got both out in the field on MX series tractors. They both look Wicked and I have proof!
I can't thank all of the Wicked Grapple owners enough for providing me with the AWESOME photo arsenal.
Travis


55" Single Lid

These are 72" Dual Lid compact models, but you'll get the idea.

*ULTIMATE COMBO* Wicked Grapple and EA Landscape Rake!

This is an L5460, but it also has the combination of a Wicked Grapple in front and an EA Landscape Rake on the back!

 

[EverythingAttachments]

It's late and Travis is either sleeping or drinking a beer.

Did you hack my security camera? :laughing:
That was whisky in the glass BTW.
Travis

 

[IslandTractor]

Guess I'm stupid. I bought the 72" EA utility grapple specifically for the 42.5" jaw opening since I use it mostly for brush and trimmed tree limbs. It used on my 46 HP LS XR4046HC?

I use my 84" grapple for big heavy things. It's on my NH TL100A.

Glad you are happy with your grapple. The simple reason that a 625lb grapple doesn't make sense for a CUT is that no CUT needs something that heavy and heavy grapple means lower net lift. If EA would figure out how to build a light weight grapple with large opening there would be zero reason to get a heavy grapple. I know they have their reasons for accepting relatively narrow jaw openings but the geometry for a larger opening on these grapples is hardly difficult. My Millonzi has something like a 40-42 inch opening and it weighs half of what their 625lb grapple does.

See photos of Millonzi opening and of a rock that was the heaviest thing I have ever been able to lift. Couldn't have lifted it if my grapple weighed 300lbs more. I have no problems getting more brush into my grapple than I can see around to travel either.

Just seems silly to waste money and lift capacity on a grapple that is grossly overbuilt for the work a CUT is capable of doing.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

A "fun fact" I learned today.
The stock 48" bucket on our BX weighs 132 pounds.
The stock 60" bucket on our B weighs 200 pounds.
There is a noticeable difference in agility when the bucket is off, so weight reduction is CRUCIAL!
Travis

 

[lostcreekranch]

Glad you are happy with your grapple. The simple reason that a 625lb grapple doesn't make sense for a CUT is that no CUT needs something that heavy and heavy grapple means lower net lift. If EA would figure out how to build a light weight grapple with large opening there would be zero reason to get a heavy grapple. I know they have their reasons for accepting relatively narrow jaw openings but the geometry for a larger opening on these grapples is hardly difficult. My Millonzi has something like a 40-42 inch opening and it weighs half of what their 625lb grapple does.

See photos of Millonzi opening and of a rock that was the heaviest thing I have ever been able to lift. Couldn't have lifted it if my grapple weighed 300lbs more. I have no problems getting more brush into my grapple than I can see around to travel either.

Just seems silly to waste money and lift capacity on a grapple that is grossly overbuilt for the work a CUT is capable of doing.

Yep, I'm "stupid" and now "silly" BUT I have 2 grapples that cover my needs very well. I tried to pass along my justification to perhaps help others.

 

[rustyshakelford]

Due to continuous issues with my 5055e Deere, it's going bye bye. That means my EA wicked grapple will get moved to my new tractor. As it's looking, it'll be case 110c with factory 3rd function. Might be a good time for fresh paint and a trip to CL and try out the one for utility tractors but I've gotta give it a shot first. I have a feeling it'll be fine, but I have the capacity to move up if I want!

As to island tractor, I haven't been around much lately but it's no surprise he's still talking about how great his grapple is and how people don't need what they want. Funny thing is all I've read is how happy people are with the grapple they get from EA. I generally over buy for strength and durability and if I have to give up 100 or 200 lbs of lift. Right now my tractor can lift a big log that I want to pick up. If I have a few hundred pounds extra lift it would be fine. As it is, I'll use my saw and cut it in half. If gladly do that and have a product that stood up to my 11k lb tractor. Honestly I don't know how anyone could really over load their loader just with sticks, limbs and brush. It's the logs that get heavy

Brett

 

[lostcreekranch]

As to island tractor, I haven't been around much lately but it's no surprise he's still talking about how great his grapple is and how people don't need what they want. Funny thing is all I've read is how happy people are with the grapple they get from EA. I generally over buy for strength and durability and if I have to give up 100 or 200 lbs of lift. Right now my tractor can lift a big log that I want to pick up. If I have a few hundred pounds extra lift it would be fine. As it is, I'll use my saw and cut it in half. If gladly do that and have a product that stood up to my 11k lb tractor. Honestly I don't know how anyone could really over load their loader just with sticks, limbs and brush. It's the logs that get heavy

Brett

I may just have to buckle under, give my two grapples away, and call "Riceroni" to see if they have a 24" grapple, under 100 lbs. so I can move a few twigs.

Or ....... maybe I'll continue to just suffer thru with my present poor grapple decisions?

 

[rustyshakelford]

I may just have to buckle under, give my two grapples away, and call "Riceroni" to see if they have a 24" grapple, under 100 lbs. so I can move a few twigs.

Or ....... maybe I'll continue to just suffer thru with my present poor grapple decisions?

View attachment 483740

Haha. Exactly. You prolly have to much grapple and it's limiting your lifting capacity

Brett