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

[IslandTractor]

Also wider is better in this respect. A wider grapple allows the operator to see the outer tines for precision placement. If the grapple is no wider than the FEL, the FEL will block the view.

Nah, I can easily see the edge of my 48" grapple. Try it sometime. I don't need to lean outboard to see it either. Consider the geometry. I just look slightly to the left or right. The grapple tine tips are easily within field of view without needing to change position. I thought I posted some photos about this several months ago when Eric made the same claim. Bogus.

 

[IslandTractor]

Mac, your statement IMHO is absolutely correct but, it will probably arouse the torch & pitchfork crew.

In fact, I think I hear them coming!

View attachment 528650

How is it that you guys who don't even operate 48" grapples are so confident about this issue????

 

[rustyshakelford]

How is it that you guys who don't even operate 48" grapples are so confident about this issue????

How is it that guys that only operate 48”grapples are so confident they are the best and superior to a larger one?

Brett

 

[buckeyefarmer]

There should be a separate thread about narrow grapples.....

 

[IslandTractor]

How is it that guys that only operate 48”grapples are so confident they are the best and superior to a larger one?

Brett

I've operated a few larger grapples to test them. Never saw the benefit. I don't doubt a few tasks might be done more efficiently with a wider grapple such as carrying two bales of hay at once but for most uses the narrow is just as efficient and the narrow is clearly better for maneuvering in woods, digging and net lift capacity. Oh yeah, they are cheaper too and less likely to twist your FEL when used off center. I paid $500 for my grapple and it is still going strong 12 years later. I'd say it is up to the advocates of larger, heavier, more expensive grapples to justify why theirs are worth more.

 

[lostcreekranch]

How is it that guys that only operate 48”grapples are so confident they are the best and superior to a larger one?

Brett

Brett, we keep ‘splainin’ to IT that we all have different needs and vastly different uses for grapples, not the “one size MUST fit all” program that he evangelizes for.

I have a 100 HP Tractor with an almost 900 lb. 84” dual lid grapple but, I can lift over 5000 lbs. Wrong? No, it does what I need it to do.

I also have a 50 HP Tractor with a 665lb. 73” single lid grapple, with 42.5” opening, but I can lift almost 3000 lb. Wrong? No, it does what I need it to do.

I don’t need to own a 20 HP Tractor to know it won’t meet my needs.





I had a 27 HP Tractor and ...... it did not meet my needs. Sold it and bought 50 HP tractor.

 

[rustyshakelford]

I've operated a few larger grapples to test them. Never saw the benefit. I don't doubt a few tasks might be done more efficiently with a wider grapple such as carrying two bales of hay at once but for most uses the narrow is just as efficient and the narrow is clearly better for maneuvering in woods, digging and net lift capacity. Oh yeah, they are cheaper too and less likely to twist your FEL when used off center. I paid $500 for my grapple and it is still going strong 12 years later. I'd say it is up to the advocates of larger, heavier, more expensive grapples to justify why theirs are worth more.

I’m fixing to order a new grapple, it’ll be over $3500 and maybe 84” with dual lids. My wicked stood up to my 100hp 12,000 lb grapple. If you bent the tines on your there no telling how bad I would’ve folded it up. EA puts out a top notch product at a great price and backs it up with terrific customer service.

Brett

 

[IslandTractor]

I’m fixing to order a new grapple, it’ll be over $3500 and maybe 84” with dual lids. My wicked stood up to my 100hp 12,000 lb grapple. If you bent the tines on your there no telling how bad I would’ve folded it up. EA puts out a top notch product at a great price and backs it up with terrific customer service.

Brett

This is a forum that is primarily focused on Compact Utility Tractors and SCUTs. Utility tractors are a different breed. Those of you with 100hp tractors represent a very small fraction of the TBN users who are primarily amateurs not farmers and almost everyone who comes here to learn about grapples is a grapple novice. I'm ever so happy for you that you can spend $3500 on a grapple but the vast majority of readers of this thread are grapple novices looking to buy a cost efficient grapple for a sub 50hp CUT and that is who my comments are directed towards.

As for bending my tines, that was the hydraulics operating against a one plus ton granite rock. And it was just the tips of the lid. The bottom tines are 3/8" steel and are stronger than any standard bucket. You couldn't damage the grapple with your loader unless you decided to ram something off center at speed. I doubt you're quite that dumb. BTW, the same grapple I have is used on another TBN members M59. He loves it. No problems.

 

[4570Man]

I’m fixing to order a new grapple, it’ll be over $3500 and maybe 84” with dual lids. My wicked stood up to my 100hp 12,000 lb grapple. If you bent the tines on your there no telling how bad I would’ve folded it up. EA puts out a top notch product at a great price and backs it up with terrific customer service.

Brett

If it survives I want a try. I'm thinking a 12,000 pound CTL can dish out even more abuse.

 

[rustyshakelford]

If it survives I want a try. I'm thinking a 12,000 pound CTL can dish out even more abuse.

For sure. CTL are bad to the bone and strong!

Brett