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

[BGigHarbor]

Is it hard on the double clamp versions to say grab a single big rock with the inside corner of each clamp?

Also are the clamps the same width on each of the sizes of double clamp?

Are the two clamps moved out on the bigger versions, or are there any pics comparing side by side different sizes in terms of clamp placement. Thanks, Bill

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Logically, it will put more strain on the lids to grab something like that because it will put pressure on one side, but I don't think it would hurt the grapple to occasionally do this. Throughout the punishment that Ted dealt when testing the grapple, no damage was done. I think that it would be better to grab it with one side or the other if you're dealing with an extremely heavy rock, log etc.

I'll let Roger(94bullitt) chime in if he's watching. I think I saw a pic of a big stump in between the lids of his grapple.

The clamps are 18" wide on all sizes of the dual lid grapples.

On the 54" and 60", the lids are 8.5" apart and on the 66" and 72", they are 17.5" apart.

The pic on the left is of a 54" grapple and the right is a larger model so you can see the difference in spacing.

 

[BGigHarbor]

Thanks, very good info.

 

[94BULLITT]

Here is the stump Travis was talking about.

The tree was halfways up rooted. I had to finish digging it out.











I think the load would be off center trying to grab a big rock with one lid. It would make the tractor unstable. I would probably grab it in the middle. When you grab a log or even brush there is not always a even load put on the lid. The lids are pretty beefy. They are not open like alot of other grapples. Since the lids have the top and bottom guards it will help keep them from twisting. I can put the tractor in low range, 4WD, diff locked, lift and curl with the loader all at the same time and nothing gives on the grapple. It is indestructible on a compact tractor under normal operating conditions.

 

[BGigHarbor]

What type of hydraulic couplers are folks preferring on their grapples?

And are you using Male/female pairs to help connect the same way each time?

I have a KUbota OEM 3rd function installed on my new soon to be delivered tractor, and it comes without couplers in front. I am going to probably by the ETA root grapple, and want to think about which couplers I should use before I order it.

The rear remotes on my l5460 are the push on pull off ball type connections, which I am not very familiar with. My other hydraulic tools run 1/2 inch flat face couplers mostly.

I do like how these ball type are simpler to put on and off, although they seem to drip a bit when connected or disconnected (no biggie for as little as I'd be doing it).

 

[k0ua]

What type of hydraulic couplers are folks preferring on their grapples? Are you using Male/female pairs to help connect the same way each time?

yes and this also allows you to put the male into the female on the grapple so that it stays clean. I am using the AG 1/2 inch type. The ETA will come with one male and one female AG 1/2 inch type. Although I am sure you could talk them into what ever you like, perhaps at extra cost for the flat face.

James K0UA

 

[BGigHarbor]

Does plugging the ends into eachother on the grapple ever have the sun warm up the fluid enough to make it hard to get apart or does the AG style connectors solve that problem?


I am torn between a single and double clamp grapple although the ETA single is a bit lighter duty than I have in mind. Love watching the single in action though, really a simple claw.

 

[k0ua]

Does plugging the ends into eachother on the grapple ever have the sun warm up the fluid enough to make it hard to get apart or does the AG style connectors solve that problem?

I haven't had any trouble so far. I would think they would come apart OK any way even if they were pressurized by expansion. The trouble would be in putting them together again. Here is what I do. When I take them off of the tractor, and then start to push the male and the female from the implement together I hold them at the point the checkballs are engaged a bit but not locked in and let them "puke" a bit of fluid out before I finally put them together. I think this makes a "deficit" of fluid in the implement hoses. and if it does warm up, then the pressure won't be as much. I don't know this works for a fact, This is just an idea of mine, but I haven't had any trouble so far.

James K0UA

 

[94BULLITT]

Does plugging the ends into eachother on the grapple ever have the sun warm up the fluid enough to make it hard to get apart or does the AG style connectors solve that problem?

I am torn between a single and double clamp grapple although the ETA single is a bit lighter duty than I have in mind. Love watching the single in action though, really a simple claw.

Get a 72" with flat faced couplers.

 

[bubbacuse77]

Did I miss something or was there a 10-15% increase in price on these grapples?

 

[Sysop]

Did I miss something or was there a 10-15% increase in price on these grapples?

Bummer if so. Hopefully EA can tell us.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Did I miss something or was there a 10-15% increase in price on these grapples?

The 50" Single Lid Grapple went up $100 this week. The dual lid Wicked Grapples were initially $100 less than they currently are, but it's been a while since the increase.

The introductory prices are usually a little low. Once they get into full production and cost is re-evaluated, we have to adjust.

 

[bubbacuse77]

How about a TBN discount?

 

[Sysop]

How about a TBN discount?

Or perhaps a group-buy type thing. We get 10 members, each with cash in hand, all purchase together at the same time for a hefty discount. This would help EA make some savings on their end with quantity material purchases.

Shoot, EA could start various group-buy threads for various implements for people to sign onto and once a base number was met, the order gets made. It would allow those that aren't in a rush for a product now, but would like the best price on it, a means of gaining some additional savings. Those that want something now could always go make their purchase individually. If there is a TBN member discount, a discount on group buys should be larger in my opinion.

 

[HappyOne]

I bought my 72" in July and never looked back on the price. These things are light and tough as nails. Only thing I would change is some screen or plate to keep limbs from reaching through and scratching up the front of the tractor.

 

[94BULLITT]

I built one and I can tell you there is a ton of labor involved.The price they have on them now is a deal.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/271507-everything-attachments-wicked-grapple-build.html

 

[Sysop]

I built one and I can tell you there is a ton of labor involved.The price they have on them now is a deal.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/271507-everything-attachments-wicked-grapple-build.html

I'm sure they have jigs and things to help the process along. Manufacturing/assembly is a lot different at home than someplace with dedicated work stations setup for the various aspects of manufacturing. Experience goes a long way too. I bet if they sent you ten of them to put together, the last wouldn't take as long as the first to complete. Same with them; More of them they produce, they better they get at it, the faster they become at it, the less their cost should be. That was why I proposed a group-buy scenario rather than +1 the member discount idea. It also allows EA to make more quantity purchases on their materials.

Thanks for the link too, I followed that thread as it happened as a lurker before becoming a member. I got a chuckle out of the last few pages then, and even more in reviewing it now. Experiences there with certain user(s) mirror certain experiences I've had with same certain user(s) since.

And since the subject is brought up: I'm fairly certain what was overlooked for the opening width is the fact PF's doesn't close tip to tip whereas the EA grapple does. Does this seem accurate? I prefer the tip to tip closing in the geometry EA worked out.

 

[94BULLITT]

I'm sure they have jigs and things to help the process along. Manufacturing/assembly is a lot different at home than someplace with dedicated work stations setup for the various aspects of manufacturing. Experience goes a long way too. I bet if they sent you ten of them to put together, the last wouldn't take as long as the first to complete. Same with them; More of them they produce, they better they get at it, the faster they become at it, the less their cost should be. That was why I proposed a group-buy scenario rather than +1 the member discount idea. It also allows EA to make more quantity purchases on their materials.

Thanks for the link too, I followed that thread as it happened as a lurker before becoming a member. I got a chuckle out of the last few pages then, and even more in reviewing it now. Experiences there with certain user(s) mirror certain experiences I've had with same certain user(s) since.

And since the subject is brought up: I'm fairly certain what was overlooked for the opening width is the fact PF's doesn't close tip to tip whereas the EA grapple does. Does this seem accurate? I prefer the tip to tip closing in the geometry EA worked out.

I am sure they can do it faster with experience and jigs but it is still a lot of work. Yes the teeth on the lid touch the tines.

 

[BGigHarbor]

How are folks deciding ahead of time what length of hoses to order with their ETA grapples?

 

[HappyOne]

The come with hoses long enough to reach the center of the cross bar where most third function lines terminate. I had them extend mine by 1.5 ft since mine were on the side. Just call and they can fix you up.