What type light duty graplel??

hunt4570 · Feb 22, 2015

So I've decided to sell my 4n1 WR Long bucket to try to fund a grapple instead. Yes its in the classifieds, or just give me a shout if you want it...

So there are a multitude of grapples out there and I'm wondering what you guys that have them like. First off its going on a Kubota L3540 37hp tractor, so I'm looking at a 4-5 foot unit probably. Cleaning up a new to me little homestead, lots of brush, downed and rotting trees.. that kind of thing..

I see units with the flat bottom tines like the Everything Attachments one, then I see the curved bottom tines that look like a scoop, and straight round bottom tines that look like a pitchfork, and variations of the above. Then I see double grippers on top with 2 cylinders , and single grippers too..

So what set up do you like, and especially why? And what do you use your for, and how long have you had it?

Dillier23 · Feb 22, 2015

I have the EA grapple in 66" wide and two lids. Used it to uproot small trees, scrape out brush, pull logs, knock down dead pines, clean sticks out of the drive and haul wood to the piles after cutting. I've had it since summer on a Case IH DX40, heavier than your kubota, and I've yet to find a way to bend or break it. Honestly It's been on my tractor much more than the bucket since I've had it, just that much more useful.

Rocky Hoffler · Feb 23, 2015

As already stated I have a 60 inch dual lid EA Wicked root grapple its light so as not to take away from lifting capacities so far am satisfied shipping was free took less than a week from order to arrival.

HCJtractor · Feb 23, 2015

You can read endless posts about grapples here. Many opinions and basically everyone likes the grapple they have. Which implies any grapple works.

For your needs, with the relatively small lifting capacity of your tractor, I would stay light. I think a 48" grapple with one thumb would be ideal. Like this one. Mine is on a 70 horse, but works great.

Poopdeck Pappy · Feb 23, 2015

For the purposes you listed and the size tractor you have, I think the EA single lid 50" grapple would be perfect. And it's light enough not to take away much of your lift capacity. There are several users here on TBN who have been very satisfied with theirs.

Another option would be the W.R. Long OBG 2 in a single lid 48" version. It weighs a little more than the EA 50" and costs a bit more, but seems extremely well built and appears to open wider than the EA grapple (handy for picking up more brush). EA sells that one too.

hunt4570 · Feb 23, 2015

HCJtractor said:
You can read endless posts about grapples here. Many opinions and basically everyone likes the grapple they have. Which implies any grapple works.

For your needs, with the relatively small lifting capacity of your tractor, I would stay light. I think a 48" grapple with one thumb would be ideal. Like this one. Mine is on a 70 horse, but works great.

View attachment 413589

So yours is a 48" on a 70HP tractor.. and you haven't tore it up? Who makes it.. I was thinking a narrower one like that might be good for reaching in between trees and such might be good.
Thanks.

HCJtractor · Feb 23, 2015

Mine was made by Markham in Denton, NC, but no longer in business. But I think there is a company still there making a similar one. Mine has been quite durable, and I really use it and abuse it. It's main tines are made of 1/2" steel. Do a search for "Islandtractor" threads. He is very opinionated about grapples, and he has many posts. I always agree with him.

Many will recommend a wider one, but 48" is ideal in my opinion, especially on a small to mid size tractor, and especially if you plan to uproot trees and saplings.