Grapple questions about choice of root grapple

[rbtjr]

Dave, your MIE grapple looks even better on your tractor than the grapple looked on the MIE web site. I had concluded that the MIE grapples were probably the strongest units per pound of weight of all that I had looked at. For my particular application, I decided on longer lower tines and a wider jaw width, but I envy your unit's sturdy and tidy look. I look forward to seeing the pics of your unit in action. I'll bet I get jealous. By the way, do you keep all of your equipment in such pristine condition as is shown on the photos, or did you spend hours today washing up for the pics? Just kidding.

[rbtjr]

I finalized our grapple order today. I went with the W. R. Long 56" OBG2--my prior selection. I talked with Wildkat again today about their 48" version. I was told that (a) Wildkat provides only the flat-face skid-steer type hydraulic couplers, and I need the ag type, which are not offerred by Wildkat as an option, and (b) the prior sales in the range of $500-600 referred to in this thread have been discontinued, and when they occurred they were only for units with no hydraulic couplers, in some instances without the skid-steer compatible attachment frame on the back, etc. I was told that the jaw opening on the Wildkat 48" unit is about 40". That satisfied one of my concerns. I was told that the tubing--the main structural member--is made of 1/4" steel instead of 1/8" like I had read some posters remark about, but I don't think that the Wildkat person actually knew what I was referring to with respect to this steel-thickness issue (probably my fault and not hers). Anyway, that conversation sealed it. I am buying the Long unit. Thanks again to all of the posters for all of the valuable feedback. I learned a lot.

[JD 4520]

And so did we. Best of luck.

[94BULLITT]

I finalized our grapple order today. I went with the W. R. Long 56" OBG2--my prior selection. I talked with Wildkat again today about their 48" version. I was told that (a) Wildkat provides only the flat-face skid-steer type hydraulic couplers, and I need the ag type, which are not offerred by Wildkat as an option, and (b) the prior sales in the range of $500-600 referred to in this thread have been discontinued, and when they occurred they were only for units with no hydraulic couplers, in some instances without the skid-steer compatible attachment frame on the back, etc. I was told that the jaw opening on the Wildkat 48" unit is about 40". That satisfied one of my concerns. I was told that the tubing--the main structural member--is made of 1/4" steel instead of 1/8" like I had read some posters remark about, but I don't think that the Wildkat person actually knew what I was referring to with respect to this steel-thickness issue (probably my fault and not hers). Anyway, that conversation sealed it. I am buying the Long unit. Thanks again to all of the posters for all of the valuable feedback. I learned a lot.

How much is the wildkat now? I thought before they were $550 and they would take $50 off for no couplers. Have fun with your new grapple and post some pics when you get it.

[rbtjr]

$800 + freight + (in my case, since I live in NC) tax. The Internet price is shown as being $900. I told the person I talked with that I had seen many references to a better price, and she said the best she could do was $800. In my case, the freight was going to be either $146 or, with a company they had not used before, $130. So, when you add it all up, it was going to be about $1000.

[94BULLITT]

$800 + freight + (in my case, since I live in NC) tax. The Internet price is shown as being $900. I told the person I talked with that I had seen many references to a better price, and she said the best she could do was $800. In my case, the freight was going to be either $146 or, with a company they had not used before, $130. So, when you add it all up, it was going to be about $1000.

I guess I'll have to build one someday since I want one.

[IslandTractor]

$800 + freight + (in my case, since I live in NC) tax. The Internet price is shown as being $900. I told the person I talked with that I had seen many references to a better price, and she said the best she could do was $800. In my case, the freight was going to be either $146 or, with a company they had not used before, $130. So, when you add it all up, it was going to be about $1000.

If they are using 1/4" tube now that is a fair price and cheaper than any comparable grapple. We all knew their $500 price was stupid low so it couldn't last. Ag couplers only cost about $30 a set as I recall.

[rbtjr]

Although I was told that Wildkat now uses the 1/4" steel tube, I was not confident in the answer. If I were going to buy a Wildkat, I would call again and flesh out that answer. And as to the couplers, that was just a factor, not a deciding factor. I would have to buy the replacement couplers and either install them myself or have our dealer do so, which would require transporting the unit 20 miles or so one way, etc. I just wasn't satisfied with this option considering all factors relevant to me. Some other buyer might have been well pleased.

[JoeBuyer]

Well it showed up today UPS freight, two days after placing the order. It was packaged well on a pallet and looks great. Now I am going to go "grapple" something.....

That is a very nice looking grapple. The tips are a little more blunt than most. Can you get under things with it okay?

[gumshu]

Although I was told that Wildkat now uses the 1/4" steel tube, I was not confident in the answer. If I were going to buy a Wildkat, I would call again and flesh out that answer. And as to the couplers, that was just a factor, not a deciding factor. I would have to buy the replacement couplers and either install them myself or have our dealer do so, which would require transporting the unit 20 miles or so one way, etc. I just wasn't satisfied with this option considering all factors relevant to me. Some other buyer might have been well pleased.

The 1/2" quick couplers are easy to install. I bought two ISO 5675 sets for about 30 bucks here... ISO 5675 Agricultural Hydraulic Quick Disconnects