Grapple Which type of grapple is best suited for...

   / Which type of grapple is best suited for...
  • Thread Starter
#92  
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #93  
I purchased a EA 72" Wicked Grapple recently and have had a chance to use it for about 20 hours now.

I can't speak for other grapples because I have not used any of them but I will give a short review of the EA Wicked Grapple.

I went on EA's web site and decided on the Wicked Grapple based on the fact that it appears to be well engineered, light weight, strong and two independent jaws. EA's customer support is outstanding and suggested the 72" unit for my tractor.

A few days later my grapple arrived by truck, upon inspection I observed that this thing was a serious piece of equipment. It is built much stronger than I thought, and well engineered as expected from EA. As advertised those teeth are sharp and should cut though roots and grip logs well.


I hooked up the grapple on to my Kubota MX5100 and started learning how to use it. I am in the process of cleaning up large piles of logs, lumber and junk that the previously renter so nicely left for me to clean up. Anyway, after a few hours I was getting the hang of it and have stacked several large burn piles.

The grapple worked flawlessly, no problems and due to the lighter weight I was able to left more than I thought.

I then began using the grapple to dig around the base of a couple of trees that needed to be removed and pushed them over. Then I just picked them up, put them on the burn piles and then scrape up the debris and some roots.

Those sharp teeth really cut though the roots and really dug into the logs holding them firmly. The two closing lids really came in handy for those odd shaped logs, stumps and even some concrete steps.

Since putting the grapple on my tractor I have not had it off, even when mowing the field I use it to warn me of large hidden objects in the tall grass.

Lastly, I want to give EA a big Thank You for building a great grapple, great customer service, fair price and free shipping. I would highly recommend this grapple, I would buy again if I needed to.
I am in no way paid, compensated or have any financial interest in EA only a happy customer.

Greg
 
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #94  
It was in stock - called about 11:30 am and it shipped today! (along with my hay spear)

I think that's the 1 I'm leaning towards also... Do you know if they're in stock or built to order ? I'm hoping you get it soon enough to give another review before I make a purchase.
 
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #95  
Does anyone have any first hand experience with both the OBG1 and the Everything Attachments Wicked Root Grapple for Compact Tractors ?

I am torn between the two. The everything grapple is a little bit cheaper, but I have never seen one in person. Any input would be appreciated. This has been a great threat; I've learned a lot.
 
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #96  
Does anyone have any first hand experience with both the OBG1 and the Everything Attachments Wicked Root Grapple for Compact Tractors ?

I am torn between the two. The everything grapple is a little bit cheaper, but I have never seen one in person. Any input would be appreciated. This has been a great threat; I've learned a lot.

The Wicked grapple is lighter than the Long grapple. I have a wicked grapple. I love it. My tractor will never hurt it.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/271507-everything-attachments-wicked-grapple-build.html Go to page 29 for pictures of it in action.
 
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for...
  • Thread Starter
#97  
I think the EA Wicked RG looks fantastic... I just don't know (because I'm cheap) if I can justify spending twice the cost. I have no doubt it's built better, but double the money is hard for a guy like me to get past. I'm also not sure if I want a single or dual lid yet...
 
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #98  
I think the EA Wicked RG looks fantastic... I just don't know (because I'm cheap) if I can justify spending twice the cost. I have no doubt it's built better, but double the money is hard for a guy like me to get past. I'm also not sure if I want a single or dual lid yet...

I was in exactly the same boat.... and decided there was no way I could justify it....
 
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #99  
Does anyone have any first hand experience with both the OBG1 and the Everything Attachments Wicked Root Grapple for Compact Tractors ?

I am torn between the two. The everything grapple is a little bit cheaper, but I have never seen one in person. Any input would be appreciated. This has been a great threat; I've learned a lot.

The WR Long OBG1 opens to 47" while the EA only opens to a mere 30". This is an apples to oranges comparison. You might want to compare WR Long's OBG2 for price range and even it opens to 44". The EA grapple is too small in my book on the vertical opening which is what you need to you grab debris. In any event, I would go narrow with an L grapple.
 
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #100  
If I had an extra 60" bucket... OR a rock bucket... I would consider adding the thumb, especially due to the price. However, I don't think that adding that onto my 72" bucket, without adding a tooth-bar, would be anywhere near as capable as a dedicated grapple bucket. I have a feeling that I'll probably use the grapple bucket more than any of my other front-attach stuff. I already probably use my Forks vs Bucket in a near 50/50 split, I would guess I'll probably use the Grapple 50% of the time, and the other 2 will split the remainder.

I certainly agree that dedicated grapples do grappling work more efficiently than add on grapple arms to a standard bucket, but the add on grapple is way more efficient than a standard bucket for dealing with brush and is a good choice for someone without a quick attach. Adding a toothbar does help quite a bit but doesn't approach the ability of a regular open bottom grapple for digging out roots etc. adding a grapple arm via welding or bolt on plus use of the rear remotes for control is easily the least expensive way to add grappling capability to a CUT. If you already have at least one rear remote, you can have a functional grapple set up for less than $500 spent on a grapple arm and hydraulic hoses and fittings.

You use the term bucket grapple which to me describes a purpose built solid bottom without sides and a typical top grapple arm or two. Those are used mostly by the skidsteer community and are great for construction debris collection. Not as effective as traditional open bottom grapples for digging roots or brush work though.
 
 
 
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