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

[IslandTractor]

Well here is my take, having been around a bunch of different ones. If I was putting it on a CUT less than 3500lbs lift it would be 48" with a single thumb, L shaped[like the one I have] If I was going with the clam style [brush grapple] it would have double thumbs just to help with the holding of brush. The clam style works great for brush, clearing small stumps and grappling logs. But it does not carry small things like firewood or dig out larger stuff like the L shaped]ones do. [I have acess to both] With the econo grapple you WILL have to reinforce the top tube if you use it hard but that has been the only weak point. I also added bar grating across the openings to keep sticks from poking through into the tractor and for carrying firewood. I also added 16" boxes on each side for added capacity for firewood. I am either going to mod this grapple to open farther or build a new one, you rap your head on the top thumb loading firewood in it it hurts!! This is just my experience with grapples so don't flame me too bad! CJ

1) any photos of your modifications (otherwise you know the TBN rules....it didn't happen!:laughing:

2) does anyone know if Wildkat changed the gauge of 4x4 tubing used from 0.125" to 0.25"?

 

[sd455dan]

Wow- a CUT with a minimum loader lifting capacity of 3500lbs. are you sure? that sounds more like an AG tractor or at least the Industrial version or a VERY HEAVY duty CUT???

 

[IslandTractor]

Wow- a CUT with a minimum loader lifting capacity of 3500lbs. are you sure? that sounds more like an AG tractor or at least the Industrial version or a VERY HEAVY duty CUT???

I think the point is that virtually any CUT does fine with a light duty 48" grapple. At least one TBN member has one on his M59 which probably has a lift about 3500lbs.

 

[Xfaxman]

I don't like that it has a single lid.

I am all set with a single lid. The extra thumb is wasted money.

Is there that much advantage for a dual lid on a 3' or 4' wide grapple?

 

[IslandTractor]

Is there that much advantage for a dual lid on a 3' or 4' wide grapple?

No, there isn't. Probably useful with a 60 and certainly with a 72.

 

[sd455dan]

I think the point is that virtually any CUT does fine with a light duty 48" grapple. At least one TBN member has one on his M59 which probably has a lift about 3500lbs.

That still is very impressive lift capacity :thumbsup:

 

[Dingo Man]

I really like them because they have the longer lower tines that will help with grabbing something like a log. But when you look at the weight wow those are really heavy way more than would be advised for a CUT. Not sure what size tractor you have but look real hard at the weight.
The one I bought is in the 600 lb range and that is heavy but thoes ranch rake units look like 900 +.

Nope they make a 48" that weighs about 500 to 600.

 

[Dingo Man]

Island Tractor, for what is available out there for 48" grapples comparable to what you have, which one would you go with if you had to buy one today. I am now looking hard at the WR Long 48" RBG2. But it is a lot of money.

 

[IslandTractor]

Island Tractor, for what is available out there for 48" grapples comparable to what you have, which one would you go with if you had to buy one today. I am now looking hard at the WR Long 48" RBG2. But it is a lot of money.

I would buy the Wildkat if and only if they have switched from 4x4x0.125 to 4x4x0.25 for the top tube. 3/8" mild steel is all you need for the bottom tines and upper arm. I think that is currently the best bang for the buck but that top tube issue needs to be fixed. Curved bottom time tips would be my preference but I haven't heard anyone with straight bottom tines complain.

If the price was acceptable from a dealer I would happily own a WRLong 48" OBG2. I would not personally want an RBG style as I think the clamshell style grapples are not as versatile as well as being more expensive.

I haven't seen much about the Titan 48 but it looks fine. If EA made a 48 I would have confidence in that one too. Gator used to make a good 48 too but I don't know if they are in business anymore.

 

[IslandTractor]

Nope they make a 48" that weighs about 500 to 600.

Must have 1/2" bottom tines which IMO is overkill for a CUT