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

   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #181  
My experience with Wildkat is the same. Just to test it out, I smacked the top support tube with a 2# sled hammer - no dents - The 1/8" steel would have dented. They are using 1/4" steel tubing in the top support now.

Well their employees should get their stories straight because they lost my sale when they told me they have not changed their design or materials used. I would have gave them a chance but I am also not second guessing my decision to go with the NAI grapple either. I still think they are both comparable I just do not have the time or patience to deal with the possible glitches that have been related to the Wildkat.
 
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #184  
I went with the NAI 48" Light Duty Root Grapple.

My main decision factors were:
> Tractor is a Kubota L3540 w/ bigger loader (i.e. not too big)
> Maximize lifting capacity for moving logs
> Decent design & build quality
> Reasonable Price

It was $820 plus shipping (which was a decent chunk to Calif). I don't recall the weight, but it's one of the lightest. It has greaseable pins for all of the pivots.

I first used it to move brush to the burn pile and it worked great. I have also used it to move large oak logs and it lifts more than I expected. Like all other grapple owners, I'm very happy with it. :thumbsup:

Anyone know much about this unit of theirs? Looks stout but they are skimpy on the dimensional info. Weight in 1/2" and 5/8"? Opening dimension? Standard SSQA?

http://www.northamericanimplements.com/implements/north-american-grapple.html
 
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   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #185  
Anyone know much about this unit of theirs? Looks stout but they are skimpy on the dimensional info. Weight in 1/2 and 4/5"? Opening dimension? Standard SSQA?

North American Grapple - NAI

I agree they have a crappy website full of photos but missing critical data like max jaw opening and implement weight. They also seem to focus on A36 steel and 1/2 or even 5/8 inch tines which are all overkill for CUT grapples. "A36" is simply what most of us know as common, garden variety, mild steel. 3/8" mild steel is perfectly adequate. To be fair, their "light duty root grapple" is 3/8" mild steel however the short back of the grapple probably translates into a relatively small max jaw opening. I wouldn't worry about the structural strength or weight (probably 350-375lbs) of their light duty grapple but the jaw opening is a question.
 
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #186  
I agree they have a crappy website full of photos but missing critical data like max jaw opening and implement weight. They also seem to focus on A36 steel and 1/2 or even 5/8 inch tines which are all overkill for CUT grapples. "A36" is simply what most of us know as common, garden variety, mild steel. 3/8" mild steel is perfectly adequate. To be fair, their "light duty root grapple" is 3/8" mild steel however the short back of the grapple probably translates into a relatively small max jaw opening. I wouldn't worry about the structural strength or weight (probably 350-375lbs) of their light duty grapple but the jaw opening is a question.

The one I just order (their LD root grapple) has a 38 to 40 inch opening.
 
   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #187  
The one I just order (their LD root grapple) has a 38 to 40 inch opening.

That is about what I thought. Basic geometry. If you notice their grapple has a relatively short back compared to some others. My grapple has an opening of about 46" but the back of the grapple is taller too. 38-40 is probably fine but I wouldn't want anything less than that.
 

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   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #189  
That is about what I thought. Basic geometry. If you notice their grapple has a relatively short back compared to some others. My grapple has an opening of about 46" but the back of the grapple is taller too. 38-40 is probably fine but I wouldn't want anything less than that.

Dang Millonzi for going out of business. No one seems to have the large opening in an L grapple you have other than WR Long which seems a little high priced.
 
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   / Which type of grapple is best suited for... #190  
 
 
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