Single Lid CUT Wicked Grapple..If your compact tractor could talk....

[johnnyvol]

Thanks, your insight and persuasion contributed to Ted's decision to build it!!
This grapple was designed and built with small compact and subcompact tractors in mind. We're not saying it wouldn't work on a larger one, we just don't recommend it.

Ouch! I was waiting to hear from you guys about how this new grapple worked. Was planning to put one on my L4060 but your statement above gives me reason to pause. What's the warranty on bending/ breakage?

 

[IslandTractor]

Ouch! I was waiting to hear from you guys about how this new grapple worked. Was planning to put one on my L4060 but your statement above gives me reason to pause. What's the warranty on bending/ breakage?

All the grapple manufacturers are overly conservative in size recommendations. They think in terms of commercial skid steer sizing which is very different than private CUT use. I have seven years of use with my light duty 48" grapple and most of that is aggressive use with a Kioti DK40 which is a pretty heavy 40hp with a very strong loader. If I wanted to destroy my grapple I could do it by ramming off centered it into objects or used the upper lid as a battering ram. I could use similar techniques to destroy the FEL or a box blade too. Point is that unless you put a moron behind the wheel, you can easily use a light duty grapple on any CUT up to 50hp.

I cannot vouch for the new EA grapple based on experience but I like the design. I would not hesitate to vouch for it in regular 3/8" mild steel and I have no reason to doubt their claim that the 1/4" high strength is just as good but I just don't have any experience with it. Maybe they should expand their lineup for the 35-50hp CUT by building almost the exact same grapple in 3/8 high strength. I'd personally try to tweak the geometry a bit to get the max opening up to 45" or so which shouldn't be that big a deal, just raise the back 6" or so.

The current new version is clearly the best thing out there for a sub35 HP though. It is light enough that even Kubota B series owners could make it work. EA should consider a B series pin on version as that could open a floodgate of demand for a popular tractor that has no QA.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

We think the 54" Wicked Grapple would be ideal if you wanted to stay small on that 4060.
The single lid 50" would be a dream on the L2800.
Our warranty covers defects in material and craftsmanship on attachments that are matched up correctly to your machine.
If you're serious about ordering the single lid grapple for the 4060, give me a call. Ted has a proposition for you.
Travis

 

[EverythingAttachments]

If I wanted to destroy my grapple I could do it by ramming off centered it into objects or used the upper lid as a battering ram. I could use similar techniques to destroy the FEL or a box blade too. Point is that unless you put a moron behind the wheel, you can easily use a light duty grapple on any CUT up to 50hp.

We were typing at the same time and you took the words right out of my mouth, more or less!! Good explanation!

 

[EverythingAttachments]

EA should consider a B series pin on version as that could open a floodgate of demand for a popular tractor that has no QA.

Ted has mentioned that. I think it would be a very smart thing to do.

 

[johnnyvol]

All the grapple manufacturers are overly conservative in size recommendations. They think in terms of commercial skid steer sizing which is very different than private CUT use. I have seven years of use with my light duty 48" grapple and most of that is aggressive use with a Kioti DK40 which is a pretty heavy 40hp with a very strong loader. If I wanted to destroy my grapple I could do it by ramming off centered it into objects or used the upper lid as a battering ram. I could use similar techniques to destroy the FEL or a box blade too. Point is that unless you put a moron behind the wheel, you can easily use a light duty grapple on any CUT up to 50hp.

I cannot vouch for the new EA grapple based on experience but I like the design. I would not hesitate to vouch for it in regular 3/8" mild steel and I have no reason to doubt their claim that the 1/4" high strength is just as good but I just don't have any experience with it. Maybe they should expand their lineup for the 35-50hp CUT by building almost the exact same grapple in 3/8 high strength. I'd personally try to tweak the geometry a bit to get the max opening up to 45" or so which shouldn't be that big a deal, just raise the back 6" or so.

The current new version is clearly the best thing out there for a sub35 HP though. It is light enough that even Kubota B series owners could make it work. EA should consider a B series pin on version as that could open a floodgate of demand for a popular tractor that has no QA.

Welp, looks like we get to find out if I'm a moron.:thumbsup:

We think the 54" Wicked Grapple would be ideal if you wanted to stay small on that 4060.
The single lid 50" would be a dream on the L2800.
Our warranty covers defects in material and craftsmanship on attachments that are matched up correctly to your machine.
If you're serious about ordering the single lid grapple for the 4060, give me a call. Ted has a proposition for you.
Travis

Thanks Travis and Ted! Grapple has been ordered. I'll let everyone know how it goes.:drink:

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Can't wait to see how you like it!
Those two tractors of yours may just fight over it!:laughing:

 

[TSO]

We're not saying it wouldn't work on a larger one, we just don't recommend it.

Can you specifically say why you don't recommend it for larger tractors? What will happen if I use it on my tractor? Maybe instead of horsepower ratings, to be a little bit more clear for those shopping, you should give it a loader lift-power range... For example, "recommended for loaders that have a lift capacity under 2,000 pounds".

 

[johnnyvol]

Can't wait to see how you like it!
Those two tractors of yours may just fight over it!:laughing:

you're saying the 491 isn't an option?:laughing:

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Can you specifically say why you don't recommend it for larger tractors? What will happen if I use it on my tractor? Maybe instead of horsepower ratings, to be a little bit more clear for those shopping, you should give it a loader lift-power range... For example, "recommended for loaders that have a lift capacity under 2,000 pounds".

I think IslandTractor described it best above. The user would be the #1 factor but we can't really rate them like that.
His light duty grapple serves him well, but I think he could damage it if he didn't exercise caution.
He knows what his tractor is capable of but, unfortunately, many users are not aware. This is why we must be careful in our recommendations.
The concern isn't really the lift capacity and pushing straight on, it's pushing/prying from the side that could cause damage.
The pushing/prying force is greater on larger compact tractors above 35hp because they're heavier and have more traction.
To cover ourselves, we wouldn't recommend the lighter grapple for tractors over that but the decision is ultimately up to the customer.
I'll talk to Ted about lift cap. rating vs. hp rating.

Like anyone in the business, we want to sell product, but the last thing we want is to have problems by over rating our products.
If we are honest from the start, hopefully things will not come back to haunt us in the future.