EA 72" Wicked Grapple on Utility Tractor Installed

[rustyshakelford]

I have been wanting a grapple for a while and with the recent storms blowing down or snapping off a bunch of trees I figured nows a great time. I looked all over and kept returning to the EA line. Every time I had questions id call Travis and he would give me great feedback and answered all questions. After a week I was sold on the wicked even though it's designed around compacts. I figured if Eric can't destroy it with his big kioti than it should hold up fine for my use.

My tractor has a single rear remote and nothing on the loader but I kept seeing clues like it's meant to have one. I was originally planning on using the rear remote but the cost was about the same for the diverter. It's comsiderably more user friendly. I did some digging and a bunch of PMs here and since I was unable to find a factory kit with some pointers I had a plan of attack. I bought the diverter valve from baileys and all hoses and fittings from surplus city. I also made a stop at my dealer for some more fittings. On my h240 loader, it has flat faced couplings. I bought sae and npt. Between all the parts for the diverter I have about $250 in it and a bunch of left over fittings. I think my joystick was meant to have a button so I tried it out. Worked great with a little dremel action.

I also have a euro/global loader hook up. It's extremely difficult to find these attachments. When you do they are usually high dollar. I bought a global/ssqa adapter to use also. If I add a hyd post hole digger it can be used too

Brett

I just unloaded it off the FedEx truck

Joystick switch install

Diverter valve

Hoses routed thru loader

Quick connects

Finished product

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Nice set up, that's a good look'n rig. I have the same EA grapple, and never do a day's work with it, it's all fun. Enjoy!

View attachment 428272

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Well done!

 

[Wild Bill the 2nd]

I figured if Eric can't destroy it with his big kioti than it should hold up fine for my use.

I have one sitting in my yard waiting for my new tractor to arrive. I was extremely happy to see Eric's pics and video to show how these things stand up to a larger tractor. I too had some reservations since they are "Designed for smaller compacts".

Nice install of the 3rd function on the loader frame. I'm sure you will be happy with it!

 

[RiverRat77]

looks good. Wouldnt mind getting one for my lil tractor. I bet they come in extra handy

 

[Jim Timber]

That's cruel you got it done and can't play with it.

Looks good!

I love my grapple.

 

[rustyshakelford]

That's cruel you got it done and can't play with it.

Looks good!

I love my grapple.

I'm getting by. My dr told me I can't hurt what he has done and the only restricting factors are pain. I've for a decent tolerance so we're getting along. Took my boy on the four wheeler yesterday. I was thankful I got the power steering but it's not to bad. Next hand is on the 9th.

Brett

 

[Jim Timber]

Carpal tunnel release?

 

[rustyshakelford]

Carpal tunnel release?

That's it. Turn 31 in July and so far this year started back injections, just got glasses and bi-lateral carpal tunnel. Getting old is ****!

Really isn't near as bad as dr made it out to be.
Brett

 

[Jim Timber]

I had both mine done about 3 years ago. It was a Blessing. Surgery was over in about 20 minutes and it felt like someone turned the volume up on my fingers when they cut the ligament in my right hand. It was instant. Left one was a bit worse, but there was a lot more scar tissue in that one for some reason (I'm right handed). The poor intern cutting it might have been better off with a sawzall or at least a wiz wheel. Felt like she was hacking on over cooked steak. Feeling didn't return as quickly in that one, but it did come back as the drugs wore off.

Did you do the full opening incision, or did they hook it with the cutter and pull?