Grapple Grapple Advice: single lid or dual lid?

[cricketman]

Newbie here, excited about getting my first grapple, will be going on a Kubota L4310 with an LA681 loader that I actually inherited from my Dad who passed away a couple years ago. (I already had a smaller Kubota L2850 with BF500 loader, would like to get something I could use on it as well, but will grapple will prob be used more often on the 4310).

I just joined this forum about 3 days ago, & have probably spent 10 hours already reading posts. WOW!... lots of great stuff on here! (THANKS to all of you!!).

So... I think I am leaning towards an EA Wicked Grapple, either a 54" or a 60" (buckets on both tractors are 60" wide, and I think I am convinced that grapple ought NOT to be narrower than my tire tracks?).

SINGLE LID vs DUAL LID is the thing I cannot seem to make up my mind on.

Primary usage will prob be collecting brush to pile/burn, transporting some cut down and/or fallen trees, expect the root digging/breaking ability will be utilized some but I don't think that will be a HUGE part of what I will be doing.

I have searched this forum for threads on single vs dual lids, and have found some thoughts, but most threads seem to only touch on that topic a bit & then wander off to other things.

SO... any pros/cons of single vs dual lids with specific reasons why one is better/worse than the other would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[k0ua]

Oh, dear.. the worm can has been opened.:laughing:

How do you feel about tractor tires? R1 or R4? Transmissions Gear or Hydro? Please don't tug on supermans cape, or spit into the wind, don't pull the mask off the old lone ranger and for sure don't mess around with Jim.

But on a serious note, the single lid is all you need. The best reason for that is because it is the one I have. Others may have different opinions. I would be willing to bet.

Some will speak of the ability to clamp loads with varying dimensions. etc, but they were abused children and likely suffered some damage.

No, in all honesty, just get which ever one you like. I can't say I have ever wanted a two lid unit, but then again I have never owned a two lid unit. Perhaps if I had the experience with both styles and various widths, I could offer a better analysis as to the relative merits of one over the other, but sadly I cannot as I have only experienced a single lid grapple. And it works great.

Even greater after I put on my sapling pulling attachment.

 

[k0ua]

Oh, I almost forgot. Welcome to the forum, we are glad to have you. :thumbsup:

 

[prichard]

Here's 181 post for your enjoyment
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/330358-grapple-1-lid-2-a.html

 

[cricketman]

Thanks to you both.

(A 181 post thread on my topic?!!?!? SWEET! Now I know what I'll be doing the rest of the night!!) :laughing:

Any & all other thoughts are appreciated.

AS James noted, hopefully I will hear from someone who has experience with both single & dual lids that can give some good first hand knowledge of the pros/cons of each.

Thanks guys!

 

[EverythingAttachments]

I'll not get in the debate because there will never be a clear winner. Been there, done that! :laughing:
Really, I do not strongly lean either way and have never had someone regret getting either one vs. the other.

Another place to join in discussions with EA Wicked Grapple owners is our private facebook group, the Everything Attachments Channel.
Come on over an join us!
Travis

These pics of a 4330 with a 60" Single Lid Wicked Grapple were recently shared in there.
Wicked Grapple on the front and EA Landscape Rake on the back!
The ULTIMATE combo for cleaning up!

 

[cricketman]

Thanks Travis - I'll do that!

(FYI, my name is Clay - I called you yesterday I think it was to discuss a bit... I expect to be making a decision pretty soon, so you'll prob be hearing from me again!)

 

[k0ua]

Thanks Travis - I'll do that!

(FYI, my name is Clay - I called you yesterday I think it was to discuss a bit... I expect to be making a decision pretty soon, so you'll prob be hearing from me again!)

Clay, I am James down up here in Branson Mo. We would be happy to hear about your new grapple purchase and how you use it and how you are getting along with it. Post some pictures of it in use when you get time. If you have any problems we can help you with, don't be afraid to give a shout out. There are a lot of guys on here with a lot of experience in many different fields, and most are quite willing to help.

 

[cricketman]

Thanks James, will do.

I'm just getting started, so will prob wind up being a few weeks before I get something in action, but I am going to try to move pretty quickly (patience not being one of my greater virtues and all...).

So far, I'm thinking I will get a WR Long SSQA Adapter for the tractor side (looks like many users on TBN have had great luck with that one), and a WR Long 3rd function valve kit (both from wherever is the most cost effective), and I am leaning towards a Wicked Grapple from EA.

Will continue reading/thinking/drooling, but that's where my head is right now.

 

[txdon]

Most of us like a grapple the same width as our FRONT tires, Which is less than bucket size so I would go with the 54". My bucket is 72" my grapple is 52" on my Kubota L5030. The dual lid, like I have, is good for setting tall poles/post and secures off size loads better. Here is a pic of my dual lid grapple setting a tall post. The lids stabilizes the post side motion so just one chain is required.