Grapple MTL eBay Inexpensive Root Rake Grapple

[CincyFlyer]

Budget and time concerns both prevented me from getting a lighter-weight (and stronger) EA unit, so for under a grand, delivered, I got an MTL 72" dual-lid grapple, in Kubota orange (to set off the Mahindra red) as advertised on eBay. I've played with it for several hours, and have no complaints; it works just fine, it's reasonably well built, not super-heavy (shipping weight was about 550 lbs.), has grease fittings and cylinder covers, and it's made in the USA. The seller (who is the manufacturer) called me and asked what kind of connectors I wanted, so it came ready to rock and roll.
I'm not going to do any actual root raking (except perhaps in the loose dirt where I've back-hoed several stumps) so there should be no real issue with strength. Mainly I'll move logs, brush piles, and construction debris from the money pit in the background of the picture. It would be nice if it was 100 lbs. lighter, but that would cost me more than a grand, and it can lift the largest log I have laying around and great gobs of brush with no issues.
So if money is tight, no need to fear the cheaper.

 

[davemhughes]

Budget and time concerns both prevented me from getting a lighter-weight (and stronger) EA unit, so for under a grand, delivered, I got an MTL 72" dual-lid grapple, in Kubota orange (to set off the Mahindra red) as advertised on eBay. I've played with it for several hours, and have no complaints; it works just fine, it's reasonably well built, not super-heavy (shipping weight was about 550 lbs.), has grease fittings and cylinder covers, and it's made in the USA. The seller (who is the manufacturer) called me and asked what kind of connectors I wanted, so it came ready to rock and roll.
I'm not going to do any actual root raking (except perhaps in the loose dirt where I've back-hoed several stumps) so there should be no real issue with strength. Mainly I'll move logs, brush piles, and construction debris from the money pit in the background of the picture. It would be nice if it was 100 lbs. lighter, but that would cost me more than a grand, and it can lift the largest log I have laying around and great gobs of brush with no issues.
So if money is tight, no need to fear the cheaper.
View attachment 559739

I like it....and more importantly, you like it

 

[Omega Woods]

Budget and time concerns both prevented me from getting a lighter-weight (and stronger) EA unit, so for under a grand, delivered, I got an MTL 72" dual-lid grapple, in Kubota orange (to set off the Mahindra red) as advertised on eBay. I've played with it for several hours, and have no complaints; it works just fine, it's reasonably well built, not super-heavy (shipping weight was about 550 lbs.), has grease fittings and cylinder covers, and it's made in the USA. The seller (who is the manufacturer) called me and asked what kind of connectors I wanted, so it came ready to rock and roll.
I'm not going to do any actual root raking (except perhaps in the loose dirt where I've back-hoed several stumps) so there should be no real issue with strength. Mainly I'll move logs, brush piles, and construction debris from the money pit in the background of the picture. It would be nice if it was 100 lbs. lighter, but that would cost me more than a grand, and it can lift the largest log I have laying around and great gobs of brush with no issues.
So if money is tight, no need to fear the cheaper.
View attachment 559739

Cool, thanks for sharing. This place is actually within driving distance to me so I could also save the shipping.

 

[TractorGuy]

I've been looking at their stuff for a while. I may eventually get one of the Xtreme rock grapples. I need to talk to them about making one that will pin on my backhoe or see about converting my hoe to quick attach.

 

[CincyFlyer]

Cool, thanks for sharing. This place is actually within driving distance to me so I could also save the shipping.

Their eBay price included shipping, I don't know if you can get more $$ off by picking up. Hopefully so!

 

[Teachu2]

That's about 2.5 times the weight of my EA. On a bigger tractor, the extra 300lbs wouldn't be a big deal, but on my just-big-enough tractor - it matters. That's 25% of capacity, gone before I start.

 

[handcuff]

CincyFlyer, thanks for reviewing that grapple - I really appreciate it! I am trying to make the same decision you were: Do I get the MTL grapple, or do I opt for the higher expense of an EA grapple. I don't have a grapple now, so don't know how much I'm going to use/need it on my land. As such, I have a difficult time justifying the higher expense (almost double) for a 'part-time' attachment. That isn't a slam on their product or the value/cost, it's just a reasonable review of tools I need to purchase and the ROI that they will give me in my particular circumstance (needing to get bush/logs/firewood, but not dig a bunch of rocks or roots out).

With that being said, I'd be very interested in any additional/extended review you have of the MTL grapple. I'm looking at their 60 or 66 inch double-lid, so very similar to what you bought. I'd be interested in your take as it relates to weld quality, fit-and-finish, strength of tines, and how 'close' the jaws get to each other - how much can I grab/drag brush between the teeth vs. how much brush is going to escape. Other things of importance would be the opening sizes (both front and back of 'jaw') and if there are things you think the tool is 'lacking' or needs improvement. Are the hoses and hydraulics protected properly? Did it fit on your SSQA without any fitment issues, etc.

...and lots of pictures. =D

Of course, if you are anything like the rest of us, you are busy and this is all secondary - I just wanted to say that I really appreciated the information and it landed at the perfect time. I have been searching MTL reviews over the past week or two and only found 1 semi-review (yours being the second).

 

[CincyFlyer]

That's about 2.5 times the weight of my EA. On a bigger tractor, the extra 300lbs wouldn't be a big deal, but on my just-big-enough tractor - it matters. That's 25% of capacity, gone before I start.

Yeah, but compare grapple to grapple, and the EA is lighter, but not by that much. This is the "flat bottom" grapple, not the clamshell.

 

[Teachu2]

Yeah, but compare grapple to grapple, and the EA is lighter, but not by that much. This is the "flat bottom" grapple, not the clamshell.

You missed my point, CF, which was that the MTL is too heavy for smaller CUTs like mine.

 

[otherpinz]

I have the MTL Extreme 84 and some Titan products. I can tell you right now the Titan welds look like they were done by a palsied simian but hold together. The MTL on the other hand has pretty welds. Again mine is an Extreme 84 and might not be a direct comparison. If you want more info let me know. I am a slow and bad typer -Typist?

 

[CincyFlyer]

After using this thing to dispose of a 50 foot maple that we dropped and chopped this afternoon, I can't believe that I didn't get a grapple before I got some of the other implements I have. Start to finish (standing tree to firewood and brushpile) was just over an hour. I have lifted up to the limit of my FEL with the grapple on it, barely got a 20' log off the ground (I calculated about 1500 lbs, so with 560 lbs of grapple, that's right at the FEL limit), so I've tested it with as much weight as it can lift. And that's when I'd like one 150-200 lbs lighter!
I even "root raked" a bit (wishing I had more and finer tines to get the smaller stuff, but at least it puts it all in a pile.)
I agree with otherpinz on the weld quality; although I wouldn't call the MTL welds "pretty", they are certainly perfectly acceptable. Titan stuff is often a bit "cobbier".

 

[Atchuuu]

Thanks for posting Cincy. I will look into the MTL. Had considered the EA but due to price and wait time for delivery I haven't pulled the trigger. Would be very interested in something under a grand.

 

[Tomtint]

Grapple looks nice.. A couple years ago I picked up a new 72" single lid with rock bucket Titan for relatively short money. I have said numerous times that for occasional use on a tractor... the lighter the better. My loader is rated to lift in the 1100 pound range, I bumped up the pressure a bit so it can lift a little more..but loading it down with a 500 pound implement ... kills the functionality of it. .. if I were using it everyday all day..with a skidsteer... weight would be much less the issue.

 

[Atchuuu]

Based on the comments in this thread it seems the MTL is much heavier than the EA unit. How much heavier? What makes it heavier?

 

[Atchuuu]

Here are the specs on the MTL vs the EA Grapple.

I could not find the exact weight of the MTL 66" but the MTL sizes range from 60"-78" so the 66" is likely around 575 pounds. So the EA wins on weight and opening size but is double the price.

MTL -SALE 2019 MTL HD Root Grapple Buckets - $999 Special Shipping weight 525 to 600 lbs
NEW for 2019 - Much larger Opening - an industry leading 34" (31.5" tip to tip, 34" Ground to top)

EA Wicked Root Grapple V 2.0
Our newest version has a larger 37" opening from larger 2.5" bore by 5" cylinders which results in a 20% increase in clamping force. Weight 452lbs
ETA-WRG-CMP66 Everything Attachments Wicked Root Grapple for Compact Tractors 66"
$2,198.00 On Sale for $ 2,074.00

 

[Rmart30]

I have been looking at these also. While I am all for HD and quality well built stuff I think one of these grapples would do what I want to do just fine for less than half the cost. That saving alone will pay for the 3rd function kit to go with it.
Currently Im getting by using pallet forks. The trees I am cutting and moving are pine anywhere from 6-12" trunks and up to 45 tall. The larger ones I cut in half and then pick up with the forks and move to burn pile. But a clamp would make it a little quicker since its held tight and not wobbly like on the forks and would be better for brush piles.
I just need to decide if I want a 60, or 72" for my L4600.

 

[Rmart30]

Ended up ordering a dual lid 66". It arrived 2 business days after ordered. Glad i didnt go 72" as i think it would have been harder to maneuver. Probably could have been fine with a 60" but the price was minuscule between the 60 and 66.

 

[Hiptfarms]

Since it's been a few months since you fellas bought your MTL grapples, I was hoping someone would give an update on your thoughts. I am planning on getting a 72"x series rock bucket grapple setup for my Kubota M6800 and would like to hear if you guys are still pleased with your purchases.

 

[wwdiii]

My MTL grapple came in today, it’s at a freight company but haven’t laid eyes on it yet. Will pick it up next week after Christmas.

 

[Atchuuu]

Since it's been a few months since you fellas bought your MTL grapples, I was hoping someone would give an update on your thoughts. I am planning on getting a 72"x series rock bucket grapple setup for my Kubota M6800 and would like to hear if you guys are still pleased with your purchases.

Agree. Would love to hear some feedback from those of you using it.