Grapple questions about choice of root grapple

[Red Horse]

I don't find the "flats" on the end of the tines to be an issue- I guess from a strength viewpoint, I wouldrather have those "flats" as they are in essence strengthening the tines. And Ihave not had any issue grabbing roots. as for Joe's comments on the advantages of a rake as wide as your wheel footprint I'm sure that has its advantages. You only have so much HP and I think the narrower rake makes for more efficient removal as you are concentrating your power over less width-stands to reason-wider the rake, more power you need.

 

[JoeBuyer]

So everyone is clear RAKE Root Grapples are completely different from BUCKET Root Grapples. I could not pick up a stump like in the right side picture above with my RAKE style, no way. At the same time, my brush and vines would go right through A BUCKET style top clamp. It would not grip enough to pull the roots out like I do (pull from the top growth like pulling 10' weeds)

RAKE STYLE
http://www.skidsteerexpress.com/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi?preadd=action&key=ROOT3RG-R72

BUCKET STYLE
http://www.skidsteerexpress.com/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi?preadd=action&key=ROOT1RG-B72

Wider is better for me on the rake, but I believe narrow is better on the bucket style, but it all depends on your use. Now I just have to find a way to buy a bucket style. LOL

 

[whitedogone]

A 48" is plenty. In fact, in most situations it has clear advantages.
WDO

 

[94BULLITT]

Why do you guys say a 48" grapple is all you need?

 

[HCJtractor]

Simple. A 48" will pick up a mass of debris the size of house! Seriously, my 48" will grab so much that i can not see around it. I have never wished for a wider bite, but often use the corner tines in an attemt to narrow the focus when trying to uproot tree roots. You can't pick up more with a 72 than i can with a 48, but my 48 will out dig your 72 hands down. If uproot trees and clearing land is a common use, go 48". If all you want is a rake on your FEL, then go wider.

And the bucket style is the way to go on a tractor. A skid steer may do ok with the other, but a tractor does not enough pushing power in my opinion to utilize that style.

 

[94BULLITT]

Simple. A 48" will pick up a mass of debris the size of house! Seriously, my 48" will grab so much that i can not see around it. I have never wished for a wider bite, but often use the corner tines in an attemt to narrow the focus when trying to uproot tree roots. You can't pick up more with a 72 than i can with a 48, but my 48 will out dig your 72 hands down. If uproot trees and clearing land is a common use, go 48". If all you want is a rake on your FEL, then go wider.

And the bucket style is the way to go on a tractor. A skid steer may do ok with the other, but a tractor does not enough pushing power in my opinion to utilize that style.

I think I understand. If I had a 48" grapple and picked up brush and had 1' overhang I would be 72." I am thinking about making a bucket style.

 

[rbtjr]

After all of the input on this thread, I will get the bucket-style (open bottom) grapple, either a 48 or a 54 (or 56, if I buy the W. L. Long version). I do think that the 48 will pick up anything I need to pick up, and would be better at grubbing out trees, stumps and such. My application includes a good bit of raking loose debris--probably a little more raking than rubbing. Hence my inclination toward a little wider grapple. But I do get it about the utility of the 48, especially for a smaller tractor.

 

[HCJtractor]

You will love it. Might as well sell your bucket. Mine has not been used in 5 years! Lets see some pix when you get it. Whats the cost? Is your FEL skid steer ready?

 

[rbtjr]

I'm due to get the cost quotes today, and I'll report back then. Yes, the FEL is skid steer ready. Actually, our new L3800 is due this week with the FEL with the skid steer quick attachment system. The L3800 will come with a 4N1 bucket from W. R. Long. We sold a Kubota M5400 (on which we also had a 4N1 bucket, which I really enjoyed, and a Woods 9000 9' backhoe, detachable with undercarriage mount, which I hardly ever used) and bought the new one. I'm trying to make our tractor arrangements more family-friendly. I was the only one who ever operated the M5400. Great tractor. I wanted the L4600 for the replacement, but other family members preferred the L3800, so that's what is coming. I am looking forward to having the grapple. As I said, I really enjoy the 4N1 bucket, but it is clear to me that the grapple is the better implement for many, maybe most, jobs with the FEL. And yes, I'll post some pics when I get all of this stuff. Thanks again to everyone for the feedback.

 

[foggy1111]

Simple. A 48" will pick up a mass of debris the size of house! Seriously, my 48" will grab so much that i can not see around it. I have never wished for a wider bite, but often use the corner tines in an attemt to narrow the focus when trying to uproot tree roots. You can't pick up more with a 72 than i can with a 48, but my 48 will out dig your 72 hands down. If uproot trees and clearing land is a common use, go 48". If all you want is a rake on your FEL, then go wider.

And the bucket style is the way to go on a tractor. A skid steer may do ok with the other, but a tractor does not enough pushing power in my opinion to utilize that style.

^ I completely agree with THIS assessment of grapple size / style. The width /size of a grapple is one area where more is NOT better. Oftentimes you need to focus your "grubbing" efforts when using a grapple...and a 48" works better in this area. I've never wished for a larger size grapple or for double clamps on the top.

Getting a volume of brush and debris into a 48" grapple is not a problem. I seldom use my dirt bucket anymore.....the grapple does so many chores better.

 

[Red Horse]

I see you are in NC.. Wildkat is in Denton?-how close are you? Maybe a better deal.."cash and carry" Also they will deal on the phone-at least they did when I bought mine in Jan. I talked to Anita.

 

[HCJtractor]

Did they take over markham welding?

 

[rbtjr]

I see you are in NC.. Wildkat is in Denton?-how close are you? Maybe a better deal.."cash and carry" Also they will deal on the phone-at least they did when I bought mine in Jan. I talked to Anita.

I live about 80 miles from Denton. I've been trying to get in touch with the Wildkat folks. Will continue to try. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[smilinjak]

Rbtjr: Everything attachments is in Newton, NC not very far from you. Ted can give you helpful professional advice about a grapple. I have a CA 60 on an L3800 that is perfect for the application you describe. Thre price was right and the service was outstanding. You might want to consider a set of rear wheel spacers for more stability. They are available from Tracks Co. Call 510-601-7550 or Email christianhan@earthlink.net.
Smilinjak

 

[rbtjr]

Rbtjr: Everything attachments is in Newton, NC not very far from you. Ted can give you helpful professional advice about a grapple. I have a CA 60 on an L3800 that is perfect for the application you describe. Thre price was right and the service was outstanding. You might want to consider a set of rear wheel spacers for more stability. They are available from Tracks Co. Call 510-601-7550 or Email christianhan@earthlink.net.
Smilinjak

Thanks, smilinjak. I appreciate the info. I have looked at the CA 60. I think I have settled on the W. R. Long 56" or 48" version. The Long 56" is very similar to the CA version, for about the same price, but it has a 44" jaw opening, plus I won't have to mess with the hydraulics because our FEL has a Long 4N1 bucket with presumably identical hydraulic hookups. You definitely have my attention about rear wheel spacers. I tried to look up Tracks Co on the Internet and couldn't find them, so I'll call or email. Our L3800 is a hair over 60" outside to outside on the rear wheels. We traded in a Kubota M5400 on which I had both the front and rear wheels set to the maximum width for stability. The L3800 doesn't offer any options for more width, so I would be interested in the spacer idea. Do you have the spacers on your 3800? If so, how much width did you gain? I'll follow up. Thanks again.

 

[rbtjr]

I just made my decision and ordered the W. R. Long 56" OBG2 version. The price we got was $1775. After factoring in all of the good into I got on this thread, I opted for a compromise width (56" versus 48" or 60"), two grapples instead of one (although I have confidence in the opinions of the several posters who said that one grapple is enough), and a 44" jaw opening. The jaw opening was a significant factor to me. I'll let everyone know how it turns out and I'll post some pics. Thanks so much for the feedback from everyone.

 

[IslandTractor]

I just made my decision and ordered the W. R. Long 56" OBG2 version. The price we got was $1775. After factoring in all of the good into I got on this thread, I opted for a compromise width (56" versus 48" or 60"), two grapples instead of one (although I have confidence in the opinions of the several posters who said that one grapple is enough), and a 44" jaw opening. The jaw opening was a significant factor to me. I'll let everyone know how it turns out and I'll post some pics. Thanks so much for the feedback from everyone.

I'd recommend you call them back and cancel. $1775 is very expensive, you really don't have more than a modestly sized loader so you need minimum grapple weight, and, what most everyone has told you about a 48" grapple is correct. You will lift less with the 56" due to weight, you'll root rake and dig less efficiently because the larger grapple will distribute rather than concentrate force, and a 48" can pick up just as much brush.

Although it is easy to understand why people focus on standard bucket size, it really is an error. Excavators could easily handle ten foot grapples but rarely mount more than 36"-48" because that is the most effective size. Skidsteers usually mount wider grapples but they are construction tools and pick up a lot of scrap rather than brush or roots typically. Have you heard even one comment from an owner of a 48" grapple who wished he'd bought bigger or heavier duty?

I've had my 48" Millonzi for about seven years and routinely beat the crap out of it digging brush and knocking down trees. It has battle scars but works fine for every task I've done. It weighs about 300lbs and cost $500. It is matched well with my DK40se which has a considerably heavier tractor with a stronger loader.

Why get bigger?

 

[daveinnh]

We have a Kubota L4310 with a WR Long RBG2-60 that works nice. (bucket width is 68") Be sure to have it Quik-Tach'd. I use the grapple primarily for light root digging & picking logs & rocks.

Note that WR Long also makes an OBG2 series that may be better for (primarily) brush grappling.

Dave

 

[murphy1244]

IT is right. Cancel your order, that weighs 460 lbs. The 48 inch is a 100 lbs less.

 

[whitedogone]

$1700 + ........... WOW

My Wildkat was 1/3 of that price.