Grapple lightweight grapple buying decision

scobrado · Apr 20, 2013

I am choosing a grapple for my JD 3038E w/305 loader. The loader doesn't lift a ton, so light weight is a primary criterion. I will use it mostly for brush. It Also will be used with logs and a little for landscape rock (nothing too big). Some other selling points that I am looking for include greaseable joints, hardened steel, cylinder and hose shielding and routing to prevent damage.

Here are the candidates I am considering:

palletforks.com
RTGPLWD 48
48"
450#
1 cylinder
$975 shipped to Ore.

everthingattachments.com
ETA-WRG-CMP54
54"
349#
2 cylinders
$2060 shipped to Ore.

northamericanimplements.com
Light duty grapple
48"
385#
1 cylinder
$1376 shipped to Ore. (possibly discounted from this price)

Dirt Dog from equipmentbarn.net
AGCR60-JD
60"
372#
1 cylinder
$1399 shipped to Ore.

Any insights or recommendations on his purchase is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
--scobrado

Xfaxman · Apr 20, 2013

Your size, part number and weight don't match for the Wicked One.

ETA-WRG-CMP54 54" 349#

ETA-WRG-CMP60 60" 382#

Good things come in light packages.

:thumbsup:

scobrado · Apr 20, 2013

Xfaxman said:
Your size, part number and weight don't match for the Wicked One.

ETA-WRG-CMP54 54" 349#

ETA-WRG-CMP60 60" 382#

Good things come in light packages. :thumbsup:

Okie, edited. Thanks. The price has also gone up since I collected the info.

kennyd · Apr 20, 2013

Chris at Artillian is working on a lightweight grapple to compliment his line of forks for the JDQA setup. Not sure of the exact release date or price point, but I know its coming.

ss4010 · Apr 20, 2013

You might want to check out Wildkat Attachments

http://www.wildkatattachments.com/grapple.html

Their lightweight EconoGrapple has worked well for me. I picked one up a few years back in a (custom) 54" width for < $700. It seems the prices are higher now...

Steve

Red Horse · Apr 20, 2013

ss4010 said:
You might want to check out Wildkat Attachments

http://www.wildkatattachments.com/grapple.html

Their lightweight EconoGrapple has worked well for me. I picked one up a few years back in a (custom) 54" width for < $700. It seems the prices are higher now...

Steve

I too am a very satisfied Wildkat 48 owner-there are many of us on this site-can't beat the value-light enough but strong enough. I have a JD 4720 but one of my kids has a JD 2520 and it works well with his smaller machine too. Mine is a bit over a yeart and I paid 667-delivered to Mass.

scobrado · Apr 21, 2013

Red Horse said:
I too am a very satisfied Wildkat 48 owner-there are many of us on this site-can't beat the value-light enough but strong enough. I have a JD 4720 but one of my kids has a JD 2520 and it works well with his smaller machine too. Mine is a bit over a yeart and I paid 667-delivered to Mass.

I have seen the Wildcat, and it looks good, but appears to have skid steer interface. Do you use an adapter to get it onto a JDQA?

TSO · Apr 21, 2013

I'm shopping around too. One extra thing to consider, which you didn't list above: Grapple Opening height. Some open as wide as 48" while some of the others are 34" or 36". I don't recall which is which, but that's definitely something to think about.

NHbotanut · Apr 21, 2013

I have a WR Long RBG2-48 grapple and LOVE it. It only weighs 325#, and the jaws open to 48". While the price is on the high side, the quality is second to none. I have used and abused this grapple since 07 with no issues at all.