Need help deciding on a grapple

[Poopdeck Pappy]

thanks.. how do you like the stump grapple? how versatile is it? Im wondering if a stump grapple would be just as beneficial since it could dig for me as well... can you pick up brush with with it? I actually called RCO in Gville and it was 1900 installed for the 48" grapple which I thought was kinda high.

I haven't used it enough to form a firm opinion. Probably 2 hours of use so far. I like that I can dig with it, but I'm leary of digging too much. My tractor is brand new so I'm feeling my way along, trying not to tear anything up while I discover the limitations of my equipment. One thing I don't like, as I mentioned, is the solid back of it that prevents me from seeing what the bucket part of the grapple is doing.

Yes, I can pick up brush with it.

 

[shibaura_4043]

i have the wildkat version of the bobcat one in your fist post. i paid $1200 at auction and 25 for fittings. it works great pushing over trees and picking them up raking the ground, i have cleared a little bit with it

the land (wish i had before photos but i don't, bigger trees (6"+) were cut with a saw and the stumps ground)

If I could find that style for 1200 I would have definitely bought it too.... that's a good deal. It looks pretty tough have you have any issues out of it?

 

[Piston]

I have a lot of experience with the WR Long OBG 2 grapple. I mainly use it for "woods work" such as clearing land, handling a LOT of brush, raking out stray limbs and roots or saplings, back blading newly cleared areas for rough grading, moving quite a bit of firewood, loading logs on my mill, managing lumber and slabs, digging up large rocks/boulders, and generally any other thing I use my tractor for. I almost never have my bucket on the tractor anymore because of how useful the grapple is.

I have a little experience with a root rake grapple which is what I used before purchasing my own grapple.

For the two tractors mentioned I would think my same grapple would be a great match for you. There are quite a few options out there and unfortunately I only have experience with two of them, so I can only comment on those. However, if I were buying new right now I would take a really good look at the WR Long line of OBG2 grapples and the Everything Attachments line of Wicked Grapples.

 

[shibaura_4043]

thanks pappy...that's something to consider.

 

[shibaura_4043]

I have a lot of experience with the WR Long OBG 2 grapple. I mainly use it for "woods work" such as clearing land, handling a LOT of brush, raking out stray limbs and roots or saplings, back blading newly cleared areas for rough grading, moving quite a bit of firewood, loading logs on my mill, managing lumber and slabs, digging up large rocks/boulders, and generally any other thing I use my tractor for. I almost never have my bucket on the tractor anymore because of how useful the grapple is.

I have a little experience with a root rake grapple which is what I used before purchasing my own grapple.

For the two tractors mentioned I would think my same grapple would be a great match for you. There are quite a few options out there and unfortunately I only have experience with two of them, so I can only comment on those. However, if I were buying new right now I would take a really good look at the WR Long line of OBG2 grapples and the Everything Attachments line of Wicked Grapples.

Thanks Piston, can you pop roots of smaller trees pretty good with your grapple?

 

[terryknight]

If I could find that style for 1200 I would have definitely bought it too.... that's a good deal. It looks pretty tough have you have any issues out of it?

so far it has heldup to everything i have thrown at it.

 

[shibaura_4043]

so far it has heldup to everything i have thrown at it.

thanks

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

. . . I actually called RCO in Gville and it was 1900 installed for the 48" grapple which I thought was kinda high.

The grapple RCO had looked amazingly similar to this W.R. Long OBG2 grapple. (I'm pretty sure theirs is made by Construction Attachments, but it looks almost identical the the W.R. Long if my memory serves me correctly.) The W.R. Long grapple alone is the same price that RCO quoted you for theirs installed, which would include hoses and quick connects. That's not a horrible deal in my opinion.

W.R. Long Loader Open Bottom Grapple 2 for Compact Tractors

 

[Bascom]

I got a 60 inch medium class grapple from the Rake Shop two and a half years ago and would buy from them again. Superb construction, excellent welds and perfect fit. Quality, domestic hyd cylinders as well. No problems at all other than me busting a hose after a limb caught it.

I use it mainly for brush cleanup/uprooting and to move logs. Have pushed over/uprooted a few decent sized sweetgums easily. 60 inch works for me as I clean up lots of debris. 48 might work for you. I got the medium class rather than the light class due to the larger dimensions, i.e. 48" open vs. 36". You might be able to get them to build one to medium dimensions using light class sized metal to save a bit of weight. I'm also a fan of the two "top claw/jaw" design for cleanup in and around trees.
Good luck with you choice! Most everyone likes their grapple and this thread will definitely generate some opinions! LOL

 

[Xfaxman]

I vote for the the rake shop style grapple, because for picking up cedar trees you can grab the big ones from any angle.

The tines will penetrate the branches. Mine is a Gorilla Grapple. :thumbsup:


Can't do that with this style.