Which grapple

[delgra]

Hardknocks I checked out HLA grapple and I like the 'Wicked' much better, the HLA seems too light and I couldn't find a pricel The W from EA is $1395 plus $150 shipping to Combermere HH, 4 miles from me. Just realized the price is in US dollars and our Buck is in the toilet. Likely another $100. Just waiting to hear from my dealer for his input.
Bob

 

[Hard Knocks]

That's cool Bob,

Please let us know how it works for you.

 

[Red Horse]

I thought I read somewhere that the wildkat doesn't even put zirc fittings in the pivot locations for the grapple arm? Is that true? Or does yours have zircs?

Correct-does not. I would say I raised my eyebrows when I got it, but I have to say after two years of pretty heavy use-no big deal. Do I see any noticeable wear? No! I believe this thing is a great value.I paid under 700 bucks delivered to Mass. I do believe they have gone up since I bought mine but when I look at some of the prices out there, I'll take the Wildkat-without Zerks!

 

[Piston]

Can't argue with that price Red Horse! I paid double that for my WR Long a few years ago!

 

[delgra]

Ordered the wicked grapple from EA this PM. $1395 +$150 shipping to Ontario!!! Will keep you all posted.

 

[Piston]

Ordered the wicked grapple from EA this PM. $1395 +$150 shipping to Ontario!!! Will keep you all posted.

awesome! Congrats, your gonna wonder how you ever got along without it!

 

[delgra]

Grapple delivered on the 19th of Feb, ordered on Jan 31. Customs and tax of $156 was not expected as I thought we had free trade?? I intend to run it from the rear and have to get the lines made (16') and operate it in the 'B' position. This seems like the more economical way to go. I will have to wait a bit before using as the snow banks are 5-7 feet in my yard and I plow with the FEL, it only took me a season to learn FEL plowing! So far the tool looks perfect and I'am pleased with the transaction and the service from EA.

 

[delgra]

Got the lines installed and I am glad I went a bit longer than necessary as I did not measure the FEL at the highest point! So far so good, its doing all I hoped for. There is a lot of movement of the lines between the grapple and the front of the tractor for which I have no reference. Guess time will tell. Seems as long as the lines don't kink everything is ok. Any Lads running their grapples from the rear with long lines let me know your experience. Thanks. Bob

 

[k0ua]

Got the lines installed and I am glad I went a bit longer than necessary as I did not measure the FEL at the highest point! So far so good, its doing all I hoped for. There is a lot of movement of the lines between the grapple and the front of the tractor for which I have no reference. Guess time will tell. Seems as long as the lines don't kink everything is ok. Any Lads running their grapples from the rear with long lines let me know your experience. Thanks. Bob

Mine are from the rear. No problems. I use a bungee cord up front to manage the lines from the torque tube to the grapple.

 

[delgra]

James, Thanks for the input. How long is your line from grapple to 1st connectors? Mine is EA standard 46" and I could not tie down those connectors as it would limit the upward extension of the unit. It just seems there is too much movement of the front lines. I went under from the front, not on the arms as you did. I wonder if that makes a difference? I cut a yellow birch 20" on the stump today, dropped it on the trail and didn't have to pick up 1 branch to clean up. Good seat time!