The WICKED Root & Debris GRAPPLE!!!!!!!

[IslandTractor]

The bottom tines don't necessarily need to be much longer to increase the jaw opening. The upper jaw would need to be a bit longer in the tooth (the portion that comes down to contact the lower tines). If EA just mounted the upper jaw on some ears that stood up from the back of the grapple instead of mounting the hinges directly to the frame, the geometry would allow for a bigger opening. As there is relatively little stress on that mount as all it does is support closing of the grapple. My Millonzi grapple has, as I recall measuring, a 46" opening and it is also a simple 48" wide light duty grapple. The design is not exactly the same as the EA52 because the bottom tines on mine are in fact a bit longer but the elevated mounting of the upper jaw would still make a difference.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Our Compact Root Rake Grapple would allow for a larger bite and not hurt lift capacity because the different design keeps the weight close to the tractor, but they're not nearly as versatile.

We probably sell 25+ of the L shaped wicked grapples to 1 of the clamshell grapple rakes.
Travis

For the most part, my tractor's lifting limit is not an issue. With longer tines and a larger clam, the attachment would be able to grab more twiggy brush (because nobody bucks brush) as well as being able to carry more logs in one go which would make for fewer trips to my brush pile or to my trailers, increasing my productivity.

That said, my wicked root grapple is a great tool, I just wish it had longer tines as well as a larger opening.

 

[Xfaxman]

The bottom tines don't necessarily need to be much longer to increase the jaw opening. The upper jaw would need to be a bit longer in the tooth (the portion that comes down to contact the lower tines). If EA just mounted the upper jaw on some ears that stood up from the back of the grapple instead of mounting the hinges directly to the frame, the geometry would allow for a bigger opening. As there is relatively little stress on that mount as all it does is support closing of the grapple. My Millonzi grapple has, as I recall measuring, a 46" opening and it is also a simple 48" wide light duty grapple. The design is not exactly the same as the EA52 because the bottom tines on mine are in fact a bit longer but the elevated mounting of the upper jaw would still make a difference.

Right, the tines could left the same length, just raise the pivot point..

Notice how far above the top of the attachment plate the upper jaw hinges are.

 

[Xfaxman]

For the most part, my tractor's lifting limit is not an issue. With longer tines and a larger clam, the attachment would be able to grab more twiggy brush (because nobody bucks brush) as well as being able to carry more logs in one go which would make for fewer trips to my brush pile or to my trailers, increasing my productivity.

That said, my wicked root grapple is a great tool, I just wish it had longer tines as well as a larger opening.

I piled some brush on a dead tree. Notice the size of the brush pile compared to the 51" opening of the grapple.

Looking back toward the grapple

Clamped down.

Picked up.

I could use a wider opening grapple ! :laughing:

 

[jmc]

I piled some brush on a dead tree. Notice the size of the brush pile compared to the 51" opening of the grapple.
View attachment 407511

The brushpile pictured here is a perfect example of "It's not the size of your equipment- It's how you use it."

When confronted with a seemingly oversized pile like this, the first thought is to flatten it with the grapple, get a good bite on the partially compacted pile, pick it up and see how much is securely captured and how much is going to fall out as you move it. Then try it again.

Usually, it's better to work the pile a bit before grabbing it. Push the pile forward with a little down pressure but no tines under the pile. The idea is to roll the pile up so the side branches break and all the brush becomes intertwined. Then back drag pile the same way. You get a much more compacted load that way, which also pays off if you are loading it in a vehicle.

Sorry if this technique was common knowledge.

 

[k0ua]

One thing I do after rolling the pile a bit is to come down more from the top of the pile so it compacts even more and then grab and then curl up to haul it away.

 

[IslandTractor]

I think most grapple users figure out the "roll up and smooch" brush before clamping technique within a few hours of grapple use. The point remains that a larger opening allows more efficient grappling especially for brush but also for stumps and other bulky objects. It allows you to carry the load closer to pivot point in some circumstances too (I'm thinking of a stump that might not fit inside the grapple if the jaws aren't big enough. I've never really needed more than the 46" or so that my grapple opens but I know I would find 36" (or anything under about 42") very limiting, especially for brush. Zero advantage to smaller opening as best I can figure too.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I piled some brush on a dead tree. Notice the size of the brush pile compared to the 51" opening of the grapple.
View attachment 407511

Looking back toward the grapple
View attachment 407512


Clamped down.
View attachment 407513

Picked up.
View attachment 407514

I could use a wider opening grapple ! :laughing:

See the pile of brush clamped down in the grapple of my tractor? That's how much I could get from the pile of brush in the foreground. Pretty disappointing. It was easier to open the jaws and manually load the grapple with material--which is how I've learned is the best way to get a decent load.

 

[k0ua]

I have carried loads much larger than that with my little one. You need more practice of "rolling and smooshing"

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I have carried loads much larger than that with my little one. You need more practice of "rolling and smooshing"

I'm familiar with the technique. It doesn't help on this twenty foot tall twiggy stuff that grows along my swap's waters edge on my road.