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

[IslandTractor]

I think increasing cylinder diameter from 2 inch to 2.5 inch actually increases clamping force by over 50%, rather than 20%, if anyone really cares.

I think you are right. It will give substantially more clamping power which is not always a good thing. The upper lid on a grapple typically serves just to hold a load steady while being transported. To achieve that requires very little clamping force. What requires clamping force is grabbing on to a stump or big rock and pulling it out of the ground (rather than just sticking the lower times under an object and curling or lifting it out). The potential problem comes when the object is asymmetric and one jaw tine tip makes contact well before the second so that the load is clamped by just one edge of the upper lid. With a lot of extra clamping force, the upper jaw can be twisted or the single tine can be splayed out. Ask me how I know. I'd be a bit concerned about the new EA as their lovely upper jaw is wider than my grapple's 18" jaw and therefore the twisting force would be magnified. EA could test this pretty easily by blocking the upper jaw on one side and then clamping to see how much deflection occurs. Of course dynamic forces incurred when using the lift/curl or tractor movement could easily add significantly to the forces on that single tine but that would be the same with the smaller original ram too.

 

[Fire Quacker]

The Single Lid 54, 60, 66 and 72 inch models open to 37".
Travis

Lovin' my EA 60" single lid! Got a chance to pile up some fruit tree damage from a recent storm, along with some demolition debris, and took a couple pics as I finished up. Getting some good use from the compact pallet forks I got at the same time. Small piles this time around but huge ones planned for this fall.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Any plans in the works to pass the 2.0 updates down to this little guy to make it a 37" opening as well?

No plans, since the 50" single lid grapple is rated for small compact tractors that are 35hp and less.
Currently, you can go to the 54" single lid for less than $200 and get 37" of opening.

The 50" weighs 255 pounds without the intermediate slats installed and 274 with them. Slats are included, but can be easily removed.
The 54" weighs 349 pounds.
Travis

 

[EverythingAttachments]

We have a NH TL100A with a HD 84" dual lid grapple that is great for pushing down and picking dead trees but, want to look into a smaller grapple for our LS XR4046HC tractor. It is 46 HP and has 2500 lb. lift at pins. It will mainly be used for picking up brush and tree branches when we trim trees. I'm thinking 60" width (or narrower) but, want max jaw opening. What do you guys suggest?



View attachment 435009



View attachment 435010



View attachment 435011

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

If you want to stay narrow, the 54" or 60" will be fine.
Difference in Wicked Grapple weight is really irrelevant for a 40hp tractor because there's not much difference between the smallest and largest.....so....width and single lid vs. double lid really comes down to personal preference.
Travis

 

[EverythingAttachments]

That one is 37"

Affirmative! 37" :thumbsup:
Travis

 

[EverythingAttachments]

I think you are right. It will give substantially more clamping power which is not always a good thing. The upper lid on a grapple typically serves just to hold a load steady while being transported. To achieve that requires very little clamping force. What requires clamping force is grabbing on to a stump or big rock and pulling it out of the ground (rather than just sticking the lower times under an object and curling or lifting it out). The potential problem comes when the object is asymmetric and one jaw tine tip makes contact well before the second so that the load is clamped by just one edge of the upper lid. With a lot of extra clamping force, the upper jaw can be twisted or the single tine can be splayed out. Ask me how I know. I'd be a bit concerned about the new EA as their lovely upper jaw is wider than my grapple's 18" jaw and therefore the twisting force would be magnified. EA could test this pretty easily by blocking the upper jaw on one side and then clamping to see how much deflection occurs. Of course dynamic forces incurred when using the lift/curl or tractor movement could easily add significantly to the forces on that single tine but that would be the same with the smaller original ram too.

The lids do take a beating. That's where some of the wickedness is applied.

Notice the upright triangular gussets supporting the rear cylinder mount.

54" Single LId


66" Double Lid


Even though the lids are wider on the single lid models(27" for the 54" & 60"/36" on the 66" & 72"), notice all of the support that is packed into them.
Rather than putting a small hinge on the lid, where you'll find a bolt or small pin on many grapples, we us a solid hinge pin that runs the entire width of the lid. Again, pretty wicked!!

54" Single Lid


66" Single Lid


Travis

 

[IslandTractor]

Yes, that is a very nice hinge and reinforcement design. Way different than the typical two bolt system on mine.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Lovin' my EA 60" single lid! Got a chance to pile up some fruit tree damage from a recent storm, along with some demolition debris, and took a couple pics as I finished up. Getting some good use from the compact pallet forks I got at the same time. Small piles this time around but huge ones planned for this fall.

Lookin good!
If those are small, I can't wait to see the huge ones!
Thanks for sharing.
Travis

 

[lostcreekranch]

If you want to stay narrow, the 54" or 60" will be fine. Difference in Wicked Grapple weight is really irrelevant for a 40hp tractor because there's not much difference between the smallest and largest.....so....width and single lid vs. double lid really comes down to personal preference. Travis

Thanks Travis. Is 37" your largest jaw opening? Anything larger in planning stages?

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[Carhartt Cowboy]

so....width and single lid vs. double lid really comes down to personal preference.
Travis

Man those units are SEXY!! Can you confirm, or deny, that ya'll are working on a double lid design with a removable bar that would allow both lids to act as one?