Now I Need A Grapple. . .

[Michael In Tennessee]

I solved the hose management thing with a bungee cord tye wrapped one end in the center of the hose bundle going to the grapple. Other end hooks on to a fitting up on the loader arm. Cost is about a dollar, and take less than a second to attach the end on the loader and the cord will last several years. When it dies, spend the dollar and get you another one. Simple, Cheap, easy to deploy and works very well to keep your hoses from hanging up on things etc. Highly recommended by me.

I did that for a long while. The purpose made springy thing does a better job.

 

[TractorGuy]

Boy Howdy I am really finding out things I didn't know, I didn't know. Here are the connections they put on. I am assuming these are the correct fittings.
View attachment 682338

Before you order try to figure out which style and size connections you have and request compatible connections be installed on the grapple. Alternately ask them to leave them off and apply a credit so you can buy your own fittings local. Differences in Quick Couplers Hydraulic Valves - Dynamics You can flip the connectors to either hose to change which button opens or closes to meet your preference.

I assume your tractor has the skid steer quick connect but make sure of that when ordering.

I have a MTL 60" RK5 grapple with the John Deere quick connect I am fairly satisfied with for the price. Mine arrived in 3 days to my door. They charged an additional $60 over free to bring it right to my property. IF their tooth designs look like they would meet your needs I believe them to be a great value for an American made product. Tractor Attachments — MTL Attachments

I have read some posts by people dissatisfied with their customer support. I have inquired about a smaller single lid root style and they never replied. They probably don't make it any more and didn't want to waste their time or maybe they just don't monitor their online messages. I didn't try calling them.

 

[fried1765]

Before you order try to figure out which style and size connections you have and request compatible connections be installed on the grapple. Alternately ask them to leave them off and apply a credit so you can buy your own fittings local. Differences in Quick Couplers Hydraulic Valves - Dynamics You can flip the connectors to either hose to change which button opens or closes to meet your preference.

I assume your tractor has the skid steer quick connect but make sure of that when ordering.

I have a MTL 60" RK5 grapple with the John Deere quick connect I am fairly satisfied with for the price. Mine arrived in 3 days to my door. They charged an additional $60 over free to bring it right to my property. IF their tooth designs look like they would meet your needs I believe them to be a great value for an American made product. Tractor Attachments MTL Attachments

I have read some posts by people dissatisfied with their customer support. I have inquired about a smaller single lid root style and they never replied. They probably don't make it any more and didn't want to waste their time or maybe they just don't monitor their online messages. I didn't try calling them.

MTL has a VERY poor customer service feedback!

I would suggest Mid State Attachments, in Denton, NC.
They have attachments priced similarly to MTL, and the Mid State people are great folks to work with.

They have been in business for 20+ years, and they do have a website, with their various models listed.
Their phone number is: 1-866-811-5319.
If you call,( Connie) and ask, you will likely get a MUCH better price than their internet listed price.
I did!

 

[Peter 315]

I like this grapple it has a solid back....5-1/2' / 66" Skid Steer Economy Grapple Rake - farm & garden - by...

 

[TractorGuy]

My MTL RK5 has a solid back and it has some advantages.

I just tried to offer a suggestion on fittings and an objective view of the MTL. Had i needed any service from them and was met with some of the stories I've read I would probably DIS them too.

If customer service is worth twice the price and a 10 week wait by all means go for what you feel comfortable with. Everyone has different priorities.

 

[4570Man]

I like this grapple it has a solid back....5-1/2' / 66" Skid Steer Economy Grapple Rake - farm & garden - by...

A wire grate would be better. Better protection for the machine would be better but the solid back visibility really sucks.

 

[Peter 315]

If and when I need a grapple I run to the wife's work and pick one up..............

 

[Peter 315]

Or if I have to dig...........

 

[Teachu2]

I have run my EA 55 Wicked Root Rake Grapple most of the time on my little 34hp tractor. I think I've only had the bucket back on once, I think. The grapple is so darned handy. I've cleared off all the brush and small coastal oaks on my 5 acres, and used the grapple to hold up felled trees so I can section them without bending, which my back is happy about. Load the brush in my trailer and pack it down with the grapple - had to buy a hydraulic dump trailer, cuz it packed it in so tight I had to cut it out of the landscape trailer I had. Now I dump a big cube and drive away. I throw a chain through it and pick up machinery, trailers, whatever. Haven't used my shop crane since I got the grapple.

Travis at EA is a gem. I got mine in April, 2018. I see they have beefed up the lower tines, but mine have worked fine. I'm STILL a happy customer!
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...ractors-15.html?highlight=Teachu2#post5051152

 

[fried1765]

I like this grapple it has a solid back....5-1/2' / 66" Skid Steer Economy Grapple Rake - farm & garden - by...

Peter: That is VERY similar to the 60" grapple that I just bought from Mid State Attachments,.....I paid less than 1/2 that price!