Which grapple? Landpride vs EA vs MTL for Kubota L3560LE

[MMC]

The pics showing the rod extension is enlightening. Thank you. Regardless of which grapple I get, I plan to be very careful engaging the ground (if at all) after reading all these helpful comments. Seems like a stump bucket or something similar would be better for digging things out.....

I read here a lot, but don't post much... This one, I will, because I bought a 72" MTL Extreme grapple a couple of years back. That version is probably too heavy for smaller tractors, but I found this implement to be an excellent value and well constructed. Their welds are quite good, and frankly I might well tear up the loader before I did damage to their fine work. I have (carefully) picked up very heavy tree sections (I mean large diameter trees that barely would fit) and worried more about the tractor/loader than the MTL itself. Bottom line, digging with a grapple on a tractor is not a good idea in general, but I can attest to the quality of MTL implements (at least the version I bought). Not bad mouthing the other offerings at all, by the way. But...if I personally needed another implement and MTL offered it, I would buy it. Regards, and stay safe if working, or just playing (the tractor and physics don't know the difference...).

 

[Advil]

Adding to the posts by 2manyrocks, with a L2501 I think you're between saving some bucks with the MTL RG7 at $1700, it gives you 60" width but it weighs 530lbs.

Or the EA Wicked 55", which weighs only 240lbs yet can probably take the most abuse at $2500.

The 3rd option is the Landpride SGC0660 60" which is approved for the L tractors and price is hard to find online but should be approx $2200-2500 and I can only find one post listing weight at a surprisingly light 260lbs... that would need verification.


These grapples are different designs each with their own specialty. The MTL RG7 is the independent grabbers with the long lower teeth for carrying, the Wicked 55 is a toothed clamshell with the short reinforced root rake type lower teeth, the SGC0660 is a no-frills clamshell with no teeth and no extra gussets.

Most other options are either too light weight or too expensive for an L2501. For example the EA Wicked 60" is $3450 and the Land Pride SGC1060 is also around $3500...

 

[DaBear3428]

have you looked at Armstrong Agg i have their cheapest BRG mini which is made for 20 to 35 hp tractors on my 7000# beast and have beat on it a lot tearing huisache trees up to 6" out of the ground. I got the MINI to be the weak link so that i tear up a $2000 grapple and not my $9000 FEL. and it has worked so far. I bent the heck out of the grapple doing some thing i should not have done but the portapower fixed it. tree puller would probably be a better option for pulling trees.

 

[Aquamoose]

I’m surprised that nobody mentioned the importance of the type of steel used. Good quality grapples uses AR400 steel which is stronger and lighter than average steel. It’s phenomenally hard to bend them. I have short bottomed tines and have absolutely no issues grappling slash, brush, longs, or rocks. I just open wide and grab the load from the top. Longer bottom tines wouldn’t help at all with brush clearing or pushing piles. In my opinion, it’s restricted to just carrying materials.

 

[oosik]

Yes - the same here Aquamoose. I got the Land Pride SGC 1560 because it DOES have short tines and has proven to be tougher than nails. At the time, the fact that it's constructed of AR400 steel meant nothing to me. However - I suppose that helps also.

That's the same technique I use - open wide and come at it from the top - down.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Here's a tbn post I made on the subject 4 1/2 years ago. Wow, how time flies!!

Which Grapple Guide

Concerning strength.. Can't hide WICKED!!

To see how we enjoy our business and interact with the EA Family daily... FYI, it's some business mixed with frequent fun.

EA Channel Group

I hope this helps.
Travis

 

[Username Taken]

I haven't owned a lot of grapples in my life (1) but I am totally AR when it comes to researching. The internet is a curse to me.

I spent a lot of time researching grapples. A lot.

I bought a Wicked(er) 55 for many reasons. Strong, lightweight, Company rep, well-designed, etc, etc.

I've only had it a few days but I like it. And no, I'm not an EA groupie. I like them. A lot. The reason I like them is because they're good businessmen and they're honest and they make good stuff.

 

[scaredychicken]

I have a LandPride Grapple, I love it.
It was available at the local dealer, convenient, specific to my tractor, and I could eyeball it prior to purchase.
No shipping, waiting, delivery issues.

 

[Aquamoose]

Here's a tbn post I made on the subject 4 1/2 years ago. Wow, how time flies!!

Which Grapple Guide

Concerning strength.. Can't hide WICKED!!

To see how we enjoy our business and interact with the EA Family daily... FYI, it's some business mixed with frequent fun.

EA Channel Group

I hope this helps.
Travis

Travis,

Are they made of AR400 steel?

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Travis,

Are they made of AR400 steel?

The flat steel on all of our rake style Wicked Grapples is Hardox AR450, and we also use it where needed on the longer bottom models.

Also, the Wicked 55 and Wicked 60 features this horizontal Hardox channel which greatly increases it's ability to smooth while back dragging, and obviously also increases the Wicked grip ability.
Travis

What's so special about Hardox?

 

[future_vision]

The flat steel on all of our rake style Wicked Grapples is Hardox AR450, and we also use it where needed on the longer bottom models.

Also, the Wicked 55 and Wicked 60 features this horizontal Hardox channel which greatly increases it's ability to smooth while back dragging, and obviously also increases the Wicked grip ability.
Travis

View attachment 754039

What's so special about Hardox?

View attachment 754040

For 60hp Kioti which size would you recommend? And the images on your site don't show the new Hardox channel but I am sure you plan to update that.

 

[oosik]

future_vision. The size and type are somewhat dependent upon what the MAJOR use for the grapple will be. I had/have no need to manage brush. I got a rock and root type. The width is not really that important. UNLESS you have narrow gates/passage ways to get thru.

No one can tell me that a 48" grapple is better than a 60" grapple or vice/versa - just because of width. What little brush/limbs I do handle could be managed as well with a 48" grapple as the 60" one I have.

My 60" grapple is just about the same width as the front tires on my tractor. If that makes any difference. It's definitely narrower than the 80" width of the rear tires.

One of the reasons I got the 60" is because it weighs - 820#. The 72" - 922# ..... the 84" - 1030#. I would have purchased a 48" model if they would have made one.

 

[scaredychicken]

i believe that my grapple is 54" wide, does everything that i need it to do

 

[EverythingAttachments]

For 60hp Kioti which size would you recommend? And the images on your site don't show the new Hardox channel but I am sure you plan to update that.

Easiest question I'll answer all day, man! 400 pound Wicked 60 is simply ideal for it.
Yes, it'll have the new horizontal Hardox channel. Nothin like er!!
Travis

 

[future_vision]

future_vision. The size and type are somewhat dependent upon what the MAJOR use for the grapple will be. I had/have no need to manage brush. I got a rock and root type. The width is not really that important. UNLESS you have narrow gates/passage ways to get thru.

No one can tell me that a 48" grapple is better than a 60" grapple or vice/versa - just because of width. What little brush/limbs I do handle could be managed as well with a 48" grapple as the 60" one I have.

My 60" grapple is just about the same width as the front tires on my tractor. If that makes any difference. It's definitely narrower than the 80" width of the rear tires.

One of the reasons I got the 60" is because it weighs - 820#. The 72" - 922# ..... the 84" - 1030#. I would have purchased a 48" model if they would have made one.

Definitely brush as we clear but I also have the poor man's grapple (forks) to move that stuff. Same with logs I plan on milling. What my forks don't do well is move large piles, carry logs where the weight is not almost perfectly balanced, or dig through the dirt. And of course I don't have much accuracy placing large rocks at the moment although I guess when I get my backhoe that will change but who wants to have to set up the backhoe every time they move a rock? Rather grab and place gently and accurately with a grapple I think.

 

[ScottHam]

Update -- I actually decided to get a Kubota L3560LE instead of the L2501 (I don't know how to change the title of this thread though With the added lift capacity of the LA805 loader that will be arriving with my new tractor in a few weeks, I expanded my search for implements. I'm currently leaning toward an Armstrong Ag BGR-mini. It weighs 440 pounds, so heavier than some others but also very strong. Armstrong Ag is a local Texas manufacturer, and I can get one for under $2k and pick up from my dealer within 2 weeks. Not sure if any of you have experience with Armstrong Ag, but they seem to have a reputation for good quality according to the dealers I have spoken with.

 

[DaBear3428]

Update -- I actually decided to get a Kubota L3560LE instead of the L2501 (I don't know how to change the title of this thread though With the added lift capacity of the LA805 loader that will be arriving with my new tractor in a few weeks, I expanded my search for implements. I'm currently leaning toward an Armstrong Ag BGR-mini. It weighs 440 pounds, so heavier than some others but also very strong. Armstrong Ag is a local Texas manufacturer, and I can get one for under $2k and pick up from my dealer within 2 weeks. Not sure if any of you have experience with Armstrong Ag, but they seem to have a reputation for good quality according to the dealers I have spoken with.

I have the armstrong agg BGR-mini on my 5145, the BRG-M is rated for up to 30hp tractor but im abusing mine on my 45hp 7000# tractor with 3100# of lift. all in all i'm very happy with the BRG-M. the few points that I feel should be addressed are 1. I'm not afraid of bending a sub $2k attachment (serves as a fuse) to keep me from tweaking my $8K loader. 2. you can bend the clamshell if you pull agginst the cover, i normally pull 4 - 6" huisache trees up with mine but if you do not watch the angle on larger stuff and pull against the side of the cover you can bend it see photo. 3. there should be a piece of plate welded in to block stuff from poking thru the back side of the grapple and disengaging 1 side of your SSQA, if you notice it np if you don't and pull on something you can bend the SSQA mounting plate and or your loader SSQA brackets. keep in mind i'm not careful at all and intend to use my equipment (not abuse it but i do not take it easy on my tractor) i broke a set of front axel spider gears at 22 hrs using the BRG-M. in the end i used a porta power from HF to repair the clamshell and a sleg hammer to repair the SSQA bracket (it did not hurt my loader SSQA bracket, as intended).

in the hill country on the juniper trees that do not have a tap root like huisache you should be fine on pulling anything up to 6" out root and all.

oops sorry just realized that i had already posted most of this.

 

[Xfaxman]

Update -- I actually decided to get a Kubota L3560LE instead of the L2501 (I don't know how to change the title of this thread though

Go to the first post and click edit, The title will show above the post. Highlight 2501 and type 3560LE

 

[oosik]

I thin my young pine stands almost every spring. I thought the grapple on my M6040 might speed up this process. Actually - I have no problem pulling young pine - 1" to 6" on the butt.

The problem is getting this big horse of a tractor around in the stand and not knocking ALL the small trees down. I found that using the grapple actually takes considerably longer. Every young tree pulled must be taken to a pile and then have the root ball cut off. What am I to do with all the root balls.

I can go thru a stand with my chain saw and EASILY cut 3 to 4 small pines per minute. This leaves the root ball in the ground where it will, with time, rot away.

 

[Hay Dude]

Anyone ever consider HLA attachments?
I use their log grapple and bale spears with my farm tractors.
Good stuff-sold at real farmers equipment locations.
Well built & heavy duty priced reasonably.