Need a grapple for my tractor... help me spend some money. :)

[Xfaxman]

While I love the thing and it makes log/brush handling a breeze, I sometimes wish it had a longer bottom 'shelf'. That way I could physically stack some scattered things in there

Yep, the "shelf" is very handy, picked these up by hand and threw them on the grapple:

 

[oosik]

Xfaxman - excellent picture. That pic shows just one of the advantages of a grapple with long lower tines or a "shelf".

On my rock/root grapple - I have to tip the grapple back to get anything like a shelf. The grapple with a shelf can scrape forward along the ground and collect sticks/limbs/brush, etc. Mine will push it all forward and - hopefully - contain it when I lower the top lid.

My rock/root grapple will be stronger when dealing with large rocks, root wads and tree trunks. Stronger meaning - less likely to bend or crumple.

Again - know what you plan to do with the grapple and choose accordingly.

That is probably why many have more than one type of grapple.

That is why I choose a rock/root grapple. I have essentially no brush and only very limited limbs. My major needs encompass moving large rocks and chunks of pine tree trunk.

 

[BlueToy1]

I'm leaning towards the MTL Grapple, about the same size/weight as the EA grapple for a lot less money. Lead time is measured in weeks not months. Hope to get a quote on a LandPride grapple tomorrow, that will be the deciding factor.

Good choice

 

[Xfaxman]

My rock/root grapple will be stronger when dealing with large rocks,

Stronger meaning - less likely to bend or crumple.

That depends on how well the grapple is made.

 

[oosik]

Some of the larger rocks I've moved with the tractor & grapple. They are solid basaltic granite and line the inner portion of my driveway. Meaning - they keep folks from "accidentally" driving on my drain field.

 

[fishbones]

So whats the trick to getting a grapple from MTL? Every day I look and they say sold out.

 

[Hay Dude]

How about this one ?

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Wildkat 84”. Made in USA. AR36 Steel. Weighs 900lbs. Opens 46”.

 

[sd455dan]

Yep, the "shelf" is very handy, picked these up by hand and threw them on the grapple:

View attachment 851887

Yep

 

[isleview]

I’ve got the Summit Tractors 54 inch SSQA grapple, made by Top Dog. It‘s been excellent. Summit’s also coming out with larger grapples soon.

Mentioning it because it might be a grapple you can see in person before you buy it. Summit’s site has a list of big box dealers.

 

[SteveYYZ]

yeah, with the recent EA debacle, I can see that. I don't know what the lead time is now, but when I bought my Homestead grapple 2+ years ago, it was about 2 months, and like EA, it's pre-pay.

I am looking for a grapple for my Kioti DK40, I was getting ready to buy the EA grapple.

https://www.(Temporarily blocked du...e-by-Everything-Attachments-p/eta-wrg-cmp.htm

But that seems out of the question now. Most of what I find are for SkidSteers and weigh over 700lbs, bigger and heavier than what I want. I'm just going to be cleaning up/making brush piles, moving some pine logs 6-8' long. Any suggestions for a good replacement for the now apparently defunct EA grapple? TIA

My recommendation is any grapple will do. The only suggestion is not to get one that is wider then your tractor.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

The only suggestion is not to get one that is wider then your tractor.

Why not?

 

[IXLR8]

My recommendation is any grapple will do. The only suggestion is not to get one that is wider then your tractor.

My dealer is recommending I get one wider than my tractor. My gut says I don't want one that wide. What are you basing your recommendation on?

 

[IXLR8]

How about this one ?

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Wildkat 84”. Made in USA. AR36 Steel. Weighs 900lbs. Opens 46”.

View attachment 853119

That is a nice grapple, but way too big and heavy for my tractor and uses.

 

[Bobrown14]

Why not?

If you have a wood lot like me maneuverability is a thing. My tractor is 63" wide. I'm going with a 60" grapple - great thread thanks I've been on the search for a year now.... getting tired of chains and my bucket to move brush and logs.

Now glad I didnt pull the trigger on an EA in January.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Fair enough. I look at it more like a bucket or blade and want things at least as wide as the tractor.

Then again, I don't stray into the trees all that often.

 

[tambs]

Bought a Stout Buckets grapple for my 48HP Branson. Really like the grapple, and it’s held up well with a fair amount of use. Got the Stout Skid Steer Brush Grapple 66-9 With Skid Steer Quick Attach. USA made.

 

[mikester]

The “root rake style” grapple looks ideal for driving into an pushing large brush piles. Can’t understand the nickname “root grapple”, though??
Already have a log grapple.
Need something that I can drive into a tall & deep pile of brush, close grapple, and come away with lots of brush.
See the brush in the red box? I have 10 piles bigger than that.

View attachment 851512

The problem with the root rake grapple and brush is your radiator and grill are a lot closer to the pile of brush and it's harder for you to see when you are making grabs. Ask me how I know!

I've switched to the long bottom style grapple and feel it is superior to the root rake style for moving brush, rocks and logs. Easier to see my grabs and keeps the skewers away from my grill.

 

[oosik]

My grapple and 3rd function was a major purchase. At least, for me. $4500 with tax.

There are many good grapples - there are some that are less than good. Just as there are light duty and heavy/extreme duty grapples. I did not want to spend that kind of money and not be able to inspect it until it arrived.

I took my neighbor with me when we went to the dealership to look at this grapple. He knows about heavy equipment and welding. He was most pleased at what he saw.

After a couple years of searching, reviewing, asking locals what they had - I knew what I needed. I needed a grapple that could withstand the most severe use - that's what I got.

I was most fortunate - the local Kubota dealer had exactly what I wanted. And it was there in his equipment lot.

I had Kubota install the 3rd function. They did a really fine job. All the plumbing, fittings, connections are installed in very protected locations. They obviously knew what can happen with the use of a grapple.

Nine years and not a single problem with the grapple or 3rd function.

I paid a premium price - I got exactly what I wanted.

 

[oosik]

A person who buys a grapple and does not do something to protect his grill, radiator & battery is looking to spend more money in the future. Sooner or later - a branch, stob or stick will find its way and created destruction.

It would appear that Mikester had such an experience. Several others have posted of such an experience also.

I'm a hard headed Norwegian - but "thump" me often and long - I'll get the message.

 

[TractorTYMe]

A person who buys a grapple and does not do something to protect his grill, radiator & battery is looking to spend more money in the future. Sooner or later - a branch, stob or stick will find its way and created destruction.

It would appear that Mikester had such an experience. Several others have posted of such an experience also.

I'm a hard headed Norwegian - but "thump" me often and long - I'll get the message.

Oosik, I'm born and raised in Norway, moved to the US in 1998 when I married my US wife.