Best all around root grapple for Kioti DK series size tractors? Forestry Maintenance

[dusty3030]

I've been recommending the EA wicked grapple for two reasons, for me it has been proven tough AND it is lightweight for using on a tractor.

There are plenty of rugged grapples but not many rugged and light grapples. The good ones are usually heavy which quickly cuts into your lifting capacity on a tractor. Skid steers / compact track loaders and bigger utility tractors don't so much have this problem.

 

[JimR]

I've been recommending the EA wicked grapple for two reasons, for me it has been proven tough AND it is lightweight for using on a tractor.

There are plenty of rugged grapples but not many rugged and light grapples. The good ones are usually heavy which quickly cuts into your lifting capacity on a tractor. Skid steers / compact track loaders and bigger utility tractors don't so much have this problem.

I too have been searching for the right grapple to use for many things like rocks, limbs, logs and whatever else needs to be moved. One company suggested a Rock Rake Grapple for all those uses. I don't want 2 separate grapples to get the work done around the property. The one I was looking at was a SkidPro. Skid Steer Rock Grapple For Sale | Skid Pro Attachments
The steel is 1/2 inch or you can have it made with 3/8 inch stock. The steel is high tensile strength unlike the cheaper grapples that I have seen that bend up at the front edge, twisted upper clamping devices and bent upper forks on the upper clamps. They are not cheaply priced and you need to contact them for pricing. The few that I was looking at are in the $1800 -2500 range delivered.

 

[shooterdon]

If money is not a problem and you will be using it a lot, the EA is what I would buy. I have the MTL and it works for me, but I am a hobby user and do not abuse it.

 

[RSR]

Bigger is not always better.

I'm always surprised there aren't more Frost bite/Igland GR20 style grapples in use. That is what I have and love it. I use it primarily for moving logs and rocks. It is much lighter (~350 lbs) so it doesn't kill lift capacity, and much cheaper ($1,200 - $1,500).

About the only thing it isn't quite as good at is picking up large piles of brush, but I don't have that need. For moving rocks/logs I think it's superior.

It also has a cross plate that bolts between the two lower tines so you can pick up smaller rocks easily.

 

[BRMyers]

I'm a huge fan of the EA Wicked Grapple. Mine is the 55" version. I went for the lighter weight, but the 60" would be good also.

 

[msal98]

Well, I'm not the OP but I just bought a DK4210 and I'm also on the hunt for a grapple. I'm pretty close to ordering a EA Wicked 60". I've asked Travis @EA what the lead time is on them - a thread from 2019 was saying 8-12 weeks at that time. I'm hoping it's not that long.

 

[swamphouse]

I ended up ordering 60" Orange Root rake Clam Grapple without replaceable teeth, Orange Stump Bucket and 42" 2200lb forks from - Skid Steer Attachment Depot. All implements are powder coated. I liked their grapple because of design and price. If I ever want I can improve it. I liked wicked grapple too, but for wicked grapple price I got 3 implements delivered to my house next week. Since I'm not doing heavy duty commercial work I believe these will serve my needs well. Time will tell, I have lots of wood to move so I'll have results in few weeks. I regards of grapple strength I spoke with guys from that place and they assured they use good steel. On the other hand I don't want grapple to be too strong, I would rather brake my grapple than tractor 4x4 or loader, hope it wont happen since i'll use common sense.

 

[msal98]

I ended up going with the EA 60" wicked grapple myself, I did take a long hard look at those Skid Steer Attachment Depot ones though!

 

[dbchaplin03]

I like the design of the tines on that one. The pivot points though dont look grease-able. Just my observation. Dont think you could beat the price on it though.