Grapple Grabbed / Grabbing a Grapple

fishpick · Jun 28, 2022

Ordered a Homestead Implements 72" Pinnacle Grapple - and I'm thrilled with the process so far. I know nobody likes sending money (and these amounts) somewhere and then just waiting... but they were right upfront on their site they said 8-10 weeks. Ordered it on Sunday. Monday am at like 8:45 I got my first email - confirming the order and asking me to confirm coupler arrangement for my loader. Good back and forth with the guy at Homestead. Then I got my second person emailing later in the day - giving me an estimated ship date of last week in August AND asking me to validate my shipping / freight choices.

So far - super impressed with their communication and clarity of expectations.

I went back and forth between choosing Homestead and another "more popular" brand - so far, very glad I went with my gut. Also got to see one locally (smaller 55" I think it was) and the thing is freaking STOUT! Also saw a Landpride locally - and while nice and super solid too - I really like the little serrations on some for grabbing things and the Landpride is missing those (and of course this is the one I could get like almost now).

Anyhow - looking forward to having one - been something I have thought about for many years!

(and of course i got it in orange to match the L4760 it's going on)

oosik · Jun 29, 2022

Good news - fish. What will you be using to activate the grapple. I had the Kubota dealer instal a WR Long 3rd function kit. ALSO - consider modifying your OEM grill guard. Stobs, limbs, sticks and crap will find ways to damage your grill, battery and radiator. This is my modified grill guard.

fishpick · Jun 29, 2022

Nice grill there @oosik - I think I'll do something similar with mine.

Have a Kubota 3rd function kit inbound to the dealer right now. (also using that as an excuse to add a rear remote for the toplink - which is unrelated)

Got a lot of trees on our 35 acres that bit the dust with the emerald ash borer here - they are all standing deadwood right now. Will be coming down either by nature or me - so having the grapple will be a serious back saver. Also have wile rose that grows fast everywhere - which I'm looking forward to ripping out with the grapple as well. Lots of other uses - but the amount of tree work in the next few years is what prompted the decision. I have been considering one for years but could never justify it!

oosik · Jun 29, 2022

With 35 acres of trees to clean-up - I wouldn't even give the purchase of a grapple a second thought. Just reading your post about the clean-up makes my 'ol back ache. You will find that new grapple to be a real life-saver. Good luck - have fun.

Smokeydog · Jun 29, 2022

Have similar loss of ash and plenty of invasive invaders. You’ll love the grapple!

Careful with standing dead trees as they are wildly unpredictable. I have had several limbs come down on my canopy that I never saw in my wood lot. We rarely get snow load pruning.

Front guard augmentation for grapple work is money well spent. See more fabricators offering nice bolt in options.

2manyrocks · Jun 29, 2022

You have ample time to fab a grill guard before your grapple arrives. Given the way sticks poke everywhere in unpredictable ways, grill protection is mandatory unless you want to pay for a new radiator.

Zebrafive · Jul 5, 2022

My grapple stays on my JD 2030 almost 100% of the time. It has to come off to remove the loader, which I do when I brush hog. I have a JD 245 loader. I've tried removing the loader with the grapple on. That does not work well to remove the loader or reinstall the loader. I found I have to switch to the bucket for loader R&R.