Grapple Overload - MX5800 Needs A Grapple

[cold1313]

Here we go, another grapple thread...

Basically because I got overloaded looking for a grapple.

Here is what I have:
Kubota MX5800

What I need to do:
Pick up tree trunks
large limbs
misc branches from cutting down trees.

I do not plan to use it to pop roots up or anything. I will basically use it to help clean up downed trees after storms. It won't be used a ton, but I only want to buy one grapple. I also don't have a ton of money to put towards an attachment that won't get used a ton.

Suggestions?

My Kubota dealer said $1,000 to purchase and have them install a Land Pride 3rd function kit. It doesn't look complicated, I just wanted to see where they were at.

 

[Code54]

If you have a rear remote you can run lines up front and just use that. On my 5100 that is what I did - works fine. Not as nice as a 3rd function since you use the lever on your right side, but I don't use my grapple a lot so it doesn't bother me. I had about $100 bucks in setting everything up.

 

[cold1313]

If you have a rear remote you can run lines up front and just use that. On my 5100 that is what I did - works fine. Not as nice as a 3rd function since you use the lever on your right side, but I don't use my grapple a lot so it doesn't bother me. I had about $100 bucks in setting everything up.

I wish! No rear remotes either.

 

[oosik]

View attachment 615080 View attachment 615085 My 2009 Kubota M6040. Land Pride SGC1560 rock & root grapple @ 820 pounds - 60" wide. With 1500# of RimGuard in the rear tires and a 1050# Rhino 950 - 96" rear blade - - total tractor weight - 10,100#.

Primary use for the grapple - pick and move very large rocks & pick and move large chunks of ancient Ponderosa pine trunk.

With the RimGuard in the rear tires & Rhino rear blade - I can lift a 3000# tree trunk before it gets "light in the loafers".

I have pine log & rock weight charts( got off the internet). So I have a pretty good idea what that rock or chunk of tree trunk will weigh before I lift either.

I have the WR Long third function electric over hydraulic system controlling the grapple.

The grapple and control system weren't cheap - even with the dealer discount. Grapple - $3175. WR Long controls - $1175. Installed by the Kubota dealer. Prices include installation. I've had the grapple a little over five years now. Also use it to move dirt - wide open - straight down on the ground - apply down pressure - close grapple - move large grapple load of dirt to wherever. Use either the top or bottom lid to back drag to smooth disked areas.

Once the grapple was installed - never gone back to the bucket.

Final note - do something like I did in the second picture if you get a grapple. Could save your grill, radiator or battery.

 

[kenmac]

well, You are either going to have to spend the money for 3rd function, or rear remotes. Both are about the same price, but if you do rear remotes, you will still have to purchase hydraulic lines to run to the front of the tractor for the grapple.

I didn't have rear remotes and had dealer install 3rd function.
I bought an EA Wicked grapple, which isn't cheap, but they are built like a tank and they are very light, as to not taking away from your lift capacity

So, I have about $3500 tied up in 3rd function and grapple

 

[EverythingAttachments]

This first part is VERY important, so everyone should pay extremely close attention..

Seriously, our 400 pound, 60" Wicked Root Rake Grapple is the strongest, lightest, most durable and efficient grapple you can possibly choose if you want to squeeze every possible ounce of ability out of your MX. We combine the most premium materials in the industry...

The thickest walled round tubing you'll find on ANY grapple...DOM tubing, that is.

Hardox AR450 wear plate steel. This pic says it all..

The end result is quite stunning..

And its functionality is even more impressive. These are ALL MX tractors..

I hope this helps explain why our Wicked is, by far, the best option on the planet for you. Our outstanding customer service will only be icing on the cake!!
Let me know if you have questions.
Travis

 

[cold1313]

This first part is VERY important, so everyone should pay extremely close attention..

View attachment 615136

Seriously, our 400 pound, 60" Wicked Root Rake Grapple is the strongest, lightest, most durable and efficient grapple you can possibly choose if you want to squeeze every possible ounce of ability out of your MX. We combine the most premium materials in the industry...

View attachment 615137

The thickest walled round tubing you'll find on ANY grapple...DOM tubing, that is.

View attachment 615138

Hardox AR450 wear plate steel. This pic says it all..

View attachment 615139

The end result is quite stunning..

View attachment 615140

And its functionality is even more impressive. These are ALL MX tractors..

View attachment 615149

View attachment 615141

View attachment 615142

View attachment 615144

View attachment 615145

View attachment 615146

View attachment 615148


I hope this helps explain why our Wicked is, by far, the best option on the planet for you. Our outstanding customer service will only be icing on the cake!!
Let me know if you have questions.
Travis

Thanks Travis! I did read your private message but I haven't had a chance to respond yet.

I am wondering if, for my application, do I want longer tines on the bottom? That way I can use them like a pallet fork to get underneath a log when they are piled up?

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Thanks Travis! I did read your private message but I haven't had a chance to respond yet.

I am wondering if, for my application, do I want longer tines on the bottom? That way I can use them like a pallet fork to get underneath a log when they are piled up?

I hate to be biased when it comes to grapples because I do love our original long bottom grapples unconditionally, but I LOVE this Wicked 60 for so many tractors and applications. The feedback and unbelievable pics submitted by customers has boosted my confidence in this thing. You'll be able to clamp smaller logs and brush tighter inside the "mouth" and pick off a single log or multiples if necessary.
I should have some visuals... #looking
Travis

 

[/pine]

Something I see here all the time is pictures of full cage grapples being used for things that a much less expensive "thumb grapple" would do just as well...sure there are some tasks that might require a full grapple but a majority of the pictures of grapples depicted here on TBN are doing things a simple thumb on a loader bucket would easily accomplish..

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Awkward pieces are no problem..

This one shows just how much "cradle" you still have when fully curled, despite the illusion of none, due to the shorter tines!

Multiple objects..

Log pile. This is its little bro, the Wicked 55, on a Deere, but Wicked grip is still real. Technically, you can fit more into the mouth of the long bottom, but multiples are still not hard to grab..

And its even smaller bro, the Wicked 48 showing off some real capacity...

 

[mopardude318]

Yea.....I have a wicked 55” with long tines on my utility tractor. I would have to say the long tines have the ability to grab or carry more. I don’t really have a need for the shorter root grapple types as I’m not uprooting many things. But whatever you choose, get an EA grapple!

 

[Rmart30]

I am wondering if, for my application, do I want longer tines on the bottom? That way I can use them like a pallet fork to get underneath a log when they are piled up?

I have used both styles in different brands and for my use of picking up brush piles and trees the long tine wins out. With the long tine you are cradling more than crushing to hold.
With anything dry or rotten with a short tine I left more crushed and dropped debris behind where the long just carried it right away.
I also prefer a dual lid design. To me it held more secure with odd shaped load.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

This thread may be useful. It has LOTS more pics!!
Travis

Which Wicked Grapple? A Guide

 

[Utopia Texas]

I have a 50 year old Pecan orchard and constantly pick up small to large limbs from trees to move to burn piles. Also logs and whole tree trunks. Have been doing this for 40 years here on the family land. I have three tractors from 25 -65 HP and have used grapples and pallet fork grapples for many years. For my use I use the pallet fork grapples 95% of the time. They are easier to slide under a branch than a grapple and if you have a pile of branches/brush you can slide the forks along the ground, drive forward to roll or pile up the branches and then lower the grapple part to secure the load. I find the pallet fork grapple much more efficient and I can load more at one time over the regular type grapple.

 

[kenmac]

Something I see here all the time is pictures of full cage grapples being used for things that a much less expensive "thumb grapple" would do just as well...sure there are some tasks that might require a full grapple but a majority of the pictures of grapples depicted here on TBN are doing things a simple thumb on a loader bucket would easily accomplish..

I have a bucket Thumb on my other tractor. Believe me. it's no match for what this wicked can do
Also, I have bent the thumb several times. I have had brace the bucket up to handle the Thumb

 

[fruitcakesa]

I have the Thumb grapple on my forks, very handy

 

[LD1]

I have a long bottom grapple for my MX. It has the ability to carry much more of whatever.

If all you handle is logs and brush, i think you will be happy with either.

But sometimes I use mine more like a bucket. Carrying a bunch of firewood, chainsaws, more than one rock (that are large enough not to fall between the ribs), etc.

If you use a grapple much at all (and I do) there is no way I would constantly be wanting to take my hand off the joystick, find the rear remote lever, actuate grapple, them back to the loader joystick. That would get annoying real quick.

You need to decide on a 3rd function of a diverter. Both about the same cost, both equally simple to install, and both can be controlled with a simple button installed on the joystick so your hand never has to leave the control. Functionally they operate a bit differently, but in reality there is little difference for the average user and they BOTH preform very well

 

[/pine]

I have a bucket Thumb on my other tractor. Believe me. it's no match for what this wicked can do
Also, I have bent the thumb several times. I have had brace the bucket up to handle the Thumb

Like I said...a thumb (especially on smaller machines) can do 90% of the things generally being done shown pictured here on TBN...
BTW...did you make your own thumb? could explain why it bent ?

 

[cold1313]

I have the Thumb grapple on my forks, very handyView attachment 615273

I think this would work well for what I am doing.

I had 15 - 20 large trees come down last month in a storm, and I am looking to move them and burn them this winter.

I agree with LD1, I would get the 3rd function on the joystick.

 

[ericm979]

You can assemble your own 3rd function for under $500 and that's with a nice replacement joystick with integrated switches. There are threads from people detailing how they did it.
I'm still using a rear remote that's mounted to the fender close to the joystick. $1000 installed is not a bad price. The WR long kit is about $850.

For a similar use to the OP I got a 60" Wicked Root grapple (the long tine type) with dual lids. The short tines would be better for digging and for picking up single large logs. The long tines are better for brush and multiple logs at once. The EA grapple is a quality piece. I use mine more than the bucket or forks so it stays on most of the time.