Grapple Recommendations for a Compact Tractor 48"-54"

[DavidD]

Thanks for the help with pictures, I’ll get a better one to show the modification[/

 

[DavidD]

Thanks for the help with pictures, I’ll get a better one to show the modification[/

I have worked the mtl 48 as hard as my mahindra 1626 will work and it’s performing flawlessly. I did add some plate to allow to grip saplings and vines.
When fully closed it allows me to grip even the smallest of things. So far I’ve dug out and hauled rocks I estimate around 1000 lbs , cleared brushy areas, and hauled/burned mountains of brush.

 

[Frankenkubota]

FWIW

When I was shopping my buddies all said, because I have a bigger tractor, 58 hp, I should get a grapple sturdy enough to handle the power.

They said, otherwise it will look like a potatoes chip when it bends.

I bought MY 4 in 1 from Skid Pro. Their stuff is great but, heavy and.......$$$

 

[JimR]

FWIW

When I was shopping my buddies all said, because I have a bigger tractor, 58 hp, I should get a grapple sturdy enough to handle the power.

They said, otherwise it will look like a potatoes chip when it bends.

I bought MY 4 in 1 from Skid Pro. Their stuff is great but, heavy and.......$$$

You are not kidding about the Skid Pro products being heavy. Costly? You get what you pay for. I have their 72 inch Rock Bucket without a grapple. Their products are made from hardened steel. I found my 72 inch used with a few other attachments for cheap money. The OP may want to look into a stump/rock grapple bucket that can lift rocks/logs and brush. I have one and it works great for popping out small stumps, rocks and unwanted wild bushes like multi flora roses. Mine looks like this one. It can carry just about anything that I want it to.. CID Skid Steer Stump Grapple | Skid Steer Solutions

 

[kb12610]

I did check out the stump/rock you suggested. Yes $$$ but over 500 pounds. Otherwise might be an option.

 

[JimR]

I did check out the stump/rock you suggested. Yes $$$ but over 500 pounds. Otherwise might be an option.

Mine is a bit heavy, not sure of the weight.

 

[WoodDuck]

You are indeed wise to consider the grapple weight strongly on that size of machine. I wouldn't settle for anything that weighed over 300#. Period. Light and strong are definitely your primary needs here. There are several companies that build HEAVY and STRONG grapples, but fewer that build LIGHT and STRONG grapples. Some of the implements you see from "over there someplace" utilize very thick steel indeed to build things, because its just low grade steel to begin with. Sure, it'll hold up just fine if they use enough of it everywhere, but the weight increases a lot. If they can't tell me what type/grade of steel they used to build something, I just assume its not all that great. EA is one company makes quality stuff that is still lightweight, because they utilize quality steel. If you use premium materials and proper design engineering, you can use less of the premium material to yield the same(or more) overall strength. Their 50" Wicked Root Grapple utilizes Grade 80 steel, and weighs 274# with the slats bolted on. The 55" Wicked Root Rake Grapple utilizes AR450 abrasion resistant steel, and comes in at 239#. They are expensive, but the materials and build quality of their grapples are both excellent. Root Rake vs. Root Grapple is very much a personal choice; a lot of people get along very well using either style. Whatever company/style grapple you go with, I'm sure you will enjoy it though! Considering the HP and weight of your machine, it's not likely you would tear up any decently-made grapple very much, if any. Just keep an eye on the weight so it doesn't hamstring your lifting capacity too bad. Good luck!

 

[Eric102]

Another vote for the EA55, strong and light, well worth the wait if you don't need it right away.

 

[kb12610]

Precision manufacturing now also makes a grapple called the mini 322. That and the wicked 55" are the only 2 that weight 250lbs or so...the rest are 400lbs and up that I've seen.

Any idea the price on the mini 322?

 

[kb12610]

The price is very attractive, just wish they were a little lighter.