Grapple Grapple Recommendations

[dirtymartini]

Some of you may have replied in my earlier thread asking for advice for a first attachment. After much thought and re-reading all the advice I have decided a Grapple makes the most sense for what I am going to be doing in this phase of my project...picking up trees that I felled, clearing brush, cleaning up deadfalls etc.

I have an LS R4047 so I would like to get a Grapple to match the Tractor's abilities....

 

[newbury]

Although I don't own one yet you should take a serious look at those made by Everything Attachments. Light weight and pretty strong.

Here's a training video

Before you watch the video, keep in mind.....

It's cheaper for us to tear up a grapple and scratch a new tractor than it is to fix multiple, untested grapples after delivery.

Ted's brother is a Kubota Dealer so we buy them at cost and then we'll sell them as "Only used on Sunday by Grandmother" :laughing:

The story behind this quick test:
We told a local customer that he could take delivery of this grapple in 3 weeks after product testing, but he started calling us every day wanting it sooner. Finally, we just let him have it, intending to make another for testing.
Since he was local, we knew we could fix any problems that may arise. The customer installed it on his tractor, and bent a cylinder in less than 10 minutes.
We were expecting to see abuse, but the grapple had no signs of even being used. We installed a new cylinder and hooked it to our new L6060 Kubota.
The customer came along with us to some property located a few blocks away from work to unleash the fury and see if the cylinder or grapple would fail.
As you will see in the video, we did everything WRONG that could be done. We pulled with the lids open, pushed trees down with the open lids.....A LOT of things that you shouldn't even think about doing.

Ted did not operate this tractor or grapple like any NORMAL operator in his right mind should, instead he morphed into a neurotic, clueless and impulsive MADMAN!!! He had his seat belt on and didn't care if the tractor flipped or whatever.....it wouldn't be the first tractor or skid steer that he's flipped.
The grapple survived with no damage, other than a few scratches.

The customer returned home with his grapple, satisfied that it must have been a bad cylinder.....but......he bent another in less than 10 minutes. We then figured out that the aux. valve installed by his dealer was plumbed wrong.
The pressure line from the pump was going straight to the aux. valve with no relief, resulting in tremendous, infinite pressure until something breaks... pump, line, valve, cylinders. It should have been plumbed to the power beyond, which has pressure relief built in via the loader valve. His dealer is coming out today to re-plumb the valve correctly.

If ANY grapple or tractor manufacturer saw their product being used in this manner, warranty would forever be DENIED!!!

We did not set out to make a video of this, but I had my phone and just had to capture it. That is why there is no talking from Ted telling you not to do this. For all he knew, I was just taking photos.
Travis

By the way, the grapple that we're testing is the new 73" Wicked Grapple for Large Compact and Utility Tractors.

 

[dirtymartini]

I just watched part of that video...the thing is like someone else said the have wide selection of grapples but their site doesn't seem to have them in any order. I also don't know if a single grapple is better for me or a double...50" or 60" or wider....

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

For an R4047, I would get a 48" or 54" single lid grapple, but not a light duty economy version. The grapple ETA was using in that video is their new grapple made for UTILITY tractors. You don't need anything that heavy duty.

Your tractor is basically the same size and horsepower as my Kioti DK50SE. If I was buying a grapple today, I'd probably get the 54" version of this one:

Single Lid Root Grapple

I know a lot of people prefer dual lids, and I suppose if I was moving a lot of logs or loads where I needed to clamp down on uneven loads, the dual lids might appeal to me. So your mileage may vary.

I also don't see the attraction of having a wide grapple. Keep in mind that in an off-center pushing or pulling situation, a wider grapple means a longer lever effect exerting more force on your loader arms and mounting points.

 

[dirtymartini]

For an R4047, I would get a 48" or 54" single lid grapple, but not a light duty economy version. The grapple ETA was using in that video is their new grapple made for UTILITY tractors. You don't need anything that heavy duty.

Your tractor is basically the same size and horsepower as my Kioti DK50SE. If I was buying a grapple today, I'd probably get the 54" version of this one:

Single Lid Root Grapple

I know a lot of people prefer dual lids, and I suppose if I was moving a lot of logs or loads where I needed to clamp down on uneven loads, the dual lids might appeal to me. So your mileage may vary.

I also don't see the attraction of having a wide grapple. Keep in mind that in an off-center pushing or pulling situation, a wider grapple means a longer lever effect exerting more force on your loader arms and mounting points.

Thanks...Somewhere here on one of the threads I read the same thing about a wide Grapple. I found a Tomahawk brand grapple on my local craigslist but don't know anything about their quality.

 

[murphy1244]

I bought a Michigan Iron grapple 60" dual lid and I am quite happy with it. Error

It may say error but the link still works.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Thanks...Somewhere here on one of the threads I read the same thing about a wide Grapple. I found a Tomahawk brand grapple on my local craigslist but don't know anything about their quality.

One more thing to consider with grapples is how wide the lids open. The one I linked above opens to 37". Another one I would consider is the W.R. Long OBG2, which is also sold by ETA and it opens to 44", which would be an advantage if you're picking up brush piles, trying to grab a large rock or stump or other unwieldy object. The W.R. Long is supposed to be a very well made grapple too.

Hey, nobody said picking a grapple was gonna be easy. And you thought picking a tractor was hard!

 

[1648nc]

I've got a wildkat 48" single lid on my 1648 Massey, I've beat the **** out of it and it keeps on going, brush, logs, feed hay, get up old hay the cows won't eat, I use it to place culvert, use it to get up big rocks, push out smaller trees. It's taken it pretty well.

 

[newbury]

<snip>
I also don't see the attraction of having a wide grapple. Keep in mind that in an off-center pushing or pulling situation, a wider grapple means a longer lever effect exerting more force on your loader arms and mounting points.

This is a point of serious concern to me, so much I started a thread asking about grapple size versus tractor hp/size http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/342672-how-big-your-root-grapple.html?highlight=.

Some people recommend "the width of your tractor". If I was to do that w/ my M4700 I'd need an 80" or 84" wide grapple, depending on how I set the tires. If I got it the width of my bucket it would be 70 or 72 inches. Some people get it much narrower than their bucket.

I'm leaning toward narrower than my bucket.

 

[Citydude]

I have a 72" landpride light duty grapple for my L2501. It works fine however it can be tippy if the load isn't properly centered. That could be true with a narrower grapple as well but the extra width compounds the issue. If I had to do it over again, I'd of stepped down to a narrower grapple.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

I just watched part of that video...the thing is like someone else said the have wide selection of grapples but their site doesn't seem to have them in any order.

We've been working on that since it was pointed out yesterday. Much improved already: Everything Attachments Wicked Root Grapples

I also don't know if a single grapple is better for me or a double...50" or 60" or wider....

Considering the weight and frame size of a TN75, my preference would be the 55" or 73" for Utility Tractors. VERY strong with a weight that is IDEAL.
I like to match attachments IDEALLY, but if you are going to be careful and NOT use it anything like Ted did in the new testing video, you could get by with a lighter model.

Travis

 

[HCJtractor]

For an R4047, I would get a 48" or 54" single lid grapple, but not a light duty economy version. The grapple ETA was using in that video is their new grapple made for UTILITY tractors. You don't need anything that heavy duty. Your tractor is basically the same size and horsepower as my Kioti DK50SE. If I was buying a grapple today, I'd probably get the 54" version of this one: Single Lid Root Grapple I know a lot of people prefer dual lids, and I suppose if I was moving a lot of logs or loads where I needed to clamp down on uneven loads, the dual lids might appeal to me. So your mileage may vary. I also don't see the attraction of having a wide grapple. Keep in mind that in an off-center pushing or pulling situation, a wider grapple means a longer lever effect exerting more force on your loader arms and mounting points.

Good advice. Narrow is better than wide. One lid is all you need. I've said this many times here. If you want to uproot trees and clear areas ( which is what I do quite a bit) a narrow one works much better. And it will still pick up limbs and debris just a good as a wide one. 48" to 54" is perfect.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

. . . Considering the weight and frame size of a TN75, my preference would be the 55" or 73" for Utility Tractors. VERY strong with a weight that is IDEAL.
I like to match attachments IDEALLY, but if you are going to be careful and NOT use it anything like Ted did in the new testing video, you could get by with a lighter model.

Travis

Travis, dirtymartini has an LS R4047, not a TN75. It's a smaller tractor, about the equivalent of a Kubota L4740.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Travis, dirtymartini has an LS R4047, not a TN75. It's a smaller tractor, about the equivalent of a Kubota L4740.

My bad. Multitasking gone wrong. He referenced another thread and for some reason TN75 popped into my mind!

I would agree with your recommendation of our COMPACT Wicked Grapple.

Personally, I'd go with a narrower 54" or 60" Single Lid or the wider 66" Dual Lid.

The smallest single lid Wicked Grapple is made just as strong as the largest dual lid. Weight does not go up much from smallest to largest, so width is best determined by considering the application.
If you'll be in tight areas, woods etc., smaller is better IMO.
Sorry for the confusion!
Travis

 

[EddieWalker]

I've had a grapple on my tractor for about five years now and have changed my thinking on them just a little bit. First, I think having two clamps to close is very important. I never have a load that is the same on both sides, and having each clamp close perfectly on the load guarantees you wont have anything drop off while you are hauling it. I spent a lot of time comparing the pros and cons of the different designs before deciding on the one with the smaller, almost non existent bottom teeth. When using the grapple, it's all about the clamps holding the material in place. At first, I thought it was important to get one of the more popular designs that resemble a forklift with long teeth sticking out to hold the debris. You don't really scoop up anything, it's more about clamping it. So having all that extra metal sticking out is just a waste of weight.

The one thing that I've learned that I would do different wold be to get a grapple that is solid on the bottom. I thought it would be important for dirt to fall through the teeth on the bottom while carrying stuff. But since you don't actually scoop up the branches or trees, or rocks or whatever it is you are picking up, dirt isn't much of a problem. If you do get some, you just rotate the grapple so it all falls out.

I want the solid bottom because a lot of the time I'm taking out trees and I would like to get a small load of dirt to fill in where the root ball was. I do it now with the grapple, but it's such a small amount of dirt that it's almost a waste of time. It's either that or waiting until I'm done with the grapple and putting the bucket back on. Since I'm going back and forth so many times hauling trees to the burn pile, I just get as much dirt as I can on the return trip using the grapple.


Attachments for heavy duty grapple bucket - skid steer : USA Attachments

 

[aeblank]

Thanks...Somewhere here on one of the threads I read the same thing about a wide Grapple. I found a Tomahawk brand grapple on my local craigslist but don't know anything about their quality.

I have one, and like it so far. I've only had it for a month or two, so the longevity is not something I can speak to. That said, it's simple. A welder can fix anything. =) I'm happy I got a narrower-than-bucket size, at 66". I also am glad I only got one lid.
So, like someone pointed out, people recommend what they have. =)

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/323140-anyone-use-tomahawk-skidsteer-attachments.html
72" Tomahawk grapple. - OrangeTractorTalks - Everything Kubota

 

[KubotaToy]

After using my root grapple for over 5 years I will say it is my favorite attachment. But, I am with Eddie, if I could do over with the knowledge I have now, I would get a 72" grapple bucket. I bought from these guys.
Skid Steer Attachments | Skid Steer Loader Attachments |

 

[HEPAman]

I have the EA 66" dual lid. So far, so good. I've only had it a couple of weeks, but have been working it hard(loader boom will flex before the grapple does, oops). My tractor came with a 78" bucket(front wheel track is 72"), the 66" grapple is a lot easier to maneuver in the woods. I'm actually having fun getting firewood.

 

[Piston]

I imagine you have seen the photo thread on grapples, but if not, it would be worthwhile to check it out, and pay special attention to what people are doing with they're size and style grapples. Compare the pics to what you imagine yourself using the grapple for, and perhaps it will help you decide. :confused3:

I will mention that for the most part, people will recommend what they have, and you will find that the vast majority of people are extremely happy with they're different sizes and type grapples, often for the same type of jobs. That should tell you a lot about grapples, the important thing is that you have one! ANY grapple makes your tractor immensely more useful and efficient. Chances are, you could choose any one of the number of grapples and be perfectly happy.

I do recommend staying way from the heavy duty grapples, the ones that weigh close to 700lbs or more, those are not meant for CUTs and are far too heavy duty. (I'm one of those people who wants everything very heavy duty, but grapples are not one of them).

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/211635-grappling-fun-picture-thread.html

 

[dirtymartini]

I imagine you have seen the photo thread on grapples, but if not, it would be worthwhile to check it out, and pay special attention to what people are doing with they're size and style grapples. Compare the pics to what you imagine yourself using the grapple for, and perhaps it will help you decide. :confused3:

I will mention that for the most part, people will recommend what they have, and you will find that the vast majority of people are extremely happy with they're different sizes and type grapples, often for the same type of jobs. That should tell you a lot about grapples, the important thing is that you have one! ANY grapple makes your tractor immensely more useful and efficient. Chances are, you could choose any one of the number of grapples and be perfectly happy.

I do recommend staying way from the heavy duty grapples, the ones that weigh close to 700lbs or more, those are not meant for CUTs and are far too heavy duty. (I'm one of those people who wants everything very heavy duty, but grapples are not one of them).

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/211635-grappling-fun-picture-thread.html

Yes, I found that thread just a day or two ago and haven't gone through the whole thread but I am subscribed. I am pretty much convinced now that for my needs, tractor size and usage that a single arm grapple between 50-60 inches will do the trick for me. That's not to say that if something used popped up for the right price locally I wouldn't change my mind.

I'm looking at EA's 54" or 60" Single Lid Wicked Root Grapple, ($1690) Titan's 60" Root Grapple Bucket,($1250) Tomahawk 66" Single Lid Grapple ($995) or maybe just buying "The Thumb" and pallet forks and swapping the thumb between the forks and my existing bucket.