Grapple Size

[bh10]

Looking to buy a grapple and have read most of the threads, most guys commenting like a smaller grapple, but most have small tractors. Im trying to figure out if a bigger tractor with a high lift capacity like my Kioti RX6620 are better off with a wider grapple. Im looking at Wildkat Grapples, they've got heavy duty 1/2'' steel grapples from 60" to 84", my tractor is 72" wide. The tractor is used for property management, clearing debris, hauling firewood and digging up stumps.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I am going through the same process. I just purchased a 53 HP Workmaster with a 621 TL FEL. Right now I am leaning towards a CID grapple with pallet forks. I think that it would give me the most use in my current situation. There really is no right or wrong answer. Most large tractors utilize wider heavier grapples while smaller compacts use narrower ones. Let us know what you decide to get.

 

[oosik]

I got a really heavy duty grapple for my M6040. Its a Land Pride SGC1560 @ 820 pounds. Its 60" wide and I could see no advantage to getting a wider one. Going wider - to a SGC1572 - would only add weight, price and decrease the amount I'm able to lift.

Going a foot wider will make no difference on gathering trash, picking large rocks, lifting big trees or ripping out brush.

IMHO - choosing the width of a grapple does not use the same philosophy as choosing the width of a rear cutter. I.E. - the grapple does not need to be wider than the front or rear tires.

I got the Land Pride grapple and WR Long third function valve kit and couldn't be more pleased with this setup.

I guess one of these days I might have to put the bucket back on - its been almost two years now and so far I've had no need to swap back.

 

[Tomtint]

I put a 72" single lid on my L3700. It has a skeleton bucket bottom so any dirt just falls out. I'm happy with it, probably wouldn't want to go any smaller. The extra width helps to span the load.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I got a really heavy duty grapple for my M6040. Its a Land Pride SGC1560 @ 820 pounds. Its 60" wide and I could see no advantage to getting a wider one. Going wider - to a SGC1572 - would only add weight, price and decrease the amount I'm able to lift.

Going a foot wider will make no difference on gathering trash, picking large rocks, lifting big trees or ripping out brush.

IMHO - choosing the width of a grapple does not use the same philosophy as choosing the width of a rear cutter. I.E. - the grapple does not need to be wider than the front or rear tires.

I got the Land Pride grapple and WR Long third function valve kit and couldn't be more pleased with this setup.

I guess one of these days I might have to put the bucket back on - its been almost two years now and so far I've had no need to swap back.

I looked at your grapple oosik and that is a great looking unit. I will check into it. My New Holland dealer also carries Kubota and Land Pride. Thanks for the heads up. And I agree that 60" looks to be an excellent size for your tractor and mine also.

 

[oosik]

View attachment 469934View attachment 469935

One pic is the grapple on the tractor and the other shows how I have the grill guard modified to protect the radiator, battery etc, etc. From what I've read here on TBN its important to modify the grill guard. I know it saved my radiator, at least once, from a "core seeking" limb.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Very nice grill guard mod there oosik. I have the New Holland factory heavy duty grill guard on order and hopefully it will be in a week or so. I will need to do a modification like yours to fully protect that expensive front end. My hood and grill lift together. I am sure the replacement cost is prohibitive. Looks like quite a bit of expanded metal and some welding. I will have to engineer up something for my tractor. Hope it turns out as nice as yours.