Grapple up, now or later?

teampryor · Dec 8, 2012

Personally with that much land to work I would start with a M7040suhd if it must be a kubota. Just the 24 inch front wheels will make life easier in your described enviroment and its only 5 grand more but with all capabilities increased. Get the third function from the factory and all the rear remotes you can. Get a big grapple that is designed for forestry cleanup thats at least as wide as the front tires. just my 2 cents.

JD 4520 · Dec 8, 2012

I have a 48" grapple with my 60 HP tractor and it is plenty heavy. Just right for my use.

jake98 · Dec 8, 2012

Bfitzgerald3 said:
As for chickens, I'm tring t convince the significant other to get more than a handful...organic free range eggs are crazy expensive here. Seems like if we do 6, we could do 30.

I agree about the 6 vs. 30 (or 60..) Free range eggs are probably expensive because free range chickens only last about a day, around here anyway.. I only let them free range when they stop laying.

El Wood · Dec 8, 2012

Grapples are awesome! I think I've used mine more then my FEL. It's well worth the money. I'm in the process of cleaning up 20 acres for a home site and its been a great tool for brush and logs.

jcliburn · Dec 9, 2012

A grapple is a wonderful tool, and you won't be sorry you bought it.

For what it's worth, here's my long-winded experience installing a W.R. Long 3rd function kit on my MX5100, just in case you decide to go that route.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/192572-w-r-long-kit-plus.html

If you get a grapple and use it to clear slash, I highly recommend you make a couple of mods to prevent limbs from damaging your equipment.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/195968-everybody-loves-guessing-game-6.html#post2276991

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/195153-added-grill-guard.html#post2240129

dbaer78 · Dec 9, 2012

Bfitzgerald3 said:
I have a kubota MX5100 on order w/ a single rear remote. Delivery is scheduled for three weeks. This will be my first tractor experience... I just bought a large parcel (157 acres) and never had a need.

The property was bought in foreclosure. The previous owner had it logged (butchered if you will) and about 60 to 70 acres are covered in tree tops/limbs from the high value timber they removed. I would like to remove the evidence of pillage and am just realizing that a grapple might be my best friend.

I admit that I haven't learned enough aout grapples to ask truly intelligent questions...however, with a good loader already coming, should I consider getting an attachment for it or a regular grapple? If you were me, would you pony up for a third function valve on the front now or wait til u have funds to get the attachment? Realistically I'm looking a clearing the carnage next fall.

Thanks!

I have an mx5100hst and I use it much like you plan to use yours. I had the dealer install the wr long third function when I bought the tractor and they did it for little more than the cost of the valve. I run a 56" wr long obg2 grapple and I absolutely love it. I wouldn't consider a grapple that weighed much over 500 pounds for the mx. I have moved lots of logging slash and LOTS of logs with it already. I think you will be well satisfied with your tractor and grapple combo.

Missouri Pioneer · Dec 9, 2012

Absolutely get a grapple. I and many others here are quite pleased with our 48" WildKat econo grapples. Don't order online, call Anita for the best deal.

murphy1244 · Dec 9, 2012

Just ordered a 60" grapple from MIE and the hose kit for my Kioti DK 40.

Bfitzgerald3 · Dec 10, 2012

Spoke to the dealer today. A third function, installed would run about $900 and isn't a standard option for the MX5100. Said it could still be done, but still recommended that I wait until the grapple becomes a reality, then run lines from the rear remote to the front... Maybe $300... it "won't be as pretty, but it will save a lot and most people don't end up using them too much." If I were using it regularly, he thought it would be a good idea.

I'm sure there are other opinions here on what would be best for my situtation. However, I have a lot of respect for a dealer that will give advice that earns him less money.

Thanks to all for their advice. A grapple is in the future, for sure!