Grapple MTL 48" Root Grapple

[pedzola]

I have had my Kubota L2501 for a couple years now and have accomplished a huge number of tasks with it. Given some of the landscaping projects remaining around the homestead I decided it was time to get a grapple.

I need the grapple for this coming weekend, and only made the decision a week or so ago. So time was a limiting factor.

Local dealers didnt have stock or prices I was happy with on land pride grapples. Also were on a 4+ week backlog to install 3rd function kit.

So I resolved to install a land pride 3rd function kit myself and ordered it from messicks. Havent done that yet but from my research it looks like its not going to be all that difficult. Parts are here, will install this weekend. Saving some $$ on installation.

But still had to find an in-stock or quick-ship grapple. Also didnt want to pay 2k for it.

Found the MTL grapples on ebay and did some research. Not a lot of reviews but owners seem happy with them. I looked at the 48" Hd root grapple. I like the single lid design and its within a reasonable weight range for my tractor at ~350lbs. And ebay price was only 890.

Maybe a little narrow at 48" but I think itll do everything I've got lined up.

Purchased it on ebay Sunday night, got a followup call Tuesday (paid a little extra for residential delivery and specified my connectors), and it is schedule for delivery today. Only a couple days ship time from GA to NH.

Provided delivery goes well I'll see if I can post some pics later. This is the product link on their website: Compact Tractor 48" HD Root Grapple Hydraulic - quick attach — MTL Attachments

 

[pedzola]

Pics:

View attachment 600054View attachment 600055

Grapple got here in the middle of the delivery window. Nice surprise to see that it is Kubota Orange, thought i was getting a black one!

Grapple looks great. Spent most of my afternoon installing the 3rd function kit. Not too difficult but spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to route wires.

I do have one problem. Have a leaky hydraulic fitting. On my 3rd function kit, not the grapple. Not sure how to fix that. Any suggestions?

I tightened everything up but didnt use any tape or loctite or anything. All others seem ok but one of the male fittings that the grapple attaches to is leaking. Tightened some more and it is leaking less but still leaking. It is in an awkward spot i wonder if i just need to use a little more torque.

 

[pedzola]

Found the cause of my leaky coupler. Unscrewed it and half a rubber o-ring fell out. Looks like it must have been
out of place and gotten pinched. Screwed it back together without the o-ring. Assume it will leak less metal-to-metal, but will have to chase down a new o-ring.

Still muddy here but hoping to get some good grapple time in next weekend. I did try it out for 5 min while it was leaking - grabbed a big stump no problem, picked a good size log off a pile without disturbing the rest, and grubbed up some debris. I think this is going to work out great.

 

[wassup8687]

Good job figuring out why it was leaking.

I bet you'll have a good time this weekend.

 

[pedzola]

Working great today grubbing a patch of thorns and moving some rocks.

 

[flashpuppy]

My 66” MTL has been a great and reliable piece of equipment for me. I have been nothing but pleased with it and I have worked it fairly hard over the last six months or so.

 

[DingDangKid]

Any follow up? I am looking at hte 48" from MTL right now.

 

[m1garand762]

For what you got, a wicked 55 would have been worth the wait that grapple just looks cheap

 

[DingDangKid]

It is also 1/2 the price and has great reviews.

 

[flashpuppy]

I am still 100% satisfied with my MTL grapple. I am actually getting ready to drop like $8k on additional stuff from them for my track loader.

Can not explain how great of a value their attachments are.