Grapple MTL eBay Inexpensive Root Rake Grapple

[thekkfan]

So I have become lazier since getting my grapple. Better than taking the grapple on and off!

Seriously though, my MTL 66” has been holding up great. I have really used the snot out of it as well. For $1k, there is nothing to complain about here.

View attachment 594919

Looks like all you need now is a leaf rake attachment (or hydraulic blower) and you'll never have to leave the cab! :laughing:

 

[TractorGuy]

My 60" RK5 is a little heavy for my tractor but I haven't used it a lot yet. I finally finished my ballast box so the last time I tried it I was able to keep the rear wheels planted. I have a plasma cutter ordered and I MAY??? rig up a hole cutting template to lighten it some.

 

[Spudman89]

JD855guy - How do you like the 60" model on that tractor? Wish it was bigger/smaller? Thinking about doing the 60 or 66" HD root grapple model on my JD 4600. Similar to your rk5 but with tines instead of solid back plate. Thinking that would be a little lighter.

 

[TractorGuy]

JD855guy - How do you like the 60" model on that tractor? Wish it was bigger/smaller? Thinking about doing the 60 or 66" HD root grapple model on my JD 4600. Similar to your rk5 but with tines instead of solid back plate. Thinking that would be a little lighter.

The jury is still out. I haven't used it much yet. I'm not crazy about the QH fit but it's functional and not a deal killer. The tines not matching point to point prevents me from doing any precise pickups. I tried to pick up a pile off my utility trailer today and only got about half of it before I had to pull the rest by hand. I think if the clamp tines matched the bottom points at full close I could have got almost all of it without getting off the tractor.

The thumb I welded on my backhoe is set so the bucket teeth match with the thumb points at full close. I can pick up a single stick with it if I want.

 

[JonnyRed]

Sorry it took me so long to follow up. I got the 48" MTL and I am happy with it so far. Quick attach fit nice and snug. At 350 lbs I have plenty of lift available. My tractor is 47 HP and around 5000 lbs with loaded tires and rear ballast. Seems well built and has grease fittings at all key areas.

 

[Rmart30]

JD855guy - How do you like the 60" model on that tractor? Wish it was bigger/smaller? Thinking about doing the 60 or 66" HD root grapple model on my JD 4600. Similar to your rk5 but with tines instead of solid back plate. Thinking that would be a little lighter.

I was in same boat 60, 66 or 72... the way I looked at it is it only 3 inches on each side..... not a big deal either way ya go. You can pick up a 12 ft log with a 60" just as easily as a 66 or a 72. If you are somewhere wide open width wont matter as much. If you are somewhere where you will be twisting and turning dodging trees thru tight trails etc Id want a narrower one.

I split the difference and went with the 66". After using it for a while I found that a 72" I wouldnt have liked as well due to the tight areas and that I probably could have done everything I wanted with a 60".

 

[TractorGuy]

I wouldn't want one any wider than my 60". I like the solid back on mine. It prevents stuff from coming into the grill.

 

[Orangeelmo]

I'm thinking about getting the MTL 66" or 60". Thks to this thread I've ruled out the 72". My tractor is an L39 Kubota with 2700# lift so the weight shouldn't be a problem.

Now the decision is between the RK-X or the standard duty HD for $240. less.
I like ruggedness of RK but how's it with just brush?
This is homeowner use not commercial. But lots of rock and some demo work.

 

[TractorGuy]

I'm still learning to use my RK-5. I have found for piles on the surface I have to drive forward as I curl the grapple to get the clamp points on the ground. I still think they should have built it with the points mating at full close.

When I attempt to drive into a pile of dirt with it flat on the ground my tractor runs out of power and lifting capability. For piles of debris it seems to push stuff away instead of going under it so I end up having to get on top of the pile to grab it. Some piles of debris it will penetrate so I have mixed results with that too. The RK-5 would be a better match for a larger tractor. I need to get a fitting for my pressure gauge and check my hydraulic pressure.

When I get it over a pile just right it seems to have pretty good lifting capacity.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Finally got to use my 48" MTL grapple. This is my first experience using a grapple, it seems to work very well. I can see this opening up many new options for my tractor and making it much for useful. I have some land I cleared and this will make cleaning it up much easier. It was nice and affordable and being less than 2 hours away I was able to pick it and a stump bucket up and save some money on shipping. A few things I have noticed that I don't like. The finish on these things is pretty bad, flakes off in large chunks. Also the upper jaws on this thing is not aligned perfect. When I close it fully the jaws tweak the rest of the grapple to allow the jaws to close. None of these things are deal breakers at the price point these things can be had for. I REALLY think this thing is going to make life A LOT easier, it already has!