Need help on Right Tractor For a Grapple.

[ovrszd]

I need some advice on the right tractor for my primary use of a grapple. I know that they are heavy and tough on tractors. That will be my primary use for the machine. Secondary would be the loader for moving dirt, mulch, etc. No mowing of lawn as of yet. I have just shy of 14 acres that is heavily wooded and would use the grapple to clear much of the deadfall and move cut down trees. Also clearing some trails.

Now for my questions:

In speaking with a friend who is a professional farmer and a neighbor who also is a farmer they stated that 50+ HP would be needed for a grapple. Even a high 40s HP would be pushing it. I was trying to stay in the mid perhaps high 40 HP for my budget. Is this the experience folks have had here?

Now I apologize for starting any religious debate on this question:

Both of these folks advised against Kubota. One individual "hated":thumbdown: his Kubota and sold it after a year. The other said that the Kubots 'just did not live up to expectations and did not last". They both recommended that Massey was tougher and longer lasting. Bottom line question, are there folks here that have grapples on Kubota's that have put them through the ringer?

With regards to the dealer, the dealer I am purchasing from has both Massey and Kubota. (The Local John Deere dealership is out of the running)

Thanks again in advance!

One of those junk Kubotas. 44 HP.

 

[Xfaxman]

Great pictures! Very impressive. That though is just way above my budget. I just looked at some use online and even the used (tracked skid steer) are beyond what I want to spend. :-/

Yep, that is why I started with a $26K used compact telehandler, the Bobcat V518:

And my first grapple:

 

[4570Man]

That depends on your dealer, MSRP here for the new G series is $64,526, My dealer said $56,000.

That is pretty steep.

 

[ovrszd]

That is pretty steep.

Disclaimer upfront: Not picking on you Xfaxman.

The equipment Xfaxman recommends is extremely expensive. If the shopper can afford it, great!!!! But it rarely applies in threads like this.

 

[Xfaxman]

That is pretty steep.

Yep, but with 4WD it will make it to the top :laughing:.

 

[4570Man]

What does a tool cat offer that a skid steer doesn't especially one of the cool skid steers that offers 4 wheel steering or the normal skidding?

 

[ovrszd]

What does a tool cat offer that a skid steer doesn't especially one of the cool skid steers that offers 4 wheel steering or the normal skidding?

Disclaimer again: I'm not a Toolcat owner.

I think the Toolcat offers more flexibility of attachments that can be used, front and rear, versus the confining design of a Skid Steer which can only handle front attachments.

 

[Xfaxman]

You might consider a used Toolcat. Better view of the grapple or forks, better maneuverability with 4 wheel steer and crab steer, better ride with independent suspension. Two models, 5600 with a dump box and 5610 with a 3 point hitch.

Disclaimer upfront: Not picking on you Xfaxman.

The equipment Xfaxman recommends is extremely expensive. If the shopper can afford it, great!!!! But it rarely applies in threads like this.

Yep, that is why I suggested "used".

 

[ovrszd]

Yep, that is why I suggested "used".

So a used V417 Compact Telehandler with 2000hrs costs how much??

 

[Xfaxman]

What does a tool cat offer that a skid steer doesn't especially one of the cool skid steers that offers 4 wheel steering or the normal skidding?

Disclaimer again: I'm not a Toolcat owner.

I think the Toolcat offers more flexibility of attachments that can be used, front and rear, versus the confining design of a Skid Steer which can only handle front attachments.

Richard is right, plus a seat for your helper.

Independent suspension.

4000 pound tow rating.

17 mph travel speed.

Doesn't tear up the turf or leave tire tracks on concrete.

A 51" wide by 56" long dump box rated for 2000 pounds.

Wait, I might think of more . Toolcat 5610 - Bobcat Company