New Wildcat 66" grapple for me today!

buck12 · Nov 10, 2012

The Ecno series Wild Kat grapples don't have grease fittings. I am going to borrow the wire idea on the clips for my 48" WK grapple.

Agent Blue · Nov 11, 2012

I realize they are trying to save weight but the metal in the picture sure looks thin. Good intentions are to use it carefully on a low hp tractor. If your like me and get involved in a project the next thing you know things are twisted and don't fit together quite right. This is the greatest thing about self fabrication. Take the best of ideas, modify the ones you like, and add the metal you think will do what your plans call for.
I am not saying this is not ideal for your tasks..... just sounds like alot of money for a bit of weight saving in material you paid for that didn't get built into the machine. Once they are bent up they might as well be scrap. I guess the same could be said for buying a Smart car vs a Hummer.
I agree a grapple is a great attachment.
* One question... did you call the company and ask why greasable fittings were not part of the build ? As many times as they open and close I would think it would be mandatory.

Herkypilot · Nov 12, 2012

Others that have posted about their Wildkat grapples stated they have not had a problem without the grease fittings with a lot of use. I can add fittings - I've done it for other items if I think I need it. These econo grapples are 3/8" steel. I could have bought the heavier duty grapple and added another 300 lbs over the one I have, but that's not what I wanted to do. I have a welder and grinder, and if I need to beef up something that isn't working, I can take care of it. Most have said it's the best grapple for the money going right now even with the small price increase. There was a manufacturing problem a few months ago, but I confirmed the issue was fixed when I bought. My intended use is to pick up branches, logs, rocks and probably pull up a fence post or two. I'm sure I'll find other stuff to use it on.

HP

Piston · Nov 12, 2012

I'm sure you'll be MORE than happy with your grapple!

Rock Lobster · Nov 14, 2012

Loving my grapple, a 61" Rakemaster. But continuously scan that the (2) lower quick-connect tabs are visible. If one gets dislodged (leaving only one side mounted) you run the risk of bending metal. Mine bent 1 inch and I had to do some serious engineering and the right use of hydraulics to force it back.

Kyle241 · Nov 16, 2012

Very nice grapple! Can you post pics once you have it all hooked up as I have a MX5100 and have been considering a grapple for a little while.

Rock Lobster · Nov 16, 2012

Having fun in Florida!

Herkypilot · Nov 18, 2012

I did get my couplings sorted out. Ended up purchasing the bulkhead type. Probably about 3/4" of thread showing beyond the quick disconnects, so I'm in business now. I won't get a chance to use the grapple until next week.

Gordon Gould · Nov 18, 2012

:thumbsup: It's good to be in business

jinman · Nov 18, 2012

Herkypilot said:
I did get my couplings sorted out. Ended up purchasing the bulkhead type. Probably about 3/4" of thread showing beyond the quick disconnects, so I'm in business now. I won't get a chance to use the grapple until next week.

I think eventually you will find the grapple to be a bit under-powered with the single cylinder, but that will keep you from grippin' and rippin' anything that could cause bending or distortion. When hauling trees/brush, you can become very wide in a hurry. If you bump something, you might have some bending. The best plan is to grip the end of a tree's rootball and pull it along until you get into the clear and then come in from the side and grip the trunk. The jaws on a grapple are more for holding than grabbing in my opinion.

Also, your grapple pivot is not like your FEL pivots. That grapple jaw only applies downforce to a load. It never supports the whole weight like loader pins/bushings do. The best comparison is your 3PH balls, pins, and pivots. These all have very limited motion and ball sockets seem to never wear out even though they are unlubed. If your pivot points ever squawk, just squirt with a bit of chain lube or white lithium grease and you'll be good to go.