Root Grapple choice for Mahindra 3016?

[Schneeky]

Hey guys, really have enjoyed reading the older threads on using your root grapples. Lots of good information. As stated in other threads related to buying this tractor (scheduled for sometime this week right now. Opinions?), I have for starters around 2.5 acres to clear. This will get done with my tractor and the forestry tools guy where necessary. I've seen you guys using the push-it-over/pry-it-up method for doing this and it all sounds reasonable. Although one dealer looked at me like a had lobsters crawling outta my ears and said "you can't do that". Mostly what I have is smallish pines/scrubby hardwoods in sandy soil, and sheets of vines. Plus tons of limbs and logs to shuffle around between the house and the log yard in firewood season.
I was pretty much set on the small Wildkat that y'all were talking about a good deal in these older threads, but now it seems that EA has an even lighter grapple specifically designed for compact tractors. Albeit a bit more expensive, it seems a good bit lighter (274 vs. 420#) and a skosh more "refined".
So the question is what is the current thinking on these small compact tractor root grapples for what I wanna do? I'm in NC and Wildkat is in easy driving distance and has theirs in stock. Got a friend in the boat biz I could have the EA delivered to so gettin it here is pretty much a wash. Lucky me, Kay Hagan gets into my pocket on taxes either way.
Thanks in advance for any helpful advice or links to more current discussions on the subject. d:^) Schneeks..

 

[k0ua]

I sure like my EA 50 inch single lid grapple.

 

[Schneeky]

I sure like my EA 50 inch single lid grapple.

I will admit that the EA is "sexier" for sure. And on the face of it I like that one better. Although their seemingly standard 3 week wait is a bit annoying and I'm not sure exactly what justifies the $500 difference.
Mebbe someone could shed some light on the reasoning for me.

Momma's sayin go with the less expensive, heavier one. Nothing I'm gonna be doing is on a schedule and I can always cut the logs shorter, pick up less, yadda yadda. Valid points, for sure. d:^) Schneeks..

 

[k0ua]

Part of what the extra money buys is 80,000 lb strength steel instead of 36,000 lb steel. Also a lid that "pinches" and allows you to pick up small sticks and rocks easier, ( I do this all the time). Obviously the weight is less without sacrificing strength and the spacing is closer on the lower tines allowing you to pick up and haul smaller items. Fitment and welding is superior on the EA product, you will not have to "adjust" the fitup of the SSQA as many have have to do with the economy grapples. I am not saying the fitting of shims is a big deal, and if you have a welder and know how to use it, it is fairly trivial.

 

[Schneeky]

Part of what the extra money buys is 80,000 lb strength steel instead of 36,000 lb steel. Also a lid that "pinches" and allows you to pick up small sticks and rocks easier, ( I do this all the time). Obviously the weight is less without sacrificing strength and the spacing is closer on the lower tines allowing you to pick up and haul smaller items. Fitment and welding is superior on the EA product, you will not have to "adjust" the fitup of the SSQA as many have have to do with the economy grapples. I am not saying the fitting of shims is a big deal, and if you have a welder and know how to use it, it is fairly trivial.

Ahhhhh. Good information to have there, oh wise one! And I'm sure the included shipping is a factor as well.
I could see a definite advantage in the higher strength steel for something like this with the potential to get a l'il torqued on a somewhat regular basis. And having to adjust it to make it fit outta the box would be pretty annoying. I'm not familiar with SSQA attachments, but if they're anywhere near as sloppy as the 3pt quick attach seems like there'd be plenty of room to get it right the first time.
Even after reading all the threads I could find I'm still curious about the "digging" around the base of the tree with these and how that's done properly w/o torquing the grapple.
Thanks for the info, k0ua. d:^) Schneeks..

 

[TripleR]

Have you looked at any local sources? I got what I believe is a Loflin locally that works really well for us, it is heavier than you need and we use it on our M8540, but they make smaller ones. I like the double lid as we often handle odd size loads. It was recommended to me by my dealer who uses four on his farms and doesn't even handle them. I was initially going to get a Land Pride.

My experience is very limited compared to James and others, so I will be following this as I'm thinking about getting one for another tractor.

Goos luck.

 

[Schneeky]

Have you looked at any local sources?

Looked at a coupla units the dealers had on the lots. Best I can tell they must not be getting any discounts from the mfg's at the prices I was quoted. That's a nice looking grapple yer sportin there. From what I read on the older threads the Wildkat "Economy" model was gettin it done at $900 (sans delivery). But most of those threads were a bit dated. Countin on the TBN gang to point me in the right direction. Cuz I'm pullin the trigger here shortly. Gotta admit I'm likin' the EA offering, tho'. :drool: d:^) Schneeks..

 

[TripleR]

Looked at a coupla units the dealers had on the lots. Best I can tell they must not be getting any discounts from the mfg's at the prices I was quoted. That's a nice looking grapple yer sportin there. From what I read on the older threads the Wildkat "Economy" model was gettin it done at $900 (sans delivery). But most of those threads were a bit dated. Countin on the TBN gang to point me in the right direction. Cuz I'm pullin the trigger here shortly. Gotta admit I'm likin' the EA offering, tho'. :drool: d:^) Schneeks..

I know what you mean, I've looked at EA also as since buying mine I am realizing how handy they are and would like to have one bit lighter for my L5740, I'm already tired of hauling the one I've got between farms. A local dealer has one that looks OK, but don't know the specifics yet and it's $1500.

As mentioned, my knowledge of grapples as it is yet another thing I swore I would never need.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Pretty hard to beat the EA wicked grapples. Just sometimes the costs are hard to justify. One of my customers up in Alaska that has a 3616 went with the 60" 2 clamp unit and he loves it. :thumbsup:

Here is a manufacturer of some nice units. I have one of theirs for a bigger tractor.

Lots of manufacturers out there, you just need to really look so that you get the one that fits your overall needs and budget the best.

Good luck.

 

[k0ua]

The thing about the small EA grapple is that is made for our smaller compact machines.. Once you get into tractors with some size to them, there are all sort's of grapples to look into and buy, but for the smaller tractors, the EA maximizes the lift capacity. Just like that new Landpride 165 lb one does for the BX machines. I think that was a stroke of genius on their part. A lot of guys think that a grapple is worthless on those little BX machines, but their owners that have them will tell you otherwise. If you can lift 3 railroad ties at one time or a wad of brush, that is useful.