The WICKED Root & Debris GRAPPLE!!!!!!!

[newbury]

I have become beset with grapple envy.
I've tried to follow the "how big" and read some like it small, others like it big.

This is why the 72" is such a good fit for larger tractors. It wouldve been difficult carrying the stump mainly but it was nice having the width for the long logs also. The stump was enough to get my 9500lb+ tractor light in the rear. The BB is only about 1k and I have loaded rears.

Brett
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(How did he get a 9500lb tractor? tractordata.com lists it at 5500 lbs, do loaded tires, cab and FEL add 4k lbs?)

How about a rule of thumb of one inch of grapple width for every 100 pounds of tractor and ballast?

and

Rules of thumb are meant to be broken. While one inch of grapple per 100lbs of tractor might make a lot of sense when limiting your grappling tasks to moving brush, grappling duties that include digging stumps and rocks out of the ground would dictate a narrower grapple as optimal so perhaps 1" per 150-200lbs of tractor.

There is no rule or rationale for having a grapple the same width as a standard bucket. If the main task is picking up construction debris (as for most skidsteer grapple use) then wider is better. If digging or lifting heavy objects is the goal then a narrower lighter grapple makes more sense. It's easy to see why folks automatically assume that a grapple should be the same as their bucket but it really doesn't work that way in practice. More powerful tractors do not "need" wider grapples. Think of an excavator. They rarely have grapples more than three feet wide because they are not picking up light scattered debris but rather ripping out stumps and boulders. Sometimes smaller is better regardless of tractor weight/size/hp.

leads me to think whatever works is ok.

I've a B7610 (1367 lbs) w/ a 60" bucket that may weigh 2k lbs w/o anything on the 3 pt and my M4700 (4,000 lbs) which probably is about 6K+ w/ loaded tires & 72" FEL.

So - since I'm not making $$$ off it and have to s-t-r-e-t-c-h my limited retirement $$ I'm thinking one 60" to share between both tractors. I've already got plenty of places the big boy doesn't fit, and logs the little one can't lift. MOST of my grappling fun will be limbs and such but their may be some nudging of stumps and roots with the M4700.

So for you grapple-holics - does this seem feasible? Big ballast on the 7610 and QA fittings for both of course.

Any advice appreciated.

 

[aeblank]

I sure think that works.
Don't forget, both tractors need hydraulics (costs as much as a cheap grapple).
So, it might make sense to just get a grapple for one tractor (and pallet forks for the other?).

 

[IslandTractor]

I have become beset with grapple envy.
I've tried to follow the "how big" and read some like it small, others like it big.


(How did he get a 9500lb tractor? tractordata.com lists it at 5500 lbs, do loaded tires, cab and FEL add 4k lbs?)



and


leads me to think whatever works is ok.

I've a B7610 (1367 lbs) w/ a 60" bucket that may weigh 2k lbs w/o anything on the 3 pt and my M4700 (4,000 lbs) which probably is about 6K+ w/ loaded tires & 72" FEL.

So - since I'm not making $$$ off it and have to s-t-r-e-t-c-h my limited retirement $$ I'm thinking one 60" to share between both tractors. I've already got plenty of places the big boy doesn't fit, and logs the little one can't lift. MOST of my grappling fun will be limbs and such but their may be some nudging of stumps and roots with the M4700.

So for you grapple-holics - does this seem feasible? Big ballast on the 7610 and QA fittings for both of course.

Any advice appreciated.

A 60 incher would work fine on both tractors. I'd actually choose a 48 or 50 something with a single upper lid as there isn't much advantage to width or double lids unless you are collecting small debris.

 

[rustyshakelford]

I have become beset with grapple envy.
I've tried to follow the "how big" and read some like it small, others like it big.


(How did he get a 9500lb tractor? tractordata.com lists it at 5500 lbs, do loaded tires, cab and FEL add 4k lbs?)

Tractor 5500, from the JD specs for the loader 1500, 1000 for boxblade, then the loaded rear r4s and cab I'd say I'm pretty close. Going off salesman. Even at 8500 lbs it still a compacts grapple on a utility tractor and its holding up good so far. Next time I'm loaded I'll run across the scales for you

Brett

 

[Jsandy]

So basically, the JD 3rd function kit isn't compatible with any loader implement that isn't JD/Frontier?

 

[solutionscraig]

Can you get this for a Skid Steer?

 

[IslandTractor]

So basically, the JD 3rd function kit isn't compatible with any loader implement that isn't JD/Frontier?

There are enough different standards used in hydraulics that neither JD nor EA could possibly standardize in a way that suits everyone. If you are having trouble sorting it out before the equipment is in hand, then just take it with you to a local hydraulic shop as they will have all the adapters and fittings you need. I don't know exactly what quick connects JD uses (assume Pioneer style) and I don't know if EA provides connectors, but it really is just a matter of getting matching quick connects with the correct adapters for the hoses. For a grapple there is no real reason for 1/2 inch connectors as 3/8" would be fine (however I happen to have 1/2 inch on mine).

 

[EverythingAttachments]

So basically, the JD 3rd function kit isn't compatible with any loader implement that isn't JD/Frontier?

That's probably what JD wants you to believe.

Like I say, if your outlets are at the mid point of the tractor around the floorboard, the most cost effective way of preparing it for a grapple would be to get a local hydraulic shop to make the hoses to route to the front.

Travis

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Can you get this for a Skid Steer?

There are several of our Wicked Grapples out there on skid steers with no damage reported, but we really do not recommend it.
We'll be working on our new, heavier Wicked Grapple for utility tractors in the next few weeks. It will be more suitable for a skid steer.

Ted plans to keep it at or below 600 pounds, which is MUCH more manageable than many of the 700-800 pound+ steel anchors currently on the market!
Travis

 

[rustyshakelford]

The next BIG THING is a Wicked Grapple for utility tractors. It's gonna be sweeeeeeeeeeet!!!! :cool2:
Travis

I've told my salesman that in a year I'll be ordering a new tractor. It'll be a 5085e or 5100e. Going to go up to a h260 loader. I'll be interested in this!

Brett