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

Mad Mac · Nov 18, 2015

The width of the grapple was something I... grappled with. The widest single lid was only $141 more than the narrowest one. Here is what clamped it for me. If 72 inches turned out to be too wide, I could lop off one tooth on each side. They are nine inches apart. That would leave me with a 54 inch grapple, slightly wider than my FEL.

In the meantime, if we need more pushing force we go in at an angle and use one corner or take a smaller bite.

IslandTractor · Nov 18, 2015

Mad Mac said:
The width of the grapple was something I... grappled with. The widest single lid was only $141 more than the narrowest one. Here is what clamped it for me. If 72 inches turned out to be too wide, I could lop off one tooth on each side. They are nine inches apart. That would leave me with a 54 inch grapple, slightly wider than my FEL.

In the meantime, if we need more pushing force we go in at an angle and use one corner or take a smaller bite.

The only problem with going in at an angle is putting asymmetric force on the grapple and loader. Not an issue with a smaller tractor but with a powerful heavy tractor that could torque the FEL or grapple or both. I'm not sure if you are referring to going into brush (no big deal) or soil (not sure how to go into soil at an angle). Going in more shallow into soil would work but then you have trouble getting under roots. It can be done with wider grapple, just not as efficient with digging.

TomSeller · Nov 18, 2015

Having a 74" wide dual lid L, a 72" wide single lid Rake and 50" single lid L, I have some experience with each. The wide L is good for clearing brush and a path into/through the brush. The rake is good for back raking and pushing debris. The small lightweight single Iid is the best for all around and if I had only one, it would be the lightweight small single lid.

EverythingAttachments · Nov 20, 2015

Mad Mac said:
The width of the grapple was something I... grappled with. The widest single lid was only $141 more than the narrowest one. Here is what clamped it for me. If 72 inches turned out to be too wide, I could lop off one tooth on each side. They are nine inches apart. That would leave me with a 54 inch grapple, slightly wider than my FEL.

In the meantime, if we need more pushing force we go in at an angle and use one corner or take a smaller bite.

Thanks for sharing Mac! You can do some serious work done with that setup!
Travis

EverythingAttachments · Nov 20, 2015

Mad Mac said:
The width of the grapple was something I... grappled with. The widest single lid was only $141 more than the narrowest one. Here is what clamped it for me. If 72 inches turned out to be too wide, I could lop off one tooth on each side. They are nine inches apart. That would leave me with a 54 inch grapple, slightly wider than my FEL.

In the meantime, if we need more pushing force we go in at an angle and use one corner or take a smaller bite.

Thanks for sharing, Mac. I bet that grapple weighs less than your bucket, so the efficiency will be outstanding!!!
Travis

Helitech · Nov 20, 2015

I'll be calling in a couple of hours to place my order!

EverythingAttachments · Nov 20, 2015

Helitech said:
I'll be calling in a couple of hours to place my order!

That's what I like to hear!
Travis

Helitech · Nov 20, 2015

Grapple is ordered! 66" single lid. Pictures promised when it arrives.

Mad Mac · Nov 20, 2015

Had fun this morning.

newbury · Nov 20, 2015

IslandTractor said:
The big problem with buying a grapple is that one does so only once. That means virtually none of us have vast experience with lots of grapple types and sizes before making a purchase. Dealers and manufacturers just want a sale.
Blah, blah, blah
<snip>When it comes to grapples, small is beautiful.

Don't get me wrong, LOT's of good info and I appreciate your insights but it's not helping enough so I can decide what to put the money down on.

Has anyone put together a spreadsheet or power point type presentation that outlines what each of EA's offerings in the SAME SIZE excel at?
Everything Attachments Wicked Root Grapple for Large Compact and Utility Tractors 55" Mega Compact Utility Grapple - Free Shipping! $2,490, 627 lbs
Everything Attachments Wicked Root Grapple for Compact Tractors, 54" Everything Attachments Wicked Root Grapple for Compact Tractors $1990, 349 lbs
Everything Attachments Single Lid Wicked Root Grapple for Compact Tractors 54" Single Lid Root Grapple $1690, 349 lbs

Most of my applications will be moderately dense hardwood forest and already my 72" bucket requires more tree cutting so I can see that a narrow 55" grapple may be ideal for my M4700.

I'm not just trying to convince myself, but also SWMBO.