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

[DieselBound]

Worried about getting off the tractor with a full mouth? Not sure if a dual lid grapple would have been able to bite on this (tapered to the left there on the trunk).



I've picked up bigger and heavier ones, but this is close to what I figure is a safe limit (this is wider shot of the above trunk).

 

[LiveDog]

Worried about getting off the tractor with a full mouth? Not sure if a dual lid grapple would have been able to bite on this (tapered to the left there on the trunk).

View attachment 533693

I've picked up bigger and heavier ones, but this is close to what I figure is a safe limit (this is wider shot of the above trunk).

View attachment 533694

Got to hand it to you Lad... Seems you do a lot with that rig... Love the enthusiasm... This is NOT a competition... JUST a comparison... PLEASE be safe...

 

[DieselBound]

Big stuff is, mostly, just moved a short distance: get it out of the brush and to a spot where it's easier to cut for firewood.

It is hoped that my pictures help to dispel any worries that these grapples aren't robust. My biggest concern, early on, was whether the the clamping force was adequate: it is- I've got a picture around here somewhere that was taken with my grapple clamping down on two conjoined stumps, dangling down from the grapple (clearly the full weight was being held by the clamping force).

 

[Peter 315]

Big stuff is, mostly, just moved a short distance: get it out of the brush and to a spot where it's easier to cut for firewood.

It is hoped that my pictures help to dispel any worries that these grapples aren't robust. My biggest concern, early on, was whether the the clamping force was adequate: it is- I've got a picture around here somewhere that was taken with my grapple clamping down on two conjoined stumps, dangling down from the grapple (clearly the full weight was being held by the clamping force).

What size grapple and why did you choose a single lid

 

[DieselBound]

Went with the 66" grapple.

Single lid because I felt that one was less complex than two: less hoses, one less cylinder. The width of the lid was a larger percentage of the overall size of grapple than the other sizes. For the dual lids the 54" would be the highest ratio/percentage. I like having the sides of the lower part of the grapple more exposed (a dual lid would shift out further) so I can watch the tines (I'll reach off to the side and snag things, intentionally).

So far everything that I've aimed to pick up and move I've been able to. I'm sure that at some point I'll run across something that I won't be able to pick up; however, after what I have picked up I really cannot see running across anything more substantial (for sure there are things that are bigger -HUGE- that I wouldn't even try- even stuff I wouldn't think to try with a 19k lb excavator that I rent).

 

[Peter 315]

Thanks I'm thinking of getting one in the spring

 

[Xfaxman]

:laughing:

Worried about getting off the tractor with a full mouth? Not sure if a dual lid grapple would have been able to bite on this (tapered to the left there on the trunk).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

If it had a wider opening, a dual lid would pick it up. :laughing:

 

[IslandTractor]

PROGRESS REPORT... North Line Bed... 66" EA Grapple-Bucket...

These are not really 'action shots' because I am uncomfortable getting on/off the tractor to 'stage' pics ESPECIALLY with some of these VERY LONG/HEAVY logs but I think YOU get the gist... Also, productivity is a consideration since the law of diminishing returns is kicking-in... As promised I have made some progress/pics on this hurricane IRMA damaged area of LARGE pines now called the 'North Line Bed'... The combo-tractor/grapple-activity/experience allows me to make this report (MUCH more to come)... There have been several LARGE/LONG logs moved/placed with the EA wicked grapple in order to provide some retaining for all the wood/brush-chips (they rot VERY fast in this semi-tropical environ of Central Florida)... BE VERY CAREFUL PICKING/MOVING LARGE/LONG LOGS!!! THEY CAN/WILL RACK YOUR LOADER/TOPPLE YOUR TRACTOR AND THE GRAPPLE BUCKET MAKES IT EXPONENTIALLY EASIER FOR THIS TO OCCUR... AGAIN, WATCH OUT...!!! I realize the chips are 'attractive' to certain 'critters' but at least it is in a concentrated area and I can also effectively 'treat' them in a concentrated way... I run the 'clean' brush through the chipper, burn the 'dirty' and mix the two for a soil amendment-balance... Anyway, I also want to report/update for those who have been curious-asking/following/providing help-input, that my KUBOTA L4701 DT seems to perform well with the EA 66" Wicked Grapple... It was a tough decision, what size (60/66/72) and configuration (single/dual-lids)... I chose the 66" not just as a 'middle-of-the-road' compromise but for the added strength on the sides (due to the 3.5" vs 7.5" tine spacing) while trying to keep the width close to my wheel-base... As far as the weight is concerned, the EA 66" dual-lid grapple-bucket is the max I would put/recommend on this tractor/loader and still have plenty of 'lee-way'... That said, YOU would also do just fine with the 60" Wicked Grapple, but again, I am happy with this one for the added leverage/strength... As for the dual vs single-lid, I am VERY happy/satisfied with the dual-lid because, I do a LOT of far-reaching/corner-grabbing/strategic-edge-picking/maneuvering View attachment 533690 and very often handle unbalanced/uneven loads, thus I feel the dual-lid lends me an advantage... View attachment 533689... So far, so good... Stay tuned...

Why do you think unbalanced or uneven loads are better handled by two lids? Do you need two thumbs to hold an uneven or unbalanced object in your hand?

 

[DieselBound]

:laughing:
If it had a wider opening, a dual lid would pick it up. :laughing:

I'm going to reach over and smack you! :laughing: (compared to you I'm doing child's play!)

As to carrying unbalanced loads... it's the lower part of the grapple that carries the weight. The lid is used to HOLD the material in place. As I noted, I don't go very far with loads like this: I'm just fishing stuff out- this piece was drug out with a 19k excavator and I wanted it moved to an even better place to cut on it- I was surprised that I was able to fetch it; required backing and turning, so not all just dead-lift and travel straight forward. I have no idea what the minimum width would need to be in order to carry the load I did; I'm sure that IT can comment on this (he is able to do a lot with a narrower grapple). I've got another picture around in which I've snagged an old octopus-looking stump WAY off to one side of the grapple -had some people claiming that it's NOT the way to carry a load (yes, but sometimes you go with what you end up with); other than nearly tipping over from later going over soft ground (my terminus point) I was OK- again, short distance.

I'm firmly of the belief that one can pretty much do anything with any grapple. Different tractors and grapples might require a little different angle of attack, but if you are good enough in evaluating things and you can get a good bite you're likely going to be able to get done what you need to get done.

 

[IslandTractor]

I'm firmly of the belief that one can pretty much do anything with any grapple. Different tractors and grapples might require a little different angle of attack, but if you are good enough in evaluating things and you can get a good bite you're likely going to be able to get done what you need to get done.

Yep. The best grapple is any grapple you can get your hands on. I've yet to wish I had a wider heavier grapple but if I had a bigger grapple I'm sure it would do the job too.

 

[Piston]

Yep. The best grapple is any grapple you can get your hands on.

Exactly on point! We all seem to WAY over analyze the minor differences in grapples. ANY grapple is 100 times better than a bucket. Even a bolt on thumb makes your equipment many times more useful.

There are times where a dual lid will be better for the job at hand, but not necessary.

You can see in this pic how with a single lid, you would be more apt to lose part of the load.

With a single lid of less width, the logs would have teeter tottered up at the ends more.
If the logs had been piled nice and straight, this wouldn’t have mattered.

In these pics below, you can really see why the wider dual lid will be able to hold more in certain situations.

Two trips turned into one by being able to hold double.








There are very few instances where the narrow single lid won’t “work” for the job, regardless if it takes a little extra time is a little less efficient. At the end of the day it’s not that big of a deal.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

My biggest concern, early on, was whether the the clamping force was adequate: it is- I've got a picture around here somewhere that was taken with my grapple clamping down on two conjoined stumps, dangling down from the grapple (clearly the full weight was being held by the clamping force).

:scratchchin: I have that pic around here somewhere, too...

Ah, here it is!
Travis

 

[IslandTractor]

Yep, any grapple is better than a bucket. To defend my narrow single lid I’ll point out that it costs less, lifts more, is easier to maneuver, digs better and also that the number of times that you’ll be carrying two stumps at once is a small fraction of grappling time. I know you guys with dual lids are always concerned about balancing a wide load with a single but it really is not an issue. Can you balance a golf club with just one hand? Remember that the dual lid has its origin as a construction implement for a skid steer designed to pick up lots of small debris at job sites. Think also about huge excavators that never use anything but narrow single lid grapples to tear out and move full size trees. Apparently they don’t have any trouble with wide loads.

Again, any grapple is better than no grapple. Each to his own.

 

[LiveDog]

Have YOU ever picked-up a load/log that was so long/heavy that when you got off the tractor the rear tires came off the ground???!!! Neither have I (one tire perhaps but not both ;+)... BE CAREFUL...

 

[Piston]

Have YOU ever picked-up a load/log that was so long/heavy that when you got off the tractor the rear tires came off the ground???!!! Neither have I (one tire perhaps but not both ;+)... BE CAREFUL... View attachment 533930

Absolutely! But not since filling my rear tires.

 

[LiveDog]

Got to hand it to you Lad... Seems you do a lot with that rig... Love the enthusiasm... This is NOT a competition... JUST a comparison... PLEASE be safe...

Why do you think unbalanced or uneven loads are better handled by two lids? Do you need two thumbs to hold an uneven or unbalanced object in your hand?

As a double-lid grapple owner/user I may look at this double-vs-single lid-thing perhaps a little differently than you/those with a single-lid grapple... I understand also that our purpose/applications may be very different... According to what I have seen you post/describe, apparently you think of/use your single-lid as a thumb... NOTE: My loader/double-lids are extensions of my arms/HANDS, each lid acting as a HAND vs thumb... My lids are very near the edges of my grapple and yours/most single-lids are usually centered... I VERY RARELY approach a load/log/pile of brush/debris/root/bush/hole/mound/rut/etc. that is centered... I am OFTEN/USUALLY tackling/approaching things that I want to pick-up/work-on from an angle, reaching over/around a corner, barely able to grab from the side, and I use the edges/corners/left and right lids as HANDS to make initial contact, nudge, grasp/pinch in order to move/relocate pull into more effective working-range, help to get centered... Quite often after making this initial contact/pick from an odd angle/off to the side, I realize that I have the load well-enough (albeit unbalanced) to carry it safely/conveniently/further/perhaps to the intended destination... Also, my double lids/two hands allow me to grasp smaller items and/or piles of smaller 'clean-up' debris/brush... This issue has been discussed/debated ad-nauseam... Just wanted to share what I believe may be a different perspective (2 hands vs 1 thumb) since I have not seen/heard this comparison... There is no substitute for experience and I know that I could not do with a single/central-lid (thumb) what I currently do with two lids (hands)/one on each side of the grapple/loader (arm/s)... YES, any grapple is better than no grapple, but I need/fully utilize the dexterity that two hands/lids provide for the wide variety of work that I have to do with my tractor/loader/grapple...

 

[Casey1]

As a double-lid grapple owner/user I may look at this double-vs-single lid-thing perhaps a little differently than you/those with a single-lid grapple... I understand also that our purpose/applications may be very different... According to what I have seen you post/describe, apparently you think of/use your single-lid as a thumb... NOTE: My loader/double-lids are extensions of my arms/HANDS, each lid acting as a HAND vs thumb... My lids are very near the edges of my grapple and yours/most single-lids are usually centered... I VERY RARELY approach a load/log/pile of brush/debris/root/bush/hole/mound/rut/etc. that is centered... I am OFTEN/USUALLY tackling/approaching things that I want to pick-up/work-on from an angle, reaching over/around a corner, barely able to grab from the side, and I use the edges/corners/left and right lids as HANDS to make initial contact, nudge, grasp/pinch in order to move/relocate pull into more effective working-range, help to get centered... Quite often after making this initial contact/pick from an odd angle/off to the side, I realize that I have the load well-enough (albeit unbalanced) to carry it safely/conveniently/further/perhaps to the intended destination... Also, my double lids/two hands allow me to grasp smaller items and/or piles of smaller 'clean-up' debris/brush... This issue has been discussed/debated ad-nauseam... Just wanted to share what I believe may be a different perspective (2 hands vs 1 thumb) since I have not seen/heard this comparison... There is no substitute for experience and I know that I could not do with a single/central-lid (thumb) what I currently do with two lids (hands)/one on each side of the grapple/loader (arm/s)... YES, any grapple is better than no grapple, but I need/fully utilize the dexterity that two hands/lids provide for the wide variety of work that I have to do with my tractor/loader/grapple... View attachment 534101View attachment 534102

Best argument i've heard so far for getting the dual lid for general purpose work.

 

[Mad Mac]

Can't let a lid polemic pass without jumpin' in. My ranch hand pointed out that when he chomps down on a load of Yaupon with the single lid on our 72" Wicked, the Yaupon itself tightly squeezes the whole wad together securely.

Here he is transporting a batch a quarter of a mile without losing any. The red sunshade of the tractor is barely visible above the massive bundle and a splash of daylight can be glimpsed below.

 

[lostcreekranch]

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

Can't let a lid polemic pass without jumpin' in. My ranch hand pointed out that when he chomps down on a load of Yaupon with the single lid on our 72" Wicked, the Yaupon itself tightly squeezes the whole wad together securely.

Here he is transporting a batch a quarter of a mile without losing any. The red sunshade of the tractor is barely visible above the massive bundle and a splash of daylight can be glimpsed below.

So ........ same thing doesn’t happen with a dual lid? I’ve got a dual lid 84” Blue Diamond and a single lid 73” EA. Both work well with branches, etc.







The key issue is your “individual” needs and anyone looking into purchase of a grapple might review threads, like this one, to see what others with similar uses are doing. Then make the best deal and join the grapple nation.

Once you’ve made a decision, the “experts” will try to show why you made the “wrong” decision just to glorify themselves as self-appointed “gurus”. You just have to filter out the BS from the sound information.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Can't let a lid polemic pass without jumpin' in. My ranch hand pointed out that when he chomps down on a load of Yaupon with the single lid on our 72" Wicked, the Yaupon itself tightly squeezes the whole wad together securely.

Here he is transporting a batch a quarter of a mile without losing any. The red sunshade of the tractor is barely visible above the massive bundle and a splash of daylight can be glimpsed below.

Holy COW!! I assume he's transporting in reverse! :laughing:
Travis