Paul,
I don't remember exactly how much it cost but I think it was right around $1,500.
I got mine from WR LONG along with his 3rd function valve kit as well. I know the skidsteer one is cheaper and probably even more durable, but I would recommend the one I got over that one.
The one you posted has an opening of 34" and the WR LONG one is 44" I also believe that the tines are longer on the LONG grapple (OBG-2) which with the combination of the wider opening, will allow you grab a much bigger pile of brush.
This will also lower your breakout force since the lever arm will be longer, so if you were going to be digging up a lot of huge boulders or stumps then it may be a consideration, but thats about it, plus you have your backhoe for that:thumbsup:
The tine spacing looks the same at 9". The weight is a bigger factor, it's 110 lbs heavier than the one I have, and the one I have is 64" rather than 60".
I would like to add tines between each tine and make the spacing 4.5" because I use it a lot for firewood. I like the width of the one I have because I can carry a lot of firewood in one load.
I can't see you being able to do any damage to the LONG grapple if you use it like it's meant for. I beat on mine pretty bad and I have a heavier more powerful loader than you, and I have yet to damage it.
(Note: my father was using it to drag a huge log and tried turning while backing and bent the last 5" of one of the grapple corners, he didn't realize the incredible lever arm he was putting on that grapple) If you use with a little common sense (sorry dad
) then you can't hurt it.
What are your main intentions to use the grapple for? I say "main" because you will use it for a million things you had no intention of. Since I use mine a lot for firewood and clearing brush by lowering the tines in the ground (2-3" or so) and driving forward, as well as picking up small multiple stumps, then I got the wider 64" grapple which helps a lot. HOwever keep in mind if your main intentions are to move brush piles, you won't notice too much of a difference with the width of the grapple. You may be happy with the smaller, cheaper, lighter single grapple of the 48" he makes. I personally am very glad I have the wider one, but for a lot of people the smaller one will work just as good, and is also a lot lighter.
Please let me know if you have any detailed questions about the grapple, I love talking about it and will try to give an unbiased opinion of any others.
As a side note, I've talked with nelson 3 times now with questions i've had, and he is always willing to spend a lot of time on the phone with me, and I've never had an issue getting a hold of him. His customer service really impressed me!
