WHICH ROOT RAKE/GRAPPLE ?

[Notforhire]

I've owned both 66" root grapples from Mid State.
Because of the weight/ money consideration, the first one I bought was the "E" model. I never dreamed that I would use it so often.
The weak point in the "E" model is the pivot point on the grapple. After a short time the hole egged out. After increasing the pivot pins to one inch and seeing no improvement, I decided to either redesign the pivot, or replace the grapple.
My tractor, at the time, was a JD 5055e which had plenty of lift capacity. I made my decision and sold the "E" model and bought the heavy duty 66". I paid $1800 at the Denton facility.

I've been very happy with this unit. Now my tractor is smaller (L47). I've not used the grapple on it yet, but I've mounted and operated it. I did notice the weight more on the Kubota than I did on the Deere.
I think the weight of the "E" series would be better suited to my Kubota. (Note that I don't have a backhoe.)
The heavy duty model is a MUCH better, although heavier unit.
I think it'll work out fine and I have no intention of replacing it with a lighter model.

If you can redesign the pivot of the "E" model, you would have a lot of bang for your buck. I don't think it would be difficult.
The photo is of a spade bucket/grapple I also bought from them. It works great.

 

[fried1765]

I've owned both 66" root grapples from Mid State.
Because of the weight/ money consideration, the first one I bought was the "E" model. I never dreamed that I would use it so often.
The weak point in the "E" model is the pivot point on the grapple. After a short time the hole egged out. After increasing the pivot pins to one inch and seeing no improvement, I decided to either redesign the pivot, or replace the grapple.
My tractor, at the time, was a JD 5055e which had plenty of lift capacity. I made my decision and sold the "E" model and bought the heavy duty 66". I paid $1800 at the Denton facility.

I've been very happy with this unit. Now my tractor is smaller (L47). I've not used the grapple on it yet, but I've mounted and operated it. I did notice the weight more on the Kubota than I did on the Deere.
I think the weight of the "E" series would be better suited to my Kubota. (Note that I don't have a backhoe.)
The heavy duty model is a MUCH better, although heavier unit.
I think it'll work out fine and I have no intention of replacing it with a lighter model.

If you can redesign the pivot of the "E" model, you would have a lot of bang for your buck. I don't think it would be difficult.
The photo is of a spade bucket/grapple I also bought from them. It works great.

Thank you! Thank you!
You have provided the exact information/comparison I was hoping for.

I had already considered that if I bought the "E" model I would bore some larger holes, and use replaceable bronze bushings, and/or maybe add zerk fittings.
From your information, and since I do have the backhoe counterweight, it does seem that the "extreme" model would work well for me.

I do have a concern about both models however.
I need to pull/rip out bittersweet vines by pulling it through the holly branches.
I am thinking that the 9" teeth may be too closely spaced, and will do more damage to the holly.

I have now discovered a 66" (actually 64") model that has 11" tooth spacing from Skidsteer Depot, in Brownsboro, AL.
I would add replaceable bronze bushings to this model also (I am 79 years old. Am I going to wear this thing out?)
Only $1300 delivered, and it weighs 575 lbs.
I know this is only an inexpensive attachment, but while vegetating here in FL. for the Winter, and lacking anything better to do, I just may fly up to AL. to have a look at it.

 

[Notforhire]

I checked out Skidsteer Depot's site. If we're looking at the same unit, it appears (at least to me) that it's either made by Mid State or from the same pattern. MS builds their equipment in Denton and sells to other companies for resale.
The SD unit has the same pivot design issue as MS has.
66" Root Rake Clam Grapple with Teeth - Skid Steer Attachment Depot

 

[fried1765]

I checked out Skidsteer Depot's site. If we're looking at the same unit, it appears (at least to me) that it's either made by Mid State or from the same pattern. MS builds their equipment in Denton and sells to other companies for resale.
The SD unit has the same pivot design issue as MS has.
66" Root Rake Clam Grapple with Teeth - Skid Steer Attachment Depot

Yup...That is the one!
I suspect you are 100% correct about MS building it.!

Before ordering I will ask MS about ordering that exact design direct from them.
Perhaps I could also pay MS to use bronze bushings, or pivot bolts with zerks.

I have also thought that I might just tack weld each pivot bolt, and put a zerk in each cylinder end fitting.

 

[Notforhire]

Doesn't hurt to ask.
The SD unit looks just like the standard economy model from MS.

I bought some bushings off eBay that are 1.5 x 3" with a 1" hole. My intention was to cut the bushing in half and weld them on the outside of the pivot. To keep the pin from rotating in the center, I was going to drill the grapple arm and either install a set screw or roll pin into the 1" pivot pin. Grease fitting could easily be installed in the bushings.

 

[fried1765]

View attachment 630370

Doesn't hurt to ask.
The SD unit looks just like the standard economy model from MS.

I bought some bushings off eBay that are 1.5 x 3" with a 1" hole. My intention was to cut the bushing in half and weld them on the outside of the pivot. To keep the pin from rotating in the center, I was going to drill the grapple arm and either install a set screw or roll pin into the 1" pivot pin. Grease fitting could easily be installed in the bushings.

Seems like a good plan.
I might try that, though I think just tack welding the pins, and putting a zerk in each of the 4 cylinder end fittings would be easier.
Too soon for me to order a grapple now anyway, as I am in Florida for the Winter.

 

[Notforhire]

I don't think that the cylinder ends are a problem, it's where the grapple arm pivots that it eggs out quickly. If I remember correctly the center (grapple) plate is 3/8" sandwiched between two 3/8 plates, so there isn't much bearing surface there. I think the factory pivot was just a 5/8 full thread bolt.

We had a bad ice storm here and needless to say, I moved tons of branches and trees before I replaced the bolts with 1" pins.
After that I lent it to a friend that had a 75HP NH and he moved tons of downed trees.

Depending on your use, it may be fine for years, as is.
SD has some good photos, so you can really study how it's built, then you'll be ready for a decision in the spring.

Good luck, Bill

 

[fried1765]

I don't think that the cylinder ends are a problem, it's where the grapple arm pivots that it eggs out quickly. If I remember correctly the center (grapple) plate is 3/8" sandwiched between two 3/8 plates, so there isn't much bearing surface there. I think the factory pivot was just a 5/8 full thread bolt.

We had a bad ice storm here and needless to say, I moved tons of branches and trees before I replaced the bolts with 1" pins.
After that I lent it to a friend that had a 75HP NH and he moved tons of downed trees.

Depending on your use, it may be fine for years, as is.
SD has some good photos, so you can really study how it's built, then you'll be ready for a decision in the spring.

Good luck, Bill

"it may be fine for years"

That begs the question......
How many "years" is a 79 year old likely to have left anyway?

I am thinking I will try to order that SD model directly from MS in the Spring, as soon as I get back up North.
I will ask MS if they can customize it a bit for me.

I normally go North in late April, but I plan to go a bit earlier this year to tend my overwintering bees.

 

[kenmac]

Buy a good grapple and you only have to buy it once with no regrets
Wicked beats those cheap grapples every time

 

[kenmac]

rocks ? No problem for the wicked to dig up

Wicked !! There's No substitute for quality ! Guaranteed..... And, made right here in the USA !