Grapple Recommendations

I picked up a used L4060 with ssqa loader and really want a grapple for it. I'm in the process of installing a 3rd function kit.

It will only be used for moving logs and brush. There are basically no rocks where I live and I have no interest in removing stumps.

I see a lot of different styles out there and would like some input on what to look for. I looked through some old threads but maybe there is something new and better available.

 

I have a CTA on mine. Works great for logs. Haven’t moved a lot of brush but worked fine. Not overly heavy but well made. No rocks for mine.

 

I have a fork grapple I’d sell you for $900.

 

Here is a link to what I have been using.

Compact Tractor Attachments - 50" Mini Loader Compact Grapple

 

I bought a Land Pride 72” clamshell grapple for my L3560. I have use mostly for brush clean up from tree removal. I am satisfied with it so far

 

I'm sure it works good on logs but how does it do on brush?

 

I’ve got an EA Wicked 55 on my L3301. So far it’s done everything I’ve asked it to do.55 Inch Wicked Root Rake Grapple | King Of The Grapples

 

It does great on brush. You can slide the forks under the brush, or lay brush across the forks. With the root grapple I have to grab from the top of the brush pile to get a big bite, but it still doesn’t grab as much as the fork grapple.

 

Got my 3rd function kit installation finished this morning. It wasn't bad at all aside from some gorilla tight fittings that had to come apart to tap into the PB line.

I found this one that's made locally. You get a $300 discount for picking it up from the factory....seems like a good deal. Currently out of stock but I'll keep my eye on it. Not a lot of info out there on it, but the few thing I could find have been positive.

60″ Two-Cylinder Brush Grapple - Express Steel Inc

 

Not sure what brand I have at the moment but you will be glad you got it. You are welcome to check mine out, depending if it’s convenient. I live between Bloomington and Bedford. I suggest not going with the largest one you can put on it. Too much front weight when you add the log you lift.

I suspect any you decide on will work well enough.

 

If I'm ever down that way I may look you up. I have family N of Bloomington.

I would like to keep the weight around 400lbs. I would rather it be the weak link and not the rest of the tractor.

 

I like the ones with replaceable cutter teeth (root style, single acting). If I were to have one I'd want it to be as stout as possible because I know me and my propensity for finding weak spots. Had prior bad experiences with the dual acting units getting out of phase with each other. Could have been the equipment rather than design but it was very frustrating.

 

The root style grapples, from what I'm seeing, are at least a couple hundred lbs heavier than the brush style. I would like to maintain all the lift capacity I can.

 

I think it comes down to the intended use , and yes I know ; things like this often get tested past their limit.

Would have to agree with both of you guys on this. Sure, teeth would be great if I knew I was going to be digging up rocks and playing in the dirt but if I had no plan on doing that and using it for strictly moving logs and brush, I would probably opt for something lighter in order to maintain as much lifting capacity as possible. Since I only have a small sub-compact tractor, I went with the lighter unit seeing it is strictly used for firewood, loading logs on the mill (cat's meow for doing this!) and occasional brush load.
Also, single cylinder on mine and I did install the third function from a generic sort of kit, the kit they actually make from the Mfg. for mine was about 5 times what I bought my lit from. Since my machine was new and I didn't want to cut , grind or weld on it I fabricated a mounting plate for the valve that clamps to the cross tube on the front of the loader. This has worked really well.

 

My experience with them is with a hefty CTL. It has to tote around a Fecon sometimes, so capacity not really an issue there.

 

My Homestead 55 root grapple is around 310lbs and solidly built. I have had some heavy off balance log loads and no issues. The only lighter one is the EA wicked.

 

Yeah, I'm nowhere near that kind of capacity. I have to be careful.

 

That one looks nice. Pricey, but nice.

 

Yes, i had a large one at the recommendation of the dealer where i got my new tractor. It may have been one he wanted to push. I traded it back for a smaller one.