Love the grapple. My grapple is my favorite implement. I had considered the Wicked Root Rake, but the very very long lead time they quoted was just too long for me to wait if an alternative was available. Most of the cheaper, lighter grapples seemed to bend fairly easily from what I had seen watching online videos when I was shopping. I have a Kubota L02 series tractor, and I wound up going with a 60" Virnig Root Rake from Messicks. It is a little bit heavier than the EA grapple, but is very robust. Virnig does offer a 55" version as well, but the lower tines aren't reinforced. They had it to me in less than 2 weeks with all the appropriate fittings. It has handled everything I have thrown at it, and so far I am pleased with my purchase. Edit: I forgot to mention that I put a grill brush guard on mine before installing the grapple. I've seen more than a few instances of limbs poking holes in the front grill and even one that impaled the battery while moving brush piles.
I have heard virnig makes really nice grapples. The grill guard is a good idea. Luckily I haven’t had any issues yet but I am careful driving into or picking up a pile.
Grapple look great. As i have a sub compact, jd 1025r its size and weight is perfect. As to a 5 foot brush hog, i can only tell you that when i run my 5 foot finish mower my tractor pops wheelies when i lift it up off the ground. Ive added suitcase weights to the front and now its fine. A brush hot sticking out even further will be a challenge. But i bet if you drive slowly and keep the rear wheel on the ground, you could make it work. Letus know.
Thanks, I will definitely throw some cinder blocks in the bucket for counterbalance. I plan on keeping the rotary cutter wheel on the ground so I’m basically just towing it. I’m more curious if it has the pto power to operate that big rotary cutter.
Love the grapple. My grapple is my favorite implement. I had considered the Wicked Root Rake, but the very very long lead time they quoted was just too long for me to wait if an alternative was available. Most of the cheaper, lighter grapples seemed to bend fairly easily from what I had seen watching online videos when I was shopping. I have a Kubota L02 series tractor, and I wound up going with a 60" Virnig Root Rake from Messicks. It is a little bit heavier than the EA grapple, but is very robust. Virnig does offer a 55" version as well, but the lower tines aren't reinforced. They had it to me in less than 2 weeks with all the appropriate fittings. It has handled everything I have thrown at it, and so far I am pleased with my purchase.
Edit: I forgot to mention that I put a grill brush guard on mine before installing the grapple. I've seen more than a few instances of limbs poking holes in the front grill and even one that impaled the battery while moving brush piles.
I have heard virnig makes really nice grapples. The grill guard is a good idea. Luckily I haven’t had any issues yet but I am careful driving into or picking up a pile.
I agree with daniel below. weight is the issue. if you can keep the frontend down to safely steer you should be good.
Grapple look great. As i have a sub compact, jd 1025r its size and weight is perfect. As to a 5 foot brush hog, i can only tell you that when i run my 5 foot finish mower my tractor pops wheelies when i lift it up off the ground. Ive added suitcase weights to the front and now its fine. A brush hot sticking out even further will be a challenge. But i bet if you drive slowly and keep the rear wheel on the ground, you could make it work. Letus know.
Thanks, I will definitely throw some cinder blocks in the bucket for counterbalance. I plan on keeping the rotary cutter wheel on the ground so I’m basically just towing it. I’m more curious if it has the pto power to operate that big rotary cutter.
I have the same grapple. It works well.
What’s your full time job?