RK by Top Dog Grapple

[CFarm45]

Anyone have experience with the Top Dog grapple from Rural King? I’m drawn to the design - somewhere between the root rake style and the bucket style grapples. I like the horizontal tines to allow to slide like forks along the ground to pick up debris without digging in too much. The 60” (and up) look to be a different (better) design than the 54” and more robust, though some concerns with weight of 60”. Going to use for brush clean up, limbs, firewood (logs).

Any experience with these, good or bad would be appreciated.

Thoughts on 390 lb. (60”) grapple on LX3310?

 

[Nicfin36]

I don't know anything about them. There are a few videos of them on YouTube, but maybe not the exact model you are looking at.

I don't think 390 lbs would be that big a deal. Of course, the heavier the grapple, the less overall lift. I would rather have a bit more weight if it meant the grapple would hold up better.

I drank the EA Kool Aid and went with the 55 Wicked Root Grapple.

 

[mcfarmall]

I was considering the RK Granite Grapple but I ended up with a Precision Mfg. dual lid model that opened up waaaayy bigger. At the time RK didn't have any stock at any of their nearby (lol) stores.

 

[Jchonline]

American made, decent warranty. Top Dog makes a bunch of different grapples. Do you have a link?

 

[CFarm45]

American made, decent warranty. Top Dog makes a bunch of different grapples. Do you have a link?

60”
https://www.ruralking.com/catalog/product/view/id/112948

54”
https://www.ruralking.com/rk-by-top-dog-g54-granite-grapple-54-inch-rk54

BTW… the listed weights on the rural king site are incorrect according to Top Dog rep. (54” = 235lbs. 60” = 390 lbs.)

 

[CFarm45]

I was considering the RK Granite Grapple but I ended up with a Precision Mfg. dual lid model that opened up waaaayy bigger. At the time RK didn't have any stock at any of their nearby (lol) stores.

The precision mini 322 has been my 2nd choice. You may have a heavier model on your M though…. I was concerned that I couldn’t slide the tines along the ground without burying them due to their more vertical orientation and the hinge points on the mini 322 didn’t look all that rugged. I like the dual lid and wide opening though….

 

[Jchonline]

60”
https://www.ruralking.com/catalog/product/view/id/112948

54”
https://www.ruralking.com/rk-by-top-dog-g54-granite-grapple-54-inch-rk54

BTW… the listed weights on the rural king site are incorrect according to Top Dog rep. (54” = 235lbs. 60” = 390 lbs.)

What is your front tire width? I would recommend you stay inside it for a grapple…just my preference.

Also what is your loader capacity? I think the 60” is too heavy for it. You will probably loose over 1/2 of your lift capacity.

 

[CFarm45]

What is your front tire width? I would recommend you stay inside it for a grapple…just my preference.

Also what is your loader capacity? I think the 60” is too heavy for it. You will probably loose over 1/2 of your lift capacity.

Front tire width is about 48”. I’d actually prefer the grapple be a bit wider than front tires so I can see the end tines along the ground. 54” would be plenty wide enough, but I like the design of the tines and lid on the 60” better on this particular grapple.

loader lift is 769 lbs at 500mm (1067 lbs at the pin). Tip of tines would be about 650mm ahead of the pin. So yes, 60” would be about half the capacity, which is a concern. Others have said 400lbs grapple for similar work on LX is no problem, but I have my doubts.

 

[Jchonline]

Front tire width is about 48”. I’d actually prefer the grapple be a bit wider than front tires so I can see the end tines along the ground. 54” would be plenty wide enough, but I like the design of the tines and lid on the 60” better on this particular grapple.

loader lift is 769 lbs at 500mm (1067 lbs at the pin). Tip of tines would be about 650mm ahead of the pin. So yes, 60” would be about half the capacity, which is a concern. Others have said 400lbs grapple for similar work on LX is no problem, but I have my doubts.

Ballast may also be an issue. If you are always maxing out the FEL with the grapple weight + a log or whatever it will feel very light in the back unless you have really good ballast. Sounds like the 54 is the way to go.