Hi, first post but I've been wrestling with very similar questions the last couple weeks. Since maybe mid-April I've written checks for (but not yet received!) a new-to-me 500hr L3940, a full set of OFA EKO chains from Windy Ridge (R4s+muddy property) and just yesterday an Anbo GR-45 in the 58" width.
Like I said, none of this stuff is here yet; tractor was originally to arrive yesterday but has been delayed until Sunday. The grapple is 2-3 weeks out and the chains were in-stock but I haven't heard anything about shipping from Windy Ridge. My first real machine of this type; I'm
very excited. [Pallet forks, ballast box, and new jugs (filled with PowerService-treated diesel) are already in the garage.]
In any case, I read a ton and talked to sellers of tractors and chains and grapples and chose the indicated items very carefully. I'm really very frugal; it took a long time for me to make the decision to spend the sort of money we're discussing.
The
chains are manufactured by a
serious company from serious material
and were less expensive than all the other typical contenders (in my sizes 25% less expensive than the Aquiine). The grapple is well thought out and is said to be very well built; Darren (the owner of Anbo) spent at least an hour and a half describing the differences between the series and the design philosophy behind them. All pivots greaseable, all US-sourced high-strength steel, made to work and last. I believe he told me the warranty was 2 years and 4 on the cylinders.
The shorter, more tightly spaced lower tines, and smaller grippable diameter will suit my needs well- I'm cleaning up ~8ac of heavily-wooded forest which hasn't been maintained for over 30 years. There will be lots of mill- and firewood, and
much time rooting out swamp ash and poisonous vines and then replanting the forest floor with proper forage for small game. Darren assured me that back-dragging with the top tines was expected and intended use.
I'm a mechanical engineer enjoying geeking out on tractor stuff, it's been a blast. The 3940+grapple is going to
completely transform my ability to improve the property; I'm very excited, and feel very fortunate indeed.
Check out
Anbo; maybe give them a call if they look good to your eye. It's fun to check out the
pictures of the enormous ones they make for big machines if nothing else.
No affiliation, and not even really an owner yet, but they passed my (over?) critical eye and, more importantly, got my down payment.
Best,
fc