Grapple options for the L2501/LA525

[nerwin]

I have yet to hear anyone say they have a grapple and wished they had a different style or think they made a mistake putting the money into a grapple. Maybe that’s partly confirmation bias, but I don’t think that explains a total lack of expressed regret. Point being, you’re unlikely to regret whatever you get so long as you don’t get some giant thing that sucks up all your lift capacity.

Personally, I’m partial to twin lid long bottom, probably because that’s what I have and I like it… very much. View attachment 146448

Dang that's quite a log. Must be like 30+ inches round.

 

[X-Pup]

I've been researching grapples for my new L2501 for a few months now. Cost versus performance dual lid folks seemed to like the MTL.
https://www.mtlattachments.com/tractor-attachments/new-compact-vertical-root-grapple

Personally I've got my eye on the Precision manufacturing dual lid Big Mouth 322.
https://www.agfolks.com/product/big...ble-grapples-john-deere-quick-attach-brackets

Right now, I still have more time than money.

I just posted the first links that came up. They both come with the skid Steer connect option.
I realize the Precision unit is much more expensive. I usually get what I want and cry once.

 

[nerwin]

I've been researching grapples for my new L2501 for a few months now. Cost versus performance dual lid folks seemed to like the MTL.
https://www.mtlattachments.com/tractor-attachments/new-compact-vertical-root-grapple

Personally I've got my eye on the Precision manufacturing dual lid Big Mouth 322.
https://www.agfolks.com/product/big...ble-grapples-john-deere-quick-attach-brackets

Right now, I still have more time than money.

I just posted the first links that came up. They both come with the skid Steer connect option.
I realize the Precision unit is much more expensive. I usually get what I want and cry once.

Yeah I have a Big Mouth!

Almost worth buying just to say that.

 

[MOOTS]

That big mouth looks interesting. Root rake style yet dual lids. Wonder how that would actually hold up in real world use?

 

[McMXi]

That big mouth looks interesting. Root rake style yet dual lids. Wonder how that would actually hold up in real world use?

That grapple looks under-built to me, and the cylinders being positioned where they are seems odd for a double lid design.

 

[Sidekick]

Yeah I have a Big Mouth!

Almost worth buying just to say that.

Mine is just a little clam .

 

[X-Pup]

That grapple looks under-built to me, and the cylinders being positioned where they are seems odd for a double lid design.

I had the same impression. 1/4inch plate seems a little thin to me, even if it is AR400. It's like a big skeleton but it seems solid. There are a couple of videos of Tractor Time with Tim giving it a workout. It looks pretty solid in action. He said he noticed a little flex in the middle of the top lids if you grab something that isn't long enough to reach the outer edges, but it doesn't deform and returns to its original shape.

Also, keeping the cylinders in a protected location behind the grapple required locating them outside the skid steer connection. Possibly a compromise as opposed to locating them on the top of the lids.

I also think the larger size of the opening also results in a weaker grip force.

All things considered - I still like this one.

I also like the wicked 55 with the exception of not having a center hinge like the 60.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

I've been researching grapples for my new L2501 for a few months now. Cost versus performance dual lid folks seemed to like the MTL.
https://www.mtlattachments.com/tractor-attachments/new-compact-vertical-root-grapple

Personally I've got my eye on the Precision manufacturing dual lid Big Mouth 322.
https://www.agfolks.com/product/big...ble-grapples-john-deere-quick-attach-brackets

Right now, I still have more time than money.

I just posted the first links that came up. They both come with the skid Steer connect option.
I realize the Precision unit is much more expensive. I usually get what I want and cry once.

I like the pivot design on the Precision. Many lesser grapples just use a bolt and tabs, that design is cheaper but doesn't give much bearing area.

 

[Outback101]

I'm looking at Stinger attachments that are made relatively local to me. Heavily considering the 66" size. Like the weight and design.

https://stingerattachments.com/buy/ccg-56-compact-clam-grapple/

They have several styles available. Check out the offerings under both skid steer and compact tractors.

Appreciate the Messick's video's That was something I had not considered as a problem/threat to my hydraulics.

 

[TBK]

Did you ever decide upon which to get and if you did, do you like it?



I am looking into grapplers for my L2501. I was thinking about buying the EA 55" root grappler but with their recent issues I've opted to look elsewhere. Currently I'm looking at a few different ones and build materials and weight are two extreme considerations for me as I am doing a lot of brush/dead tree cleanup along with picking up BIG rocks. I like the idea of dual jaws because of the various size loads but then I need to think about longevity with the material type.

The Stinger looks really nice, the structure seems to be strong and supportive, has two jaws, and also has a plate along the back which protects from stuff poking into the radiator but it is only made from 1/4" AR200. Would it stand up to rock moving punishment?
https://stingerattachments.com/buy/ccg-56-compact-clam-grapple/

The Catawba looks really nice and has similar okay reinforcements, looking like the EA Wicked 55. It is missing gussets on the tines compared to the Stinger but is a better steel w/the Hardox 450 and it does have a center pivot. However, it has a single jaw.
https://cattachments.com/product/ca...achment-for-tractor-with-high-strength-steel/

The Homestead looks okay but doesn't seem to have the same level of reinforcements. I know it is thicker steel but is that enough to offset the need for the webbing/gussets? It is a single jaw with no center pivot point and I am concerned about twisting.
https://www.homesteadimplements.com/pinnacle-series-root-grapple

The MTL CV- 60" Quick Attach Black has dual jaws but unknown steel type, weighs a LOT at 396lbs, and it is currently out of stock.
https://www.mtlattachments.com/tractor-attachments/new-compact-vertical-root-grapple

Precision Manufacturing (AKA - AG Folks) Mini 322 has a lot of features I like, twin jaws, only weighs 265lbs and uses AR400 but the cost is almost $4,000 with taxes and shipping.
https://www.agfolks.com/product/big-mouth-mini-322-grapple-rake-double-grapples-skid-steer-brackets

 

[Sidekick]

Did you ever decide upon which to get and if you did, do you like it?



I am looking into grapplers for my L2501. I was thinking about buying the EA 55" root grappler but with their recent issues I've opted to look elsewhere. Currently I'm looking at a few different ones and build materials and weight are two extreme considerations for me as I am doing a lot of brush/dead tree cleanup along with picking up BIG rocks. I like the idea of dual jaws because of the various size loads but then I need to think about longevity with the material type.

The Stinger looks really nice, the structure seems to be strong and supportive, has two jaws, and also has a plate along the back which protects from stuff poking into the radiator but it is only made from 1/4" AR200. Would it stand up to rock moving punishment?
https://stingerattachments.com/buy/ccg-56-compact-clam-grapple/

The Catawba looks really nice and has similar okay reinforcements, looking like the EA Wicked 55. It is missing gussets on the tines compared to the Stinger but is a better steel w/the Hardox 450 and it does have a center pivot. However, it has a single jaw.
https://cattachments.com/product/ca...achment-for-tractor-with-high-strength-steel/

The Homestead looks okay but doesn't seem to have the same level of reinforcements. I know it is thicker steel but is that enough to offset the need for the webbing/gussets? It is a single jaw with no center pivot point and I am concerned about twisting.
https://www.homesteadimplements.com/pinnacle-series-root-grapple

The MTL CV- 60" Quick Attach Black has dual jaws but unknown steel type, weighs a LOT at 396lbs, and it is currently out of stock.
https://www.mtlattachments.com/tractor-attachments/new-compact-vertical-root-grapple

Precision Manufacturing (AKA - AG Folks) Mini 322 has a lot of features I like, twin jaws, only weighs 265lbs and uses AR400 but the cost is almost $4,000 with taxes and shipping.
https://www.agfolks.com/product/big-mouth-mini-322-grapple-rake-double-grapples-skid-steer-brackets

View attachment 153074

The Catawba root grapples are actually Hardox 500 now.

 

[The Evil Twin]

Did you ever decide upon which to get and if you did, do you like it?



I am looking into grapplers for my L2501. I was thinking about buying the EA 55" root grappler but with their recent issues I've opted to look elsewhere. Currently I'm looking at a few different ones and build materials and weight are two extreme considerations for me as I am doing a lot of brush/dead tree cleanup along with picking up BIG rocks. I like the idea of dual jaws because of the various size loads but then I need to think about longevity with the material type.

The Stinger looks really nice, the structure seems to be strong and supportive, has two jaws, and also has a plate along the back which protects from stuff poking into the radiator but it is only made from 1/4" AR200. Would it stand up to rock moving punishment?
https://stingerattachments.com/buy/ccg-56-compact-clam-grapple/

The Catawba looks really nice and has similar okay reinforcements, looking like the EA Wicked 55. It is missing gussets on the tines compared to the Stinger but is a better steel w/the Hardox 450 and it does have a center pivot. However, it has a single jaw.
https://cattachments.com/product/ca...achment-for-tractor-with-high-strength-steel/

The Homestead looks okay but doesn't seem to have the same level of reinforcements. I know it is thicker steel but is that enough to offset the need for the webbing/gussets? It is a single jaw with no center pivot point and I am concerned about twisting.
https://www.homesteadimplements.com/pinnacle-series-root-grapple

The MTL CV- 60" Quick Attach Black has dual jaws but unknown steel type, weighs a LOT at 396lbs, and it is currently out of stock.
https://www.mtlattachments.com/tractor-attachments/new-compact-vertical-root-grapple

Precision Manufacturing (AKA - AG Folks) Mini 322 has a lot of features I like, twin jaws, only weighs 265lbs and uses AR400 but the cost is almost $4,000 with taxes and shipping.
https://www.agfolks.com/product/big-mouth-mini-322-grapple-rake-double-grapples-skid-steer-brackets

View attachment 153074

I (personally) would lean to the Cat unit.

 

[OntheRidge]

Homestead just came out with a dual lid unit. I have the single lid and am very happy with the quality of construction.

 

[AOW162435]

Actually it's Eddie's welding that is the founder of Catawba Attachments. A business that has really supported the local veterans. Nothing to do with EA or their poor customer service. I love my Catawba 55 grapple and got it in 3 days from ordering. Contact Cody to get educated on their history.

I recently ordered an EA Wicked Light 55" grapple for my LX2620. The ordering process was painless, any questions I had were answered over the phone, and the grapple shipped in under 4 weeks. I think I initially paid a 10% deposit to get in the build queue. Absolutely zero complaints with the process or the product.
For compact storage, I fabricated a kickstand for it.


Andreas