Anyone have either of these grapples? Thoughts, pros & cons of each? Other grapple options? Going to be putting it on my L2501/LA525. Thanks for any help!
Catawba 55 rake vs 48 single lid or 56 dual lid root grapples
- Thread starter broketractor
- Start date
I dont have Catawba brand grapple, but I do have both styles.
1. LP clamshell (originally I got for use with BX, now is mainly used with my B, but have used on occasion with MX). IMO it is Great for picking up straight logs 2/3 or smaller diameter than the grapples opening size. It’s also superior to a long bottom grapple at taking up small sticks and twigs. IMO what the LP grapple is missing is teeth/serrated edges to help hold larger logs in the grapple. (If going this style I’d look for one with a kickstand)
2. EA long bottom twin lids (used with MX). It’s great at picking up a mouthful of cut logs, odd / curved shaped logs, logs with a fork in it, multiple logs at same time, and even to carry a mouthful of split wood. CN push into a pile of debris and pick up a lot. IMO really sucks at raking up the ground after small debris. Has much larger opening and overhand of teeth and stated edges help hold the material in and the long bottom much better suited IMO to hauling the load longer distances.
When comparing the specs, beyond the grade of metal used and overall weight (if that matters to you) look at grease zerk locations, as well as how the zerks (some have guards, some are recessed, others are not) and cylinders are protected. Also may want to look at the hoses and how they are routed / tensioned.
both of mine cover my tracks and I’d probably buy that way again from standpoint of if pushing into a pile branches if not as wide as tires, then at some point going forward / backward you could easily roll over debris and flip some at the machine.
IMO dont forget getting a grill guard
I hope this helps.
1. LP clamshell (originally I got for use with BX, now is mainly used with my B, but have used on occasion with MX). IMO it is Great for picking up straight logs 2/3 or smaller diameter than the grapples opening size. It’s also superior to a long bottom grapple at taking up small sticks and twigs. IMO what the LP grapple is missing is teeth/serrated edges to help hold larger logs in the grapple. (If going this style I’d look for one with a kickstand)
2. EA long bottom twin lids (used with MX). It’s great at picking up a mouthful of cut logs, odd / curved shaped logs, logs with a fork in it, multiple logs at same time, and even to carry a mouthful of split wood. CN push into a pile of debris and pick up a lot. IMO really sucks at raking up the ground after small debris. Has much larger opening and overhand of teeth and stated edges help hold the material in and the long bottom much better suited IMO to hauling the load longer distances.
When comparing the specs, beyond the grade of metal used and overall weight (if that matters to you) look at grease zerk locations, as well as how the zerks (some have guards, some are recessed, others are not) and cylinders are protected. Also may want to look at the hoses and how they are routed / tensioned.
both of mine cover my tracks and I’d probably buy that way again from standpoint of if pushing into a pile branches if not as wide as tires, then at some point going forward / backward you could easily roll over debris and flip some at the machine.
IMO dont forget getting a grill guard
I hope this helps.
Last edited:
Outnumbered
Well-known member
Equipment
Kubota L3901, FEL, BB1260, RCF2060, FDR2572, Forks, 55" Grapple, 5' Tiller .....
I have the Catawba 55 rake grapple and have been extremely pleased with it. It has taken some abuse and I have had zero issues with it. I cannot compare it to a dual lid version but I would buy it again tomorrow.
I actually just got a grill guard delivered today. Still have to pull the trigger on a 3rd function kit & the grapple.I dont have Catawba brand grapple, but I do have both styles.
1. LP clamshell (originally I got for use with BX, now is mainly used with my B, but have used on occasion with MX). IMO it is Great for picking up straight logs 2/3 or smaller diameter than the grapples opening size. It’s also superior to a long bottom grapple at taking up small sticks and twigs. IMO what the LP grapple is missing is teeth/serrated edges to help hold larger logs in the grapple. (If going this style I’d look for one with a kickstand)
2. EA long bottom twin lids (used with MX). It’s great at picking up a mouthful of cut logs, odd / curved shaped logs, logs with a fork in it, multiple logs at same time, and even to carry a mouthful of split wood. CN push into a pile of debris and pick up a lot. IMO really sucks at raking up the ground after small debris. Has much larger opening and overhand of teeth and stated edges help hold the material in and the long bottom much better suited IMO to hauling the load longer distances.
When comparing the specs, beyond the grade of metal used and overall weight (if that matters to you) look at grease zerk locations, as well as how the zerks (some have guards, some are recessed, others are not) and cylinders are protected. Also may want to look at the hoses and how they are routed / tensioned.
both of mine cover my tracks and I’d probably buy that way again from standpoint of if pushing into a pile branches if not as wide as tires, then at some point going forward / backward you could easily roll over debris and flip some at the machine.
IMO dont forget getting a grill guard
I hope this helps.
I have a twin lid long bottom on my L3901.
If I could get a do over it would be single lid clamshell. My issue with a twin lid is one always stalls until the other starts to develop clamping pressure and 9 times out of 10 that just wastes cycle time.
Dan
OntheRidge
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
Kubota L47 TLB, Homestead 55" grapple, LP 1684 rear blade, WR Long 84" snowplow
