GRAPPLE WARS , Wicked 55 vs. Frost Bite. Who wins????-39

[@toddsoutsideagain]

Nice Grapples Tony! I guess I can see getting into a pinch with both of them at times🤣 👍🏻👍🏻-TOA

[@TonysCoolTools]

Ha ha Todd a pinch, grab or grope but you’re gonna feel it! 😂 Thanks for watching.

[@obiorah1]

Nice introduction that was enjoyable to watch,

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks Ebele, appreciate you watching 👍

[@LitltsLogging]

I believe each attachment has there own application! I have a root grapple for my skid loader that works out really well for the applications I use it for!! I actually like both of your grapples!! Stay safe my friend

[@TonysCoolTools]

Tim if I had to pick one it would be the Wicked root grapple because it can multi-task. But the Frost bite really saves me time when doing firewood poles. Thanks for watching!👍

[@DirtRoadLanding]

Pozdrawiam, Tony. Fantastic video. Wisconsin rural living and cytrynòwka is the key to long healthy life!

[@TonysCoolTools]

Dziękuję Ci, I’ll have to try cytrynòwka so I can keep having fun for a long time! Thanks for watching 👍

[@chuckpoole2606]

Good video, thank you. Have Wicked 60 on order.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Chuck, glad you enjoyed the video. You’re gonna love the EA Wicked 60. I’ve had my Wicked 55 for 3 years and use the heck out of it. Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@williammunny7133]

That frost bite is an interesting unit and is food for thought, thanks for showing it.

[@TonysCoolTools]

William if you move a lot of logs and your tractor/skid steer can handle the Frostbite (because it weighs 450 lbs) it an Awesome piece of equipment. However, if you occasionally work with logs the Wicked 55 is the way to go because it’s so versatile and will work with logs just not as easily. Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@jakebredthauer5100]

​@@TonysCoolTools Frostbite is not that heavy. It is about 100 lb more than the other, more flimsy, you have. Because it weighs 359 lb, I would round it off in my mind to 350 lb (not 450) so it is easier to remember. He looks like there are some imitators of the Frostbite grapple. Thanks for the show.

[@jakebredthauer5100]

​@@TonysCoolTools Is Frostbite the best of that style?

[@TonysCoolTools]

Jake thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT @@jakebredthauer5100

[@TonysCoolTools]

@@jakebredthauer5100 in my opinion the Frostbite is one of the best log grapples on the market. 👍TCT

[@homesteader511]

Excellent video and demonstration. Thanks for the info sir.

[@TonysCoolTools]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@jaymyers3888]

Hi Tony, Jay here from south central Oregon. Thanks for another helpful video. I’ve been struggling with my Land Pride SG1060 grapple insofar as picking logs out of my log pile. I never thought I’d consider another grapple until watching your video. I’m definitely going to consider adding the Frost Bite.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Jay unfortunately all grapples are not created equal. The SG1060 will handle multiple tasks but picking up logs from a pile is not one of those. Conversely the Frostbite is great at picking up logs from a pile but not the greatest at picking up brush. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching👍

[@KNLFirewood]

Hey Tony! Good comparison. Both have their place in the woodyard for sure.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks Mike, since you own and have used the log grapple you know the benefits I’m referring to. Either grapple is a helping hand in the woodyard. Thanks for watching 👍

[@ssprofirewood]

Tony, great job with the video. Your reviews are very helpful! 👍

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks for your kind words, I’m glad you found the video informative. I Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍

[@richardjacques6370]

You didn’t do the wicked 55 justice by being at an angle when we were picking up. i understand frost bite will be better for logs

[@TonysCoolTools]

Richard I think it might have been camera angle in that I did my best to be 90 degrees to the log pile. Without a doubt if I had to pick one grapple it would be the Wicked 55 because it can multi task on many projects. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@Living-The-Dream]

Thanks again for the great info Tony 👍👏 Rick

[@TonysCoolTools]

Rick glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching 👍

[@DanielAtkinsFirewood]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge Tony.. someone out there is needing this.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks Daniel, I’ve gained so much knowledge from our KZbin community I’m just passing it forward. Hopefully I’ve helped someone make a decision on which grapple would fit their needs. Thanks for watching 👍

[@bfoutdooradventures]

Great grapples Tony, thanks for sharing. I believe I use my grapple more than any other attachment that I have besides a ballast box. Being a land owner, the grapple is almost a must have item when dealing with trees, brush and rocks. Keep up the great videos.

[@TonysCoolTools]

For me pallet forks are my most used attachment followed by the grapple. I agree if you own any wooded property the grapple is invaluable! Thanks for watching 👍

[@glennkisling3365]

Great video Tony thanks for sharing 👍👍🇺🇸

[@TonysCoolTools]

Glenn appreciate you watching 👍

[@dolmarjoe9787]

Hi Tony. Another helpful video. We recently purchased a Kubota B2601. We don't have a grapple yet but that may be in our future. I did buy a set of Everything Attachments pallet forks and can attest to the quality of their welds, strength of the product, and quality of the paint job. They are also lighter than every other pair that I looked at. Neat idea with the pallet dollies. I'll definitely be doing that. Keep up the good work.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Joe it looks like you did your homework regarding the pallet forks. I to have a set of EA pallet forks which are the lightest in the industry and can lift 2000 lbs which is more then my tractor can lift. You do however pay a premium for lighter attachments. I’ve had my Wicked 55 fir 5 years and found it extremely durable and functional but it is more expensive then many grapples out there. Remember the old saying, buy once cry once. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@Frank-db6oj]

Great job Tony 👏 Thanks for sharing and taking the time to do a great job 👍

[@TonysCoolTools]

Frank it’s viewers like you who notice the work that goes into making a video. Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍

[@crazyman3157]

Another great video Tony. Thank you for taking the time to show and produce a informative video. If I had to rate your video based on a stick of gum it is a full stick of gum. You guessed it, I watch your other friend as well, Chris from In the Wood Yard. Seriously though, you do a great job in your videos and definitely give out great information. 👍🏻 Just had a thought, I used to work in in injection molding and we had some of our molds that had hydraulic lifters, slides, etc. and I made a habit of having a shop towel over the fitting when I would disconnect the lines over the connection just in the off chance of a pressure release from the lines. Just a thought.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Funny you should bring the shop towel . I typically cut up old t-shirts and put one over the fitting for two reasons. 1st if there should be pressure and it sprays the rag will stop it. 2nd there is always some hydraulic oil that drips out and it’s capture in the rag and not my pole barn floor. Hey thanks for rating my video worth a full stick of gum. I may mention that to Chris and see if I can get a pay raise😂 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@MattN03]

I love my Wicked 55! It's been my most used implement by far!

[@TonysCoolTools]

Though I own both, I definitely use my Wicked 55 more often since it’s lighter and more versatile. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@KampsKorner]

I have the other style grapple that’s longer on the bottom and has 2 jaws. Mainly because I use it for multiple things like digging out straw/hay/manure from the feed lot and barn on my small farm. As well as firewood and pushing brush. I find that in the woods it’s great for grabbing logs by the butt end and dragging them out to where I can grab them long ways. I really should make a video of it. Nice video Tony!

[@TonysCoolTools]

Gerrit please do make a video, I’d love to see it. No one grapple is perfect for every job. There are many variations of the grapple but one thing they all “pick up stuff” which makes our jobs easier. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@kubotacat668]

I also have the EA with long bottom and double jaw. Definitely my favorite attachment. There are many times I will manually stack limbs, boards, bags of garbage etc on the long arms. I do not think I would find as much use for the short bottom grapples.

[@mjmtreeservicemaintenance2940]

I don't own a tractor, I have two mini skidsteers. All we do is move brush and logs. A grapple is an essential tool in the tree industry. I don't like a floating rotating grapple, I prefer a stationary grapple that I can manually spin if needed.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Mini skid steers are extremely nimble, functional and fit in tight places. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@CaperCountry]

I have the 55 on a 30hp kioti and it’s excellent for moving logs around my sawmill and taking logs off my trailer

[@TonysCoolTools]

You are 100% right, the 55 is designed to be a root grapple however it’s awesome at moving logs. If you have one log or two smaller logs it’s no problem. The benefit of the Frostbite is it’s designed to pick up multiple logs at one time. The 55will get the job done but it will take longer. As I said if I could only have one grapple it would be the Frostbite. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@CaperCountry]

@@TonysCoolTools I found once I got used to the 55 and how to work it, I can pick a full grapple of logs , if I was only buying one it would be the 55

[@knottwworking]

Enjoyed the video Tony.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Terry glad you liked the video, thanks for watching 👍

[@carlhunt9267]

Can the frost Bite carry brush?

[@TonysCoolTools]

Carl it definitely can pick up rush but not as well as my root grapple. It made more for logs than brush. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@bwillan]

I think for most people who have a homestead and also do firewood, there is a case to be made for having both types of grapples.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Most people won’t have two, if I had to pick one I’d have to go with the Wicked 55 because it’s lighter and is better at multi tasking. If I was only doing firewood logs the Frostbite is the winner. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@olesam8970]

I like the way you think..😄

[@richardbrowne1679]

Hi Tony: As a logger and firewood producer, I use the Wicked Grapple and a log grapple by Titan. I definitely use the Titan log grapple a lot more and it’s probably going to have to replaced in the next year or two as it’s got a lot of bends in it now. It’s just not built for commercial firewood production. I’ve been hoping the Wicked Grapple guys would produce a log grapple. I used the Norwood Tree Pusher on a few different jobs and it has worked great. A lot easier then stringing ropes in the forest.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Richard having both grapples you know the limitations and benefits of both grapples. They are similar but different. I agree Ted from Everything attachments makes great tractor and skid steer attachments. They are not cheap but as they say you get what you pay for. I’m surprised you bent the Titan grapple. I will say both Chris from In The Woodyard both bought Frost Bite grapples and are extremely pleased. And as I mentioned they have a 5 year warranty. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@barney1941]

check out FRANSGARD SK-950 log grapple is is similar design to frostbite but is made of HARDOX and a touch bigger . also made in Denmark. i use mine on a TYM T494

[@paulwittlock937]

If you look closely at the EA website about their Wicked Grapples you will see that they have two versions: the one shown on this video is referred to as their root rake grapple and has shorter tines on the bottom, the other version is referred to as their root grapple and it has longer tines on the bottom, which may be preferable if you are picking up logs because it will cradle the load better. Both units are rated for smaller tractors and weigh less than 300 pounds. As you can tell, I am a big fan of Everything Attachments and own their forks and a rear scraper blade. Looking forward to getting the root rake grapple because it is lighter and my tractor doesn't have a huge lift capacity. HAGD all!

[@Alan_Hans__]

I kept waiting for the battle between the 2 of them :( The Frost Bite looks like what I would go for if I was getting 1 for wood.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Alan I agree if you were strictly doing logs the Frostbite is the grapple for you. If you have property maintenance the Wicked 55 would probably work better. Thanks for watching 👍

[@smorefirewood]

We use simple pallet forks. Moving 20’ logs with pallet forks. That separates the men from the boys. And then add a bobcat 873 and then things get even more fun trying to move logs without spilling them. Daddy says even a 12 year old girl can do it...if he teaches them.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Millie before I purchased my grapple I used my pallet forks as well. Is does take some getting use to. I love the fact that you get 20’ logs to work with. My property is to small so I get the standard 100” logs. You’re right it’s always fun trying to pick up and balance a load of logs. Hopefully your dad will teach you soon so you can have fun playing with the big toys. Appreciate you watching and commenting. See ya at Paul Bunyan 👍

[@smorefirewood]

@@TonysCoolTools Daddy says that a grapple for the skidsteer would be nice for us to have. Especially after seeing people use them in person. (a local arborist we get free wood from used a grapple to load our trailer with) See ya at the show!

[@TonysCoolTools]

Millie if anyone should own a grapple it’s your dad! With all the work he does he’ll ask himself why didn’t I get one sooner. Stay safe and sell a lot of firewood.👍

[@smorefirewood]

@@TonysCoolTools Agreed

[@LeBlancfirewood]

Picked up my tractor last night new Holland work master 37. Good video definitely will buy the frost bite type. How many hp is your tractor and what's the lift capacity

[@TonysCoolTools]

Chris I’m sure you’re excited about your new tractor. Prior to my Kioti I had a New Holland 1925 and loved it, My Kioti Ck4010cs is a 40 hp and the lifting capacity is 1835lbs. I definitely attach my ballast box when using my Frost Bite. I really enjoy using the Frost Bite grapple and it’s built like a tank. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@whatsthebuzz1]

Hey Tony, I bet that wicked grapple could be used to grab processed firewood. Might work good on my skid steer.🤔

[@TonysCoolTools]

Hi Kevin, unfortunately it is only marginal on processed firewood because the pieces are irregular and when you close the lid it doesn’t tighten evenly and pieces just fall out. Thanks for watching 👍

[@barney1941]

did you check out the fransgard sk-950? similar to frostbite but uses hardox

[@TonysCoolTools]

Barney no I haven't, I'll have to check them out. Thanks for watching, commenting and letting me know. TCT

[@contemporaryprimitiveman3469]

I use a wicked root grapple a lot for firewood logs and brush clearing. Very well made and I’m quite happy with it. No issues in 4 years.

[@TonysCoolTools]

That’s exactly how long I’ve had mine. If I had to chose and only have one grapple I would have to say the Wicked grapple because of its versatility. I too am extremely happy with the grapple. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@briannelson4493]

Good morning Tony, good content, a fair comparison, keep up the good work

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks Brian, Appreciate you watching 👍

[@steveholbrook4729]

grapple is the way to go

[@TonysCoolTools]

Steve, grapples are an awesome tractor attachment and as a side note fun to use! Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍

[@DudeRanchDIY]

Great comparison Tony! I’ve always been interested in the pure log grapples like the frost bite, but as you know I love my Wicked 55! For tree work I find I kind of need a jack of all trades grapple rather than one for only moving logs. Never know what the customer is going to want done next! See ya at Bunyan 🤙🏼

[@TonysCoolTools]

Jake I have to agree if I had to pick just one I would have to go with the Wicked 55 because it can multi task. Thanks for watching. Yup I’ll See ya at Paul Bunyan 👍

[@DaveCollierCamping]

More cool stuff

[@TonysCoolTools]

Dave, Thanks for watching 👍

[@timchaffin5663]

Seems the multiple log pickup with the Wicked should be performed more successfully.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Tim though it looks like you can pick up multiple logs easily with the Whicked grapple it’s a root grapple not specifically designed for multiple logs. it definitely does a good job with logs but not as good as the Frost Bite which was designed for that purpose. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@jeanvaljohn3921]

Liking those grapple Dolly's a lot, did you use 4" or 5" wheels? Nice job today

[@TonysCoolTools]

Jean thanks for watching. I’m not sure what you mean about 4” or 5” wheels?

[@TonysCoolTools]

Jean I figured it out, we have a store called Harbor Freight, I buy there moving Dollie’s about $15.00. they say they can hold 1000 lbs but they only have wheels that are either 2” or 3”. They seem to work just fine.

[@tonybaloneycheeseandmacaro6131]

Gripping content!

[@TonysCoolTools]

Ha ha Tony, appreciate you stopping by and watching.

[@danahasson2892]

I own 2 bobcat tractors and also a Kubota L47 tlb tractor and run the flat face couplers on all the units and implements and they are definitely way better and not really that much more money.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Dana I wish I would have learned about bobcat flat faced hyd couplers earlier. Unfortunately when I ordered the factory 3rd function valve on my Kioti there was no option for the flat faced couplers. So far my couplers are going ok and I haven’t had any issues with them. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@rickthelian2215]

Hi Tony😀🇦🇺

[@TonysCoolTools]

Morning Rick! Thanks for watching 👍

[@rickthelian2215]

@@TonysCoolTools it’s 8pm when your post comes up here in Sydney Australia just about to go to sleep

[@job38four10]

Hold the phone Joan, watch where your driven Ivan @8:00 when picking up small logs with the 55, you was WAY WAY off canter, but then with the grapple you was dead on straight, totally unfair comparison, do over and this time with more effort at fairness!!! I know the grapple would be better at picking up logs but is that it, I cant afford both so i want a grapple that does it all, brush, logs, tree length firewood, rocks, pushing tree bark........

[@TonysCoolTools]

If I only had one grapple it would be the Everything Wicked 55. If you were doing standard 100” logs or mostly logging the Frostbite is the way to go. But for versatility the Wicked root grapple is the way to go. May be slower getting done but you can do more with it. Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍

[@tonybunch543]

👌

[@TonysCoolTools]

Hi Tony! Thanks for watching 👍

[@firewoodathome]

👍👍

[@TonysCoolTools]

Hi Bill, thanks for watching 👍

[@waynetharp]

I feel the Frost Bite bottom teeth should be 55" apart... Off topic...As a current Kubota owner and looking to go alittle bigger next time. I am always impressed with the Kioti tractors especially for the price. Not sure I use mine enough to justify the extra cost again for Kubota. Anyhow...I notice in yours and others that the hydraulic seems to be alot less smooth then the Kubota. Almost jumpy at times but have yet to find anyone who has seat time on both brands to give an honest opinion. Is it a less superior hydraulic system or just the operator? Absolutely not saying you are not a great operator. In fact it may take a better operator to get this good with Kioti hydraulics. Thanks for any input you may have on this topic!

[@TonysCoolTools]

Wayne I don’t know the science of why logging grapples lower jaws are narrower but one theory is if it’s 30” you can cut firewood from both ends of your log and only have one center cut to make after you are through. As far as hydraulics I’ve not operated a Kubota tractor much. What I’ve found is the heavier the load the more I have to be conscious about very light movements on the control. My previous New Hollander tractor had very similar hydraulics to the Kioti. I believe skid steer hydraulics are the most smooth and from brand to brand they differ as well. I initially was set on buying a Kubota, but when I researched the different brands I found the Kioti was less expensive and had more standard features included then either the Kubota or John Deere. The most important feature I was looking for was lifting capacity in the frame size of my tractor CK4010SE. I will say I’m very satisfied and have no regrets so far, but it’s only been about 18 months. I’ll be doing a review of my tractor shortly and you might get more info. Thanks for watching and commenting.👍

[@waynetharp]

@@TonysCoolTools Thanks for the reply! If I was working a tractor hard about everyday. I would be getting another Kubota. But for just occasional use around the house I am sure leaning toward a Kioti. Everyone seems to like them!👍

[@TonysCoolTools]

@@waynetharp Wayne I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I definitely don’t work my tractor hard I.e.digging a pond, or moving gravel/dirt, but I use my tractor daily for moving IBC, grapple work and using PTO for chipper etc. Many of the KZbin firewood community like Back-40, In The Woodyard, and Hometown Acres also like their Kioti tractors.

[@advil000]

@@TonysCoolTools We started out looking at Kubota but ended up with a Kioti also. Same reasons. big wood chipper, grapple for moving cut trees and brush, forks for saving our backs from lifting just about everything you can imagine. Box blade for gravel road maintenance and smoothing out the fire break around the house and maintaining trails. There was no contest on features. We got a bigger engine for the chipper and every "extra" feature Kubota charges for plus a couple more they don't even offer. The price was a couple thousand less than a not as well equipped L3902. If you compare it to a Kubota the Kioti CK4030SE HST is like an even larger engine version of the L3902 with every extra option plus tilt steering and a adjustable hydraulic ride seat that normally only comes on the LX models. The rear remotes are already there and fully installed, and things like the telescoping arms and new R14 tires are standard, etc etc. We're insanely happy with it.

[@TonysCoolTools]

@@advil000 I couldn’t have said it better!👍

[@specialks1953]

Not trying to be mean and I understand my comment may not last long but If you used the 55 grapple like you used the frost bite you would have gotten better results for multiple log pick up. Again I'm not trying to be mean but you need to learn how to approach a pile and grab while rotating and grasping to get the best results out or any grapple. I own a land pride and it isn't as good as a wicked 55 but I learned it will do more than my kubota 3901 will handle. My kubota isn't much good for root grappling even with learning how. Good Luck!

[@TonysCoolTools]

It definitely could be the operator (me) but I just couldn’t master picking up as many logs with the 55 as I could with the Frostbite. Though the 55 is built very strong with AR400 steel the Frostbite is almost double its weight and I feel better abusing it on log piles. With my 40 hp Kioti I know I’m not close to reaching the frostbites full capacity like if I had a skid steer. Appreciate you watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@specialks1953]

@@TonysCoolTools Thanks for not taking it wrongly.

[@Fiddleplayer7]

Curl that bucket

[@TonysCoolTools]

Thanks for watching and commenting 👍TCT

[@jeanpaul9673]

Keep your feet away from a raised implement and don't sit in a hydraulic implement.

[@TonysCoolTools]

Jean thanks for watching and commenting. 👍TCT