Grapple Help me spend $3500 on grapples and 4n1s

[wkpoor]

I operate a 66" Bodozer on a Deere5400. Combined weight of tractor and implement over 8000lbs. I wouldn't go any larger and a 60" wouldn't hurt either. I can easily grab 4' logs and pick them up. Even once lifted a log a backhoe could not pick up. The Grapple can handle anything my tractor can and more. Only thing I've noticed in some situations it could use a little more clamp pressure. The Bodozer has a unique ability to pick very small items as well as large. I like there design better than most for that reason.

[air19]

Thanks everyone for all your advise.

I placed an order today with Wildcat http://www.wildkatattachments.com/ for three implements - a 48" root grapple for $500, a stump bucket grapple for $600, and a quick attach to 3 point adaptor (cat 1 and 2) for $300; shipping added another $400 to Vermont. I've decided to work with these for a while before I make any decision about a 4-n-1. I got a slight price break on each implement given the bulk purchase.

The Wildcat 48" root grapple is constructed very similar to Millonzi and the price was significantly less. I thought about just the stump bucket, but the stump grapple price was low enough to get the grapple. I can imagine many rocks and stumps that I'll be going at with this smaller implement where the grapple will add the grip I need to get a hold of something.

I'm building a set of heavy duty forks for my 3 point hitch to lift a couple more things I'm working on - a ballast box, and a carry-all. With the quick attach to 3 point adaptor, I can put this on my FEL and then re-use the forks I've built on the front of the tractor. Their $300 price again seemed about half of what others have gotten to go the other way with adaptors to convert a 3 point hitch to quick attach.

I'll post pictures of everything in a couple of weeks when it has arrived and all the hydraulic are set up.

- Mike

[IslandTractor]

I cannot find their 48" root grapple listed on the Wildkat website. The smallest I find is a 60" with dual grapples for $1400. Am I looking at the wrong link or was this something they made up specially for you?

$500 for a 48" grapple is less than what ATI and Add A Grapple charge for their bucket grapple upper jaw set ups alone. That is a great price and I'd be interested in knowing the construction details. The cost is less than half of their 60" so I gotta wonder how they are doing that.

[alchemysa]

One other personal preference that again reflects my particular uses is that I'm looking at a 4-n-1 bucket, and if get one it will be narrower than my regular bucket. Thanks, Mike

Your 4in1 MUST be at least as wide as your tyres! You can't doze with a blade thats narrower than the tyres. Thats a completely impractical and potentially dangerous idea. Dont even consider a narrow 4in1! I can't begin to empahasise what a bad idea that is! (Am i making my point?). Get a strong 4in1 thats a few inches wider than your tyres and I think it will probably do everything you want.

[alchemysa]

Thanks everyone for all your advise.

I placed an order today with Wildcat [url]I got a slight price break on each implement given the bulk purchase.

- Mike

A slight price break! Those prices are great! And its looks like nice solid stuff too. Youve done well.

[air19]

Hi Island Tractor,

You're right, the 48" grapple is not on their website. But when I called Anita directly and started talking to her, she said they make this size with one arm as a standard order. It's contructed exactly like all their other root grapplers - same metal sizes used on all the parts.

With that price for the grapple, that's why I sprung for the stump bucket with the grapple also.

When everything arrives I'll post pictures, make measurements of all the parts, and confirm everything.

- Mike

[IslandTractor]

I don't understand how they can sell a 48" grapple with one arm for $500 when the 60" grapple with two arms costs $1400. Sounds like dot gone economics. They lose money on each one but make it up with volume.

In any case, we'll be waiting to hear what you think of it. Don't forget your camera.

[Reg]

Minor question for all you folk putting hydraulic attachments on the front;
Since these are typically designed for skid steers, are you using skid steer hydraulic couplers ? The skid steer ones are kinda special, maybe $50 per half, compared to the much cheaper ISO Pioneer ones at about 1/3 that.
I think if/when I put hydraulics on the front I will use Pioneer ISO ones and just replace skid steer male halves as needed. $200 a "set" of 2 males and 2 females, not a HUGE amount of money, but.... $200 is $200 (roughly).

[IslandTractor]

Minor question for all you folk putting hydraulic attachments on the front;
Since these are typically designed for skid steers, are you using skid steer hydraulic couplers ? The skid steer ones are kinda special, maybe $50 per half, compared to the much cheaper ISO Pioneer ones at about 1/3 that.
I think if/when I put hydraulics on the front I will use Pioneer ISO ones and just replace skid steer male halves as needed. $200 a "set" of 2 males and 2 females, not a HUGE amount of money, but.... $200 is $200 (roughly).

Nope, I use Pioneers for exactly the economic reasons you outline. However, I have never rented a Bobcat hydraulically powered implement. That might require getting one set (1 male 1female) for my tractor as otherwise I'd have to be fiddling with the rental company's hoses/fittings.

I don't anticipate renting hydraulic motor powered implements however as the skid steer hydraulics in general are substantially greater than what CUTs put out so there could be a mismatch that could lead to disappointing performance. I've not really looked into that carefully myself but be aware that having the compatable QA is not the only issue.

[Silver_Knight]

Hi Island Tractor,

You're right, the 48" grapple is not on their website. But when I called Anita directly and started talking to her, she said they make this size with one arm as a standard order. It's contructed exactly like all their other root grapplers - same metal sizes used on all the parts.

With that price for the grapple, that's why I sprung for the stump bucket with the grapple also.

When everything arrives I'll post pictures, make measurements of all the parts, and confirm everything.

- Mike

Pictures! Please!