Grapple Grapple Options

[93Mustang]

Getting a W.R. valve installed this week in preparation for a grapple of some sort. Have bee doing a ton of reading on the subject- what I would like is a combo rock bottom(for smaller to medium size rocks-rock I want to sift out) with grapple that would be light enough to remain effective on my 300cx loader. Markham seems to be the hands down winner on this site- thoughts? Ati and others make options as well. Just haven't seen quite the rock bottom/grapple I am looking for?

 

[jlsmith]

Go to W.R.Long the 4N1 Bucket People and check out some of their grappels. if i can be any help with the prices just let me know.
Jeremy :thumbsup:

 

[kennyd]

Call Mellisa at Markham...they will build it to your specs by adding in tines to the bottom. Available in the JDQA setup as well.

 

[PHS79]

Are you looking for something like this, only in a smaller size? Heavy duty grapple for skidsteer

 

[93Mustang]

Yup - That is what I am looking for - with maybe slightly longer tines on the bottom to form more of a regular bucket length - but spaced like that with the teeth facing down. And definitely lighter - probably with just one grapple. Do you know who makes something like that? Did send an email to Markham today regarding their setup so will see what comes of that as well. Will also follow up with WR Long - I am having their diverter valve installed. Not sure they will ship to a residence. Makes it easier for me if they would.

 

[PHS79]

That grapple is actually my fathers, he is now selling it since he has retired and has sold he Bobcat. He had it custom made by a custom fab welding shop 8 or so years ago, he used it for removing concrete and blacktop demolition, also for grubbing out trees and removing brush. Dads grapple is very heavy, weighs roughly 700-800lbs, being that it is made mainly from 3/4" plate and 3/4" dia rod.

If I were you go to a welding shop that does custom fab work, talk to them and see if they will work up a price for you. I would think that for the tractor you have and also for what you want to use it for you could have it made out of 3/8" plate and 1/2 dia rod.

 

[foggy1111]

I just bought a Markham 48" LD grapple a few weeks ago. I bought extra bars in the bottom to prevent things from falling through. I am sure they would put still more bars in the bottom to suit your needs.

While those skid steer buckets are nice....the may get a bit heavy for tractor applications....thus using up all the tractors lifting ability on iron...instead of rocks and trees.

 

[93Mustang]

Foggy, how many tines did you add? Wonder how much each weighs? I am trying to balance weight with added functionality. I have a lot of "smaller" rocks to sift through and move. Did email Markham and waiting for a response. Will try to call them tomorrow if I do not hear back.

Does anyone have a purpose made rock bucket and can guestamate spacing or have thoughts regarding a good compromise. Also wondering about upward vs downward facing teeth? Thank you all for your thoughts on this.

 

[IslandTractor]

To balance weight and still add extra tines you might specify that some of the extra tines are of lighter gauge and mounted half inch or so below the heavier tines so they will really just function as a screen rather than take any of the load weight.

I agree that Markham is the way to go as they already have a basic grapple for a great price and they have shown willingness to make semi custom changes with no hassle.

Just make sure you specify the right hydraulic connectors. They tend to supply flat connectors (skidsteer style) and most of us use Pioneer style connectors.

 

[foggy1111]

Foggy, how many tines did you add? Wonder how much each weighs? I am trying to balance weight with added functionality. I have a lot of "smaller" rocks to sift through and move. Did email Markham and waiting for a response. Will try to call them tomorrow if I do not hear back.

Does anyone have a purpose made rock bucket and can guestamate spacing or have thoughts regarding a good compromise. Also wondering about upward vs downward facing teeth? Thank you all for your thoughts on this.

I added one extra tine between each standard tine. They only extend to the round pipe...thus keeping your dig and root scarifying ability of the tines. I belive they are now about six inches apart. I imagine they add 50 lbs of weight or so. AND....as Island said....specify your connectors. I got the flat ones with mine and had to cut em off and put on Pioneers. (you'd think they would know that the JD mount would need JD couplers.....but Nooo.) Markham charged me $100 for the extra bars welded to the grapple.

The round "pipe" is designed to provide flotation when using the teeth tips to scarify the land.....thus, when angled correctly, they prevent over penetration. (or so it is said....I have not used mine yet....as I am sidelined from back surgery...but it makes sense to me)