Titan Grapple - It's killing me

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Originally Posted by Builder

Another thing I disliked is mine was built with fittings that had "british pipe thread" fittings. After the fittings leaked all over my loader, customer's driveways, etc., I knew I had to replace them. Of course BP threaded fittings aren't very popular, so I had to order some quality built fittings while my grapple sat unuseable. After falling off the loader 4 or 5 times, the hoses were ruined, so they had to be replaced.
I didn't mind the fittings leaking a little, but the fact that it wouldn't fit my QA loader was very frustrating and very unsafe. I have 4 other FEL attachments for the same tractor and they fit perfectly.
Luckily I was able to get most of my money back when I sold it.

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So what grapple did you end up purchasing?

I just got my Titan HD 60" grapple. Hoses and connectors are fine. Works great for the 30 minutes I used it today. Picks up spoiled hay like a charm. Only problem is like I've read about the Wildkat grapple: the space at the pin (see pic). I have emailed photos to see if they will send a modified bracket.

I went with Titan over Wildkat econo models for several reasons (and in spite of all the recommendations on TBN to get the 48" econo.) The wildkat pics I had seen did not have greasable pins at the pivot points. It looks like it pivots on a simple bolt. I also had read about all the issues with the locking bracket and the QA plate not being sufficient. I didn't want to build the plate mod that others were doing. I don't know how to weld. Unlike the econo Wildkat, I have two grapple cylinders and heavier steel. The 48" is too narrow for my applications. The 66" is only about 100 lbs lighter than mine at 600 lbs. Anyway, hope I don't have buyer's remorse. I like it so far. Thanks to all the discussants regarding grapples. I really value everyone's talent and input.

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Originally Posted by dwhite

I went with Titan over Wildkat econo models for several reasons (and in spite of all the recommendations on TBN to get the 48" econo.) The wildkat pics I had seen did not have greasable pins at the pivot points. It looks like it pivots on a simple bolt.

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From my experience that is a non issue. My five year old Millonzi grapple has non greasable pins. In fact the "pins" are just big ole bolts. All the threads on the wear surface have worn off but after hundreds of hours of use I still haven't needed to change the bolts. When I do I'll spend a few bucks at Tractor Supply and get new ones. An advantage of this simple system is that instead of machined pivot pins and bushings there is just a plain old steel hinge to maintain. I haven't needed to do a thing so far but if I ever need to build up any worn point I'll just whip out the welder and build up the worn part. Nothing precision about it.

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Originally Posted by RDrancher

So what grapple did you end up purchasing?

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I haven't replaced it yet, but need to soon. I'm looking at used Bobcat right now. Probably not going back to the "medium duty" stuff sold on line. Too much to chance when you need it to get customers work done.

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Originally Posted by Builder

I haven't replaced it yet, but need to soon. I'm looking at used Bobcat right now. Probably not going back to the "medium duty" stuff sold on line. Too much to chance when you need it to get customers work done.

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Yep, that's why I asked. It looks bad to the customer and brings up my blood pressure.

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How has your grapple be doing? Are you still happy with it?

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The grapple is great. I got to spend a few hours moving brush and logs a couple of days ago. It can handle more than my tractor can. No problems with leaking hoses or fittings. I see that someone was complaining about the BSPP fittings, but that's just a matter of buying the right adapters.

I'd recommend it.

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Originally Posted by BMW

The grapple is great. I got to spend a few hours moving brush and logs a couple of days ago. It can handle more than my tractor can. No problems with leaking hoses or fittings. I see that someone was complaining about the BSPP fittings, but that's just a matter of buying the right adapters.

I'd recommend it.

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Good to hear you'd recommend it. :thumbsup:
I hope nobody has to go through what I did with mine.
I probably put 100 hours on mine.
After it fell off and nearly punched a hole through the bottom of my truck a couple times and leaked all over customers driveways, I had enough.
Might be OK for occassional use, but I wouldn't recommend it for heavy, commercial or agricultural use.
I do realize I probably got a lemon.

How is your grapple holding up?