Grapple Titan Grapple - It's killing me

[davrow]

Hmm, I don't know if I want you considering one if it is because of my post in the other thread...

The Titans do have a lot of issues, particularly in the SSQA latch. If you can grind and weld, it is a non-issue. I don't weld, so I haven't talked myself into a Titan, yet. But at this time my budget won't allow an EA grapple.

I'd guess from all the threads I've read you face a greater than 20% risk of needing help to get it to work right.

 

[IslandTractor]

Anymore reviews on the Titan grapple. If there's a bad one I will get it. I'm thinking of ordering one.

About the only thing that is an issue with these light duty grapples is if the manufacturer uses square tubing that is too thin. I wouldn't buy any grapple that had smaller than 0.25" wall thickness square tube, especially on the top where the upper arm is attached. It saves the manufacturer about twenty bucks if they use 0.125" tubing and about the only damage anyone has done to these grapples involves 0.125' tubing that breaks. I wouldn't accept a salesman's word either. Make sure you talk to someone in production or have the salesman go check themselves.

 

[Walkin Horse]

Hmm, I don't know if I want you considering one if it is because of my post in the other thread

What if ..... I order one one of the thumbs you gave me the link to for $379. I have some 4" 1/4" wall tubing and some 4" 3/8 flatbar. I could build the bottom and mount the 36" thumb on top. It would eliminate the guessing of the geometry for the top part. The only problem it's A36 steel and not AR plate.

I got a price to burn 8 tines to make a more factory built looking one and the price was over $700.

 

[IslandTractor]

A36 is what you want for a grapple. Higher grades are not necessary and can complicate welding and repairs.

Almost $400 for a thumb seems very high though. Haven't priced them in a few years but thumbs used to be available on eBay for $200 or so. Any more and it might be better to fabricate your own.

 

[kenmac]

Almost $400 for a thumb seems very high though. Haven't priced them in a few years but thumbs used to be available on eBay for $200 or so. Any more and it might be better to fabricate your own.

I have built several trailers including the trailer I haul my tractor on...I highly doubt the average person could buy the material, bore the necessary holes with pins , cylinder, etc, for the price / quality of the Greens machine grapple. If it were possible, I would have built my own.

 

[Illini22]

My Titan 48" light duty grapple has held up fine. Never had issues with the ssqa either.

 

[gkm]

I bought a Titan 48" and have really put it through an extremely **** of a workout numerous times and based on my experience, I would buy another in a heartbeat.

 

[IslandTractor]

I have built several trailers including the trailer I haul my tractor on...I highly doubt the average person could buy the material, bore the necessary holes with pins , cylinder, etc, for the price / quality of the Greens machine grapple. If it were possible, I would have built my own.

I agree that building a whole grapple is not an easy task for someone without a fairly complete metalworking shop. Cutting the main bottom tines, especially if they are curved (much better) is a task best left to a CAD program and laser or water cutter. However, someone with a plasma cutter, mig welder (220v), a drill press, a grinder and a good workbench could pretty easily fabricate the thumb portion. Most of the metal could be had from scrap and there really is nothing particularly difficult about mounting the hydraulic cylinder. A pile of 3/8" sheet scrap and a few sections of schedule 80 pipe is really all the material needed. These things don't even require zerks or lubrication (mine is eight years old, lots of service and still has the same 3/4" bolt attaching it to the mount).

I don't think it is an appropriate first welding task (thought it is the cutting requires the real skill), but for someone with access to a moderately well equipped home shop and able to take their time on a winter project, it really would not be such a difficult task and would cost about $200 retail in materials if you cannot get some scrap 3/8" plate. Given that "The Thumb" costs $370 plus another $75 or so for shipping, it wouldn't be a bad project for someone who has time on weekends over the winter. New Bucket Thumb Grapple for Skid Steer Loader Tractor | eBay

I suppose another option to add a grapple to a standard bucket would be to see if you could just buy the upper arm set up from one of the grapple manufacturers. If they can sell a 72" grapple with double upper jaws for $999, they surely could sell just one upper jaw assembly (maybe even not welded) for less than the Thumb. Bobcat Skid Steer Attachment Kubota Orange 72" Root Grapple Bucket SHIP $199 | eBay

 

[davrow]

I have some 4" 1/4" wall tubing and some 4" 3/8 flatbar.

Sounds like you are capable of making the Titan grapple fit if any mod is needed.

Go ahead with it, other than fitment everyone that buys one is happy with them.

 

[Msamt]

Mine (66) has been a beast.