Hi Jim,
The grapple forks, rakes and buckets are wonderful attachments that can increase clean up productivity several hundred times.
The grapple forks, rakes and buckets will, indeed lessen your loader's lift pounds wise just as a 4n1 bucket does.
Be very careful to compare the weights ... this is one of the situations where HEAVIER can be a serious disadvantage. You have a limited amount of loader lift capacity to work with.
Sometimes customers will opt for an add-on bucket grapple kit and tooth bar to lessen this impact payload cap.
We have sold 20 or 30 grapple buckets/rakes. Most have been installed on skid steer loaders for hurricane limbs/trees clean up work.
I suggest:
1. Rear wheel weights,
ballast in rear tires and a heavy implement or weight box on the three point hitch for safe operation.
2. Quick disconnect hydraulics...
3. NOT quick attach system ... it will take another big payload hit from the loader
4. Operation valve with lever -- not electric button.
5. Never FAST FORWARD SLAM dump the attachment as we all do with std. buckets at times.
The extra weight and momentum of the heavy attachment will cause expensive breakage of the loader bucket cylinders.
6. Grease the loader bucket pins daily
7. R4 tires
8. A very HD Grill Guard
9. If working in the dark ... canopy or ROPS mounted front work lights.
These five webpages will give you a shot at the WR LONG items. They are made in Tarboro, NC and are good stuff. The Long folks are indeed GOOD FOLKS as well. Shipped anywhere.
http://carverequipment.com/images/Long_Tooth_Bars_-_Special.jpg
http://carverequipment.com/images/Long_Grapple_Buckets_-_Utility.jpg
http://carverequipment.com/images/Long_Grapple_Forks_-_Utility.jpg
http://carverequipment.com/images/Long_Root_Rake_-_Brush_Grapple.jpg
http://carverequipment.com/images/Long_Tooth_Bars_-_Special.jpg
We be happy to assist with any additional questions.
Email
questions@carverequipment.com
I hope this helps,
Steve