Grapple Grapples Galore

[Glowplug]

Exactly, now you will be a GRAPPLE owner and really start to have fun. I expect you to get that silly bucket off your avatar photo and replace it with a photo of a real tool soon.

LOL. I may very well have to do just that.

Just to double check, make sure that either Markham equips you with the appropriate hoses/couplers or that your dealer gets you the correct stuff to hook it up. Nothing is more frustrating than a brand new grapple with no way to make the hydraulic connections.

When I ordered it yesterday I asked if all hoses and couplers I needed were included. I was told that was the case and I should be set to go immediately. I sure hope so. Otherwise I'll be calling my dealer at his home to bring some hydraulic hoses out to me. I couldn't imagine the frustration of getting that grapple and not being able to use it right away.

 

[IslandTractor]

When I ordered it yesterday I asked if all hoses and couplers I needed were included. I was told that was the case and I should be set to go immediately. I sure hope so.

Did Markham know exactly what type of quick couplers you have on the FEL? If not they could not possibly have sent you the correct stuff. Basically you will need two hoses about 4 feet long with usually an NPT fitting on the grapple end to attach to the hydraulic cylinder (Markham should be able to do this without info from you) and then the appropriate female quick connect fittings (2) for the attachment to your FEL connectors. That is where they have to know the brand, size and style of QC fittings from you in order to supply them.

 

[Glowplug]

Did Markham know exactly what type of quick couplers you have on the FEL? If not they could not possibly have sent you the correct stuff. Basically you will need two hoses about 4 feet long with usually an NPT fitting on the grapple end to attach to the hydraulic cylinder (Markham should be able to do this without info from you) and then the appropriate female quick connect fittings (2) for the attachment to your FEL connectors. That is where they have to know the brand, size and style of QC fittings from you in order to supply them.

Uh oh. I think I may be talking to Markham, my dealer, or both very soon. Thanks for the info!!

 

[IslandTractor]

Uh oh. I think I may be talking to Markham, my dealer, or both very soon. Thanks for the info!!

Grapple guys look out for each other. I'd suggest you get the correct couplers from your dealer and just make sure that Markham gives you the specs on the hose diameter and NPT fitting on the FEL side of the hose they are supplying. Your dealer can then get you the appropriate QC fitting to match what he has already installed on your FEL. Don't forget some teflon tape which you will need to make secure fittings that don't leak. (Don't tell anyone but for some reason the only teflon tape I had when my grapple arrived was pink ! Being on an island and wanting to get going, I now have lovely pink teflon peeking out from all my QC fittings. Does that make me a girly man? )

 

[sugarmaple]

I bought a std, not heavy duty, 72" Anbo for my Kubota 4330 and it is too heavy. It seemed to me to make sense to have it be the same width as the tractor, but the extra weight offsets any advantage. It is a beautiful tool however; anybody need a grapple?

 

[Glowplug]

I bought a std, not heavy duty, 72" Anbo for my Kubota 4330 and it is too heavy. It seemed to me to make sense to have it be the same width as the tractor, but the extra weight offsets any advantage. It is a beautiful tool however; anybody need a grapple?

Yeah, I almost made that mistake. When I was considering a Kubota M8540 I was even looking at an 84" heavy duty grapple. Then I started reading some of IslandTractor's posts about what he could do with his 48" light-duty grapple. It does make sense that for most people's use that the lighter the better. I compared weights and widths and went with something in the middle. I could've probably done okay with a lighter more narrow grapple but I wanted to get something that looked like it fit the tractor aesthetically well without sacrificing too much net lifting capacity loss. But I'll bet that is one good-looking grapple.

What is the lifting capacity of your tractor's loader? How much does the grapple weigh? Can you post some pics?