JD debris grapple bucket

[tuolumne]

Does anyone use this product? What do you think of it? I am putting together a package on a 3520, and have asked a few dealers (both here where I live now and where I will be moving to) to quote the package. The results have been +/- $2000 or so, and the dealer who has been the friendliest and most responsive also has the lowest price for the whole package minus the grapple. I had wanted something like the ATI add on, which has been quoted as low as $1000 installed, but this dealer won't consider it or any other aftermarket add-ons. The above mentioned dedicated grapple bucket is double that in his quote. Even with the $2200 grapple bucket versus the add-on at other dealers, this quote is competative. Should I get a dedicated bucket? How many times are you out using the grapple for logs or brush and wishing you had a standard bucket as well. The debris grapple bucket has a limited capacity, although it appears it could do some digging or backblading etc. I like this dealer a lot, but I don't have the time or equipment to add my own aftermarket grapple after the purchase. What to do?

[RollTideRam]

If you have the hydraulic outputs, then you would not have any problem adding a grapple like the Millonzi I have. They set it up to match Deeres quick attatch bucket. Then I just plug up the hoses. JC

[tuolumne]

Hmmm...How useful is it to have a bucket when doing grapple work? I have always pictured a solid scoop below whether an add on or a dedicated grapple bucket. How heavy duty is the one by Frontier? I've never seen one. The hydraulics and grapple part look extremely heavy duty, but what about the bucket underneath? What will happen if I chomp a big boulder with that thing? Does anyone own one of these?

[mars1952]

Originally Posted by tuolumne

Does anyone use this product? What do you think of it? I am putting together a package on a 3520, and have asked a few dealers (both here where I live now and where I will be moving to) to quote the package. The results have been +/- $2000 or so, and the dealer who has been the friendliest and most responsive also has the lowest price for the whole package minus the grapple. I had wanted something like the ATI add on, which has been quoted as low as $1000 installed, but this dealer won't consider it or any other aftermarket add-ons. The above mentioned dedicated grapple bucket is double that in his quote. Even with the $2200 grapple bucket versus the add-on at other dealers, this quote is competative. Should I get a dedicated bucket? How many times are you out using the grapple for logs or brush and wishing you had a standard bucket as well. The debris grapple bucket has a limited capacity, although it appears it could do some digging or backblading etc. I like this dealer a lot, but I don't have the time or equipment to add my own aftermarket grapple after the purchase. What to do?

Get the Skid Steer Attachment Carrier and the front hydraulic circuit for the FEL from your JD dealer. Then buy after market buckets and or grapples. There is a much wider selection at much lower prices. If you can only afford one bucket at this time get a regular 60" bucket and add a tooth bar like this one and a bolt on grapple like this one or like this grapple
A dedicated debris bucket has it's advantages but a standard bucket with a grapple and tooth bar is more versatile. If you have enough money to get an extra attachment right away I suggest pallet forks.

You might want to consider going up one class to at least a 4120 tractor. You will be surprised when you find out how many attachments the JD 3520 can’t run. The JD 4120 tractor is the smallest John Deere that can accept the 400cx self-leveling loader. Self-Leveling loaders can’t be beat when it comes to pallet fork work.
Good Luck, Marshall

[tuolumne]

I've already upgraded from a 2000 series or 790 to this! No more room to wiggle. Yes, I want a bolt on grapple like the one you referenced, but the dealer I want to use is hedging about installing it and I can't drill out holes like that with the equipment I have. I'll already have extra hydraulics on the loader lines for this and a snowplow. The only advantage I see in the dedicated grapple bucket is that it can quickly be dropped when you don't want a grapple in your way.

[mars1952]

Originally Posted by tuolumne

I've already upgraded from a 2000 series or 790 to this! No more room to wiggle. Yes, I want a bolt on grapple like the one you referenced, but the dealer I want to use is hedging about installing it and I can't drill out holes like that with the equipment I have. I'll already have extra hydraulics on the loader lines for this and a snowplow. The only advantage I see in the dedicated grapple bucket is that it can quickly be dropped when you don't want a grapple in your way.

Some of the bolt on grapples can be removed from the mount by pulling a couple pins and can be switched to another attachment if you have bolted a second mount to it. For instants a grapple on a set of pallet forks works great for handling logs and brush. Having to drill holes is a good excuse to buy a new 1/2' Drill and bits
Center punch the spot to prevent the bit from wandering and then drill the hole in steps. Start with an 1/8" and go up 1/8 of an inch at a time.
Good Luck, Marshall

[tuolumne]

I have a right angle drill that could do the job. I've done 3/8" holes through 1/4" steel with my wife pulling the trigger and me working a C-clamp...cheap drill press. I don't know how large the holes would need to be, but perhaps we could do it. I've borrowed a 110volt wire feed a few times to make a bike rack and cargo carrier for our van...also welded a reciever to the front frame, but I had to lay plenty of passes with that little welder. One day I want to get a decent welder, but not in time for this project. We're finishing our current house to sell, planning a new home, beginning to clear the lot and construction of the barn, keeping 5 kids 5 and under in line...right now there's no time to learn new tricks! Thanks for your input.

[RollTideRam]

All you need is a 1/2 inch drill and a sharp bit. The steel is not that hard. For the differance in price on grapples, the drill will be free. JC