"The Thumb" Bucket Grapple questions

[NCRetiree]

I am leaning toward getting a "The Thumb" grapple for my Kubota LA844 FEL bucket. When I bought the tractor last fall I figured I would want a grapple in the future so I got the 3rd function remote installed as part of the purchase so that part is done.

2 questions:

Does anyone have any comments (good and bad) about a bucket grapple? I will use it for picking up logs for firewood and some small stumps, and

On my LA844 loader, what is the distance from the front top of the bucket down to the front bottom of the bucket. I am thinking the 28" grapple might be the right one but my tractor is not at the house but at the farm and I forgot to measure it before leaving to come home today.

 

[Milton Burro]

I considered a "thumb" for my bucket but decided to go whole hog. I'm glad I did. I can't imagine anything a thumb can do that my grapple cannot but my grapple can do much more than a thumb. I cleared groves of saplings from overgrown property and clean up after the '09 ice storm was a breeze.

 

[caspar3259]

I considered a "thumb" for my bucket but decided to go whole hog. I'm glad I did. I can't imagine anything a thumb can do that my grapple cannot but my grapple can do much more than a thumb. I cleared groves of saplings from overgrown property and clean up after the '09 ice storm was a breeze.

What brand & model grapple is that?

I've been looking at the Construction Attachments "root grapple" that prices out around $2000 for the 60". Always interested in checking out alternatives...

-Jeff

 

[NCRetiree]

It is located at this link:

The Thumb

 

[Marveltone]

I have "The Thumb" on my loader and love it. It's built very well and should withstand just about any abuse you can dish out on it. They make it in several sizes, so it should fit pretty much any bucket out there. My over-sized bucket was home made so it has a huge capacity, as you can see in the pictures. (32" I think.) I am, unfortunately, unable to help you in that department. Hopefully there are others with similar rigs to yours who can pipe in with some measurements.

Joe

 

[caspar3259]

It is located at this link:

The Thumb

Thanks, but I was asking about the grapple shown by Milton Burro.

 

[CurlyDave]

With a standard grapple, the operator has excellent visibility between the tines and can easily grasp many items.

With "the thumb" the bucket blocks visibility of many objects one wishes to pick up. Much skill and experience is required to achieve the same result a novice can easily get with a real grapple.

 

[chriscos]

Thanks, but I was asking about the grapple shown by Milton Burro.

The Grapple says WR Long on the side. I've heard good things about WR Long.

 

[nybirdman]

I have a Green's Machine thumb and a tooth bar on my L4240.This combo works well.I am sure not as well as a full grapple but a lot less money and weight.I have a HD bucket ,the 28 inch was the perfect fit.I welded an angle on the top of the bucket and bolted the thumb on for easy removeal.

 

[teg]

How much grapple work do you need to do? If it's not a ton of work the Thumb for the price is good. I have like it, the WR Long and love it... it works best with a toothbar but I have used it without and it's fine.