Grapple Grappling for answers on Grapples

[IslandTractor]

I could see where if I was ripping roots this would not be the best design as it would put a lot pressure on the loader.

Ripping roots by driving forward with the grapple partially in the ground is really a job for a bulldozer, not a tractor. The design of all tractor FELs involves long vulnerable arms that are primarily designed to lift. Bulldozer arms are short and squat with no lift but much much better suited for ripping roots.

That said, ripping individual tree or bush roots with the FEL while the tractor is either stopped or moving forward slowly works just fine. I also have the open bottom style grapple and the extra leverage you get from the longer bottom tines compared to a clamshell seems to me a benefit (though I've never used a clamshell so that is just my interpretation).

 

[jake98]

I agree that is the plus side of splitting the hoses. However after having a set up like that I still think it is so easy to just remove and reinstall the lines that I wouldn't bother with it again. If I were to need to remove my FEL (something I haven't had to do), I'd either remove the lines altogether or just coil them out of harms way and lash them to the FEL mounting post until I reinstalled the FEL.

I remove the loader from time to time. What I have is a hollow cut off boat bumper that the hose ends sit nicely in, bungied to the loader support.

 

[Michelle K linnane]

I have some questions after reading the posts I am going to buy a markham rake. My questions is I have a JD 5103 and 500 series loader. I am not sure of the exact lift capacity of the loader but I know it is over a ton. Which is the best for my size tractor the 48 inch or 60 inch also I am thinking of
adding extra tines so the gap is only 4.5 inches considering that what is the best rake for my machine.
Also do the hydralics on the loader needed to be adapted for this implement the tractor is 2 years old and currently has front hydralics for my bucket and palet forks.
any info will be helpful
Michelle Linnane

 

[dangerdoc]

I have some questions after reading the posts I am going to buy a markham rake. My questions is I have a JD 5103 and 500 series loader. I am not sure of the exact lift capacity of the loader but I know it is over a ton. Which is the best for my size tractor the 48 inch or 60 inch also I am thinking of
adding extra tines so the gap is only 4.5 inches considering that what is the best rake for my machine.
Also do the hydralics on the loader needed to be adapted for this implement the tractor is 2 years old and currently has front hydralics for my bucket and palet forks.
any info will be helpful
Michelle Linnane

When you order the grapple, you can have them install the correct hydraulic connectors. I had them put pioneer connectors on mine.

I think you would be happy with either the 48 or 60, mine is even narrower and seems to do fine.

As far as adding narrower tines, I have standard spacing which I like, I can dig down into the dirt when I pick a load and the dirt can fall back out. I would think narrower tines would make it harder to knock the dirt out of your load. But I am moving brush, logs and big rocks, not small stuff.

 

[dangerdoc]

Ripping roots by driving forward with the grapple partially in the ground is really a job for a bulldozer, not a tractor. The design of all tractor FELs involves long vulnerable arms that are primarily designed to lift. Bulldozer arms are short and squat with no lift but much much better suited for ripping roots.

That said, ripping individual tree or bush roots with the FEL while the tractor is either stopped or moving forward slowly works just fine. I also have the open bottom style grapple and the extra leverage you get from the longer bottom tines compared to a clamshell seems to me a benefit (though I've never used a clamshell so that is just my interpretation).

I agree, I have pulled out a few roots with the grapple but if I wanted to go roaring through a field ripping up multiple roots, I do it with boxblade rippers. Not only does it pull up the debri, it tends to coral it up for you also.

 

[IslandTractor]

I have a similar capacity loader and am very happy with the 48.

You probably have rear remotes so you could use those to control the grapple by just adding relatively cheap hose and fittings. For ultimate convenience, a true third function valve could be added for a bit under $1000.

I have some questions after reading the posts I am going to buy a markham rake. My questions is I have a JD 5103 and 500 series loader. I am not sure of the exact lift capacity of the loader but I know it is over a ton. Which is the best for my size tractor the 48 inch or 60 inch also I am thinking of
adding extra tines so the gap is only 4.5 inches considering that what is the best rake for my machine.
Also do the hydralics on the loader needed to be adapted for this implement the tractor is 2 years old and currently has front hydralics for my bucket and palet forks.
any info will be helpful
Michelle Linnane

 

[dangerdoc]

I have a similar capacity loader and am very happy with the 48.

You probably have rear remotes so you could use those to control the grapple by just adding relatively cheap hose and fittings. For ultimate convenience, a true third function valve could be added for a bit under $1000.

That $1000 number is a little scary. If one has a power beyond on their current valve, a third valve function can be added for a quarter of that figure. Adding your own third valve also lets you decide where put it.

 

[IslandTractor]

That $1000 number is a little scary. If one has a power beyond on their current valve, a third valve function can be added for a quarter of that figure. Adding your own third valve also lets you decide where put it.

yes, you are correct. The $1000 figure is about what it would cost to have a WRLong kit installed by a dealer. Nice kit, nice thumb activated control that allows you to use the third function without moving your hand off the joystick, but pricey.

 

[swmich42]

I will be getting a FEL for my JD 4700 soon. Decided on the 400CX. Trying to decide on toothed bucket and grapple to attach. If I go with JD Dealer, their 73" bucket with teeth is $1185. Their smallest grapple, 60" Ag grapple is $2360. After looking at various posts from this site, I have contacted markham for a quote. My only concerns are; if I order from Markham, (I trust their quality) how will I configure and complete installation of the grapple? I am not experienced with hydrolics, nor tractor attachments. I am an amateur auto machanic.

 

[IslandTractor]

I am not experienced with hydrolics, nor tractor attachments. I am an amateur auto machanic.

I was not even an amateur auto mechanic much less knowledgable about hydraulics or tractor attachments when I purchased a light duty grapple and then figured out how to get it attached and powered. TBN resources are great for this task and you should not worry about whether you can do that. You will need to make some basic decisions about where you want the hydraulic power to come from (remotes vs valves) and you can read for weeks on TBN about the various considerations. Your tractor dealer can easily get things on the new tractor set up once you decide how you want it done (really a budget issue more than anything else if you want my interpretation of the various options). Connecting the last few hoses is duck soup and again there will be plenty of help via TBN. I think I (and many others here) could talk a blind nun through that part. Bottom line: don't be scared of hydraulics, the knowledge you need to attach a grapple is pretty easy to handle for a novice.

Regarding attachment of the grapple you really just need to decide if you want a standard "Bobcat/skidsteer" adapter on your tractor (I assume that is a JD option) or just ask Markham to build you a JD quickattach mount grapple.

Regarding the grapple, I would suggest you save money and just get the 48 inch standard duty version. I have an even lighter duty 48 inch grapple from a now extinct company (Millonzi) which has stood up to serious abuse over the past three years with a tractor/loader (Kioti DK40se/KL401) that is about the same power/weight as what you are purchasing. Use the grapple correctly and it will easily stand up to whatever your loader is capable of.