Grapple Markham grapple prices....

[IslandTractor]

This link is to a thread where I gathered some info. about grapples. There are alot of others out there as well. When I priced my grapple back in October it was $900 plus shipping for the 48 or 60" light duty with one 30" top tine. If you went with two top tines it was about $350 more and about 100 lbs more. The bottom steel for the teeth is about 9" apart. I had them add extra steel between the teeth so the spacing is 4.5" apart. I figured this would help me carry smaller rock etc. The additional spacers added some cost, about $100. I enjoyed working with Markham and have been very pleased with the unit.

If I ever need to replace my Millonzi LD grapple that is exactly how I will have Markham build one for me. Single top tine 24-30 inches wide, bottom 48 inches with extra spacers to give 4 inch gaps. Great deal if the price is still about a grand. The Millonzi just keeps on going however and it will likely outlast me.

 

[HCJ]

Island Tractor, you always have good advice and ideas! Your posts are very informative and helpful. In regard of the Markham grapple, for my Kubota M-6800, would you suggest the standard duty grapple from Markham (smallest is 60" I think) or the light duty one. I anticipate using it to clear overgrown roads and paths and ripping out small trees and bushes. The light duty is available in a narrower size which you seem to favor. I'm just afraid I will trash the lighter one. Again thanks for your posts.

 

[IslandTractor]

In regard of the Markham grapple, for my Kubota M-6800, would you suggest the standard duty grapple from Markham (smallest is 60" I think) or the light duty one. I anticipate using it to clear overgrown roads and paths and ripping out small trees and bushes. The light duty is available in a narrower size which you seem to favor. I'm just afraid I will trash the lighter one. Again thanks for your posts.

Good question. I cannot find the dimensions/weights/spec on the M6800 but I believe the M7040 is about the same size/power. Comparing the M7040 to my DK40se, I can see that the M has considerably more horsepower but is actually only about 5% heavier and has the same hydraulic pump output per minute. Loader capacities for the LA1153 are about 10% or so more than for my KL401.

I have been happy with my Millonzi light duty grapple which is actually a lighter build than the Markham light duty 48. I do the same type of work that you are describing and I have only inflicted inconsequential cosmetic damage on my grapple and have managed to bend the very tips of the upper grapple arm tines on various rocks (easily repaired with heat and hammer). I think this points out that so long as you use a grapple properly (forces limited to lifting and gripping, never twisting it) that these so called light duty grapples do fine. That said, I'm sure that a tractor in the M6800 class is right at the limit.

I'm sure you've read the various debates about narrow versus wide grapple so I won't get into that but in summary I'd opt for the 48 inch grapple width.

One benefit of using Markham is that they are really a small operation that builds on a semi custom basis. If I were in your shoes I'd talk to Markham and ask them about building me a 48 inch grapple using half inch tines (my Millonzi is 3/8 inch) and get their opinion on any other simple reinforcement they could do. Essentially that would be a 48 inch "standard" rather than light duty. It would weigh more than the light duty but you have the loader capacity to handle that. I would only use one upper jaw. I've never seen a situation were I wished I had two upper jaws. I'd also have the extra "in between" tines added (maybe 3/8 to keep weight down). I think that would be a highly effective brush/tree removal tool which should last a very long time.

 

[wedge40]

First let start by saying Island is source of good info on this site. I know I asked him numerous questions last year as I was trying to figure out what to get for my 4000. It was because of this I got the 48" grapple and right now I think it was a pretty wise choice. But for clarity I would like to post some of the real numbers so we know what were are dealing with.

M6800 - HP:70/PTO 62 Weight: 6175lb and Lift Capacity:4550

That is a pretty substantial tractor relative to the cuts most are talking about here. I agree I would talk to Melissa and ask what you should buy or have made. I'm amazed at how accommodating they are at Markham. And believe me I have two of their products, tooth bar and grapple and both are high quality. One good example that American products are worth the price.

Wedge

 

[IslandTractor]

M6800 - HP:70/PTO 62 Weight: 6175lb and Lift Capacity:4550[/quote

That is a LOT different than the M7040 specs I found on the Kubota website this morning. They have really lightened those M's in the last ten years I guess. The weight figures I used for the M7040 and DK40se were the base tractor weight with no FEL.

Are you sure the lift capacity is for the FEL on the M6800? That would, in Kubota language, be a LA2000 or something even north of that. I didn't know Kubota made loaders for any of their tractors that could lift more than 2000 kilos at mid bucket. Are you sure that is not the lift capacity for the 3PT?

Given the numbers you quote for the M6800 I'd back off my recommendation and say that a heavier grapple might be in order but I'm still wondering why the identically powered M6800 has way higher specs for weight and lift than the newer M7040

 

[HCJtractor]

My M6800 weighs 5185 plus weight of FEL and loaded rear tires, so I guess it's close to 7000 lbs. The lift capacity at pivot points of the LA1002 is 2580lb. Hopefully this will clear up confusion. Island Tractor, your advice about a custom 48" regular duty Markham grapple is a great idea. I'll have to get a quote from Melissa. She is probably tired of hearing from me, and ready to make a sale!

 

[IslandTractor]

My M6800 weighs 5185 plus weight of FEL and loaded rear tires, so I guess it's close to 7000 lbs. The lift capacity at pivot points of the LA1002 is 2580lb. Hopefully this will clear up confusion.

Even though the M is 1000lbs heavier than my DK, the lift capacity of the loader is roughly the same (my KL401 is rated 2700 at pivot points) and unless you are using your grapple as a battering ram , I think I'll go back to my earlier recommendation this morning and see if Melissa and her team can build you a steroid treated 48 inch grapple. I'm sure you will find it a remarkably effective implement for keeping brush and small trees under control.

One advantage you have with your higher weight is that you'll have an easier time pushing over trees in the 4-6 inch category. I wouldn't worry about hurting the grapple when using it that way, just keep it centered. I "climb" trees all the time with my tractor when pushing them over and it doesn't hurt the grapple.

 

[wedge40]

Sorry Misinformation on tractordata site. Guess someone should mention that.

Lift capacity I listed was the lift capacity of the 3ph. The reason here is one of the first things most people do is toss some "extra" weight on the back of the tractor. Unless they have loaded tires. Sorry didn't even think of that.
7000lb is a pretty stout machine. I'm guessing you'll be able to do some real destruction with that thing.


Wedge

 

[HCJtractor]

I'm ordering my FEL this week, with a Tach-All QA, so I'll not order the standard Kubota bucket. I'm considering a WRLong standard bucket(either a 1cu.yd. or smaller .83) or an ATI series 500(.68 cu.yd.) both with skid steer QA. I'll use for light grading, general purpose, and not for loading vehicles or materials such as mulch. I do not know the weights but both are relatively heavy duty buckets, and I have to order sight unseen. All are 72". Having little experience with a bucket, I'm not sure what is important or desirable.

Then when it is all installed and my bank account recovers, i will ad a grapple, hopefully the one Island Tractor suggested. I will also go ahead and install a Long electric over hydraulic valve now while the tractor is aat the shop.

Any bucket advice?? Loader is a LA1002 with a 2580 lb. lift.

 

[IslandTractor]

Then when it is all installed and my bank account recovers, i will ad a grapple, hopefully the one Island Tractor suggested. I will also go ahead and install a Long electric over hydraulic valve now while the tractor is aat the shop.

Any bucket advice?? Loader is a LA1002 with a 2580 lb. lift.

Regarding the electric over hydraulic valve....that is the Cadillac system but will probably cost you almost as much as the grapple unless you know enough about hydraulics to purchase the parts and install it yourself. If I were you I'd just use the rear remotes to control the grapple to begin with and see how I liked it. It costs almost nothing so long as you have a rear remote and I gotta believe the M6800 has at least one. Many guys use the rear remote to control grapples, myself included on my first tractor. If you have the rear remote you just need a few quick connect fittings and some hydraulic hose. You can reuse the hose and fittings if you decide later to upgrade to the electric over hydraulic switch (Nice) but why forgo grapple use in the mean time?

My bucket advice would be to get a standard bucket from either ATI or WRLong. Both excellent companies. You don't want to waste money on heavy duty and you don't have a need to move sawdust or something that requires an extra capacity style. Whichever you get, consider getting a toothbar from Markham along with your grapple.