Looking for bucket reinforcement advice for grapple

[Firefighter Kubota]

Trust, I'm looking to do the same, curious, what is the length of your grapple. hinge pin to tip? Size of your bucket? cutting edge to mounting surface.

Any overbite with the grapple? can't tell from the picks...

Thanks

BTW, Nice install

 

[TRUST]

That is a very nice looking and clean installation.

Good work!

Thanks

Trust, I'm looking to do the same, curious, what is the length of your grapple. hinge pin to tip? Size of your bucket? cutting edge to mounting surface.

Any overbite with the grapple? can't tell from the picks...

Thanks

BTW, Nice install

The grapple is 20". My bucket is 50". The distance from the top edge of the bucket to the cutting edge is 20". There is no overbite. Fully closed, the grapple misses the cutting edge and closes over the cutting edge, missing it by 1-2". I would consider the 24" model if you want the grapple to touch the edge of the bucket, especially if your using a toothbar. I haven't got to use the grapple yet so I'm not sure if what I have or the longer one would be better. Thanks.

 

[MarkLeininger]

I got the reinforcement/tow hooks painted. I just mounted the grapple today and got it plumbed.

We should be asking you for advice on how to do this, that's about the cleanest install I've seen.

 

[TRUST]

We should be asking you for advice on how to do this, that's about the cleanest install I've seen.

Here is my advice........be ****.

 

[TRUST]

Here is the what I came up with for attaching the QD's to the loader. I used the level indicator that came on the bucket for a bracket. I removed the level indicator when I made the reinforcements to the top edge. I drilled out a couple of holes and used bulkhead fittings to pass through. I was testing the fitment and operation using the clamp all. Now that I am satisfied with that I will clean the bracket up and have it welded on. I am using a 42" & 54" hose to make the connections from the cylinder to the QD's. That gives me enough slack for all bucket/grapple positions with out stressing the hoses.

This past weekend I really put all of this to the test. I had a 30 yard dumpster delivered and I filled to the max with junk timber and brush/debris. The angle reinforcement held up just fine, the kubota spray paint I used was a different story. Smashing down trash timber took it toll on the re painted top edge.

The height of the dumpster sides were somewhere around 5'8". I could reach over and dump, but could not push it around inside or smash anything down. So i opened the back door and drove inside to fill it up. That worked out really well. Without the grapple I would NOT have been able to load nearly any of the material I loaded. This thing is strong and impressive. I am very pleased with it. I ended up taking the flow restrictors out and that makes for the perfect operating speed of the grapple. I did not take any pics of the dumpster action, but I will this weekend as I'm having another delivered

 

[Hill Farmer]

Looks great. I have one (different brand) on the way. Will be cleaning up after our ice storm with it. I have a couple questions.

Why did you bolt it on instead of welding it after you did all that renforcement?

The hoses look vulnerable where they hook onto the cylinder. Any problems yet with the brush snagging them?

I believe mine has a piece of angle for the mount instead of the flat like yours. I'm going to have to look the bucket over next time I'm at the farm to see if it needs renforced as well. It is a Great Bend bucket, but I can't remember how heavy it is on top. The bucket top to cutting edge measurement on mine is 30" and I have a 32" grapple coming. I think I can scoot it back a little if need be. Great thread, thanks for posting.

 

[Firefighter Kubota]

Hey Hill Farmer, Just finished installing my grapple and used it the last 2 days after cutting down a 80 maple tree. Pictures to follow..

Its the same grapple as Trust's . I bolted it in place so that in the winter I can remove it, as I mount a plow then. It really adds alot of weight to the bucket...

If I were to be doing alot gravel work I'd remove it than as well. I have the B 7510 and it adds almost 120#'s thus reducing the bucket capacity.

The Hoses have been fine, I loaded three dump trailer loades of branches and brush , compressed the load and the hoses were fine...

 

[Hill Farmer]

Thanks. The one I have coming will detach from the bracket by pulling 3 pins. Then again, weight is not really on issue on a 75 horse cab tractor, but I guess it could get in the way at times. I'll have to be sure and put a QD for my hose up front. Do I want my grapple to hang past the lip of the bucket? Basically use the bucket as a stop or try to back it up some if I can? Love to see some pics of your set up.

Tried to research this site before I bought it, but could not get on. Waited a couple days and never got the confirmation email. Registered again today with a new name and email and it came right through. I can see me spending some time over here.

 

[Firefighter Kubota]

Thanks. The one I have coming will detach from the bracket by pulling 3 pins. Then again, weight is not really on issue on a 75 horse cab tractor, but I guess it could get in the way at times. I'll have to be sure and put a QD for my hose up front. Do I want my grapple to hang past the lip of the bucket? Basically use the bucket as a stop or try to back it up some if I can? Love to see some pics of your set up.

Tried to research this site before I bought it, but could not get on. Waited a couple days and never got the confirmation email. Registered again today with a new name and email and it came right through. I can see me spending some time over here.

Yeah don't think weight is a factor for you.... mine is only 21 hp and a 650 bucket capacity..


I'll get some pics up tomorrow, Really looks just like Trust's pics. I have just a bit of an under bit, that is the grapple just clears the cutting edge in side the bucket..I think 2" longer would have been better a slight overbite if you will. Sound like thats what you'll have...Add a tooth bar and it would be great..

 

[Firefighter Kubota]

Don't know what I have done without the grapple. This thing is GREAT!!

will post some install pics later when all the painting is done.. Took the tree down Monday day and ran home to install the grapple that night to use it Tusday, see below (sorry pic are from camera phone).