Grapple GRAPPLE BUCKET ON THE BAY. OPINIONS?

[Lilgreenmachine]

I found a grapple attachment for the top of my bucket on Ebay. I have a 2008 JD 2720 with 4' bucket. I was wondering if anybody on here has bought one or might have seen them in action. It seems unique in that it has its own hydraulic reservoir which is activated by electric. Does anyone have any experience or educated opinions on why this might or might not be a good setup? By the way, the seller was Extreme Metal Products and the price was $999 delivered.

 

[medicshawn]

For not much more money you could get a bolt on grapple that operates off hydraulics. If you can assemble the hydraulic parts yourself instead of buying a kit you may be able to do it cheaper.

 

[Ductape]

Though I have no personal experience with them, they have been discussed here in the past. I'd say the general consensus was that for the money.... the performance was lacking.

 

[IslandTractor]

Not a good bang for the buck. Cheaper and more effective to add a simple grapple jaw and rear remote hydraulics.

 

[Lilgreenmachine]

I saw the grapple jaws for sale for about $300. So you are saying that you would tap the rear hydraulic lines? The ones that are going to my backhoe? Do you put a splitter in and branch off? Or would you only be able to use one or the other?

 

[kennyd]

I saw the grapple jaws for sale for about $300. So you are saying that you would tap the rear hydraulic lines? The ones that are going to my backhoe? Do you put a splitter in and branch off? Or would you only be able to use one or the other?

LOTS of post's about this...but basically you put a valve in series with that line...

 

[Builder]

I added WR Long's remote front hydraulics kit to my Challenger 47HP tractor and I couldn't be happier.

Go for it. Costs a little more but it's the best aftermarket kit out there.

 

[IslandTractor]

I saw the grapple jaws for sale for about $300. So you are saying that you would tap the rear hydraulic lines? The ones that are going to my backhoe? Do you put a splitter in and branch off? Or would you only be able to use one or the other?

Depends on whether your backhoe operates off rear remotes or a power beyond circuit. If you already have rear remotes then it is trivial to simply switch the lines at the quick connects and use those to control the grapple. If you don't have rear remotes then it would make sense to either install a set (few hundred bucks) or use one of the WRLong kits for diverter valve or third function valve. If you are adventuresome you can make up your own "WRLong kit" from parts obtained via surplus supply dot com. As others have stated, there are a lot of posts about this issue of options for providing hydraulic power to a grapple so do a search and prepare to spend a few evenings reading. Good luck.

 

[jmc]

I found a grapple attachment for the top of my bucket on Ebay. I have a 2008 JD 2720 with 4' bucket. I was wondering if anybody on here has bought one or might have seen them in action. It seems unique in that it has its own hydraulic reservoir which is activated by electric. Does anyone have any experience or educated opinions on why this might or might not be a good setup? By the way, the seller was Extreme Metal Products and the price was $999 delivered.

Lil',

Didn't you ask this question a while back on a thread that has since been removed? Careful, or people might think you're a shill.

John

 

[Lilgreenmachine]

I did a similar post a few days ago, which happened to be my first post. It was quickly removed because I used a direct link to Ebay. A moderator took it down and let me know that even though it isnt stated in the rules, direct links to Ebay and similar sites are not permitted. I dont know what a "shill" is, but Im pretty sure Im not. Just looking for some friendly advice, and who knows, maybe even give some.