Grapples other then Gator.

[JFS2295]

Looks like I'm going to have to look elsewhere then Gator for a grapple on my 1710 that doesn't have a quickplate. I contacted them the other day and one person told me to get pictures and dimensions for the bucket pins, then today I got a second email stating they don't have anything that will work.

The FEL is a 770B same for 1710 and 1910 series Fords. Has anyone dealt with this issue and found a source?

The Worksaver brand looks like it has bolt-on brackets that are adjustable for widths and options for pin sizes, so maybe that would work although they are limited to 60".

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Maybe try one of these guys.

Skid Steer loader attachments

http://www.wrlonginc.com/grapples.htm

 

[Haoleguy]

I have the Worksaver FLGR-277 on my JD 5325. It uses the adjustable brackets which work well with the quick attach loader arms. The build quality is heavy duty on this model and weighs close to 1000lbs. I can move logs, brush, and rocks all day with no problems. The smaller FLGR 262 looks to have the same beefy cross bracing. It must be much lower in weight (360 lbs) from shorter vertical steel/tine lengths and missing the double thickness lower on the verticals. It looks like a good strong unit but compare opening dimension with others. Other manufacturers models have been posted here by TBNers and most look quite good. You have not stated if there is a particular use that you plan the grapple for. The reason I mention this is that some designs might be better for your planned use.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I have an ATI bolt on grapple that I use and like alot. Don't know if it is what you are looking for but it works for me. They adjust to different bucket widths and are easily removed by unbolting.

 

[IslandTractor]

You can get an adapter made so your pin on loader is converted to QA. These guys at rootgrapple.com will make one for $650. Advantage is that you can then use all types of QA implements. It also means that if you then buy a QA grapple and want to sell it you have a ready market on Craigslist etc. Tough to sell a pin on attachment unless it is a standard JD or Kubota type.

www.rootgrapple.com/bobtach.html

 

[PHS79]

I would suggest getting a quote from a welding shop to have a grapple made. That is what we did for our grapple. We couldn't find a grapple exactly like we wanted, so we had a local shop build one for us. Not only was it exactly what we wanted, it was cheaper than any of the websites I had found for similar grapples, and also the build quality is second to no one!

 

[IslandTractor]

I would suggest getting a quote from a welding shop to have a grapple made. That is what we did for our grapple. We couldn't find a grapple exactly like we wanted, so we had a local shop build one for us. Not only was it exactly what we wanted, it was cheaper than any of the websites I had found for similar grapples, and also the build quality is second to no one!

What size grapple did you get and how much did it cost? Photos?

 

[PHS79]

What size grapple did you get and how much did it cost? Photos?

72". I don't remember the exact price, as it was 8-9 years ago that we had it built. I had contacted him about building another one last year, so that way we would have 2, and he said that it would probably be around $2200 or so. I am just leaving for work, I will post pics tonight.

 

[JFS2295]

Thanks for the responses guys. I wished I had thought about this a few years back.

The use will be in a small Christmas tree / tree nursery environment. I could use this for picking up the 12-15' trees to put them in trailers/ pickups, use it when clearing out logs and such from older large trees, and clearing out Christmas tree stumps and bad examples of trees. But I also have a use when barerooting some deciduous trees too.

Larger trees usually get uprooted with the dozer to the left, but it lacks in finesse when working in rows (9ft blade)

It sort of a catch all. The Worksaver / Long style looks great for clearing as the teeth are close to the FEL for more power, but I could benefit from the longer bottom style of the Gator design. To me the Millonzi unit looks ideal as it drops down after the attachment before coming out front, but too late for that choice. That would permit getting deeper into the sandy soil here on the Jersey coast. Absolutely no rocks around this property.

I don't want to just add a top grapple to the bucket but I also really don't want to invest into an adapter since my 50+ years on this farm doesn't tell me my needs will go farther then a bucket and a grapple. Plus I've been unemployed for two years so throwing another $800 into the purchase isn't appealing.

 

[IslandTractor]

As far as delicate grapple use is concerned, are you trying to pick up trees by the rootball for transplant or are you just loading cut trees?