Grapple Bucket Grapple Decision

Willl · Nov 20, 2010

GregJ said:
I do not weld

Don't let that hold you back on some of your choices.

A half rack will get my shop doors open no problem. :thumbsup:

Bit of a drive though, I'm out in Spanaway.

93Mustang · Nov 20, 2010

I have a Gator 48" Light Duty grapple (interested to hear how it differs from the markham grapple). I also spluged for a WR Long electric diverter. I did have it installed (which really increased the price) due to my complete lack of mechanical skills but based on the prices I read for a build your own setup on TBN and the acumen required, I didn't think it was that much more expenseive to buy a turnkey setup, particulary if you need to reorder a part or two-I learned this lesson when trying to install a simple hydraulic top link...) and you can install it yourself. I absolutely love this setup and even the CFO of the house has been impressed with what I have gotten done with it.:thumbsup: I also looked at the ATI grapple as well but decided I would rather have a separate grapple and it wasn't any more expensive. I had it made with the JDQA so it is really quick to switch back to the bucket. Not sure you can go wrong either way as this thing has been great for log and brush removal and I have found many other uses as it is handy for moving all kinds of stuff and it works really well for moving rocks as well (with a lot of ballast as heavy items can be pretty far away from the tractor when held by the grapple). Just my thoughts - Dana

jgrreed · Nov 20, 2010

93Mustang said:
I have a Gator 48" Light Duty grapple (interested to hear how it differs from the markham grapple). I also spluged for a WR Long electric diverter. I did have it installed (which really increased the price) due to my complete lack of mechanical skills but based on the prices I read for a build your own setup on TBN and the acumen required, I didn't think it was that much more expenseive to buy a turnkey setup, particulary if you need to reorder a part or two-I learned this lesson when trying to install a simple hydraulic top link...) and you can install it yourself. I absolutely love this setup and even the CFO of the house has been impressed with what I have gotten done with it.:thumbsup: I also looked at the ATI grapple as well but decided I would rather have a separate grapple and it wasn't any more expensive. I had it made with the JDQA so it is really quick to switch back to the bucket. Not sure you can go wrong either way as this thing has been great for log and brush removal and I have found many other uses as it is handy for moving all kinds of stuff and it works really well for moving rocks as well (with a lot of ballast as heavy items can be pretty far away from the tractor when held by the grapple). Just my thoughts - Dana

Was your grapple built pre-Markham departure or post?? If it was built before sept 2010, it's a Markham with a gator sticker on it. After sept 2010, it's a croc, oh, sorry, a gator.

-Jer.

93Mustang · Nov 20, 2010

I actually ordered it in September. I think they built it then so it is probably a gator. Are you implying that it is of lesser quality or poor design? I have now way to compare but besides some hassle getting the correct grapple setup, it has done everything I can ask. It seems to fit my tractor capabilities well and seems only to be limited by my loader limits. Moved a rock that took me 20 minutes to lift about an inch, had to slowly work it closer and closer to the pivot pins. Back end was very light (with Rimguard in rear tires and iMatch and box blade attached) and I moved sloooowly but the grapple appeared no worse for wear. Works wonders for moving logs etc. My only design thought is that I think the grapple would work better if the "fangs" lined up directly with the teeth at the bottom - sometimes it is difficult to grab smaller things as they can slip between the closed grapple and the bottom teeth. For someone who is doing a lot of work in the woods, the grapple has expanded the utility of the tractor by a significant amount. What I used to do with the bucket and or pallat forks, now takes half the time and is a lot easier (and a lot more fun but I don't mention that to the CFO).

jgrreed · Nov 20, 2010

93Mustang said:
I actually ordered it in September. I think they built it then so it is probably a gator. Are you implying that it is of lesser quality or poor design? I have now way to compare but besides some hassle getting the correct grapple setup, it has done everything I can ask. It seems to fit my tractor capabilities well and seems only to be limited by my loader limits. Moved a rock that took me 20 minutes to lift about an inch, had to slowly work it closer and closer to the pivot pins. Back end was very light (with Rimguard in rear tires and iMatch and box blade attached) and I moved sloooowly but the grapple appeared no worse for wear. Works wonders for moving logs etc. My only design thought is that I think the grapple would work better if the "fangs" lined up directly with the teeth at the bottom - sometimes it is difficult to grab smaller things as they can slip between the closed grapple and the bottom teeth. For someone who is doing a lot of work in the woods, the grapple has expanded the utility of the tractor by a significant amount. What I used to do with the bucket and or pallat forks, now takes half the time and is a lot easier (and a lot more fun but I don't mention that to the CFO).

Oh no, I'm not implying anything. As far as I know design is the same as Markham's.

The only comparison I have to the gator parts I've purchased, and gator service I received, is the tremendous admiration and compliments constantly paid to Melissa and Alan Markham here on TBN.

I'm glad that it's working well for you. You're lucky.

-Jer.

ps - http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-buying-pricing/188566-jd-grapple-bucket-prices-4.html

Johnjudge007 · Nov 21, 2010

I have a grapple, with skidsteer connect and ran the lines from the rear remotes. Works well,but a little messy,starting to think about other options

jgrreed · Nov 21, 2010

Johnjudge007 said:
I have a grapple, with skidsteer connect and ran the lines from the rear remotes. Works well,but a little messy,starting to think about other options

Lots of advice on here to run front lines. Glad to help if you need.

-Jer.

GregJ · Nov 21, 2010

As I said in the original post.... there is a wealth of information on this site and I REALLY appreciate all the comments and feedback. I have learned more in the last 24 hours about this project than in the month of googling prior to posting here. Here is where I am at right now.

The QA idea is great, but to switch over, the QA adapters would make it cost prohibitive. So right now I am leaning towards a removable unit like the Thumb, ATI or Tatro.

I am still a little unclear as to the direction I should go with a diverter valve. The advantages of electric vs. manual and where to find a good selection of these products is still a question for me.

Last night I ran across this thread: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/158654-re-usable-hydraulic-hose-fitting.html This seems almost too simple as a low cost solution for hoses. I can see not taking a risk with this approach on aircraft hydraulics.... but we are talking a simple grapple here. Is there any reason not to take this approach?

Once again, thank you all for your help with this. Oh.... and Willl.... Thank you for the offer. The bigger problem with going down to Spanaway with a loader bucket and a half rack is that I would have to help you with the half rack while you welded. Now... that would be a LONG drive home. Actually, I have some welding friends around here that can help me out. Thanks for the offer though....

Greg

jgrreed · Nov 21, 2010

GregJ said:
I am still a little unclear as to the direction I should go with a diverter valve. The advantages of electric vs. manual and where to find a good selection of these products is still a question for me.

Greg

I can't remember if I posted to you re: this or not, but seriously look at a separate solenoid valve controlled by a thumb rocker rather than a diverter. You have to plumb new hoses and run new wires either way, so why not have dedicated control of the grapple/thumb??

-Jer.

GregJ · Nov 21, 2010

Jer,
By any chance do you have a link to one you would recommend? I'm a little slow on this and it helps to have pictures.... I can't help it.... I'm Swedish......

Greg