Grapple A different approach to adding a grapple

[77bronco]

I just saw this when looking for parts for my Polaris RZR.
An interesting take on adding hydraulic parts.

They also make a bolt on backhoe thumb.

Extreme Metal Products, LLC

 

[kebo]

I think it's over priced to be honest. For just a little bit less money than this EMP grapple, I can get the WR Long grapple, and the electric over hydraulic diverter valve to run the hydraulic cylinder. Yes, the WR Long would be a bit more complicated install, but I believe that by running it off of the tractor hydraulics, I think the grapple would have more "gripping pressure" as opposed to using that cylinder with the motor and pump built right onto it. I don't know that for a fact though, can anyone confirm or deny??

 

[leveled]

that website is horrible i clicked enlarge and i think they shrunk. looks cool i guess

 

[Glen Watkins]

I agree with Kebo spend a few hundred more and get a real grapple! :laughing:

 

[dstig1]

Could be a good solution for those without any local hydraulic shops, I guess. Electric-over-hydraulic is typically used where you don't have an existing hydraulic source, but need hydraulics to do the job. With a tractor you have got hydraulics up the wazoo, so it makes far more sense to tap into those then to add a new system. Plus by adding a third function valve/diverter you open up more options down the road. Seems to be of limited use for the intended market, IMHO.

 

[IslandTractor]

Could be a good solution for those without any local hydraulic shops, I guess. Electric-over-hydraulic is typically used where you don't have an existing hydraulic source, but need hydraulics to do the job. With a tractor you have got hydraulics up the wazoo, so it makes far more sense to tap into those then to add a new system. Plus by adding a third function valve/diverter you open up more options down the road. Seems to be of limited use for the intended market, IMHO.

Electric over hydraulic is just a way of sharing hydraulic output from the tractor with an extra set of remotes/grapple etc. You still feed off the tractor's hydraulic system and it only provides valving to allow two implements to simultaneously share power from a single line. A diverter valve is similar but it switches power from one to the other function rather than powering both at once. The other option is to add a rear remote which gives you not only a way to cheaply control a grapple but can be used for a topping lift, log splitter, back hoe etc etc.

The price of this electric powered grapple is awfully high. You can get a ATI or Add A Grapple set up for about half that price as I recall and while you would still need to add hydraulics, that can be done very cheaply if you have a rear remote. If you don't have a rear remote then take the savings and get one installed (or do it yourself in half a day with a kit).

The electric grapple looks like it would certainly work fine and does have the advantage that someone with minimum do it yourself skills could get it installed in half a day. They don't show where the electric line runs but that has got to be vulnerable at the pivot point. Brush gets into that area quite regularly and would quickly rip out any small electrical line/connector. If I were doing it I'd actually set up a plug in connector at the pivot point area so if brush did get it it would be easy to plug back in.

 

[dstig1]

I think we are talking about 2 different things. This is a system that uses electricity to generate hydraulic power, not just to switch it. (At least as best I can tell) But we agree on the limited utility of it.

 

[IslandTractor]

I think we are talking about 2 different things. This is a system that uses electricity to generate hydraulic power, not just to switch it. (At least as best I can tell) But we agree on the limited utility of it.

Yes, I know. Electric over hydraulic is a valve system for hydraulics as is the diverter valve.

The product under discussion is truly electric powered without any tractor hydraulic use. It is run by a self contained electric hydraulic pump. I think the confusion is using the term electric over hydraulic when discussing this device. That term is generally used to talk about a valving option as noted above.

 

[yoder]

Except for the price, I kinda like the simplicty of it. The ability to move or push some dirt and still grab some limbs and move objects makes it a swiss army knife of sorts. Lets not forget the target customer .Small compacts usually don't come with remotes standard. I never thought I would need remotes on my TC 30 and to add rear ones I priced the kit a 600.00. If this unit was $800.00 I would order today. Unless someone could held me figure out a better way to go. Of course now I have some ideas and a good friend with a welder my can help.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Yeah, NH rapes customers on the price of that valve section to add a remote.

You can add one of these to the bucket curl circuit: Surplus Center - 12 VDC 13.2 GPM SAE 8 DOUBLE SELECTOR VALVE

A pushbutton can then be mounted on your joystick that you press to select the grapple function instead of curl.