Grapple Grapple research and tentative conclusion what may be best for me; what do YOU think?

[IslandTractor]

I'd go with a 48" light duty single upper arm style. Surprise!

ALL grapple manufacturers recommend larger than necessary sizes. Another surprise. However the reason is that they have little experience with CUTs and base there recommendations on what an equivalent HP skidsteer would use in commercial service.

I use a light duty 48 on my tractor which has 2700+ lbs lift and weighs at least 5000 lbs. It is a very good match and I have literally never in six plus years wished I'd had a wider or heavier duty grapple.

If Wildcat can build a 66" then tell them you want a 48" using the same design. Nothing against the 60 except that it is heavier, more expensive, and offers no advantage.

 

[Missouri Pioneer]

Dustin, let us know what you think after it is hooked up and going.

 

[dustinfox]

Dustin, let us know what you think after it is hooked up and going.

Sure will! I have to wait until November 9th when my dealer can install my auxilliary hookup but I'll be working it the next day!

She said it comes with flat couplings. Is that what I want?

 

[IslandTractor]

She said it comes with flat couplings. Is that what I want?

No, you want Pioneer style quick connect couplings. 3/8 or 1/2 inch size. If they cannot provide them then ask for a credit for the flat couplings and just have the grapple delivered with the hoses. Flat couplings are the skidsteer standard but Pioneer style are what is found on CUTs. If you need to know what a Pioneer style coupling is just look at the fittings for your FEL.

 

[dustinfox]

No, you want Pioneer style quick connect couplings. 3/8 or 1/2 inch size. If they cannot provide them then ask for a credit for the flat couplings and just have the grapple delivered with the hoses. Flat couplings are the skidsteer standard but Pioneer style are what is found on CUTs. If you need to know what a Pioneer style coupling is just look at the fittings for your FEL.

Wow... Thank You! Glad I asked! I called her right back and she's going to give me a $50 credit and ship without the hoses and couplings.

 

[Missouri Pioneer]

Island is right and I should have mentioned that earlier. I got a $50 credit by deleting the flat end couplers (but not the hoses), then bought the Pioneer.

Auxiliary hookup? Are you spending the $$ to get the third function valve?? Mine works great just running the lines from the rear hookups.

 

[dustinfox]

Island is right and I should have mentioned that earlier. I got a $50 credit by deleting the flat end couplers (but not the hoses), then buy the Pioneer.

Auxiliary hookup? Are you spending the $$ to get the third function valve?? Mine works great just running the lines from the rear hookups.

I dunno, she said she was going to send it without the hoses.

I don't have rear hookups either so I need one or the other. Where is the best place to get the Pioneer things? From my dealer?

 

[IslandTractor]

I dunno, she said she was going to send it without the hoses.

I don't have rear hookups either so I need one or the other. Where is the best place to get the Pioneer things? From my dealer?

Ideally they would send you the hoses. That way you will not get confused about SAE and JIC connections and you can just take the hoses with you to either your dealer or TSC or a local hydraulic shop.

Regarding remotes/diverters, rear remotes are useful for many things and are always cheaper to install. Diverters etc that operate off a button on the FEL joystick are popular but I'd say rear remotes are a much better value.

 

[dustinfox]

Ideally they would send you the hoses. That way you will not get confused about SAE and JIC connections and you can just take the hoses with you to either your dealer or TSC or a local hydraulic shop.

Regarding remotes/diverters, rear remotes are useful for many things and are always cheaper to install. Diverters etc that operate off a button on the FEL joystick are popular but I'd say rear remotes are a much better value.

Well hopefully the hoses and coupling won't cost more than $50.

 

[Missouri Pioneer]

They probably will, depending on the length of the hoses. I paid nearly $200 for 2 nineteen foot hoses from the rear to the grapple and the necessary pioneer connectors. Call WildKat back again and tell them you misspoke and ask them to only delete the flat couplers,not the hoses.

The reason for that is that you may want to hook up some other things in front and it would be helpful if your hoses on the tractor just went to the front of the loader arms.