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

[Rockgod]

Do I have this on right? There is no gap like this when my bucket is on.

The contour of the loader arm fits perfectly on the bucket, but on this (grapple) there is a gap and the flange doesn't fit into the contour. I guess most of the weight and stress will be on top so maybe this isn't an issue?

That gap would make me nervous. I had that same issue with the factory Deere SS adaptor. Although not as bad as those photos, I had problems.

You may have to have some shims welded on.

 

[FF117]

MissouriPioneer,

Hows your grapple working out. Did you have the fit problems that Dustin had?

 

[Missouri Pioneer]

FF, I've really just tried it out, won't get into any major use until after the first of the year. It lifted a telephone pole without issue. Haven't examined the fit issue yet.

 

[dustinfox]

FF, I've really just tried it out, won't get into any major use until after the first of the year. It lifted a telephone pole without issue. Haven't examined the fit issue yet.

Missouri, let me know if you have the same gap at the bottom as I do. It's about 1/2". I don't know if it is an issue or not. I spoke with Connie about it and she asked me to send photos (which I did) but I have not heard back yet.

 

[Missouri Pioneer]

I'll try to remember to take a pic next time I put it on.

 

[Missouri Pioneer]

Dustin, photos attached. Mine seems to work alright, even loading and lifting the pole with the grapple hanging straight down.

 

[dustinfox]

Dustin, photos attached. Mine seems to work alright, even loading and lifting the pole with the grapple hanging straight down.

Your gap is even bigger than mine! Good to know it isn't a problem.

Thanks for posting!

 

[IslandTractor]

Your gap is even bigger than mine! Good to know it isn't a problem.

Thanks for posting!

More important than the gap is how far the retaining pins protrude below the mount when locked. If they are lower than the gap distance it is pretty hard to dismount the grapple accidently.

If there is almost no gap then mounting the grapple can be a bit tricky as it might not move all the way flush unless you lift it and tilt it backwards. That is a hassle and presents its own problems in reaching the locking lever safely etc.

Bottom line is that some gap is desirable and I'd imagine a minimum of 1/4 inch or so. Again, the key issue is how far the retaining pins protrude from under the mount when locked.

 

[Rockgod]

More important than the gap is how far the retaining pins protrude below the mount when locked. If they are lower than the gap distance it is pretty hard to dismount the grapple accidently.

If there is almost no gap then mounting the grapple can be a bit tricky as it might not move all the way flush unless you lift it and tilt it backwards. That is a hassle and presents its own problems in reaching the locking lever safely etc.

Bottom line is that some gap is desirable and I'd imagine a minimum of 1/4 inch or so. Again, the key issue is how far the retaining pins protrude from under the mount when locked.

I'd be more concerned about the grapple moving around all the time as opposed to falling off. IMO 1/4" would be the MAX I'd want any sort of gap. My ATI adaptor has an 1/8" gap and it's not "tricky" at all, it slides right out.

 

[IslandTractor]

I'd be more concerned about the grapple moving around all the time as opposed to falling off. IMO 1/4" would be the MAX I'd want any sort of gap. My ATI adaptor has an 1/8" gap and it's not "tricky" at all, it slides right out.

I won't argue that 1/8 is not better than 1/4 inch but clearly there has to be some gap to avoid problems when mounting. Unless you weld or bolt something there will be play. The point with a grapple is that under load virtually all the pressure is on the top of the universal mount. The only time there would be any strain on the bottom would be going over bumps etc or when dumping the load. So long as the retaining pins are longer than the gap when locked the implement really shouldn't come out. I'd be more nervous with a 1/4 inch pin protrusion with a 1/8 inch gap than I would with a one inch protrusion and a 1/4 inch gap.