My grapple won't close!!!

[Timm250]

I purchased the 72" extreme duty grapple from Skidsteer Express last November. I didn't get to use it much because of the weather until about a month ago. After using it 4-5hrs a day the grapples started sticking in the up position & I would have to get off the machine & push them forward to get them to close. As I used it more it was obvious that the grapples were opening too far and bending the sheet metal on the top of the grapples. I have emailed them several times about the problem & haven't gotten much of a response other than do you have access to a welder? I replied that I could get access. Then 3-4 days would go by without any reply. I would email them again & get the same response again. I have called at least 4 times & left my number for Bill to call me but no response. I sent another email asking if they had a solution & if they were going to do anything about the problem & the response was a picture that said if you will weld some triangle pieces here it will fix the problem.
I guess I now know they are not going to do anything about the problem other than expect me to fix it myself. I don't think that I should have to start making parts & welding them on a new piece of equipment. If I wanted something to work on I would have bought a used grapple. I don't think it is unreasonable to expect Skidsteer Express/Titan to take care of this problem since the 1 year warranty is still in effect.

 

[farmall 55a case]

I don't blame you one bit for being mad! I think you can buy that grapple directly from titan! I member seeing a ad for them say if you pic it up from them that they would knock off two hundred bucks! Think there located in Memphis Tennessee! Not sure tho! But I do know they should be the ones to fix it!!

 

[Timm250]

I don't blame you one bit for being mad! I think you can buy that grapple directly from titan! I member seeing a ad for them say if you pic it up from them that they would knock off two hundred bucks! Think there located in Memphis Tennessee! Not sure tho! But I do know they should be the ones to fix it!!

I tried to contact Titan when I bought the grapple to see if I could get a better deal but I didn't have any luck with that. I think Titan is actually in Mississippi and that maybe Titan & Skidsteer Express have some sort of relationship to where they try to funnel the sales to Skidsteer Express.

 

[DT86]

It is a shame to pay good money for new equipment that doesn't work. I'd be mad as a wet hornet.

 

[Timm250]

It is a shame to pay good money for new equipment that doesn't work. I'd be mad as a wet hornet.

I am mad about it & it doesn't take long to get really mad when I'm using it & have to get off & give them a push to get them to close. Even worse is the fact that they were friendly & helpful until I have a problem & now they don't even have time to talk to me.

 

[nickel plate]

I do hope that you and Skidsteer Express reach an amicable solution as it looks like the hydraulic cylinder's "OPEN" geometry is not correct by allowing the grapple's upper jaw to go past 90 degrees and back toward the operator resulting in bent sheet metal and not being able to properly arc toward the bottom tines as you have to hand push the grapple forward and past the ninety degree mark to close.
Until this problem is resolved I suggest you temporarily do not pass the ninety degree mark when using the "OPEN" function and hopefully it will then close in it's own.

 

[dustinfox]

I does kinda make you wonder... When the merchant sells skidsteer attachments and shoe chairs.

 

[Timm250]

I do hope that you and Skidsteer Express reach an amicable solution as it looks like the hydraulic cylinder's "OPEN" geometry is not correct by allowing the grapple's upper jaw to go past 90 degrees and back toward the operator resulting in bent sheet metal and not being able to properly arc toward the bottom tines as you have to hand push the grapple forward and past the ninety degree mark to close.
Until this problem is resolved I suggest you temporarily do not pass the ninety degree mark when using the "OPEN" function and hopefully it will then close in it's own.

That is easier said than done when You are trying to get some work done. There is a fine line between where the grapples are open enough to pick up a load of brush and not have a limb hit the arm & push it completely open to the point it won't close.

 

[nickel plate]

That is easier said than done when You are trying to get some work done. There is a fine line between where the grapples are open enough to pick up a load of brush and not have a limb hit the arm & push it completely open to the point it won't close.

Good point Timm. I won't then suggest bungee cords. It sounds like an engineering issue that needs resolve.

 

[Timm250]

Good point Timm. I won't then suggest bungee cords. It sounds like an engineering issue that needs resolve.

It's hard to resolve the issue when Skidsteer Express ignores you & won't return your calls.