new wildkat grapple comin this way ?

[Blamo]

I know that this is an older thread and seems kind of worn out but I wanted to ask a question and thought this would be the best group to ask it to. How do you guys find the closing pressure of the grapple arm? I know that the hydraulic cylinder is small but the closing pressure on mine doesnt seem to be very much. I was cleaning out my paddock and had a pile of old hay, straw, and manure that I was trying to grapple out. When I closed up the grapple, it didnt clamp down very much. Is this what you guys are finding or could I be experiencing some other issue ie... air in the line, something wrong with the hook up or cylinder?

 

[IslandTractor]

I know that this is an older thread and seems kind of worn out but I wanted to ask a question and thought this would be the best group to ask it to. How do you guys find the closing pressure of the grapple arm? I know that the hydraulic cylinder is small but the closing pressure on mine doesnt seem to be very much. I was cleaning out my paddock and had a pile of old hay, straw, and manure that I was trying to grapple out. When I closed up the grapple, it didnt clamp down very much. Is this what you guys are finding or could I be experiencing some other issue ie... air in the line, something wrong with the hook up or cylinder?

I have a similar design grapple from Millonzi. My closing pressure is certainly enough to crush brush and snap 1-2 inch branches. However, the more important point is that for this type of grapple where the bottom tines are long and parallel to the ground, the purpose of the upper grapple is really just to clamp, not crush the load. Gravity provides most of the force needed to keep the load in place and the upper arm just keeps things from bouncing out while underway.

Of course it is also useful to compact a loose load so you can get more in but that can be done more efficiently by using a different technique. Make an intermediate pile with the material you are trying to compact. I usually get about three full bites of brush and pile them six or ten feet away from where I am working by making a little Y turn backing up then dumping the load. Once there are three loads loosely stacked, I open the grapple wide, put it in full dump position, raise the grapple and drive the tractor so the grapple is above the pile. Now lower the grapple and use the weight of the tractor and loader to crush the pile to the ground. As you are lowering you start to slowly close the grapple so that it is completely closed (or stalled) before the tines have a chance to dig into the ground. Now just curl and lift and you have three loads in one grapple. Works like a charm. Only thing that requires practice is to time the closing of the grapple so you are not digging into the ground with the tines but ideally skimming the surface front and back.

This is the position you want to start with #1 and then the other two photos show an example using heavier brush but it works the same way or even better with light brush.

 

[k0ua]

You know I want one of those things, but I keep telling myself I can't justify it, I don't haul enough brush and logs to pay for itself.. but the next thing I know I am stacking brush on the forks and hauling it off and a grapple would be so much neater.. don't get me wrong the forks are a big improvement over hauling brush in a bucket, but there is still some work involved.. I want a grapple, but do I "need" a grapple... that is the $64000 question.

James K0UA

 

[IslandTractor]

I want a grapple, but do I "need" a grapple... that is the $64000 question.

James K0UA

Tractoring Rule #302.4B: EVERYONE NEEDS A GRAPPLE!!!!

A tractor needs a grapple like you need a thumb. Try to work for a day without using your thumbs.:thumbsup:

The key is to find a list of honey do tasks that would be only possible or much more efficiently done with a grapple. Then give her one as an early Christmas present. Works like a charm.:laughing:

 

[murphy1244]

Tractoring Rule #302.4B: EVERYONE NEEDS A GRAPPLE!!!!

A tractor needs a grapple like you need a thumb. Try to work for a day without using your thumbs.:thumbsup:

The key is to find a list of honey do tasks that would be only possible or much more efficiently done with a grapple. Then give her one as an early Christmas present. Works like a charm.:laughing:

If I were to do a grapple what kind should I buy and how should I set it up?

 

[IslandTractor]

If I were to do a grapple what kind should I buy and how should I set it up?

Simple and by far cheapest answer:

1) Wildcat 48" Economy model ??$600 plus shipping
2) A set of 3/8 inch hydraulic hoses from the rear remotes to the loader torque tube. From remotes over rear axle, under operator station, up one of the FEL posts and then down the FEL arm. Zip ties work fine until you decide where you want to mount permanent clamps etc. Use the remote lever to open/close. Cost is about $100 if you spec the stuff and buy via internet. About $200 or so to have a dealer or hydraulic shop set you up with hoses and four or six quick couplers. I think Wildcat does not provide the proper quick coupler for tractors so best to take a credit on the flat face couplers and just pick up an extra set to attach to the grapple hoses. Connection is on or near the torque tube.

More detailed information is available in about twenty thousand posts on TBN. Just search.

 

[murphy1244]

Simple and by far cheapest answer:

1) Wildcat 48" Economy model ??$600 plus shipping
2) A set of 3/8 inch hydraulic hoses from the rear remotes to the loader torque tube. From remotes over rear axle, under operator station, up one of the FEL posts and then down the FEL arm. Zip ties work fine until you decide where you want to mount permanent clamps etc. Use the remote lever to open/close. Cost is about $100 if you spec the stuff and buy via internet. About $200 or so to have a dealer or hydraulic shop set you up with hoses and four or six quick couplers. I think Wildcat does not provide the proper quick coupler for tractors so best to take a credit on the flat face couplers and just pick up an extra set to attach to the grapple hoses. Connection is on or near the torque tube.

More detailed information is available in about twenty thousand posts on TBN. Just search.

How long were the hoses?

 

[IslandTractor]

How long were the hoses?

Forget. Grab a garden hose and use it to find ziptie attachment points and what routing will give nice smooth curves especially the transition from under the operator station to the FEL post as that is the only real acute angle. Measure the hose and add a foot or so.

Also I just remembered, specify a couple of 90 degree couplers so you don't bend the lines coming out the rear remotes towards the rear axle.

While you are ordering bits of hydraulic hose, treat yourself to a 12 inch hose with 90 degree fitting and a male QC at each end. Keep it connected to your remotes whenever you don't have the grapple connected to prevent accidental dead heading.

 

[murphy1244]

Wildcat 48" Economy model ??$600 plus shipping????
Can't find that model on thier site.

 

[IslandTractor]

Wildcat 48" Economy model ??$600 plus shipping????
Can't find that model on thier site.

I know. Everyone seems to have to call them and remind them it is one of their models (the entry level). Read through the beginning of the thread or maybe one of the other Wildkat threads and you'll get the picture.

I suspect this is not a high margin model (how could it be at $600?) so they don't feature it but it is a solid 3/8 inch steel grapple that will be functionally the equivalent of the 48" Millonzi I have been torturing for the past five years. It is all you'll ever need.