Grapple Which type of grapple is best suited for...

[IslandTractor]

What is the opening height?

I don't see any grease zerks on the pivots, true?

My 8 year old grapple has no grease zerks and the pins barely show any wear. There is simply not a lot of force on those pins. Very different than loader or backhoe pins. The grapple is moving with almost zero force on the pins until it comes in contact with the load and even then the movement while under load is minimal. Zerks are a non issue IMO.

 

[Kryton619]

My 8 year old grapple has no grease zerks and the pins barely show any wear. There is simply not a lot of force on those pins. Very different than loader or backhoe pins. The grapple is moving with almost zero force on the pins until it comes in contact with the load and even then the movement while under load is minimal. Zerks are a non issue IMO.

I appreciate your insight Island Tractor....my intention was to spray the pivot areas with lithium grease occasionally.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Saw that, thanks! I'm just waiting on Ted and Travis (Everything Attachments .com) to provide an update on their product... Especially price.

Hmm.. only four hours away from me. Might have to call dibs..

 

[IslandTractor]

I appreciate your insight Island Tractor....my intention was to spray the pivot areas with lithium grease occasionally.

I intended to do that too but have done so about twice in the past seven or eight years. Just doesn't seem to be a real wear item.

 

[Xfaxman]

My 8 year old grapple has no grease zerks and the pins barely show any wear. There is simply not a lot of force on those pins. Very different than loader or backhoe pins. The grapple is moving with almost zero force on the pins until it comes in contact with the load and even then the movement while under load is minimal. Zerks are a non issue IMO.

Even if it did wear, the grapple would still work. The bolts would be easy to replace when it got too sloppy.

 

[IslandTractor]

Even if it did wear, the grapple would still work. The bolts would be easy to replace when it got too sloppy.

My thinking exactly. If I recall correctly, the pins are just big bolts anyways. The threads are worn off but the shaft has plenty of life left. I'm figuring I might need to replace them in another 8-10 years. Low on the maintenance list.

 

[kipgary]

Moved some big rocks over the weekend at our ranch west of San Antonio with our Kubota M8560 and Solesbees 84 inch rock grapple. Tough gear for tough country.

 

[94BULLITT]

My thinking exactly. If I recall correctly, the pins are just big bolts anyways. The threads are worn off but the shaft has plenty of life left. I'm figuring I might need to replace them in another 8-10 years. Low on the maintenance list.

I would be more concerned about the wear on the grapple and not the bolts.

 

[IslandTractor]

I would be more concerned about the wear on the grapple and not the bolts.

Understood but that has not been an issue either. There just isn't that much friction or wear when opening or closing the grapple arm compared to pins on the FEL or BH. Not much chance for heat to build up either. I think of it more like 3PT pins which are not lubricated, don't wear quickly and see similar friction as the grapple pivot points.

 

[Boeing]

I watched the "wicked Grapple" video. Looks like a nice piece of gear. I have a Quick Disconnect FEL on my Kubota L-3010. I've never had it off...even when mowing on slopes (just keep it low) I DID remove the bucket from the arms once to get a hook welded on. HOW...does a grapple attach? (I presume with the same pins that attach my bucket) I have hyd cyclinders that raise the arms and cylinders that tilt the bucket. A grapple needs those PLUS cylinders to open close the jaws......WHERE does that hyd power come from and what lever/control is added to work it? The video did not address these issues.
Thanks, Rob