Need help deciding on a grapple

[shibaura_4043]

Seems high. I don't recall what I paid, but it wasn't that much. I used 1/2 hoses. I ran hoses from to back, with no disconnect in the middle...since I doubted I would take the loader off. And if I did, I would seeming coil the loader portion of the hoses off and tie off somewhere.

yeah that might be a bit cheaper just to make 2 hoses vs 4 hoses.... I think Im with you on this one Ill see what the price difference will be.... any reason you chose 1/2" hose? I thought I saw on here I can get by with 1/4" hoses.

 

[IslandTractor]

I bought my hoses local, but after I posted my last reply, started searching. Check here. Surplus Center

Actually, here is the page you want to start: Surplus Center


You should be able to get out of there for less than $150-175 or so even if you put together a two part system (just use double female SAE fittings rather than quick connects for the join).

 

[Maibox]

I took IslandTractor's advice last December and got a 48" WR Long OBD-II for my Kubota L3940. Best attachment I have, bar none. I have some dense woods I work in (Minnesota behind the bluffs that run along with Mississippi) and the narrow grapple is way more maneuverable than my 72" bucket. I've moved a lot of logs and brush and I'm really a novice. I also use it to break up the soil, remove small root balls, and backgrading using the bar along the back. I've no complaints at all.

Regarding clearing, I had a guy come in with a Terex. Holy cow! 11 or 13 ton machine (can't recall) with essentially a 6' grinder on the front. He cleared 3 or 4 acres of scrub trees and a 900' fence line in 8 or 9 hours at $135/hr. He also put in a 1000' path through the woods, up some pretty serious terrain. We just marked the path we wanted with ribbon and avoided the really big trees. It took 45 minutes. Anything under 8-9" just goes over and is chipped. The thing is incredible.

 

[shibaura_4043]

I bought my hoses local, but after I posted my last reply, started searching. Check here. Surplus Center

I checked out that website and I'll be ordering from them.... a two hose set up is going to cost around 120.00 including fittings. Later tonight I plan on pricing a set up with the quick connects at the loader for a "cleaner" look if is cheap enough I'll go that route. I do have a question though... Im not real familiar with the different thread types for Hydraulics do I use NPT, JIC or SAE?? I was planning on NPT but wasn't sure if it was the way to go or not... Lastly you guys who ran 3/8" hoses did yall use 3/8" quick connects up front or 1/2"? 3/8" was a lot cheaper for the male/female set. thanks

 

[shibaura_4043]

I bought my hoses local, but after I posted my last reply, started searching. Check here. Surplus Center

I checked out that website and I'll be ordering from them.... a two hose set up is going to cost around 120.00 including fittings. Later tonight I plan on pricing a set up with the quick connects at the loader for a "cleaner" look if is cheap enough I'll go that route. I do have a question though... Im not real familiar with the different thread types for Hydraulics do I use NPT, JIC or SAE?? I was planning on NPT but wasn't sure if it was the way to go or not... Lastly you guys who ran 3/8" hoses did yall use 3/8" quick connects up front or 1/2"? 3/8" was a lot cheaper for the male/female set. thanks

 

[shibaura_4043]

I did the same but ran 3/8" for running a auger for post holes. I did not do Q/D's for taking off the loader because it will never come off as long as I own it. CJ

that's a good point CJONE.. I will likely purchase an auger in the future, does your auger run good on 3/8" hose? I might save my self the headache of a redo and run 1/2" if necessary to run a hydraulic motor more effectively.

 

[shibaura_4043]

thanks Maibox... Ive pretty much decided on the 48" too... we had a ROW clearing crew come out with a huge grinding machine to maintain a ROW cutting through our property while they were here I had a 12' wide path cut through a section of my woods cost me 300.00 and saved me tons a time... that thing was awesome!!

 

[IslandTractor]

I checked out that website and I'll be ordering from them.... a two hose set up is going to cost around 120.00 including fittings. Later tonight I plan on pricing a set up with the quick connects at the loader for a "cleaner" look if is cheap enough I'll go that route. I do have a question though... Im not real familiar with the different thread types for Hydraulics do I use NPT, JIC or SAE?? I was planning on NPT but wasn't sure if it was the way to go or not... Lastly you guys who ran 3/8" hoses did yall use 3/8" quick connects up front or 1/2"? 3/8" was a lot cheaper for the male/female set. thanks

No downside to 3/8 quick connects for a grapple. Just make sure you order the grapple with same or get it without qc and add your own.

 

[Piston]

I agree that the the 48" grapple should do everything needed and then some. I see no real advantage to a wider grapple unless you deal with a lot of firewood, want to carry multiple stumps or similar objects at one time, and don't mind only grubbing 4' at a time.

A narrower grapple is also cheaper so it saves money AND weight.

Unfortunately, the FACT remains, there is no one single grapple that is best for everyone, even the beloved48" single time grapple is not the BEST choice for everyone.

Of the thousands of posts here on TBN, I've never read any that day they regret going for a wider OR narrower grapple than they did. However, I've read some that say they regret going with HD versions.

 

[shibaura_4043]

I have narrowed my search down to 4 different models the first three are from ebay and are Titan brand and would like some feedback.... on the quality

this model is really a good price and I was hoping someone can attest to the quality of the unit

48" Grapple Bucket Tractor Brush Root Kubota Mahindra Rake Skid Steer Bobcat | eBay

this option is reasonable but a bit more only reason for the option is due to the dual grapple arms

60

this option is on the list because it offers a bit more width at a reasonable price

60" Grapple Bucket Tractor Brush Kubota Mahindra Rake Skid Steer Bobcat Root | eBay

and this option is the one at RCO it is built pretty solid but he is firm on 1375.00 which is a little high compared to Titans.

Root Grapple Attachment - Light Duty - NAI

If the units are not on back order at the ebay store Im leaning toward the 48" mainly due to the cost savings... but I was hoping someone has the titan brand 48" and can give a review of their experience with it.... thanks