Everything Attachments Root Grapple Issues

NH Mike · Mar 21, 2014

Ok guys, here we go!

On 02/27/2014 I placed an order with Everything Attachments for the 72 inch "Everything Attachments Tractor Loader Root Rake Grapple" Part number-ETA-CMP-RRG-72 with the flat face connectors. Total for grapple was $2,295 plus $75 for the couplers.

Today is March 21st 2014 and my grapple arrived at the Boston Yellow Freight terminal, so I picked it up after work and brought is straight home to check it out. I will tell you this, it looked great when I picked it up. the metal cutting and welding looked very nice. So I backed into the yard and fired up the ASV while I went inside to get tin snips for the metal banding that was wrapped around the grapple and the undersized pallet that was quite broken. I guess the pallet wasn't an issue as it just needed to sit on a truck, but on with the story... I removed the grapple from my truck, set it down and un-banded the grapple. All smooth so far..but here we go.

Im going to start with a design flaw that renders the grapple unusable in its current form. My skid steer is an ASV PT-60 with a manual quick attach. The problem lies with the hose guard on the top of the grapple. Its a metal cover designed to protect the hoses, but in this case the cover contacts the pin levers and will not allow the grapple to mount under the top mounting surface. I tried everything and its just not going to fit in its current form. This was a huge fail right off the pallet, brand new and unusable!

So i decided to plug the hoses in to the machine and open the grapple as part of my attempts to attach it to the skid. Plugged them in and opened the grapple. Everything looked good from inside the cab. Got out to take a look at things and found a big puddle of hydraulic fluid from the uppermost fittings that were not even finger tight. then as I looked around I found more problems. The fittings look bent, the grapple pins were falling out because hardware to hold them in wasn't there at all, the grease fittings for the grapple pins were never installed, and the cylinder safety clip fell out onto the ground.

Now most of this is small stuff, but I come from a manufacturing background and I can tell you this- A FINAL PRE-SHIPPING INSPECTION WAS NEVER DONE!! I don't understand how this could have left the shop in this state, its basic manufacturing, you build, you inspect, you test and you ship. Its simple!

I wasn't able to speak with anyone at EA as they were closed at the time of my discoveries, but i will tomorrow and I will post the progress.

Muhammad · Mar 21, 2014

Re: "Everything Wrong Attachments"

Thread restored per user request.

George2615 · Mar 21, 2014

Re: "Everything Wrong Attachments"

I'm sure they will make it right. Just calmly explain what you found, offer to Email them your pics and let them know you are not satisfied.

I know what you mean because I lost some faith in the dealer I just bought my new tractor from. I received a copy of the inspection check list the dealer's mechanic performed prior to my picking it up. When I got it home and posted some pictures here I mentioned I had a hard time getting traction on the snow while plowing. Another member suggested the tires looked over inflated. I checked the tires and found the rears were set at 50 PSI. On the tires I found a persons name and 20# written in white crayon on the sidewall. On the check list it said the tires were checked and set but I then knew they weren't checked at all. I made me wonder if they checked anything on the list at all so I did my own check using their list.

NH Mike · Mar 21, 2014

Re: "Everything Wrong Attachments"

Im sure they will make it right too. I purchased the grapple from them mostly due to the response they provide when issues arise on this forum. And don't get me wrong, the grapple quality is wonderful, it really is well built, and Im not sending it back. But the condition of the product to my doorstep is an issue and sometimes companies need to look back at the basics when production gets a little out of control.

The post is just my story, and its factual..

CalG · Mar 21, 2014

Re: "Everything Wrong Attachments"

You just got to look at any attatchment as a "Kit of parts".

The mfg. can't possibly have every make and model of every tractor and skid steer to confirm a smooth fit up.

Missing hardware is another issue entirely. But it is a frequent addition to the "read this First" instructions that come with most stuff these days. "If you find that there are parts missing, please contact......."

The falling clip? Ahh you can deal with that I'm sure.
The grease fittings on the other hand. Inexcusable! Make them send you some!

I would bet that the margins on "consumer" attachments are not so high that expectations of Rolls Royce treatment are a bit out of line.

I'm sure you will get all these issues resolved with a single polite and descriptive phone call.

Sure looks like a substantial piece! I paid $1.64 a lb. for steel today for some fabrication work I'm doing. What did you pay for yours?

Cheers

Cal

GManBart · Mar 21, 2014

Re: "Everything Wrong Attachments"

NH Mike said:
And don't get me wrong, the grapple quality is wonderful, it really is well built, and Im not sending it back.

Then why the inflammatory "everything wrong" thread title? If everything was wrong it wouldn't be "wonderful quality" would it?

NH Mike · Mar 21, 2014

Re: "Everything Wrong Attachments"

Ok the title might sound worse than i meant it to ( Im not a journalist)

murphy1244 · Mar 21, 2014

Re: "Everything Wrong Attachments"

How about " Something Wrong Attachments"

Verticaltrx · Mar 21, 2014

I've bought a few attachments from tractor implement manufactures that had the 'skid steer quick attach' and had to do a bit of work to them to actually get them to fit a true skid steer. Just because they call it SSQA doesn't mean it's right for a skid steer. The tractor implement mfg's are making 'skid steer' attachments for tractors, not skid loaders. There are several things that are different about the geometry of a skid loader vs a tractor loader that sometimes make supposed universal attachments incompatible. Everything from roll back angles (most forks and buckets made for tractors don't have enough roll back when used on a skid steer), to lower pin location, to having a proper fit on the wedges.

Hopefully you can get it to fit without having to rework too much.:thumbsup:

NH Mike · Mar 21, 2014

If it were a hydraulically activated pin setup it would fit without issue, I'll post the fix when the deed is done.

brokenknee · Mar 21, 2014

First I would like to thank Muhammad for restoring the thread; it can not be easy as an administrator to allow negative comments about one of the major supporters of the forum.

To the OP, IMHO to be fair to EA you should have at least contacted them and allowed them time to respond before posting a negative post. You still could have posted about your experience but i am pretty sure it would have a positive outcome. Many members here have purchased from EA; myself being one of them. My experience with them was a pleasant one and they gave me a good product at the advertise price and it was shipped in a timely manor.

Granted i did not have any problems with my transaction and i realize when you spend any amount of money you expect to get what you paid for. You feel cheated. They have a good reputation with the members here that have used them. Give them a chance to respond and report back. I am sure it will all work out.

Should it been shipped out in the condition you got it? No but then things happen.

NH Mike · Mar 21, 2014

I have no doubt the outcome will be positive. I'm just posting about my first EA purchase as it happens. If everything was perfect I would be posting that also. I told them when I placed the order that I was a member of this forum. They support the forum and i'm supporting them with my purchase. I don't think there should be an issue with an honest step by step report of my transaction when both parties are in house..

hnicols · Mar 22, 2014

So three things

1. I am in market and the Everythingattachment grapple looks pretty good to me too. Others who have purchased? What say you?

2. I too appreciate the admin keeping the post alive -- even good folks have things go wrong. It is always how you deal with them that counts.

3. To Ted and EA, you guys make awesome videos that really help newbies like me. Thanks You!

GManBart · Mar 22, 2014

hnicols said:
1. I am in market and the Everythingattachment grapple looks pretty good to me too. Others who have purchased? What say you?

I've only purchased a blade fom EA, but it went perfectly. I'm planning to try a new landscape rake, and grapple from them next.

Member · Mar 22, 2014

GManBart said:
I've only purchased a blade fom EA, but it went perfectly. I'm planning to try a new landscape rake, and grapple from them next.

Read here about my experience with my Everything Attachments Landscape Rake:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/267529-everything-attachments-customer-service.html

Put me down as extremely satisfied.

hnicols · Mar 22, 2014

Member said:
Read here about my experience with my Everything Attachments Landscape Rake:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/267529-everything-attachments-customer-service.html

Put me down as extremely satisfied.

Just did. Helpful. Thanks

engine29 · Mar 22, 2014

I bought a 50" grapple last fall from them. Light duty but good quality. Just used it a few hours ago.
Have used it to move brush and logs. On a Kioti CK30.

Thomabear · Mar 23, 2014

I'm kind of on the fence with ETA. I had a quality control issue with an extreme duty landscape rake being welded cocked and not 90 degrees with the tractor. I decided to keep the rake and ETA offered me a $100 discount toward my next purchase which I appreciated. When I decided to throw a little more business their way I received a PHD that was empty of oil with considerable rust on the gearbox. Maybe I got the outdoor unit because of the $100 discount... Dunno!
Anyway, It was a good thing I decided to check the level myself. I would do this no matter who I purchase from. I think they offer nice implements and their management has good intentions but they really need to do a better job of coaching their guys in the shop. The case of the thread starter here surely doesn't reinforce my desire to purchase there anytime soon. If things get better I may reconsider but for now I'm ears only.

Hiltz · Mar 23, 2014

I also had a good experience with EA. It was only a small purchase (pine straw rake) but it came quicker than I expected it too and all the parts and pieces were there for an easy assembly.
I think EA should have someone checking weekends on this site. Ive noticed a lot of negative postings happen about them before they have a chance to respond. It seems when they do respond they always make it right with the customer.

NH Mike · Mar 24, 2014

This morning I received a call from Everything Attachments regarding the issues with the grapple. I was very pleased to receive a call from them even before I placed a call to them..(Now thats customer service.) We went over the quality control issues with the grapple and EA just asked what needed to be done to make it right.

So as of this morning I'm a very happy consumer. My plan going forward is to fix the issues myself and stay in contact with EA. I may offer a couple of ideas to make the grapple more "universal" and of course I will keep everyone updated right here.

Don't forget to take a look at my "Loader for an 8N" post in the Build-it Yourself forum.