Grappling fun - A Picture Thread....

[TomSeller]

No, I have a TnT and a remote that has float.

I maintain that most people don't use rear remotes at the same time they use a grapple and those that do, rarely do or have enough spools to handle a grapple without adding the extra costs of a 3rd function. I do agree that 3rd functions are great for those that want to spend the extra money.

 

[IslandTractor]

I maintain that most people don't use rear remotes at the same time they use a grapple and those that do, rarely do or have enough spools to handle a grapple without adding the extra costs of a 3rd function. I do agree that 3rd functions are great for those that want to spend the extra money.

When it comes to remotes, more is better. A backhoe combined with grapple or 4n1 is a combo I use often. My first tractor had only one remote and I literally would hop off to switch the remote from one to the other. With at least two remotes that isn't necessary. I personally wouldn't opt for a diverter or electric over hydraulic valve until I already had at least a couple of remotes installed.

I could easily live without a diverter valve but couldn't work efficiently without remotes. If you've already got remotes, then try them for controlling a grapple before investing further in an alternative.

 

[Piston]

Quickly I just wanted to mention that the 50" Everything Attachments Grapple is only rated to 35 HP, I'm at 38 and I have done the implement rated for less HP than I had before in my life and the results weren't pretty. So I'm a bit reluctant on that and will have to do a bit more research. Last thing I want it to start paying for repairs or void a warrenty.

I sure can understand about needing to make sure it will be covered under warranty and keeping the wife happy. You certainly wouldn't want something to happen and have in NOT be covered.

I am in 100% agreement with you regarding heavy duty vs. lighter duty implements. I can certainly see your hesitation to go with a "light duty" grapple, I was the same exact way when I bought mine, and almost purchased a heavy duty model. That is, until actually operating one. A freind of mine has a heavy duty root rake style grapple on his slightly smaller tractor than mine (about the same size as yours). I loaded some logs, raked through some dirt, picked up a few piles, and did some general "playing" with the grapple/tractor. I felt that the grapple was way too heavy on that tractor, perhaps I just wasn't used to it, but it seemed like there was a full load on the loader even when empty. I bet that grapple weighed close to 800lbs.
After using that, I spoke for quite a while with Nelson Long (WR Long) and he convinced me that the lighter duty model will be 100% correct for my needs. I'm glad I went the grapple I did.
I would urge you to at least give the w.R. long a really good look. It is more expensive than the E.A. model, but you've already mentioned you don't mind paying for the right tools (I'm the same way, money isn't my first and most important aspect in the decision-and no I'm not rich) im confident that the WR Long 4' model would do everything you ask of it, and then some, I can't say that about the EA grapple.

If you decide to get a heavy duty model, look up (shoot, can't think of his name right now). There is a guy on here with a bigger tractor than you, and he bought a 72" heavy duty grapple. It does what he wants but he admits it's too big/heavy for his tractor. I'll try to find his forum name.




Take a look at the implements in my signature. With the exception with my landscape rake (came with the tractor and I don't like it) every implement I use is very heavy duty (and not just because the marketing department named it "heavy duty"). I don't bother with light duty implements, they are a waste of money and time. Fortunately, I can say that grapples seem to be a little "under" rated if anything. It's not the same as 3 point hitch implements.

 

[Piston]

Good Evening Everyone:

After watching the videos at Everything Attachments I know what I want to do as far as the controls for operating it. Putting it on the joy stick is what would be easiest for me to use.

Gods Speed, Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you all.

Wayne & Johanna

You won't regret that decision! I've operated all three, and the least desirable for me, was the valve operated style by far.


This kubota tractor, which I mentioned in my last post, had the grapple hooked up with the valve operating it. I really didn't like that setup, it worked fine and all, it just wasn't my preference.



This NH, had a diverter valve setup, I can't really decide if I like the diverter valve, or my 3rd function valve better. I like my 3rd function for most everything, but there are times where I'd prefer to be able to "feather" the speed of open/close like you can do with the diverter, but not 3rd function. I may go with a diverter for my next setup, not sure, but the most convenient is the "magic button".


Merry Christmas to you and Johanna as well!

 

[IslandTractor]

There is often confusion regarding the appropriateness of "light duty" grapples on CUTs. This is caused by several things including 1) grapples are labelled for skidsteer use, not tractors, 2) there are literally no engineering standards so light, medium and heavy duty designations are simply left up to some guy in the marketing dept, 3) the people manufacturing and selling the grapples typically have never or rarely used one on a CUT and certainly have not done destructive testing to determine real world limits. Nelson Long of WR Long is one of the few manufacturers who has extensive experience with grapples on CUTs. Most of the other manufacturers of light duty grapples (except for EA) are just copycat welding shops with zero engineering talent or practical experience with CUTs. They built decent grapples of traditional design but they are almost all focused on skidsteers so their knowledge of CUT capacities and sizing is highly suspect.

The simple point that it is virtually impossible for a CUT under 50hp or a loader of less than at least 3000 lb lift capacity to break or damage any light duty grapple if used properly. Center the load, don't ram, don't push with the upper arm, and it is almost impossible to damage a grapple with a CUT. On the other hand, put a heavy duty grapple on a 25hp tractor and ram the open grapple arm into a boulder or big tree and you will damage that grapple.

Any grapple with 3/8" mild steel tines can stand up to 3000lbs lift with plenty of reserve strength. A grapple with less than 1/4" thick square tubing is more vulnerable to crush damage but only if the upper arm is used to push. Most light duty grapples use 1/4" tubing but a few short sighted manufacturers have used 1/8" tubing (ask specifically and stay away). No grapple is meant to ram especially off center. The FEL is more likely to suffer than the grapple from such action, CUT FELs are not bulldozers.

A few manufacturers use high strength steel. Anbo and a couple of other clamshell style grapples built for skidsteers are built with high strength steel and they are very expensive although they have recently introduced lighter duty models for CUTs. To my knowledge, only Everything Attachments has used high strength steel in a light duty open bottom style grapple but the compromise EA made was to use 5/16" rather than 3/8" steel to save weight. EA seems to have tested their grapple extensively with a 22hp tractor but the 35hp limit they quote is pretty clearly a seat of the pants guesstimate. Also, tractor HP is a very rough guide and Kubota tractors almost all have lighter weight and weaker FELs than average for any given HP. A 35hp Kioti or Mahindra would put more strain on a grapple than a 38hp Kubota based on weight and FEL lift capacity.

If I were looking for a grapple for a L3800, I would ignore manufacturers arbitrary HP limits. I would be happy with a WRLong 48OBG but I'd probably buy the less expensive 50" EA. WRLong makes great stuff but they will only sell through a middleman dealer so their prices are not as competitive.

 

[k0ua]

My 38 hp (gross not net) Kioti DK35se weight quite a bit more than an L3800 Kubota, and I have not been able to tear up my 50 inch Everything Attachments grapple yet!. it also has about 300 more lbs of lift capability on the loader.. I would not hesitate even for a second of putting this grapple on an L3800 or similar sized tractor.

 

[IslandTractor]

When folks start feeling the need to claim how their brand or CUT is better than other due to what ever reason as far as I am concerns that undermines anything else they have to say in advise about equipment.

I may have missed something but haven't noticed anyone doing that in this thread. Giving examples is considered a good way to provide detail. I hadn't noticed any "my brand is better than your brand" statements.

 

[94BULLITT]

Also, tractor HP is a very rough guide and Kubota tractors almost all have lighter weight and weaker FELs than average for any given HP. A 35hp Kioti or Mahindra would put more strain on a grapple than a 38hp Kubota based on weight and FEL lift capacity.

It sounds like you have done some extensive testing on loaders. Please share your results.

 

[dragoneggs]

A whole lot of words here and not enough pics for a picture thread. Just saying.

 

[TBarD]

These pics show an Anbo Rancher grapple (6.5') on a M59. Seems plenty sturdy. This grapple opens about 6' but has reinforcements on the upper arms; will torque a bit on uneven loads, but has never bent. It is a good match for the M59. I have used it to handle brush (shown), logs, rocks, and to clear sagebrush, and it worked great for all of these. My tractor has an electrically actuated third function at the front. Both the grapple and the 4n1 bucket required a flow restrictor to slow the actuation down to a manageable speed.