Will this stump bucket grapple be too heavy for my ls3039h?

[javarob]

I have the ls3039h and I am looking at picking this u a stump grapple for trenching, stumps, rocks, etc. I know the grapple won't be efficient for some tasks as a standard grapple, but that is ok. It is 650lbs, and that is the only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger. They have a standard version that is 350lbs, but it is shorter and wider and my brain tells me that I will be able to dig easier with the thinner front. I also like the design of the aggressive teeth on the sides for cutting roots. I thought I read that my bucket is 400lbs. Another 250 doesn't seem like all that much. I just wanted to check and see if anyone had any experience they could share on the topic.

This is the Extreme:

Extreme Stump Grapple - NAI

This is the lighter version:

Stump Grapple Attachment - NAI

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Maxify55]

Ok, I'll wade out into this first, I guess.
Friend, I would hate to see you use something like that on my 3037 and it's FEL is lift rated at ~200# more than your tractor.
That being said, I'd love to give it a try on your machine.
Does that sound mean? Well, I'd be much more concerned with each and every pivot point on my lift arms.
Especially, where they bolt to the frame.

We owners of CUT's are constantly pushing the envelope of the things our machines can do.
That they're not supposed to or not designed to accomplish.
Ok, so let me be the first to say:
Not on my machine, you don't, but can I give it a go on yours?

As to your question?
Go with the lighter unit and hit the stump twice.
There, I said it....cringe

My solution to the same dilemma you face was to buy a 3 pt sub soiler/ripper for rocks and roots.
To utilize the greater lift capacity of the rear 3 pt.
I purchased a root rake with a grapple for grasping/lifting whatever my FEL could manage without bursting hydro lines.
(Don't ask how I learned that can happen) :duh:

Hope that helps!
Let us know what you decided.
Oh, and let us know how it works out, as well.
Whatever you decide.
Take lotsa pics!
Arrows and diagrams aren't necessary.
We've all probably done about the same things you're about to do anyway.
Now go get dirty!

 

[ProdaddyTX]

I'd like to echo Maxify's comments. This is one of those situations where one operator could get away with it, working carefully and not overstressing the front end of the tractor, but probably more than that would end up bending bucket links, or worse, the tractor frame.... or FUBAR'ing the loader pivots, cylinder mounting points, etc. as Maxi mentioned. One man's great big stump is another man's twig, and with varying soil and root conditions, what works for one guy might not work at all for somebody else on the same tractor. Bottom line, I would not recommend trying to run a stump bucket on a R3039.

 

[Underdog57]

I would just invest in a set of pallet forks and do your digging and rooting with the forks and then pull the stumps out. I do a lot of digging and popping out small trees with just the forks. And you could build attachments to slip on the forks. I know it's not recommended, but if you know your limits it works good for me, plus the forks can be used for just about any other job you might have to do! I installed a "thumb" on my forks too. Disclaimer: (I didn't dig that stump out, I just moved it!!!!)

 

[KiotiKowboy]

I'm thinking that grapple is way too heavy for your unit.

I have a Kioti DK50 with a grapple of that same weight. There are times I wish it was a bit lighter. Definitely, without rear ballast it loses a great deal of its utility. I bought the weight for strength, but who knows if it was really necessary. By FAR, the grapple is the most useful toy I own.

 

[javarob]

Thank you very much for the replies. I really appreciate it! I have decided not to purchase either of the ones I listed in the OP.

This one is almost half the weight and it has a smaller front end which I like for digging:

Skid Steer Stump Bucket | Spartan Equipment

It is listed at 300lbs. They have a grapple version too that is only 25lbs heavier. The dimensions are a little different though and I am waiting for a return call to make sure that it is what I am looking for. I want a skinny front to make it easier to push into the soil. The NAI is 24 inches (the light one), but the one from Spartan is only 16 inches.

I am building a decent size pole barn on my property. I need to dig a few trenches to upgrade/bury my electrical to my house, and then run it over to the new building too. I had a guy come out with a giant cat to build the pad for for my barn, and he knocked over a ton of smaller trees. I also need to pull out those trees and saw them up eventually.

I seriously considered getting some pallet forks. It looks like a great tool to have generally anyway. However it would not work nearly as well for pulling those trees out of the edge of my property. I know the stump grapple won't work nearly as well as a regular grapple, but I think it may work well enough to clean up the mess I have.

Thanks for talking me out of the heavy duty one at least. That would make the 3039 the weakest link for sure. I think the smaller/lighter one may work for me, and if I get one, I will be cautious about how I use it.

Thank you again for all the input. I am still researching, and I will send an update when I get it figured out and a pic or two of what I end up with.

 

[flingwing1969]

I have the ls3039h and I am looking at picking this u a stump grapple for trenching, stumps, rocks, etc. I know the grapple won't be efficient for some tasks as a standard grapple, but that is ok. It is 650lbs, and that is the only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger. They have a standard version that is 350lbs, but it is shorter and wider and my brain tells me that I will be able to dig easier with the thinner front. I also like the design of the aggressive teeth on the sides for cutting roots. I thought I read that my bucket is 400lbs. Another 250 doesn't seem like all that much. I just wanted to check and see if anyone had any experience they could share on the topic.

This is the Extreme:

Extreme Stump Grapple - NAI

This is the lighter version:

Stump Grapple Attachment - NAI

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

I see the specs as 970 for the extreme and that will certainly eat a lot of your FEL lift capacity.