Artillian Grapple

[Xfaxman]

They just released their new SSQA line, so that is not true anymore: Artillian Skid Steer QA Pallet Fork Sets

But I still don't see a SSQA fork frame that will also fit on the 3PT.

 

[kennyd]

But I still don't see a SSQA fork frame that will also fit on the 3PT.

Was that asked for in this thread? Did I miss that? :confused3:

 

[Xfaxman]

Was that asked for in this thread? Did I miss that? :confused3:

No, not on this thread, it is something that comes up a lot, and guys make their own.

I don't recall seeing them for sale, other than the Speeco, but it is for hay bales, not pallets.

 

[tkevan]

I'd like to see a video of the Artillian being assembled. Then you'd be able to better judge if the modular capabilities are worth the extra thousand dollars over the EA grapple. If it's a pain to mount and dismount four modules, how likely are you to do it to be able to use the forks or other attachments. Kind of defeats the SSQA part, eh?

 

[mark02tj]

Here you go, tkevan....Artillian Grapple.

I think it all goes together easier than you might think.

Full disclosure - I have a set of Artillian forks and the heavy duty frame. Also bought the Artillian diverter kit for my tractor. I do not own the grapple but would have no qualms about buying one. Everything I've purchased from Artillian has been top notch in every way - from the product itself, the way it was packed and shipped, the customer service before and after the sale. They are a class outfit.

 

[tkevan]

Here you go, tkevan....Artillian Grapple.

I think it all goes together easier than you might think.

Full disclosure - I have a set of Artillian forks and the heavy duty frame. Also bought the Artillian diverter kit for my tractor. I do not own the grapple but would have no qualms about buying one. Everything I've purchased from Artillian has been top notch in every way - from the product itself, the way it was packed and shipped, the customer service before and after the sale. They are a class outfit.

It might, but I have to think mounting a fork would be substantially easier than wrestling a framework on. Particularly the grapple set.

 

[rtgt]

Holy crap on a cracker.....this thread has been around the barn a few times. I guess it is my turn to wade into the swamp.

I have a Kubota B3200 with a pin-on LA-504 loader. Lift capacity is about 1,100 pounds.

I couldn't find many pin-on grapples for my loader that didn't take up a considerable amount of capacity. SSQA adapters added significant cost and weight to the project.

I looked at the Landpride brush grapple that would pin-on to my loader, but didn't like that it wasn't rated for ground engagement.

In the mean time Kubota released the LA534 loader which has an SSQA option. Turns out the LA534 is the same size as my LA504 and believe it our not, the Kubota SSQA adapter was a) lighter than 3rd party stuff, and b) less expensive!

With the how can I attach it to the loader solved, I narrowed my search to EA and Artillian. From customer reviews and comments, both are good companies to deal with. Both make very good products.

I really like the Artillian system but at the time he only made JDQA frames..
The Wicked Root Grapple EA makes is just that, wicked. I spoke with EA and they were very helpful as well and I wore out their website looking at grapples.

At this time Artillian did not have an SSQA frame, but the reviews I have seen from his customers I wanted to keep them in the running. I was glad to hear from Chris that an SSQA option was "in the works" and I decided on the Artillian product and to wait for the SSQA frame to be released.

To be fare - Both companies make very good grapple solutions. If I had a bigger tractor / loader, I would have probably bought the Wicked Root Grapple from EA. They make a very impressive product.

I don't think that you can go wrong with either product. I had some specific goals in mind for my application and I felt the Artillian product fit my needs better. Your mileage may vary.

One of the main reasons behind my choice was the modular system, which to has two benefits for me -
1) Since I have a limited loader capacity, weight was a big factor. I can chose to have just the grapple module, just the grapple beds, or both. For big stuff, I can just go with the grapple and save the capacity of my loader for the log. For the small stuff I can add the beds to help stabilize the load. For clearing some of the areas of roots and rocks, I can just use the beds.
2) I can buy it "in pieces" and as my budget allows.

I just received my Artillian SSQA frame last week. :cool2: Yes I am a very happy camper. I included the 42" Cascade forks with that purchase.

Once I got to use the SSQA attachment, I added some cost to my project.....and bought a 54" SSQA bucket. I won't be pinning anything on a loader again!

I am very happy with my decision and would highly recommend the Artillian Pallet fork frame (& forks) to anyone considering a purchase. The quality of the product is very evident and the customer service was first class.

I purchased the optional 2" receiver that is built into the frame and I think it is a great option. In addition using it to move trailers, I have a receiver clevis adapter and it will make a great single lifting point. I also like the 5/16's chain grabs at each end of the top and bottom frame rails.

My next step is to buy the Landpride Third Function kit that they make for the LA-504 loader and then I will purchase the grapple.

I know this was a long post, so for those of you that made it through the read - Thanks!

 

[mkr7734]

rtjt,
Looks nice. You could of just got a SSQA plate and put it on your bucket for less than a new bucket I think.
I have my solution mounted to the bucket and will do the plumbing starting tomorrow. I will be into the whole job right at $400.00 3 pins and 2 QCs and the clamp pulls off the main frame.

 

[rtgt]

rtjt,
Looks nice. You could of just got a SSQA plate and put it on your bucket for less than a new bucket I think.
I have my solution mounted to the bucket and will do the plumbing starting tomorrow. I will be into the whole job right at $400.00 3 pins and 2 QCs and the clamp pulls off the main frame.

Thanks mkr7734.

I have plans to adapt the 60 Light Materials bucket that was on the tractor to SSQA. The bucket I bought was 54". I wanted to down size for a dirt & rock work bucket. The 60 was a little big and I just couldn't stop myself from trying to fill it up.

I thought the 54 would be a better size for heavy dirt work, and I decide to add a Piranha bar to it as well.

The plus to this is I now have a pattern to follow as well with regards to where to put the SSQA mounts.

I like the bucket grapple that you have. I am interested to see how it works out for you.