"The Thumb" Bucket Grapple questions

[Oldpath05]

I have the 3rd function and have not noticed an inability to feather the grapple function. I have heard this before but don't understand it. I don't know if my grapple has flow restrictors or if my pump is so slow as to not cause problems. But I can pick up a sheet of tin and not dent it but the hold the button down and put the grapple teeth right through it.

What I understand is a 3rd function is different than using a diverter valve setup, with a diverter setup you have turn, push, pull, hit, yank, move a switch so the curl function for the bucket operates the grapple thumb, and that's how the feathers start feathering. I feather my bucket all the time when curling.
Where did you get your 3rd function button setup, I'm leaning in that direction until my wallet says other wise.

 

[nybirdman]

My third function is the Kubota unit,the button is located on the joy-stick.Nice but about $800.Mine is used for my snow-plow and thumb.

 

[ENC]

I had my Kubota dealer do the install. I told them I wanted a true 3rd function over diverted valve. When I picked it up the added valve has WR Long logo on it. Another local dealer told me 3rd function wasn't a dealer option and they would only install a diverter setup.

 

[donk2014]

Just had a WR Long 3rd function installed on my B2620, the Kubota factory was a diverter valve. I also had the WR Long bucket grapple installed. A heavy duty piece of equipment.

 

[Oldpath05]

Just had a WR Long 3rd function installed on my B2620, the Kubota factory was a diverter valve. I also had the WR Long bucket grapple installed. A heavy duty piece of equipment.View attachment 414755

That grapple sure does look heavy duty, I'm thinking on having something a little smaller like a thumb. So with the diverter valve installed, which bucket function did you loose, lift or curl when you operate the grapple?

 

[donk2014]

I did not loose any...went with true third function

 

[DJP]

HI anyone thanks for the Questions: I have a Mahindra 4500, with a front end loader. I have the TAS LOADER--Model ML360. I want a front end grapple on my tractor to pick up cut branches. I was informed A THUMP with a toothbar will work for me. But now based on your questions and remarks, I not sure which is best the THUMB or the Grabble. you stated the Thumb blocks your view when using it. Would that be a good reason to go with the grabble instead of the thumb. Do anyone know where I can find/view a grapple for my Mahindra 4500 with the TAS loader model-ML360???

 

[George2615]

HI anyone thanks for the Questions: I have a Mahindra 4500, with a front end loader. I have the TAS LOADER--Model ML360. I want a front end grapple on my tractor to pick up cut branches. I was informed A THUMP with a toothbar will work for me. But now based on your questions and remarks, I not sure which is best the THUMB or the Grabble. you stated the Thumb blocks your view when using it. Would that be a good reason to go with the grabble instead of the thumb. Do anyone know where I can find/view a grapple for my Mahindra 4500 with the TAS loader model-ML360???

I have the thumb (actual name Thumb by greensmachine). I bought 2 base plates and mounted one on my forks, the other on the bucket. The thumb does not block your view any more than a grapple would. Plus its a lot cheaper, less than half of what a grapple would cost. The thumb gets the job done for me. I don't have enough work to need a grapple. Mine is powered by one set of rear remotes. I ran hoses up to the front.

 

[flingwing1969]

Plus its a lot cheaper, less than half of what a grapple would cost.

I like that unit, what did you pay for it with the extra base? I use my forks a lot and can really move a lot of brush with it and my homemade brush forks that fit over the tines giving me a full width five-tine platform to pick up the brush with, but I would find the thumb useful for holding the load on. I would likely buy/make a shorter set of forks for the lift backer so that I could use the Thumb for grabbing a load of stuff from a trailer (for example) where I couldn't slide under it and had to do the full dump and grab - the 42" on my forks would be too long to permit this. Much lighter in weight than a full root grapple too - BTW, I use my forks to get roots out, including manzanita burls and they work very nicely. Thanks for the post. I'll do a post on my brush forks when I can dig them out from the snow and take some pix - pretty simple setup.

I already have a third-function for my 4n1 so that expense is already taken care of. I wouldn't use the thumb on my 4n1 but I'm thinking of getting a lighter bucket for snow and odds and ends when I don't need the 4n1 and the second bracket for a thumb might be attractive in that case.

 

[DJP]

I have the thumb (actual name Thumb by greensmachine). I bought 2 base plates and mounted one on my forks, the other on the bucket. The thumb does not block your view any more than a grapple would. Plus its a lot cheaper, less than half of what a grapple would cost. The thumb gets the job done for me. I don't have enough work to need a grapple. Mine is powered by one set of rear remotes. I ran hoses up to the front.

Thank for the quick reply. I viewed you pictures and I like the one with the two red long extended bars, it appear to get under anything better, to give you a better grab. What is that piece you have the thumb and bars attached to, which is not a bucket.? And you have a picture with the thumb on your bucket. what host/h.-fluid line do I need to make the thumb functional. My Mahindra 4500 has four h-fluid lines, and they are all used for the TAS loader>ML360 I already have on it. What will I need to do/add to my Mahindra 4500 to operate a thumb mounted on my bucket???