Grapple Opinions Again

[AllDodge]

Bought the MTL X Series Talon grapple yesterday, weights about 1100 for the 72 inch. Decided on it because it has a solid plate across the back. This should help keep some of the sticks/limbs from getting to the grill. Think I will make a plate to cover the grill as well.

MTL X Series TALON Root Rake Grapple Attachment - multiple sizes available — MTL Attachments

Bought the 3rd function remote from Barlow in Somerset. Heck the 3rd function cost about half what the grapple did.

 

[Xfaxman]

:thumbsup: Please give us an update after you use it some.

 

[AllDodge]

Received the 3rd function kit from WR Long out of NC. The valve is kind of large (20 GPM flow) and mounts on the right side of the tractor on the outside. Says to remove the bolts holding the connectors for the FEL and then use their boats to reinstall. Don't really like it on the outside, but just reading thru the instructions. Will post some pics when I start to install. Currently doing other things.

Have not received the grapple from MTL and on the phone, they said that it would be shipped out either 22nd or 25th. Asked on the 26th if there was any tracking info and received back they have a orange one which could go out today, or a black one which could go out tomorrow. Told them I don't care what color it is. SO far no tracking info

 

[UpNorth9]

I am very curious how you like this (MTL X Series Talon grapple), seems very stout and very well priced. You can get this grapple and a forklift for what the average grapple costs...

I need a grapple that will pick up a single log out of a pile, most likely with the corner of the grapple. It looks like the corners are heavy duty and would perform this task well. This one also looks like the perfect combination of a single and double closure (top half). I don't like most double/dual top grapples because it only covers a portion of the bottom. This one overlaps the bottom just like a one piece top. Plus the full back plate! Me likey!!

 

[AllDodge]

I'm looking forward to using it, have some dead trees and other brush which need to be cleaned up. If I can ever get notification of shipment

 

[ovrszd]

Yesterday I cranked the Kubota, loaded a pile of construction trash onto the trash wagon, hauled and spread half a dump truck load of gravel, parked the tractor back in the machine shed. All without leaving the seat. Love my bucket style Grapple.

 

[John_Mc]

... I need a grapple that will pick up a single log out of a pile, most likely with the corner of the grapple.

Hard to beat a dedicated forestry grapple for that sort of work. Like a Frostbite or a Sundown GR40 grapple.

 

[EddieWalker]

Bought the MTL X Series Talon grapple yesterday, weights about 1100 for the 72 inch. Decided on it because it has a solid plate across the back. This should help keep some of the sticks/limbs from getting to the grill. Think I will make a plate to cover the grill as well.

MTL X Series TALON Root Rake Grapple Attachment - multiple sizes available — MTL Attachments

Bought the 3rd function remote from Barlow in Somerset. Heck the 3rd function cost about half what the grapple did.

View attachment 596928

Nice looking grapple. I'd be interested to see how it works out for you after a year of using it. Guess they need to ship it to you first.

 

[AllDodge]

Got a call today from Old Dominion, letting me know they will be out tomorrow around 1PM. Mentioned to the dispatcher that I have a folklift, and he laughs and says the driver is going to love you, it weights 1100. Guess he wasn't told that I had one. Who knows it might be the Orange one

So started installing the WR Long 3rd function.

Installed the Electric/Hydraulic valve


Found the right line, it has a Green dot on the loader valve.


Disconnected from the other end and connected to "P" input on valve. Had that hooked up and later swapped ends because the loader valve end had a 90 fitting on the line. In latter pic, you can see the 90 on the WR valve. Found it worked better for routing, and since the loader valve also used a 90 fitting, I was able to line it up better


The P fitting on the Wr valve came with an adapter for a AN-8 flare, which was needed.


Routed 4 new 4 ft line from the "T" fitting on the WR valve back to where the first line was removed


Had to loosen the bolts holding the WR valve because there was not enough room to connect the 3rd function lines. Loosen and twist to get as much room as possible and just managed to get it to connect. They have room, could just move the valve closer to the cab about 1/4 inch would do it. Will probably give we some issues later when it moves


Removing the original handle was the hardest, on the install. Once removed set screws and easy install. Wrapped the cable around and went behind the plastic cover, then out thru the hole with the FEL cables.


Don't like the little light weight connector. Once install was complete I put RTV over the connector to keep moisture


Ran the power up to the fuse panel. Noticed that there is a Red/Black wire feeding each side of the fuses. Took one and spliced into

 

[UpNorth9]

I bet you are happy to know the grapple is being delivered tomorrow, like a kid on Christmas morning!!

Reply from previous post;
If money was no thing, I would certainly buy one of those (Frostbite or a Sundown GR40 grapple.). By the time either is shipped they cost $2000... I do have a way of justifying stuff like this so who knows, lol!

Thank you for the information, now I know its an option!!