Best grapple for an L48?

[pmmully]

No wait, only the price jump. I found one in Valdosta GA right down the road from my Hunt Camp. I was able to look at three other brands (also equally price jumped), and the EA was the clear winner regarding the construction. So, I broke the bank and jumped on it. $2900 + GA tax, FUGLY!!!

I also noticed this L48 TLB has two brush guards/screens attached to the main brush guard. One if fine the other is course. It might be SOP for the TLB series as the dealer had an older B TLB and it also had the same two-screen configuration. So that item is well covered.

I am using one of the two rear aux units to drive the grapple versus installing a 3rd function. I got the hoses made and fittings made already. We shall see how this goes. If it is a PITA, I will add the third function.

As always, I appreciate all the wisdom and experience that was shared on this thread.

 

[fried1765]

No wait, only the price jump. I found one in Valdosta GA right down the road from my Hunt Camp. I was able to look at three other brands (also equally price jumped), and the EA was the clear winner regarding the construction. So, I broke the bank and jumped on it. $2900 + GA tax, FUGLY!!!

I also noticed this L48 TLB has two brush guards/screens attached to the main brush guard. One if fine the other is course. It might be SOP for the TLB series as the dealer had an older B TLB and it also had the same two-screen configuration. So that item is well covered.

I am using one of the two rear aux units to drive the grapple versus installing a 3rd function. I got the hoses made and fittings made already. We shall see how this goes. If it is a PITA, I will add the third function.

As always, I appreciate all the wisdom and experience that was shared on this thread.

I have the same model/year TLB, but I added expanded metal to the front of the brush guard.
Those two OEM screens you mention, on my tractor, are well behind the brush guard, and are not beefy enough in my opinion to provide meaningful radiator protection, and they provide zero hood protection..

 

[pmmully]

I have the same model/year TLB, but I added expanded metal to the front of the brush guard.
Those two OEM screens you mention, on my tractor, are well behind the brush guard, and are not beefy enough in my opinion to provide meaningful radiator protection, and they provide zero hood protection..

As always, good advice. I imagine the expanded metal to the front is all custom, or do they sell something?

 

[pmmully]

The EA in the hood!

 

[fried1765]

As always, good advice. I imagine the expanded metal to the front is all custom, or do they sell something?

That is the same front look that my L48 had several months ago.
I took Oosik's grill/hood protection advice, and removed the very beefy front bumper frame, took it to a welder, and had 9GA. expanded metal welded on.
They did a nice neat job ($100), and I will paint it soon, since weather has finally warmed.
I see from the photo that your L48 has already suffered some hood damage by not having more protection.

 

[Smokeydog]

Congratulations on the new grapple.

Your L48 is built like my old B20 with lots of metal in the front grill compared to ag tractors. Still extra protection from sneaking sticks is recommended.

Ran a grapple with rear remote 20 years with no problems. Valve Detent feature nice. Of course had to move hand from loader joystick to remote lever. Welded on several double hydraulic hose clamps to route hoses from rear to front and covered lines in hose sleeves.

3rd function now have buttons on loader joystick. Simple and quick OEM parts with good line protection.

Don’t think there is anything more potential damaging to tractors as handling brush and trees. A majority of my tractor work. Still having large trees uproot that were comprised almost a year ago from a little tornado.

 

[pmmully]

I will build in more protection for the grill for sure.

What about the bumper suggestion, can someone post a pic?

 

[fried1765]

I will build in more protection for the grill for sure.

What about the bumper suggestion, can someone post a pic?

I have never been able to do the TBN picture posting thing.
My expanded metal looks very nice.
Just a piece of flat 9GA. expanded steel cut to fit, and welded at each point where it touches the OEM nose guard frame.

 

[Smokeydog]

Bumper 3x6” tubing and 7x1/2” plate. Metal I had. Pushing over trees and stacking brush makes the lower part susceptible to damage. Gives protection to front axle from stumps and rocks. Added tie down hooks and ring for trailering. Added about 100# to the front bumper.

Also decreases the amount of debris buildup on radiator screens when bush hogging.

 

[fried1765]

View attachment 698466
View attachment 698469

Bumper 3x6” tubing and 7x1/2” plate. Metal I had. Pushing over trees and stacking brush makes the lower part susceptible to damage. Gives protection to front axle from stumps and rocks. Added tie down hooks and ring for trailering. Added about 100# to the front bumper.

Also decreases the amount of debris buildup on radiator screens when bush hogging.

Our L48's are all steel in the hood area (no plastic), so the expanded mesh would seem to be adequate for radiator, and hood protection.
I only push with the bucket, or grapple that has a back plate, so have no need for a front bumper, though I do know that sticks can find their way into most anything..