4 in 1 bucket vs grapple, which would you buy and why?

[CPM]

So does this mean we can add grapple vs 4 in 1 bucket to the list that includes R4 vs R1, HST vs gear, etc. :laughing: It's nice to read everyone's opinion on the subject.

Yeah, pretty broad, huh? But in my defence, I'm a newbie buyer and user of this forum so just need a little slack - variety is the spice of life n' all that:thumbsup:

Popped into a Kioti dealer the other day... but that's another thread!

 

[IslandTractor]

Yeah, pretty broad, huh? But in my defence, I'm a newbie buyer and user of this forum so just need a little slack - variety is the spice of life n' all that:thumbsup:

Popped into a Kioti dealer the other day... but that's another thread!

You are asking all the right questions at the right time in your purchase decision. For those of us who did not grow up around tractors, it takes at least a few months of education to sort out what is best for our own circumstances. TBN is great for that but do be wary that we are really really good at spending other peoples money. No one could ever claim that advice on TBN will get you a machine smaller than needed or that we would recommend trying to get by with too few specialized implements.

By the way, as you are looking to possibly add a backhoe, you might consider heavier tractors. I know the Kubota MX will handle a BH fine but the Kubota line is generally light and while that can be an advantage for mowing, it is not an advantage for things like BH work or ground engaging tasks. Your other thread notes you are considering a Kioti EX50. We don't have the EX in the US but I suspect it is our DK line. I have the DK40se HST with a 9 foot BH and the combo is well matched and very effective. I use it on a total of about 20 acres and it is more than adequate for that size land plot.

 

[CPM]

You are asking all the right questions at the right time in your purchase decision. For those of us who did not grow up around tractors, it takes at least a few months of education to sort out what is best for our own circumstances. TBN is great for that but do be wary that we are really really good at spending other peoples money. No one could ever claim that advice on TBN will get you a machine smaller than needed or that we would recommend trying to get by with too few specialized implements.

By the way, as you are looking to possibly add a backhoe, you might consider heavier tractors. I know the Kubota MX will handle a BH fine but the Kubota line is generally light and while that can be an advantage for mowing, it is not an advantage for things like BH work or ground engaging tasks. Your other thread notes you are considering a Kioti EX50. We don't have the EX in the US but I suspect it is our DK line. I have the DK40se HST with a 9 foot BH and the combo is well matched and very effective. I use it on a total of about 20 acres and it is more than adequate for that size land plot.

That's one large rock you've picked up there. How many Kilos (pounds) you reckon?

I've compared the weight of the EX50 and the MX5100 and there's not a lot in it - not sure if the Kioti is lighter here or the 5100 is a beefier Kabota.

Looks like you have a nice setup. I'll have to add implements over time.

 

[IslandTractor]

That's one large rock you've picked up there. How many Kilos (pounds) you reckon?

I've compared the weight of the EX50 and the MX5100 and there's not a lot in it - not sure if the Kioti is lighter here or the 5100 is a beefier Kabota.

Looks like you have a nice setup. I'll have to add implements over time.

I don't recall exactly but did measure the hunk of granite once and did the calculation. About 2500lbs as I recall. I remember that the rear was light even with the BH as ballast.

I think the MX line is beefier than some of the other Kubotas.

 

[GILLYS CHILLI FARM AUSTRA]

DITTO..

Thats a big rock with only the BH on back. very impressed.

 

[IslandTractor]

DITTO..

Thats a big rock with only the BH on back. very impressed.

What is more impressive is that I did not know the rock was anywhere near that big because it was buried. Only a little "tip of the iceberg" was above ground and hitting my flail mower blades as I drove over it. I inserted the grapple bottom tines along side it and pushed down then clamped the rock with the upper grapple arm. I then curled and lifted. I won't say that it popped out but I never let go and just wiggled it out of the ground. I was rather astonished to see how big it was. Bent one of the grapple upper tines as in fact only that one upper tine was actually in contact with the rock! I think the experience says quite a lot about the power of the KL401 Kioti loader (2700+lbs lift, 3700lb breakout) and also how tough a $500 mild steel light duty grapple is.:thumbsup: I heated and hammered the grapple tine back into position and later reinforced both of them with a gusset. Better than new now.

 

[Redneck in training]

The 4 in 1 is definitely more popular in Australia. I saw a lot of those while working there. I don't have personal experience with it but it seems to me that there is one thing that could make it advantageous for certain tasks. When the jaw is open it could be used as light bulldozer. At least I saw such a design. I doubt that it will push hard ground but it will definitely push loose material.

 

[IslandTractor]

The 4 in 1 is definitely more popular in Australia. I saw a lot of those while working there. I don't have personal experience with it but it seems to me that there is one thing that could make it advantageous for certain tasks. When the jaw is open it could be used as light bulldozer. At least I saw such a design. I doubt that it will push hard ground but it will definitely push loose material.

Yes a 4n1 can be a "light" bulldozer but it is important to emphasize the "light". The issue is not the bucket but the tractor FEL arms which are long and spindlely compared to the short thick arms of a real bulldozer. Pushing loose dirt is one thing but using the pseudo dozer blade to push on a stump is not such a great idea. Even worse is putting the blade into unknown ground where you might hit a rock or buried stump off center when you have a fair amount of momentum/speed. That could damage the loader itself.

As I mentioned, I have a 4n1 and have tried this bulldozing function. It is useful for pushing over brush but I imagine just the plain bucket would do about as well. Using it to spread dirt is not really much more efficient than simply back dragging the dirt. Likewise dumping spoils or dirt without dumping the bucket by opening the clamshell is a "feature" but it really is not so important. The main functions of a 4n1 in my hands at least are 1) standard bucket duties and 2) somewhat useful but inefficient grapple function. The only time I mount it is when doing backhoe work as I do appreciate the ability to fill the hole and then clamp and drive off with whatever I dug out. Even those functions could be done with a standard bucket and some chain but not needing to get off the tractor is nice.

I think 4n1 buckets are really great for contractors who have a lot of different tasks to perform while at a remote site. That is where it earns it's keep IMO. The problem is that 4n1 buckets to be useful at all need to be pretty well built so they are expensive. If you are operating close to home, it makes more sense to save $$$ and just use dedicated quick attach implements like the standard bucket and a separate grapple (or just add a grapple to the standard bucket).

 

[tonyoz]

Thanks Tonyoz...do you know anyone in Lilydale Melbourne area who might have them too.?

Try Kerfab at Kerang Vic,their website looks like it's got every thing you want and need.

 

[GILLYS CHILLI FARM AUSTRA]

Thanks Tonyoz