Add-a-grapple source

[frogpond]

I'm looking at buying an Add-a-grapple, made by Precision Manufacturing, to attach to the stock bucket on my BX25D. I have a Piranha toothbar on the bucket.. It looks like the most economical way to get a grapple function for moving brush and logs. I have already ordered a 3rd function kit from Summit Hydraulics.
It looks like there are 2 appropriate models, the Mini (model 11155, 28" opening, at 125 lbs.), and the Small (model114400, 32" opening, at 132 lbs). However, Precision doesn't give price or ordering information on its website. There are no dealers here in the Pacific Northwest. I see that AskTractorMike.com sells them, but only the Small model.
I would be grateful for any advice about which size would be best, and any thoughts about the Add-a-grapples in general. Also, where should I order from?

 

[RBA50]

I got mine from Agfolks.com. It was shipped direct from Precision. I went with the Mini, since it was the lightest and sized for my bucket.

 

[frogpond]

Thanks! I'll look them up.. Have you been pleased with it? And what kind of tractor is it on?

 

[Williy]

Is this what you are looking for??

Add-A-Grapples-Single, Double, Pallet Fork Grapple - Ask Tractor Mike

Add-A-Grapples for sale. Single, double, pallet fork grapple. For compact and sub-compact tractors. Fits most models.

asktractormike.com

click on the one you want and you can order shows
the price

willy

 

[CoyPatton]

I'm looking at buying an Add-a-grapple, made by Precision Manufacturing, to attach to the stock bucket on my BX25D. I have a Piranha toothbar on the bucket.. It looks like the most economical way to get a grapple function for moving brush and logs. I have already ordered a 3rd function kit from Summit Hydraulics.
It looks like there are 2 appropriate models, the Mini (model 11155, 28" opening, at 125 lbs.), and the Small (model114400, 32" opening, at 132 lbs). However, Precision doesn't give price or ordering information on its website. There are no dealers here in the Pacific Northwest. I see that AskTractorMike.com sells them, but only the Small model.
I would be grateful for any advice about which size would be best, and any thoughts about the Add-a-grapples in general. Also, where should I order from?

Asktractormike does actually sell the mini, but does not use the label mini. It is label ‘small for subcompact and compact tractors’. It is when I looked the last listing before changing to the fork grapple. It may be different when you look as listing orders seem to rearrange. Watch for the model numbers as you click on the links the xxxxxx15 showed up on that link. It was listed at the same price as the small so if the 7 lbs is not an issue and the opening size works, I would go with the larger opening personally. For the small price difference for other grapples (MTL), I would only consider the add a grapple if like me you have s pin on bucket and fo limited grapple work.

 

[frogpond]

Thank you, CoyPatton. That's the information I was looking for.
Yes, I have a pin-on bucket. I thought about getting a conversion plate like the Ai2, and then getting a complete grapple, but the expense and extra weight were not appealing, considering the limited lifting ability of the bx loader. And besides, although I am doing a lot of clearing brush, debris, and small logs, it's usually combined with moving loads of fill dirt. I think in the end the work would get done faster without changing implements and connecting and disconnecting hoses.

 

[RBA50]

It's on a Kubota B2320. I don't have much time using it yet, but it does seem to do what I need so far. More time will let me get a better feel, and adapt my technique to get the most from it, I'm sure. Quality seems good.

 

[frogpond]

I called Precision Manufacturing themselves, and talked to a very helpful guy named Bill. He advised getting the 114400 "Small", based on the dimensions of my bucket. He told me to order from Agfolks.com, as they work together on orders like this. So that's what I did. I got not only a confirmation from agfolks, but also a personal thank you from Bill. Delivery should be in about a month. That should give me enough time to install the 3rd function kit.

 

[kennyd]

Bill is a great guy, he won't steer you wrong.

 

[CoyPatton]

Congrats on your purchase! Please post updates on the install and your opinions once you are using it.

 

[frogpond]

I finally finished my installation on my BX25D today, so here's a first-day evaluation. There were three parts: the Summit Hydraulics 3rd function kit, the AddAGrapple (small size), and 2 custom hoses from North Sound Hose and Fittings in Everett WA, to connect the first two parts.
In general, I'm happy with how it turned out. The grapple, added to the bucket, picks up pretty much whatever I ask it to. Because the bucket sides keep you from getting the bucket bottom under logs, I have changed tactics, dumping the bucket until the bottom is nearly vertical, opening the grapple, descending on the log or brush pile, then closing the grapple to scoop the load towards the bucket. This works fine. My approach will doubtless improve with practice.
I ordered the 3rd function kit from Summit Hydraulics. It arrived in a few days. It was complete. Instructions were good, except that the instructios didn't reflect a few recent changes. Everything fit. The worst part of the job was hooking up one of the hoses underneath the tractor, but that was because Kubota crammed a lot of plumbing into a small space. If you do this, I strongly recommend getting some skinny hydraulic wrenches. I ended up grinding down a few regular open end wrenches.

The Add a Grapple came from Precision Manufacturing, via the Agfolks website. Delivery took about four weeks, as they predicted. The grapple came on a pallet without any packing, but nevertheless was in perfect condition. I picked it up from the truck with pallet folks on my tractor. Installation instructions were sparse but adequate. You simply position it where you want it on your bucket, clamp it in place, drill four 1/2" holes on each side, and bolt it in place. I have already gone through removing and reinstalling the grapple on the mounting bar, which stays on the bucket. Yes, it's simple. No, it's not easy to get everything lined up. However, I have some ideas which might make it easier. In any case, it's not in the way when picking up a bucket of dirt.
The hoses and fittings between the tractor and the grapple were fabricated in about 10 minutes at a local industrial hydraulic shop, for about $160, with pipe thread on the grapple cylinder ends, and quick attach fittings on the other ends.
The 2 buttons on the replacement joystick handle operate the grapple smoothly, and with plenty of power.
Without adding up everything exactly, I estimate the project cost about $2300-2500. I think the added capability is well worth it.

 

[frogpond]

Just trying to call attention to the previous post, as the thread wasn't highlighted as havinga new post. Not trying to shout, just trying to thank those who asked to hear how it tuned out.