Add-on Bucket Grapple for a Kubota 3200 - DIY or Dealer install?

[LittleBill21]

I did a diverter kit and a WR Long Bolt on. it took a bit.

Mahindra Max26 WR Long Bolt On Grapple

Finally finished, barely fit even with their smallest option the Single BOGL, will test it in a bit Used a diverter kit from Artilian.

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[oosik]

There was quite a bit to learn with a grapple and its use. Fortunately - I got most all the info here on TBN.

- the lower the load is raised - the more you will be able to lift. Look at the lift charts in your FEL owners manual. I lift and move - LARGE rocks and chunks of pine tree trunk. Seldom get either load more than a foot off the ground as I move it. Low loads also mean less chance of a total upset if you happen to have a wheel drop into an unseen hole. If my load gets REALLY big - I do a "knuckle dragging" move. The bottom of the grapple will leave marks in the dirt as I move. My absolute max load is right around 3200 pounds. However - for safety sake and not wanting to damage anything - I limit the load to 2500 pounds.

- there are log weight charts available on the internet. Same for rocks. I use these charts and have never had a problem.

- now the pictures. You should modify your grill guard to protect your grill, radiator and battery. Limbs, sticks and stobs have a very nasty way of poking holes in things. There are several posts here on TBN - showing what other members have done. The dealer had specific brackets that allowed the 3rd function to be tucked in between the tractor and the FEL vertical member. It's been a very good location for me. Nothing has ever got suck there or caused any damage.

 

[m7040]

Welded on a short section of angle iron to the top of the bucket to mount the Thumb. It has functioned very well and used for rocks and logs weighing several 1000 lbs. Easy to take off just remove a couple of pins

 

[rScotty]

What about using a 12 volt electric over hydraulic cylinder to work the grapple instead of tractor hydraulics?
Sometime in the last year or so there was an article here on TBN about using 12 volt hydraulics to open and close a SSQA latch.
The cost was a couple of hundred vs over a thousand if using tractor hydraulics.
If it would work for SSQA, it ought to work for a grapple.

 

[frogpond]

I have had a Precision AddAGrapple single lid, the smallest, on my BX25D for about 3 years. I used a 3rd function kit from Summit Hydraulics. I installed it all myself. No prior hydraulic experience. I did a little head scratching, but it worked the first time. Good instructions on both items. You can do it too!

Weight was crucial for me, considering the lift capacity of my small tractor. The unit is easy to remove, and I did it once, but it's so useful that I have just left it on ever since. The single lid has been fine. The only drawback to adding this to your bucket (compared to a full grapple) is that you can't see the bucket edge, so it's a little clumsier. Also, I had previously installed a Piranha toothbar, and it works well with the grapple.

If you dyi, I recommend a set of hydraulic wrenches. Not required , but easier.

The total cost at that time, including getting 2 hoses made up to connect the valve to the grapple cylinder, was about $2,000. It has made many tasks a lot easier!

 

[sd455dan]

What about using a 12 volt electric over hydraulic cylinder to work the grapple instead of tractor hydraulics?
Sometime in the last year or so there was an article here on TBN about using 12 volt hydraulics to open and close a SSQA latch.
The cost was a couple of hundred vs over a thousand if using tractor hydraulics.
If it would work for SSQA, it ought to work for a grapple.

I just did that with a backhoe thumb on my ford 550 TLB and the stand alone unit works well for about $220 it could be quicker with a 3" cylinder and 1 1/2 rod but not complaining.