Grapple Another Grapple Thread

[N80]

I know there are lots of grapple threads but I just need a few basic pointers. I'm having about 110 acres thinned for the first time. I'm expecting them to make a huge mess. With the proceeds (and possible tax write-off) I'm thinking about getting a grapple for clean up. I have spent a few minutes on the Anbo site but otherwise know nothing about grapples.

I have a Kubota L4400 4wd with the Kubota LA 703 loader on it. I have 1 set of rear remotes. The bucket on the LA 703 attached directly to the loader arms and cylinders with large pins. Not sure how to remove it but it can't be that hard.

Questions:

What are the more popular brands?

Most of them seem to use skid steer attachments. Will I be able to find one that attaches just like my bucket does?

For the hydraulics do I just run hoses to the rear of the tractor for the rear remotes? Sounds messy (and maybe expensive too) and it worries me that long hoses could snag on stuff. I do lot of work in the woods.

The lever for the rear remotes is on the left and slightly behind me. Is that going to be impossible to use for a grapple or just a pain in the butt?

Finally, what type of budget should I be looking at for a 6' grapple. Does not have to be real heavy duty. Tractor is 45hp but small and light.

Thanks for any help and my apologies for repeating common questions.

 

[k0ua]

I might be able to help a little. With the pin on bucket, you are down a notch at the start.. first step , get converted to SSQA.. you can buy the SSQA adaptor from your Kubota dealer, and either buy a new bucket or convert your existing bucket.. I show how to convert existing bucket here, but you need to weld.

I used the rear remote, BUT mine was very conviently place next to the joystick control and is very easy to operate, but it does not sound like yours is. So I am thinking you will need a diverter valve or a 3rd function. I would use the diverter valve. Brian at fitrite hydraulics can fix you up on that, or you can shop it out yourself.

As for type and model of grapple, well, there are a thousand of them and everyone likes a different one. I have the EA single lid wicked grapple, and it does all I need. You may or may not need a 6 foot grapple.. Lots of opinions on that, My 50 inch is as wide as I would ever want, but your usage and desires may be different, and you will get as many different answers as people you ask.

I hope this helped a bit, and would be happy to answer any specific questions you have as I have been down this road, and pondered many of the same questions.

 

[N80]

Thanks James. So there is no chance that I'll be able to find a grapple that mounts the same way my current bucket does? I realize this would not be a "quick detach and would probably take 20 minutes to change over but I'll only be using the grapple a few times a year at most.

Kubota makes a quick detach mount for the LA703A loader but not the plain LA703 like mine. To gett hem to work on the plain 703 requires some grinding and cutting on the loader arm ends and the bucket.

I don't weld and I'm not up for buying a new bucket, skid steer mounts and paying for installation so if I can't find a grapple that will mount to my loader arms then it might just be cheaper to me to rent a skid steer for a weekend to get this clean up done.

 

[Rocky Hoffler]

Yes you can find one that will fit but a few minute job turns into removing pins and realigning to either put grapple on bucket and that's on and off not a real pleasant task. I would recommend for the size tractor you have to also stay with 60 inch grapple . There are two basic types of grapple a bucket grapple which has a flat bottom and a root rake style which is usually rounded and choice of single or dual clamp. since you don't have SSQA think about gitting a grapple clamp for your bucket.

 

[kennyd]

George, I think Everything Attachments will make you a pin-on style grapple, or at least sell you a plain back one with no mounts that you could take to a local welding shop to have the proper mounts added-that should be cheaper than converting to SSQA. You can also just run long 1/4" hoses from your rear remote to operate it, anything larger is a waste of money and real estate IMHO.

PS: I hope your still enjoying your Bolt-On Hooks, you inspired me make them...I even tell the story on the About Us page on the website, thanks again!:thumbsup: :salute:

 

[N80]

I love my bolt on grab hooks. As a non-welder (I really am going to have to learn some day) I love bolt on stuff.

And thanks for the reply. It got me wondering about finding an old LA 703 bucket, which people discard when they go to a QD set up, and cutting the mounts off of it to be welded onto a grapple with blank mounting surface. Just an idea.

Anyway, what I'll more likely end up doing is just getting a bucket grapple. Nowhere near as useful but no welding and virtually no additional expense other than the hydraulic hoses.

 

[kennyd]

I love my bolt on grab hooks. As a non-welder (I really am going to have to learn some day) I love bolt on stuff.

Thanks!

Anyway, what I'll more likely end up doing is just getting a bucket grapple. Nowhere near as useful but no welding and virtually no additional expense other than the hydraulic hoses.

Here is a nice one: ATI Corporation - Grapple Kit Images

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Hoses are not that expensive as long as you get them from the right place.:thumbsup:

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Hoses are not that expensive as long as you get them from the right place.:thumbsup:

Yes!! I learned a hard lesson NOT to buy hydraulic hoses at NAPA.

 

[Redbug]

Hi there George!

I think James has some good advise. In the long run your tractor will be much more versatile.

I would go to your Kubota dealer, (Wilsons...Newberry?), and order/get the quick attach unit that goes on your tractor. It will attach on the pins that connects to the bucket. They usually have some laying in the back lot... you can just pick up right then and there. It's a common item. It's not hard to pin it on your tractor when you get it.

Now...Take a look at this. I would order one of Ted's Plates, then load your bucket in your pickup truck and drop it off at the welder or even at Wilsons, (they know what to do).
Construction Attachments Weld-On Skid Steer, Skidsteer Universal Skid Steer Quick Attach Plate

You can do all this in two trips...One to drop off your bucket at Wilson's, (with the plate you ordered from Ted), and pick up the QA unit from them. Second trip is to get your bucket with the welding done and take it home.

Then you go to the next step of getting a grapple, then a stump bucket, then a set of forks, then a...

By the way...I have a WR Long grapple, valve and setup. My grapple is 5 feet wide. It is the width of the front tires. That way you can clear stuff and not be running all over it with the front tires.

 

[Underdog57]

These look nice, and they bolt on!!



Thumb grapple 36"

 

[k0ua]

George don't be afraid of running hoses from rear to front, they mostly run along the FEL arms anyway, of course you have about 6 foot to thread thru, but they will be over the rear axle and under the floor pan, and will be run more or less permanently and tied up. You will need more quick connectors on the area of the FEL uprights so you can disconnect them when you remove the loader just like the 4 you do now. The price is not too bad, I had about $150 total in my install including all the connectors and hoses and everything.

But of course if the rear remote lever is unhandy, you will want do do the diverter install by installing a diverter valve and using the existing FEL curl/dump joystick control to control your grapple while depressing a button on your FEL control knob. It is a pretty easy install.

My rear remote lever was in a handy spot and I extended it about 4 inches higher to make it even easier to reach without my hand leaving the FEL joystick. Here you see the joystick and the rear remote lever, and the extra quick connects under the floor pan and the quick connects on the front torque tube where the grapple lines hook up.

 

[TomSeller]

I have a Kubota L4400 4wd with the Kubota LA 703 loader on it. I have 1 set of rear remotes. The bucket on the LA 703 attached directly to the loader arms and cylinders with large pins. Not sure how to remove it but it can't be that hard.
.

See page 14, ATI makes a unit to fit your LA703. I believe WR Long does as well. Both are available from EverythingAttachments.com

http://www.preseeder.com/PDF/AttachProductList2010.pdf

 

[N80]

Dave, I may look into that but I came across a thread on another web site that said there was a difference between the LA703 and the LA703A and that Kubota's QA does not fit the plain LA703. The thread was answered by a dealer who said the bucket stops on the plain LA703 arms had to be ground off to make it fit. I'll do some more research.

James, I think for as little actual grapple work that I'll be doing I can start with just using the remote lever on the side. If I find myself doing a lot more then I could re-plumb it later with a diverter.

Edit: James, your hose set up looks great. I think I can do something like that to keep things tidy.

Tom, thanks for the link. I had seen those at Everything Attachments but was not sure if it would have the same issues as the Kubota model. I think I will contact them and see what they have to say. Wonder how much those cost. Sure would be nice.

Brian, I will certainly contact Fit Rite when the time comes.

Thanks for all the help guys. I'll keep you posted. I'd like to do this as I think a real grapple (vs a bucket grapple) would make this cleanup job (logging decks and roads) a lot easier. I can do it with just the plain bucket but it takes a long time and you pretty much just have to shove stuff around where ever it will go not exactly where you want it. I cleaned up a 5 acre thinning job this way a few years ago.

 

[k0ua]

James, I think for as little actual grapple work that I'll be doing I can start with just using the remote lever on the side. If I find myself doing a lot more then I could re-plumb it later with a diverter.

George you can probably develop a "rhythm" whereby you let go of the steering wheel just as you approach the object to be grappled, and drop your left hand to the Rear remote, while your right hand operates the fine final control of the lift/curl to get the grapple placed and then the left hand snaps the lid of the grapple shut and then goes back to the steering wheel.. You may find it works very well once you get used to it.:thumbsup:

 

[nybirdman]

Or to save some money by not going to a SSQA you can go with a bolt on thumb and tooth bar.I have a similar sized tractor ,L4240 and this has been my best addition.Tooth-bar and thumb are easily remove.
I would put the money saved by adding a third function to your FEL.

 

[lutt]

Or to save some money by not going to a SSQA you can go with a bolt on thumb and tooth bar.I have a similar sized tractor ,L4240 and this has been my best addition.Tooth-bar and thumb are easily remove.
I would put the money saved by adding a third function to your FEL.

I thinki this is a excellant idea, I am in the process of gathering up the materials for this, ordered my valve for the 3rd function from Surplus center, I am looking at tooth bars and add on buckit grapples now. A good friend of mine has had both and he thinks the add on grapple is more versitle. I will see i guess. It will make may 4200 with woods backhowe and thumb a lot handier in the woods! what kind is yours? LUTT

 

[nybirdman]

My thumb was purchased from" Greensmachine Thumb",tooth bar from Markum Welding(I don't think they are still in business.)Tooth-bars are easy to find.I had to weld an angle to the top of bucket to get it to fully close the thumb.

 

[mark02tj]

My thumb was purchased from" Greensmachine Thumb",tooth bar from Markum Welding(I don't think they are still in business.)Tooth-bars are easy to find.I had to weld an angle to the top of bucket to get it to fully close the thumb.

I'm pretty sure I've seen pictures of your thumb. Don't you have the one shown in post #11? It's directly from Greens-Machine. I hope they're not out of business - I just bought mine back in June or July. I still haven't had a chance to install it.

 

[lutt]

My thumb was purchased from" Greensmachine Thumb",tooth bar from Markum Welding(I don't think they are still in business.)Tooth-bars are easy to find.I had to weld an angle to the top of bucket to get it to fully close the thumb.

thanks pretty sure this is gonna be my route, I'm thinking the tooth bar would be better for grubbing out roots, rocks and small stumps. I'm sure not having trouble finding toothbars at all, probly gonna get one local. I've been looking online at Idaho equipment and Wr long. Good friend of mine at the local new holland dealership can get me on about the same price. LUTT