Any Problems with W.R. Long OBG2 Grapples?

[Trails End]

As a newbie in the tractor world, I've come across a great deal of very useful
information from the TBN forums. TBN helped me in the decision to purchase
a BobCat CT335 tractor with 8TL FEL. After using the Bobcat for a month or
two, along with a 6' box blade for driveway maintenance, I've learned that the
bucket on the FEL has it's limitations when trying to move brush; dislodging
and moving large rocks, and digging in root-infested soil. It appears that a
root grapple would be a very useful attachment for accomplishing the above
tasks.

After reviewing information on the various grapples available, I've pretty much
decided upon a W.R. Long OBG2-48 grapple. There have been many comments
in the various forums in favor of the W.R. Long grapple line.

My question is: Has anyone had any problems with the OBG2 grapples?

 

[gumshu]

I heard some people say they like them. They do make 3rd function kits for most loaders. However, I'm in the market for a 3rd function kit and I (personally) don't care for the WR Long kit. Construction Attachments has a "direct fit kit" for the CT335. They include the scorpion 2 button handle. Unless they've changed, their install video shows that they use a Hyvair electrical box type valve with light indicators for up and down. On the CT335, the valve is mounted on the frame of the right foot guard, in front of the plastic. The WR kits mounts the valve to the left rear, near the wheel well on the CT235. I don't like that mounting location. I don't know the WR Long, mount location for the CT335.

I'll probably buy the CA kit and make a mount to fit my CT235. It comes with a specific mount for the CT335. CA also sent me VERY GOOD PDF install instructions with a complete parts list.

Their video shows a Kubota install... Direct Fit One Touch Kit Installation.

 

[Charolais]

I purchased a OBG1-80 about a month ago. I use it on a Stoll loader on a Deutz Fahr Agrofarm 100. I use it mainly for logs/ firewood. Been digging out of piles left from timber harvest where the dozer pushed up piles of bark,brush and butt cuts from large logs. Basically anything to large for the chipper and couldn't be used for logs. Had some neighbors give me leftovers from there timber harvest also. Some piles I have to clean out a path so I don't puncture the tires or the fuel tank. Most of this timber was old hardwood. Last week I got the rear tires filled with liquid ballast because I was finding some logs in the 4,000 pound range and was making the tractor a little unstable from lack of weight on the rear. Most of these logs are 10 to 12 ft. long and large enough to fill the holding area with the grapple teeth in the top of the log. Have to use 4wd to back up hill. At the very least I can say I'm very impressed with the W R Long grapple structure. Haven't bent or broken anything and have moved load after load filling a 12 ft. dump trailer to get the wood home. I brought in 4 loads 6 miles away in 3 hours and that includes getting the equipment to the cutover area.

I didn't buy the 3rd function from W R Long. My loader has a valve in the cross tube up front that can be tapped in to with a solenoid and it switches that main valve for the 3rd function. The joystick for the Stoll has the buttons built in the stick handle. I haven't use this yet but have it plumbed in and just need to finish wiring. Right now I use a set of remotes from the rear of the tractor to operate the grapple. I plan to finish the 12 volt system in about 2 weeks when I get some time off from my job.

I've also used the grapple cleaning up around a pond. Mainly sweetgum and willow about 6 ft. tall. Very dry here and a little hard the get the grapple in the ground except near the water right now. Soon as we get wetter I'll get back on that cleanup. What I have cleaned the grapple did great where I could get the teeth in the ground. Pushed up piles, grabbed and lifted that are so big I have a problem seeing where I'm going. I like being able to leave the dirt behind too. I'll lift the load and give it a shake and the dirt falls out.

I know nothing about other brands of grapples as the one I have is the first one I've seen in my area. I went with W R Long because my dealer recommended it and have seen buckets and forks from them that have held up well in some harsh conditions. The grapple seems to be made very sturdy. My tractor is 96 engine HP and with the loader,loaded tires and a trailer hitch on the rear that's about 300 pounds, weighs just over 10,000 pounds. So the grapple is pretty strong to handle that kind of weight and power behind it. I've found one log I couldn't move. I could lift it but not high enough to drive with it. I'll take the saw to it later when this heat wave moves out. Again I found the grapple to be very sturdy since I haven't bent, cracked or broken anything on it and been moving some pretty heavy logs with it. I'm happy with it.

 

[NHbotanut]

I have the WR Long RBG2 - 48 Grapple and their Electric over hydraulic valve kit.

I got the grapple back in 07 and have used and abused it with everything from logs and brush to construction debris, and stones. I am talking about rocks that I had no business picking up and moving. I have built 4 stone walls using the grapple and have only bent 1 tooth, and broke off 1 tooth, but that was on me because of what I was trying to do with a particular stone and location.

I love it....so much I also bought their 4n1 bucket. The valve kit is great because I use it for my Curtis front mount snowplow for power angle. I have found their quality to be top notch.

I really like their valve kit with the rocker switch. It is much easier to work with than a 2 button switch.

 

[gumshu]

As a newbie in the tractor world, I've come across a great deal of very useful
information from the TBN forums. TBN helped me in the decision to purchase
a BobCat CT335 tractor with 8TL FEL. After using the Bobcat for a month or
two, along with a 6' box blade for driveway maintenance, I've learned that the
bucket on the FEL has it's limitations when trying to move brush; dislodging
and moving large rocks, and digging in root-infested soil. It appears that a
root grapple would be a very useful attachment for accomplishing the above
tasks.

After reviewing information on the various grapples available, I've pretty much
decided upon a W.R. Long OBG2-48 grapple. There have been many comments
in the various forums in favor of the W.R. Long grapple line.

My question is: Has anyone had any problems with the OBG2 grapples?

I forgot to mention the North American Implements Grapple. I purchased their 60 light weight model which weighs 425lbs. It's built well.

 

[daveinnh]

gumshu:

We have the WR Long OBG-2 on a Kubota L4310 operated with a Fasse valve. It works fine for many tasks; sometimes I wish we had the Open Bottom Grapple model that features a flat bottom.

PM me if you'd like to try operation.

Dave in Hillsboro

 

[Trails End]

Thanks, all, for your comments! My Ct335 has the 3rd function front hydraulics
supplied by Bobcat, with a single button mounted on the FEL control handle. Pressing
the button switches the bucket curl function to the front auxiliary hydraulics, currently
used for the FEL mounted snow blade with hydraulic angle adjustment.

Based upon comments in this forum, I'll probably go with the W.R. Long OBG2-48 grapple.
Thanks again for all of your comments!

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Here are some pics of the OBG2 installed on a tractor. Very nice grapple!!

 

[Trails End]

Thanks, Ted, for the pictures. By the way, I'm very happy with the ETA-72BB box blade that I purchased
from you back in June. I see that it's now listed as an ETA-72XDBB on your web site.

Myrle in Candia, NH

 

[Trails End]

Thanks to all for your comments regarding the WR Long OBG2-48 grapple. I ordered one and it arrived today.
I'm impressed with the workmanship on the grapple and it installed with no problems. The quick attach fits
perfectly on the Bobcat CT335 tractor FEL. Now it's time to get it dirty. I'll follow up with some working
photos when I have a chance.

Best Regards from Candia, NH.