B Series Grapple?

[TheWeis]

Hi All, I need some TBN advice!

I am looking at a new B3000, and have a lot of downed tree/brush clearing to get done.
With my BX, logs are hard because it can't really grip anything, so with the B3000, I thought a grapple plus a toothbar would be a great way to go. The thumb on the hoe is nice too, but I am guessing it can't really do piles of brush or multiple logs, but is more for rocks and stumps.

My question/problem is: take a WR Long grapple plus a toothbar as an example, and that is 400lbs of extra weight. The lift capacity of the B series FEL is only 882lbs (depends which value you use on the spec sheet, but 882 is the middle figure). Adding the grapple really destroys the lift capacity of this tractor, making it 20% less powerful than a stock BX (I think my BX23 is about 450lbs, but the new ones are a bit over 500lbs)

What am I missing? The answer could be that the B might simply be too small for a grapple, but I don't think an L Series is right for us because i need to get into some tight spaces/woods. However, if I really want to do what I need to, I am worried the B will run out of juice...

Anyone with experience with a B and a grapple can help me understand this question?

Thanks in advance
Paul

 

[teg]

Reduced weight...
Berlon: Mini Tooth Bar

Not sure if "The Thumb" might be lighter but you'll have to beef up the top of the bucket... The Bolt On Grapple is 143 pounds.
BOG

Comparison of the WR Long's Bolt On Grapple and the Thumb...
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/215007-questions-about-thumb-loader-3.html

The Bolt on grapple is pretty heavy duty, I wonder if you could drill and or cut out some excess metal to make it even lighter... just a random thought.

 

[cal2620]

Hi paul I have a B2620 tlb with WRLong open bottom grapple. I have had no problems with lifting three 6ft logs or a big brush pile. The b2620 max lift at the pins is like 960 lbs and the grapple it self is only 350lbs. I dont think you will have a problems with the b3000 if you put a grapple on it since it is like two sizes bigger than my b2620.I keep my backhoe on for weight. cal2620

 

[TheWeis]

Thanks guys

Cal, do you change bucket to grapple often? How hard is it to change them back and forth?
I kind Of want to be able to pick up loose material and stay versatile but would be open to the open bottom style if it was pretty easy to change them out.

 

[beckmurph]

Funny you mention this. I found a video, on youtube, today of a
B2620 with a grapple. It had a quickattach setup, I believe. Go
To youtube and search for b2620.

 

[cal2620]

It is real easy to change from my bucket to my grapple. I just have to pull to pins to drop the bucket And then pickup the grapple and slide the two pins back in.I can change from the bucket to the grapple in 1or2 minutes

 

[Ductape]

On the B3000, you can get a skidsteer style quick connect from ATI. Your dealer should be able to add one to the tractor along with a 60" skidsteer compatible tractor bucket...... and credit you the cost of the original Kubota bucket. It should add a thousand-ish dollars to the price of the tractor, but is cheapest if done when the tractor is bought new. Then you are able to use any skidsteer compatible grapple, and it literally takes a minute or two to flip to levers, drop the bucket and pick up the grapple .... then flip the two lock levers again. Also, W.R. Long makes a nice third function kit to power your grapple cylinder (if you were unaware).

Keep in mind, with a grapple you add weight ....... but a mouthful of brush doesn't weigh much. A brush grapple in the 48" to 54" range is plenty wide enough and keeps the weight down.