B3030 FEL w/grapple hooks

[kirklowj]

Hello,

I'm about to take possession of a B3030 tractor with FEL 403, 60"MMM. I'm thinking that I could really use grappling hooks on the FEL but I'm not sure if I can add the hooks to my FEL or what I need to purchase in addition to the FEL i.e. quick connect attachement or some other device to add the hooks. This probably sounds like an elementry question to most on this site but I've never owned a tractor and most of my knowledge comes from reading info on this site.

thanks in advance for any help,
kirklowj

 

[amigauser]

Hello,

I'm about to take possession of a B3030 tractor with FEL 403, 60"MMM. I'm thinking that I could really use grappling hooks on the FEL but I'm not sure if I can add the hooks to my FEL or what I need to purchase in addition to the FEL i.e. quick connect attachement or some other device to add the hooks. This probably sounds like an elementry question to most on this site but I've never owned a tractor and most of my knowledge comes from reading info on this site.

thanks in advance for any help,
kirklowj

I am not sure what you are asking? If you mean hooks on the FEL bucket, they can be welded on by the dealer. If you mean a hydraulic operated grapple, you have a few options.

1) There is a company that makes a grapple that uses the FEL bucket pins and does not require any added hydraulics. It basically uses the existing bucket curl function to operate the grapple. I can't locate the URL though so someone else here will have to respond with it.
2) Add a regular pin on type grapple that uses the FEL bucket pins and would replace the bucket.
3) add a grapple to the existing bucket
4) add a skid steer type q/a so you can interchange the bucket with a grapple and other attachments like pallet forks etc.

Options 2 - 4 are going to require what is called a 3rd hydraulic function. That is not offered from Kubota on the B3030 as a factory option so you will need a 3rd party solution. I have the WR Long electric/hydraulic 3rd function on my B3030 which provides that function and runs around $500 if you install it yourself. I also have the ATI Tach-All on my B3030 which provides a skid steer type q/a so I can quick change between the bucket, grapple and pallet forks.

Valve Kits
ATI Corporation - Tach-All(tm) Quick Attach
Untitled Document
RBG
Grapple

FYI,
Norm

 

[kirklowj]

Amigauser,

Thanks for your reply. I should have been more specific but my knowledge is limited. I am talking about hydrolic grapple forks so I guess I need some sort of Q/A system installed on the tractor. I've seen some pictures of someone's B3030 tractor with the hooks installed but there was no close-up to determine if they were somehow added to the 403 FEL or a complete separate attachement. What I'm worried about is getting the tractor without the needed devices to add the hooks at some point.

Kirklowj

 

[hazmat]

If you go with the skid steer quick attach (ATI) get the ATI bucket. It comes predrilled for their grapple attachment. It is more expensive than the DIY verisions, but doesn't require any shadetree engineering or welding.

If you would rather have a full on grapple (no bucket), then the skid steer attach is also the way to go.

previous post covers adding the third function hydraulics - also known as "diverter valve" - there are sublte differences between the two, but either would provide the solution you need.


I have the ATI bucket (I forget which series) and it seems to be stronger built than the Kubota version (slightly heavier though...)

 

[hazmat]

Get the ATI skid steer quick attach - it opens lots of possibilities

Grapple
Forks
Different buckets
Snow plows
etc.

Amigauser,

Thanks for your reply. I should have been more specific but my knowledge is limited. I am talking about hydrolic grapple forks so I guess I need some sort of Q/A system installed on the tractor. I've seen some pictures of someone's B3030 tractor with the hooks installed but there was no close-up to determine if they were somehow added to the 403 FEL or a complete separate attachement. What I'm worried about is getting the tractor without the needed devices to add the hooks at some point.

Kirklowj

 

[hazmat]

I should note that the ATI quick attach is ~$600 plus you will probably pay a bit more for the skid steer bucket than the factory bucket. Make sure they credit you for not purchasing the Kubota bucket.

 

[kirklowj]

Thanks for the info, I just got off the phone with ATI and I think the grapple kit they offer would be fine. I have to talk with my Kubota dealer (Messick's in PA.) and see if they can install the kit ($850) using the Kubota bucket.

thanks again,
kirklowj

 

[Northland]

here's a recent link on what grapple looks like and does for me

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1187672#post1187672

 

[needtractor]

Nice pictures of the grapple installed but I do have a question...do you have a problem, since you are not using teeth on tht bottom like a regualr grapple, with getting dirt off the roots, etc?

 

[amigauser]

Found the URL for the grapple aka Brush Crusher that does not require any added tractor hydraulics. It uses the normal bucket curl function.

Front-End Loaders by Westendorf: loader for tractor, shade canopy, wagons, manure & landscaping equipment.

I would still recommend the ATI Tach-All q/a and a quick attach grapple over this setup. That is unless you just want to use the tractor as a grapple device and never use the bucket.

Norm

 

[Northland]

Nice pictures of the grapple installed but I do have a question...do you have a problem, since you are not using teeth on tht bottom like a regualr grapple, with getting dirt off the roots, etc?

no, not for my application which is mostly picking up logs and rocks. I have a toothbar on the bucket that is good for digging and also helps me get the logs and rocks up enough so I can clamp down on the log or rock.

I really like that my bucket is on all the time and I can remove the grapple in minutes by taking out two pins holding it in place and pulling the quick disconnect hoses off.

The WR Long electric valve kit allows full operation of the bucket functions and opening/closing the grapple at the touch of a button right on the loader joystick.

 

[Northland]

Found the URL for the grapple aka Brush Crusher that does not require any added tractor hydraulics. It uses the normal bucket curl function.

Front-End Loaders by Westendorf: loader for tractor, shade canopy, wagons, manure & landscaping equipment.

I would still recommend the ATI Tach-All q/a and a quick attach grapple over this setup. That is unless you just want to use the tractor as a grapple device and never use the bucket.

Norm

The BC-4000 looks very good and very well priced -
ModelDescription
List Price
BC3000
Brush crusher small
$825
BC4000 Brush crusher medium
$985
BC5000
Brush crusher large
$1,305
BC6000
Brush crusher with power teeth
$2,025
BC7000
Brush crusher/skid steer mount
$2,100

 

[kirklowj]

Hello all,

I started this thread and you all foreared some good info. However, everything considered, I've decided to have 2 hooks welded on either side of the top of the loader in reverse fashion. Then I can load up the bucket with brush and use a rope/chain to carry a load of brush to the burn pile. Kind of the "poor man's lobster" approach.

thanks again for all your input,
Kirklowj

 

[Northland]

that was my orginal plan as well-see attached picture. I had a 25' sling- choker made up ($40) that allows me to strap many logs (depending on the size of them) up and pull them - Pre-Made FSE Choker from Baileys-online.com

I found that for safety you should keep the bucket low and distribute the load evenly between the hooks; I use a 6' wire rope with loops at each end attached to the bucket hooks. I put the loop of the sling-choker through the 6' wire rope. Then back up very slowly.

Now rather then pulling in reverse I hook the sling choker to my rear drawbar and pull fowards.

 

[kirklowj]

Northland,

It sounds like the setup you used with the choker sling etc. will be very similar to my plan. I'm still searching for the type of hooks to use that can be welded securly to the bucket. I want to use the same size as the ones on my ratchet binder that will except a 3/8" to 1/2" chain / cable. What type of hooks did you use and did you have to fabricate something to weld them on the bucket?

kirklowj

 

[Northland]

the dealer welded the hooks prior to delivery. They welded the hooks on to a 2.5x3" piece of angle iron that in turn was welded to the to the top of the bucket - see my picture and that of another TBN member's JD set-up.

I used that same configuration when I had a 3x3" piece of angle iron welded to the bucket to keep my grapple in place.

I'm not sure of the hook size but they could have been a bit larger