Grapple Best 66"/72" Root/Rock Grapple Under 700 Lbs?

[Dougster]

Rereading, I wasn't completely clear. What I meant is that I've gotten the grapple locked in such a way while using it as a root grapple that I couldn't move either the tractor and the FEL, and it didn't bend the grapple. Meaning that the weakest link was the power of my machine, not the strength of the grapple. Per my millonzi review - worth searching for - I bought the grapple over the phone from Millonzi after seeing IslandTractors glowing reviews of it. So far my experience has entirely justified his reviews - its a grat pice of equipment.

Thanks Charles. Now I get it... and I'll definitely check out your review!

Dougster

 

[Dougster]

I agree with Island tractor on extra width being a disadvantage when digging. I find the 48 almost too wide when digging out stumps and rocks - the edges catch on things. Far more useful would be narrow, tough, and with a heavy duty cylinder, so it could really apply pressure. From my current grapple experience, If I had a larger tractor I'd want a stronger grapple far more than a wider grapple.

Man, you guys are beating me up bad! Tag team opinions!

I do understand what you're saying and I even agree with you and Ed. Your point is entirely valid. But as mentioned earlier, there are future plans for this grapple for which I don't dare go below 60" and dual thumb no matter what. If what I buy doesn't work well enough, I'll just have to bite the bullet, remove the backhoe and use the 3 pt hitch with a subsoiler or middle buster (as Ed had recommended) to achieve my goals.

Dougster

 

[john_bud]

If what I buy doesn't work well enough, I'll just have to bite the bullet, remove the backhoe and use the 3 pt hitch with a subsoiler or middle buster (as Ed had recommended) to achieve my goals.

Dougster

Dougster,

did you see the thread in customization (or was it build it yourself?) about the backhoe "knife"? Guy built basically a subsoiler that attaches in place of the BH bucket. Can be used to cut up stumps and such. Not for rocks, but it looked like Heck on Wheels for stumps and roots! Might be better (definitely more fun) than using a subsoiler!

Just a thought...
jb


On edit -- link
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/89949-homemade-single-shank-ripper-k.html

 

[IslandTractor]

... I'll just have to bite the bullet, remove the backhoe ...
Dougster

I fully understand the reluctance to take off a BH. I can do it pretty quickly when I do it more than once every couple months but if I go longer than that it always seems to turn into a clumsy "project". If it is really the main barrier to fully using your tractor's 3PT potential, you might put some thought into building one of the simple wheeled platforms to store the BH on (there was a recent TBN thread on this). That makes both removal/attachment and storage easier.

In reviewing this thread I perceive that the BH is hanging around your neck like an albatross. If you addressed that issue I suspect you'd find your tractor will be a much more flexible machine with the 3PT and that some of the projects you have in mind can be done much more effectively by attaching smaller specialized implements than attempting to come up with a single do it all tool on your FEL. I am a BH fan but I'd forgoe the BH if I had to give up my 3PT to have it.

 

[Dougster]

In reviewing this thread I perceive that the BH is hanging around your neck like an albatross. If you addressed that issue I suspect you'd find your tractor will be a much more flexible machine with the 3PT and that some of the projects you have in mind can be done much more effectively by attaching smaller specialized implements than attempting to come up with a single do it all tool on your FEL. I am a BH fan but I'd forgoe the BH if I had to give up my 3PT to have it.

Hi Ed - It's not so much an albatross as it is something that I really do want there... honest!!! ...ready and available to use when I run into a monster rock, stump or other obstacle. But yes, you are correct that removing, storing and reinstalling the 509 is a bit tricky, time consuming and not my favorite task. I truly do wish it was a five minute on & off job when I need it, but it's not. And it will only get worse once the thumb & separate PTO-driven pump are installed. Should weigh about a ton by then. The 509 is a truly great & powerful backhoe, but show me someone who enjoys removing and reinstalling it daily and I'll show you a true *********!

I do look forward to the day when needing the backhoe will be an occasional thing and the 3 pt is readily available for a host of implements and accessories that I hope to someday own or rent! But for now, money is very tight, storage space is non-existent, the backhoe is being used daily, my FEL bucket isn't good for much more than mulch and there are mucho rocks out there to dig out and move!

Dougster