Grapple Bucket Grapple Installation Question

[KB4330]

I ended up with a 24" long generic bucket grapple and wanted to get some opinions on my installation. I have it set where I think I like it for the bucket position and arm clearance in regards to the base. I also have it set with a slight underbite. With that being said, I have 1 1/2" space from my grapple tips to the bucket when the cylinder is fully extended. I'm thinking this shouldn't be much of an issue but wanted to see if anyone had thoughts about it.

 

[KB4330]

Here are a few more pics of the process.

1). I had to machine a 3/8" shim to go under the base. Some of the bucket welds would have interfered with the shim and instead of grinding them down, I removed material from the shim.

2). Here is the shim as it sets on the bucket. I still need to do some beveling on it, and the bucket, in the center joint before welding as it will be fully welded all the way around and filled in the center.

3). Here is the base and how it will set in relation to the shim and the bucket. It will also get welded all the way around.

All I really have left to do is blast the base, fill the holes on it, weld it on, and repaint.

KB

 

[Airsafety]

I have that same grapple on my, slightly smaller, B2410. I was originally concerned about a slight overbite, but now after all sorts of brush clearing and rock moving, I wouldn't have it any other way.

I've heard concerns about it being difficult to hold small brush with an "overbite", but I haven't found that to be a concern. You'll be surprised how often you'll pick something up from the top, clamshell fashion.

Something I learned the hard way is that the mount needs to be tied in to the ends of the bucket or it will flex and crack. Originally, I mounted my grapple on a length of 3x3 angle about the length of the grapple base. Didn't take long before it cracked - there is a lot of pressure on the grapple - and I had to reinforce the mount with a piece of bar stock the full width of the bucket.

Hope you enjoy the grapple as much as I have. It is without a doubt the single best attachment I have. I use it constantly.

I'd add for anyone planning to mount a grapple on a smaller CUT like my 2410 to closely consider the weight. A small grapple will do nearly everything the dual cylinder models will do. Between the grapple, the extra iron in the mount, and the toothbar (which is essential with the grapple), there's a significant amount of weight added. I notice it if I'm a little ham handed with an empty bucket - it rocks the tractor like a heavy bucket even when empty. I also notice a decrease in the max load I can pick up when handling heavy materials like gravel.

Best,

John

 

[3RRL]

I ended up with a 24" long generic bucket grapple and wanted to get some opinions on my installation. I have it set where I think I like it for the bucket position and arm clearance in regards to the base. I also have it set with a slight underbite. With that being said, I have 1 1/2" space from my grapple tips to the bucket when the cylinder is fully extended. I'm thinking this shouldn't be much of an issue but wanted to see if anyone had thoughts about it.

IMO you should have no problem setting it up that way. I have about 1" to 1-1/2" clearance on mine too.
Mine is also an "underbite" situation and it works perfect with the toothbar that way. I do a lot of clamshell brush pick up too. Put the fully dumped bucket over the pile or drive into it while dumping the bucket (slowly) so you don't jam the toothbar into the ground. Then grab with the grapple and bucket alternating between the two. The dirt will remain on the ground.

 

[KB4330]

ISomething I learned the hard way is that the mount needs to be tied in to the ends of the bucket or it will flex and crack. Originally, I mounted my grapple on a length of 3x3 angle about the length of the grapple base. Didn't take long before it cracked - there is a lot of pressure on the grapple - and I had to reinforce the mount with a piece of bar stock the full width of the bucket.

Thanks for the heads up John. I don't anticipate any welding issues with the way I am setting this up. The stock bucket on my L4330 is well reinforced in the area where the grapple base will mount and I really don't want to raise it any higher than it already is.

IMO you should have no problem setting it up that way. I have about 1" to 1-1/2" clearance on mine too.
Mine is also an "underbite" situation and it works perfect with the toothbar that way. I do a lot of clamshell brush pick up too. Put the fully dumped bucket over the pile or drive into it while dumping the bucket (slowly) so you don't jam the toothbar into the ground. Then grab with the grapple and bucket alternating between the two. The dirt will remain on the ground.

Thank you. I didn't anticipate any issues but it's nice to know you have success with the same clearances.

KB

 

[dirtrod]

I too would go with the overbite. I didn’t and after a years use I can see the overbite would have been an advantage. I use mine for brush (Oregon berry vines) and log work, an absolutely great addition to the tractor.