Compact Tractors W/ Grapple

[tacticalturnip]

In daylight I find that my view is fine with the loader on; at night, however, the loader impeded the headlights and can be an issue.

 

[HamishMacCheap]

the loader impeded the headlights and can be an issue.

I don't know if the headlights on my tractors are functional or not. I don't think I have ever used them. I start early and when the sun begins to set, I am done, if not before.

Hence, reduced vision with headlights won't be a problem for me.

Thanks, tacticalturnip.

 

[2manyrocks]

The potential problem with a tractor FEL is that it extends the length beyond the front wheels of the tractor so that you have to be careful about turning in confined spaces not to hit something with the bucket/loader. I don't have much issue seeing what I want to pickup in my grapple on the L2501.

 

[ning]

It takes 10 seconds to drop the bucket which greatly reduces the length of the tractor; my loader sticks out about another foot from the tractor with the bucket removed. I saw the salesman remove the loader from the tractor in moments, but I've never seen the need to. When I mow in my orchard, no-bucket is sufficient -- the 3ph implement is by far a bigger concern to hitting things (the rotary mower swings really wide).

Removing the bucket lets the lights do a good enough job, too, though having a light bar mounted across the top of the ROPS is even better - literally 10x as good as the headlights, a wider brighter beam than without a loader in the way.

 

[ericm979]

I usually leave the grapple or bucket on while mowing. I find that it doesn't block the view if you keep it low. Having the bucket or grapple low can help you find rocks before you try to mow them.

When you have a big load of brush in the grapple it really blocks the view. I try to not drive with the loader raised up high, especially with a load in it, as that's a recipe for a rollover. So I have gotten good at looking past the load in the grapple- look at the edge of the road and what you can see through the load (if anything) or above it. Also there's not many straight sections of road on my California place.

 

[tacticalturnip]

@ericm979 brings up a good point, keep the load as low as you comfortably can.

 

[hillguy]

I also added a WR Long 3rd function valve and a grapple about 6 years ago and have not taken it off since. Although I'm sure I will eventually need to use my bucket, the grapple is by far the most useful implement I own.

 

[Fxfymn413]

I use a rear remote to operate the grapple and I can't remember ever feathering it. I crush stuff until it stops moving, or at least enough to hold on to it.

My set up is a little different. I made the grapple myself and it is attached to my pallet forks. In addition to using it for moving logs and brush I also use the grapple to secure loads on the pallet forks hence the need to be gentle.

I also slowly open the grapple when I am loading logs into my dump trailer. By opening it just a bit I can slide the log down the forks slowly, hold it with the grapple, then drop it into the trailer with less force and place it exactly where I want it.