First attachment advice

[brown40]

I like the looks of the toothbars for getting in soil, but don't like the idea of annual removal for snow and material handling. The ratchet rakes make me nervous--my loader design is strong vertically, and for pushing. Pulling/backdragging I have ~1/4" pin holding the bottom of the bucket on an ear on each side--the top nestles in 'U's'. The SSQA looks a lot more robust, but it's still a tractor loader--meant more for material handling than excavation. I know people swear by the product, its the rest of the engineering that would give me pause. I do pull with the loader, but it's using a chain hook on the bucket top, so my 'pull' still levers against the tab on the bottom. I wouldn't want to rely on my tabs/ears/1/4" pins to grub brush--people have sheared them backing up and catching a bucket corner.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Right now I'm thinking tooth bar or ratchet rake and pallet forks. I would really like a grapple but $3k is out of the question right now. I could see a box blade in the future.

I know that it will be later on, but before you EVER spend $3k on a grapple setup, do a lot of shopping. THERE IS NO GOOD REASON to spend that kind of money for a grapple set up for your tractor.

Just my :2cents:

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I would really like a grapple but I think it's out of my price range right now. Plus I would need to add a front remote.

You can run it off one of your rear remotes. There are proponents of that method over a 3rd function on TBN (just not me). I think it is the cheapest way to add a loader hydraulic circuit. Just route two 3000psi lines fron your rear remote ports to the loader. You then use rear remote lever to open and close the grapple. Just disconnect the hoses if you need both rear remotes.

As far as the 3pth "top and tilt," a hydraulic Piston replaces your top link and one side link. Brian (MtnViewRanch) is truly the expert on this.

 

[k0ua]

I have right at $1500 in my grapple and hoses. I am using a rear remote. I modified my control lever to make it easier to reach with my fingers while still holding on to the FEL joystick. I am happy with it.

 

[Neil L]

The piranha blade is ,in my opinion, better than a typical tooth blade due to the cutting ability of the tooth design, check comments here on TBN. A box blade is a very satisfying tool(toy) once you master it you will be able to get great results doing things that you do not think about, add chain hooks. Brian is right about waiting, (he is the man for this) but as someone pointed out, T&T is a real spoiler not only for working, but makes changing implements.
Neil

 

[Neil L]

You might also look at "The Thumb" for your front bucket, Brian mentioned 3K is not necessary.
Neil

 

[dirtymartini]

You can run it off one of your rear remotes. There are proponents of that method over a 3rd function on TBN (just not me). I think it is the cheapest way to add a loader hydraulic circuit. Just route two 3000psi lines fron your rear remote ports to the loader. You then use rear remote lever to open and close the grapple. Just disconnect the hoses if you need both rear remotes.

As far as the 3pth "top and tilt," a hydraulic Piston replaces your top link and one side link. Brian (MtnViewRanch) is truly the expert on this.

I like that idea...interesting.

 

[k0ua]

I like that idea...interesting.

Here is my implementation of this idea:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...-quick-connects-loader-torque.html?highlight=

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...extension-control-valve-lever.html?highlight=

 

[dirtymartini]

You might also look at "The Thumb" for your front bucket, Brian mentioned 3K is not necessary.
Neil

I just checked out "The Thumb" I like the idea of mounting it on Pallet Forks. Or better yet get an extra mounting plate and have a mount on the bucket and the forks. This just might fit my budget!:drink:

 

[jrclark]

Lots to think about dirti, but this problem of yours is the sort you don't mind incurring. Not having any money for implements is a bad thing.

During our home building project, my tractor accumulated a boom pole, forks, chipper, ratchet rake and a rear blade. The boom pole was easily the best bang for the buck, but much more necessary for me because of the minimal loader lift capacity and size/type of the trees that were felled. I was able to skid and stack large sections with a boom pole and bucket with a little on-the-job trial and error. Could I have used the forks? Sure, but would have had to cut 30" oak trunks down to a pretty small size just to pick them off the ground and lift them to stack. Either way the process took a good amount of time.

Your tractor has a much greater lift capacity, so the forks will likely be better for that sort of work. The "Thumb" attachment would be an awesome addition to the forks, and is on my shortlist of implements if I ever have extra money.

The ratchet rake was an awesome purchase. Bought it only a few weeks ago but has easily paid for itself. Excavator wanted $3700 to rake and seed the lawn, which was slightly absurd. I have about $850 in the rake, seed and fertilizer. The messed up back was completely free of charge. Our house is set in the middle of the woods, and there's a lot more opportunity to use the rake for clearing saplings and undergrowth, pulling rocks and small stumps and smoothing out the grade. Can't wait!

Good luck on your search. Fill us in when you make some decisions!