Grapple Bucket on TC35DA?

[frdtrukman]

I have a TC35DA with a 16LA front end loader. I have found that a grapple bucket would be extremely handy. Has anyone had one installed? I'm assuming that I would need some more hydraulic connections. What do you guys think?

 

[daTeacha]

A) Once you put it on and use it, you would sooner part with your Ford pickup than the grapple.

B) You will need a valve and lines installed. I have a T fitting in lines that also end in a set of rear remotes. I control the grapple OR rear hydraulics with one valve by not having anything connected to the line not in use. I would suggest having quick disconnects mounted on the crossbar of the FEL for when you want to remove the bucket or the very rare times you want to take the grapple off and leave the bucket on. Watch the way the lines to the grapple cylinder(s) are run. You can get them pinched by the cylinders that dump the bucket if care is not taken.

 

[frdtrukman]

Thanks Rich,

Do you have any idea what something like that would cost? My dealer is like a 120 miles away and I don't have a vehicle that would tow it. I know, I know, I need an F250 but the little woman doesn't agree with that at the moment. Go figure. Boys and their toys.

 

[daTeacha]

Mine was purchased with the tractor, new on A-plan pricing, so the figures are a little jumbled. I had a QA bucket, grapple, valve, plumbing, rear remotes, front QD hydraulics, etc. added to a tractor the dealer had sitting on the lot. They just gave me a bottom line on the package. I believe the grapple and associated parts came in less than $1000.

My grapple is an Add-a-Grapple, which is made by (I think the name is right) Precision Machine in (I think) Alabama. They have a website, so you could find them using a search engine easily enough. A square tube bolts to the bucket and the grapple mounts to that. It's something a guy with a drill and wrenches could do himself if he knew his way around hydraulics.

If you're reasonably handy and use this site as a source of information, you could probably do it yourself in an afternoon, once you get the parts.

There are other brands out there that are intended to be added to your existing bucket, too. I would advise having a HD bucket, though.

 

[jinman]

I have a TC35DA with a 16LA front end loader. I have found that a grapple bucket would be extremely handy. Has anyone had one installed? I'm assuming that I would need some more hydraulic connections. What do you guys think?

The short answer to your question is a minimum of $1500 to $2000. I have one and so does mikim. We both have TC45s, but the installation on your TC35DA would be essentially the same. Since you said "bucket grapple" I am assuming you will not want to buy a stand-alone grapple/root rake combo. I'm also assuming that you will want to have the job done by your dealer, Landmark, or someone else. That will add $300-$500 to your cost. If you do this yourself, you could probably do it for around $1250. Here are the costs:

1. NH rear remote valve kit or 3rd function joystick kit - $500 (or more)
2. Bucket grapple ready to install on bucket - $400 - $500 (or more)
3. Hoses and fittings - $250
4. Labor - $300-$500

I like the rear remote valve kit because it can be used for other things when you don't need the grapple. A 3rd function joystick kit is nice, but not as easy to use for other things like a hydraulic toplink.

I'm sure you will get lots of advice and you can easily spend $4000 if you want nothing but top-of-the-line. I have a grapple on my rock bucket and love it. It's the "cat's meow" for picking up brush, debris, and tons of other stuff.

 

[SOS]

I have grapple on my 45a and it ran me about 600. It does work pretty good -- saving me from getting off the seat a lot. However, I also got a forklift attachment an that works better for me picking up stacks of logs (if I can get centered on them -- I just stick it in the pile and tilt it back. My problem was i did not get the heavy duty forklift... I have a limit of 800 lbs.

Good luck

 

[PineRidge]

You could easily add a grapple to your bucket. I have seen many offered at eBay. If you're handy with a welder you could even make one.

 

[kennyd]

You could easily add a grapple to your bucket. I have seen many offered at eBay. If you're handy with a welder you could even make one.

PineRidge is BACK

Yeah!

 

[PineRidge]

Hey Kenny!

Sorry we haven't had the opportunity to post much the past few months. Our Hartville store has taken more time than originally planned. We now have a DSL connection and computer in the store.

I missed you guys!

 

[jinman]

I missed you guys!

Don't ask me to participate in a group hug, but I missed you too, Mike.