Grapple for DK45SE

[markandkristi]

I am looking into getting a grapple for my 2014 DK45SE and have a couple questions. First is since I have the one set of rear remotes from the factory would I need another set or is this sufficient? Also would I need an extra valve for controlling or would I just use the main valve for lifting and tilting and then the secondary for opening and closing? What size grapple is recommended for the tractor I have, I have seen alot of people on the attachment forums running 48"-54" but havent specified tractor size. Im kind of 50/50 on the one lid or two lid as I can see advantages for both. I would like to keep costs down as much as possible but Ill spend whatever I have to to get a reliable grapple and setup. I have looked at Titan, EverythngAttachments and a couple other sites. Thanks for any help.

Mark
HHC Diesel & Machine

 

[k0ua]

The one rear remote is sufficient. I did extend the lever on mine to make it easier to operate joystick and remote lever without as much hand movement . see my threads about doing that and running hoses and putting QDs on the torque tube of the loader.

 

[k0ua]

As to size and type that is up to you. Call everything attachments and ask about their new single lid wider opening line.

 

[markandkristi]

Nice writeup on the lever lengthening. I think thats what Im going to do. Still trying to decide which size and all I want.

 

[markandkristi]

I dont want something too heavy that it hinders use so thats whats got me looking into the smaller, plus someone had mentioned the smaller ones are better at digging like rocks out better than the wider ones. I think the 48-54" range would be just fine. Want opinions on what people have.

 

[kspring61]

I went thru the same decision process a couple months ago and ended up with a 60" EA grapple after talking to them. It's built well and light for the size. I also ended up adding the 3rd function kit and installed myself. I know some people use the rear remote and use the control for that, but after using the 3rd function switch mounted right to the FEL joystick, I can tell you it's much easier to work the tilt and lid and the same time. I posted a thread with pics on the 3ed function install. It's very easy to do.

 

[Msamt]

I spent weeks figuring out what size to get, and when it came time to go to the auction and a 66" was up,for bid I jumped on it. Really wanted a 50", but so far no complaints, most used tool I own

 

[k0ua]

I spent weeks figuring out what size to get, and when it came time to go to the auction and a 66" was up,for bid I jumped on it. Really wanted a 50", but so far no complaints, most used tool I own
View attachment 417284

It wouldn't be hard to "whack attack" that 66 inch grapple with a saw and chop out a chunk on each end, bevel, and weld it back together, grind it smooth, and repaint. I think even a "hack" welder like me could do it..:laughing:

 

[8NAcres]

I just went through this as I needed one for weekend brush cleanup and such on my 42 acres and the bucket is horrible for this duty. Settled on a Titan 48" grapple and am in the process of getting the hoses and connectors for the rear remote for it. I am a research kinda guy before I buy anything - the consensus was a smaller light weight grapple is best for anything short of using it for a business. Lighter lets you lift more, smaller lets you get into tighter places. I opted for the single close and I have not used it but I know a guy who has a dual close and he bent one jaw - the single close looks more robust. I am happy with the Titan, it shipped the same day and I got it 3 days later, free shipping to my business, and no tax. It looks beefy, it is heavy (465 lbs. or so) and I can't imagine what I could use it for to tear it up. I must say though I was a little surprised at the cost of hydraulic hoses and fittings - might want to price this out now so you know what everything will cost up front.

 

[Hilbilly]

I too just went through this decision making process for a grapple I built. My original plan was to build a 66" wide one with 2 lids. I was talked out of that by some of the members on this forum and ended up going with a 48" wide on with a single lid. I also installed a diverter valve for the third function. Some of the reasoning for using a narrower grapple was for digging rocks, which I thought I would never do since I have an excavator for that purpose. However after having used the grapple for a couple of weeks, I have indeed used it for digging out rocks and some were very big. It's just easier to use it, than to go and get the excavator and drive it to the location. I was glad to have the narrower grapple for that purpose. I have also used it to grab a few trees by the end and pull them out of the bush. I think it is better to have a single lid when doing this, so that the load is centered on the grapple. With a dual lid you would be grabbing the tree on one side of the grapple and the entire load would be on that side.

On the flip side there have been times where I think a wider one with dual lids may have been better. Like when picking up piles of stuff (other than branches which cling together in a big mass anyways) like small roots that have been raked up with the grapple and pushed into a pile. I end up with a lot of soil mixed in with the roots. This stuff doesn't cling together as well as branches, so a wider grapple with 2 lids could pick up more material.

So far I've been very happy with the narrow grapple and have found a LOT more uses for it than I thought I would. I also like having the single lid for pulling logs out of the bush. Although a wider one with 2 lids may better for some things I think I will stick with the narrow one and single lid for a while. My single lid is only 24" wide and if I find that I'm doing a lot of work that involves things like the root / soil pick up, I will simply make a much wider single lid that I can mount on the narrow grapple, in place of the 24" lid that is on it now. It would be a simple matter to make the extra mounting brackets and then I would have the option of using the narrower lid or the wider one. I doubt I would make the grapple wider though.

In the end I think it depends on what you plan on using yours for.

Here are some pics of mine. The last pic shows the knob I made with the diverter valve switch in the top of it.