Grapple Help

[Jstpssng]

I have the 54" MTL for my 3301, which probably has similar lift capacity as yours. I bought my tractor used and the Land Pride 3rd function came with it. I thought the wider grapple would be more handy, now I don't think that 6 inches makes a lot of difference. All that it really does is add a little weight, and cost a bit more.
If your tires aren't loaded you need to get that done. Mine aren't but I do have wheel weights; and still lift the rears off the ground way too easily.

One thing I don't like about my controls, but don't know if there's anything you can do differently; when I'm curling or raising the loader I can't work the grapple at the same time.

 

[coltbean]

I have the 54" MTL for my 3301, which probably has similar lift capacity as yours. I bought my tractor used and the Land Pride 3rd function came with it. I thought the wider grapple would be more handy, now I don't think that 6 inches makes a lot of difference. All that it really does is add a little weight, and cost a bit more.
If your tires aren't loaded you need to get that done. Mine aren't but I do have wheel weights; and still lift the rears off the ground way too easily.

One thing I don't like about my controls, but don't know if there's anything you can do differently; when I'm curling or raising the loader I can't work the grapple at the same time.

My tires are loaded. Is your RPM up? With only 1 pump you have to get the hydro fluid moving at max.

 

[Jstpssng]

I don't think that it's the pump, otherwise both functions would just be slower. Instead it's either or; dump the bucket, or work the grapple. That could be typical of all setups, or just the way that mine is.

 

[coltbean]

I don't think that it's the pump, otherwise both functions would just be slower. Instead it's either or; dump the bucket, or work the grapple. That could be typical of all setups, or just the way that mine is.

That sounds like a diverter instead of a 3rd function.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I have the 54" MTL for my 3301, which probably has similar lift capacity as yours. I bought my tractor used and the Land Pride 3rd function came with it. I thought the wider grapple would be more handy, now I don't think that 6 inches makes a lot of difference. All that it really does is add a little weight, and cost a bit more.
If your tires aren't loaded you need to get that done. Mine aren't but I do have wheel weights; and still lift the rears off the ground way too easily.

One thing I don't like about my controls, but don't know if there's anything you can do differently; when I'm curling or raising the loader I can't work the grapple at the same time.

I am working on uneven ground all the time, In the humpy, stumpy, holey, rough woods. I prefer a narrow grapple there. If it is wide it is hard to get it parallel or close to the ground all the way across because one corner hits way before the other. So you end up missing one end of what you are trying to pick and make a mess. On a flat field wide is good.

gg

 

[CoyPatton]

That sounds like a diverter instead of a 3rd function.

It actually sounds like a low flow and diverter.
Diverters typically disable a function (curl/dump) to make the grapple work with the flip of a switch.
Not being able to grapple when raising the loader and operating the grapple sounds more like a fluid flow issue. Yes both functions would be slower as most compacts and subcompacts have a low flow rate from the pump.
It can be changed through a couple of routes, but can get pricey quick. (1-upgrade the existing pump. 2-install a PTO pump and usually a separate hydraulic tank)
Most of us just learn to live with the limitations of the available flow. One major issue with a PTO pump setup is if you need your loader while using a PTO implement.

 

[oosik]

I went with the Land Pride SGC 1560 grapple and WR Long third function valve. I have over 30 years of experience out here and know what will happen to light weight implements. The Land Pride grapple is very HD but I have plenty of capacity with the FEL on my M6040.

The 1560 is a rock/root type grapple. It's not the grapple you need but the Land Pride brand provide good implements.

I'm not familiar with the EA brand but sure a lot of folks here that speak highly of their implements, also.

When I look for a new implement - one of my primary concerns - will this new implement last as long as my tractor.

 

[coltbean]

MTL 48" compact grapple and Summit 3rd function kit on the way. Thanks for the help.

 

[ovrszd]

Give us a report when you get it. We love pics.

 

[BRMyers]

Yes, make sure you post pics.

 

[Lunk]

It doesn't matter what you get, you will love it. I've had a couple now (Markham back in the day, and currently a Faver), and when I'm not moving snow in the Winter, my grapple generally stays on. The stock bucket rarely gets used, except for dirt-work.

You will create things to do once you start using a grapple...

Enjoy!

 

[buck12]

My grapple is my second most used implement behind my bush hog. I currently have a MTL grapple and works for my uses. My previous tractor had a Wild Kat grapple and it also worked fine for many years. I think you will be happy with the MTL.

 

[oosik]

My grapple went on five and a half years ago. It has not been removed since that time. However - I know if I sell the bucket, I'll need it for something.

My grapple, rear blade & chipper - just about 100% of my time on the tractor.

 

[Raul5452]

So may I have some info as to what you all think about the titan extreme root grapple ? I want to put it in my m7060 Kubota. For brush and root removal.

 

[oosik]

The grapple is made from thick steel and is quite heavy. Same as my Land Pride. I like that it has twin hydraulic cylinders. I think the replaceable tine tips might be a little much. But if you do a lot of "rooting" - might be handy. Greaseable pivot points - nice.

Looks like it would stand up to heavy use for a very long time.

BTW - as long as you are considering a grapple - also look into modifying your grill guard. The modified grill guard protects your grill, radiator & battery.

View attachment 673544View attachment 673545

 

[coltbean]

Got the Summit 3rd function installed today. Pretty easy install and looks good. Grapple arrives Thursday

 

[ovrszd]

Awesome. You're gaining!!!

 

[homesteader13]

Looks good!

 

[Raul5452]

Oosik, that grill guard is awesome. This winter that will be project 101. Lol. I need. It if I get that grapple. I was leaning towards the titan extreme 72" but I have been reading too many bad reviews. I like the landpride sgc15 series. Bottom tines look good for digging roots but yet a little longer for picking up a good load of brush. You have the 6040 Kubota with the sgc1560. I have a m7060 with r4 tires making it a bit over 6' wide in front. Do you find your grapple wide enough to clear brush undergrowth in front and continue to push forward without problems or would you recommend the 1572 ? What is the lifting capacity of your fel ?

 

[oosik]

Raul - lifting capacity of my fel is directly related to how high I lift the load. I normally lift only high enough to get the grapple off the ground. Many times I'm lifting such a heavy load I'll leave "knuckle drag marks" in the dirt. You should look at the lift charts in your FEL Op manual. Do NOT go by what is listed on the spec chart. The spec chart is for 800mm( 32") forward of the lift pins and from 20" to 32" off the ground. With my SGC1560 grapple - the center of the load( large log or rock ) is only 16" to 18" forward of the lift pins. This makes a SUBSTANTIAL difference.

I frequently lift a log or rock that will weigh 3000+ pounds. I have both log weight & rock weight charts. So - I know, pretty well, within 50# or so - what a log or rock is going to weigh.

However - if you will be lifting to heights - what you can safely lift drops off rapidly.

My 60" grapple is +/- an inch or so of being as wide as the outside width of my front tires. I don't have brush that I mow or remove. Just open fields of bunch grass and stands of ancient Ponderosa pines. I do use the grapple to gather up limbs when I have to fell a large pine. Limbs will be sticking out two to three feet wider than the grapple, on each side, with no problem at all.

I've had this grapple six years now and have never needed anything wider. I see no advantage of the 1572 over the 1560 AND the 1572 is 100# heavier( 820# vs 922#). Regarding limbs - I backdrag with the upper jaw to collect - come straight down on the accumulated bunch and clamp tight. A 60" grapple will do every bit as well as a 72".

Everything you will be doing with a grapple will out in front of you. So grapple width vs front tire width will have little to no meaning.

A young fellow at the local welding shop did the expanded metal work on the grill guard. He wanted to paint the two upper quadrants white with large black eye balls. And the "tongue" was to be red. I decided plain 'ol black was just fine.