Grapple Grapple or Loader

[laen64]

I'm still in the selection stages for my BX 2660. Please give your opinons as to most usable the Grapple or Loader. My property is mainly Flat and Clear.

thanks in advance.

HooAh!

 

[MikeInEburg]

Mostly depends on what you want to accomplish. I would always choose loader over grapple - but that's based on my needs.
Mike

 

[kennyd]

I do not understand the question...usually the grapple mounts onto the loader...

 

[IslandTractor]

I do not understand the question...usually the grapple mounts onto the loader...

You are referring to a grapple bucket which indeed may be the best solution here but I think the OP was talking about a separate grapple.

A bucket grapple is IMO probably the best thing for something like a Kubota B2660. Your loader is not very powerful and separate grapples weigh about 400+ pounds which reduces your net lift capacity significantly. Althought there are some distinct advantages of a grapple over a bucket grapple, unless you have a quick attach set up on your loader (not aware that Kubota sells one for the B line) then it is a problem to get a grapple with the correct pin mount and also a hassle (though only 15 minutes) to switch the bucket and grapple.

A grapple bucket is pretty easy to build based on the standard bucket. Several companies and ebay dealers sell kits to add the upper grapple arm. I haven't checked recently but I believe you can get them for $350-600. You'll also need to add hydraulics and there are several options there too (figure on spending $500-1000 if the dealer is doing it).

I have a separate grapple but if I were starting out with a B series Kubota I think I'd go with the bucket grapple as described. Much more useful than a standard bucket alone with very few negatives other than cost. The only downsides are that the upper grapple arm does add some weight and for some operations could interfere (imagine trying to put the cutting edge against a building and then "dumping"...with the grapple bucket the grapple will hit the building. Little things like that do need to be worked around but in general people with grapple buckets rave about them. Check out 3RRL's posts.

 

[laen64]

Thanks I believe if the options are available the Grapple Bucket will be the one for me. Does the usual Grapple Bucket easily seperate to use without Grapple to rid myself of the building example as stated by Islandtractor?

 

[IslandTractor]

Does the usual Grapple Bucket easily seperate to use without Grapple to rid myself of the building example as stated by Islandtractor?

You can always remove the grapple arm and hydraulics. Some kits like the ATI bucket grapple kit have a two piece system so you can quickly remove the grapple leaving just some mounts attached to the bucket. Even with a welded on grapple you can remove the pivot pins on the grapple to take it off the bucket in 10-15 minutes. I mentioned the issue of getting close to a building but in reality that is not often much of a concern.

 

[johnnydel29]

I would absolutely love to own a frame mounted hydralic controlled grapple - for me it would be way too expensive and I would not use it that much.

I just ordered a pair of light duty clamp on forks for Paynes Forks Inc. I noticed they make a clamp on debris forks - which I heard work really well. It might be worth it to take a look a them.

Paynesforks.com - Tractor & Skid Steer Bucket Forks Attachments

 

[IslandTractor]

I would absolutely love to own a frame mounted hydralic controlled grapple - for me it would be way too expensive and I would not use it that much.

I just ordered a pair of light duty clamp on forks for Paynes Forks Inc. I noticed they make a clamp on debris forks - which I heard work really well. It might be worth it to take a look a them.

Paynesforks.com - Tractor & Skid Steer Bucket Forks Attachments

Those forks are pretty expensive though (at least through northerntool) and cost about the same as a bucket grapple kit. The only extra expense would be adding the hydraulics which could be anything from $50 if you already have rear remotes to $1000 if you elect to add an electric over hydraulic 3rd function valve.

 

[nybirdman]

I just added a greens-machine "thumb" to my front bucket added about 120 pounds,I already had the 3 function valve for hydraulics,may-be not as good as a full grapple ,but with the tooth bar works well.Easy to remove with pins and leave the base.