Grapple width

[jcummins]

Well I got out to use it today. First off, I confirmed that without something to bump against, the QA is difficult to get lined up, but since there are plenty of places to grab and it isn't too heavy, I can muscle it into place....not that I should have to! I think I will weld in a plate there sometime soon.

Now for the other (MAJOR) problem that cropped up - it popped off the QA during use - twice! The first time the loader was at full height dumping brush, and when it banged into the dump stop, it popped right off and was hanging by the hoses. Not good. Scared the crap out of me, but I was able to get it back on with no damage apparent. Now I was being super careful, and still a bit later, the top hook of the QA popped out. No drama this time, but jeez. I have QA forks (aftermarket) and bucket (Kubota) and have NEVER had this problem before. I think there is too much slop in the spacing on the grapple QA relative to the standard dimensions, and it is possibly flexing too. Not sure. I'm open to suggestions, but I think my approach will be to weld on a shim at the bottom bracket to shorten up the gap a bit. Probably 1/8- 3/16", but I need to measure first to see where it's at. I suppose I could call Gator and ask about return or fix, but I really need this now, not in a week or 2.

On the other hand - when it would stay on the tractor - it was working great and was a huge boost to clearing brush and small roots. I wish I had gotten one of these 3 months ago...functioning properly of course...

Mine had slop in the tolerance on the quick attach too and came loose on one side twice. I welded a simple straight bar on it so the QA pin hit it first, it tighten it right up....problem solved.

 

[JHTFarmer]

For clearing acres of dense brush and small trees, I've had great success with this root rake / grapple that is the same width as my 40 horse. My little partner agrees.

 

[jinman]

For clearing acres of dense brush and small trees, I've had great success with this root rake / grapple that is the same width as my 40 horse. My little partner agrees.

Rich, I know there is an optical illusion making the size of that grapple look huge, but it sure does look heavy. It must weigh at least 800 lb or nearly 1/2 the DX40's FEL lift ability. You need lots of ballast and to take small bites, I'm sure. My rock bucket mounted grapple is about the same weight and I can sure feel it's weight even when empty. Of course, being heavy is a big plus for a root grapple because it aids ground penetration.:thumbsup:

 

[JHTFarmer]

Rich, I know there is an optical illusion making the size of that grapple look huge, but it sure does look heavy. It must weigh at least 800 lb or nearly 1/2 the DX40's FEL lift ability. You need lots of ballast and to take small bites, I'm sure. My rock bucket mounted grapple is about the same weight and I can sure feel it's weight even when empty. Of course, being heavy is a big plus for a root grapple because it aids ground penetration.:thumbsup:

It's not quite that heavy. Actually 567 pounds (WR Long RBG 60) But certainly much heavier than a set of simple forks so cannot lift quite as much. Don't really notice the difference that much though. Here's some pics from a big pine stump we wrestled out yesterday. I apologize for not having the ropes up (Large tree limbs too low back there). Rear tires are filled and usually have 500 pound boxblade on for ballest

 

[teg]

Grapple envy!!! :ashamed: :thumbsup: You know what they say about men with large grapples... :laughing:







...they get more work done. :confused2: Pretty impressive.

 

[jake98]

I got the same Markham grapple rake last spring, except I had them put half-inch side tines on it. The shipping sticker came off mine OK, but it took the paint with it!
Initially, I had some trouble with hooking the hydraulic lines, but I've done pretty well recently by hooking the QA up, raising the rake, shutting down the engine, then releasing it back to the ground (moving all the control levers to relieve the pressure). When taking it off, I also lower the rake and grapple the last little way after shutting off the engine.
I really like the skid steer (flat face) type couplers. It is also great to be able to connect the male and female couplers together when the grapple isn't mounted on the FEL, to keep dirt away from them...plus, they always get hooked up the same way each time.
BOB

Yesterday while fooling with my gauge and hydraulic cylinder I found out I was able to hook up the hoses with the tractor running when the gauge said zero.

 

[jake98]

I ain't sayin nothin.

 

[IslandTractor]

I ain't sayin nothin.

I dunno Jake, looks to me like you need a wider grapple than you have. Those end pieces would surely pop out when you hit a hole.

 

[jake98]

I dunno Jake, looks to me like you need a wider grapple than you have. Those end pieces would surely pop out when you hit a hole.

That's what I was thinkin..:drool:

 

[IslandTractor]

This is how I carry firewood. Maybe half a cord or so at a time. But, I'm sure I could pack more in if I only had a wider grapple.:laughing: