Grapple with no 3rd function hydraulics needed

[suburbanfarmer]

Wondering if someone has already tried the new grapple that doesnt need the 3rd function connections.

Brush Crusher BC-42 For John Deere Tractors

Any good or bad reviews from the forum gurus?

 

[bearthebruce]

I've been looking at these a lot. The only negative I see is that you always have to grab from the top. You cannot push into a pile. That is what has me holding... Would love to save the money of having to put the third function on the tractor.. but, for our work in the woods on trails, I sure think that being able to get under a pile and then clamp would be of advantage.

Have also been looking at adding a thumb to forks.. Cost is comparable to the Westendorf Brush Crusher.

I'll be interested to hear opinions. And I know, it all goes back to what you plan to do and what ya need to do.

 

[suburbanfarmer]

I've been looking at these a lot. The only negative I see is that you always have to grab from the top. You cannot push into a pile. That is what has me holding... Would love to save the money of having to put the third function on the tractor.. but, for our work in the woods on trails, I sure think that being able to get under a pile and then clamp would be of advantage.

Have also been looking at adding a thumb to forks.. Cost is comparable to the Westendorf Brush Crusher.

I'll be interested to hear opinions. And I know, it all goes back to what you plan to do and what ya need to do.

I need a grapple to mostly move and stack logs or move tree tops in burn piles.
This one fits the bill for under $1500 cause everything else starts around $2k for the grapple and then add the cost of a diverter/3rd function.

Like you said, interested in opinions or review from those who have actually used it.

 

[Xfaxman]

They have been around awhile, here is a thread from 2007: https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/112434-westendorf-brush-crusher.html

 

[suburbanfarmer]

They have been around awhile, here is a thread from 2007: https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...ons/425233-new-colville-washington-state.html

@Xfaxman seems the link you posted is incorrect.

 

[oldnslo]

Interesting idea for moving logs or longer items. I did not watch the video but do both parts of the jaws move or just the top?

 

[Xfaxman]

@Xfaxman seems the link you posted is incorrect.

Sorry bout that

Corrected it with this: https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/112434-westendorf-brush-crusher.html

 

[Xfaxman]

Interesting idea for moving logs or longer items. I did not watch the video but do both parts of the jaws move or just the top?

And the new BC-4200 for the John Deere coupler of several different loaders.:

 

[lazy Richard]

I ordered a Brush Crusher 4 weeks ago. Got it after 2 weeks, $1850, ordered directly from Westendorf. I am less than pleased with the finished product. Many of the welds look like may have been done by a 9 or 10 year old. I had planned on using it on a Deere 4052R but have since reconsidered. When I got it came created (that's good) since I live rural and have to drive to trucking terminal to get it around 60 miles round trip. My excitement over buyting the Deere grapple and saving some money soon faded with the assembly of the unit. Firstly it was wrapped in cellophane plastic that took the better part of a hour to remove. Like cellophane will keep a 300 lb implement from getting scratched? Like someone cares if a grapple gets scratched? Moving on, the assembly takes around a hour or so by oneself. In the process I noticed several incomplete welds, something I might expect from China. I contacted Westendorf who ask for photos, like I have posted here. I was contacted promptly and ask to disassemble the unit, purchase the new parts that were faulty, ship back the old ones and they would ship out replacements and refund my account after inspection. Many many hours of work and driving to and from the shipping company. After several back and fourths I decided I had enough of the company and will purchase the Deere grapple which is where I should have started. I will have the welds fixed here so the next sap does not get stuck with Chinese work from a company who pretends to manufacture American quality. I have decided to consider the loss of money as tuition to life's education. The nice thing about the warranty is you can not afford to use it. I have not heard a beep out of them since. Proceed at your own peril but plan on using this with a smaller tractor, say a 2025 or so. Its too light for a larger unit.

 

[bearthebruce]

Interesting idea for moving logs or longer items. I did not watch the video but do both parts of the jaws move or just the top?

The top grapple arm is controlled by your bucket curl function. The bottom is hinged at the front loader arm. It pivots, stopping when it hits the arm. The pinch occurs with the bottom pushed up against the arm of the loader and the top grapple curled towards the loader arms.