Loader grapple

[don white]

Got done installing my grapple this week. I went with the Wildkat mini rock grapple. Also installed the Kubota third function kit.

Wow I got a lot of material moved this weekend. I have a lot of tops on the ground from a heavy snow early in the year. I'm loving it. Big fire coming.

The grapple does not work as well in the rocks as I had hoped. I think all I need to do is break up the rocks and soil with the backhoe and then use the grapple bucket to remove the rocks.

Had one fitting I didn't tighten and lost some hydraulic fluid till I saw the leak. I should have checked all the fittings.

Now I need a snow plow. Wildkat has one for less than 2 grand. Anyone out there have any input on it?

 

[Deano]

No info...but let's see some pictures!!

 

[General Lee]

I'm gonna have me a grapple one of these days. Not to highjack your thread, but you mentioned you installed a 3rd function kit. I was under the impression a grapple operates on the same hydraulic lines and controls as the FEL? Am I wrong or does it depend on the style of grapple and functions (open/closes) it performs?

 

[J_J]

You can operate the grapple using the curl circuits, or a remote valve. Just depends on whatever you install.

Some people like the switch on the joystick valve for the grapple.

Others would say, if you already have the remotes, why not use them.

 

[don white]

There are several ways to install the grapple hydraulic controls. I liked the idea of having the buttons on the FEL joystick. The buttons are a electric over hydraulic. So you press one button and the valve provides fluid to one hose and return on the other.
It is nice having the buttons right on the joystick you can move the bucket and open it all at once. Close it while rolling etc.

 

[wcampbell47]

I am considering a grapple. Can you enlighten me please why you chose Wildkat? I have been considering the Add A Grapple and the WR Long Open Bottom 48".

 

[don white]

I liked the Wildkat for two reasons. One it is a rock grapple. Which means I a dig and sift out the rocks. I have a lot of rocks. Two I liked the price of 825. The grapple is well made with grease fittings recessed in the pins and a cover on the cylinder. Nice welds, thick material. 550 lbs.

 

[Firefighter Kubota]

Got done installing my grapple this week. I went with the Wildkat mini rock grapple. Also installed the Kubota third function kit.

Wow I got a lot of material moved this weekend. I have a lot of tops on the ground from a heavy snow early in the year. I'm loving it. Big fire coming.

The grapple does not work as well in the rocks as I had hoped. I think all I need to do is break up the rocks and soil with the backhoe and then use the grapple bucket to remove the rocks.

Had one fitting I didn't tighten and lost some hydraulic fluid till I saw the leak. I should have checked all the fittings.

Now I need a snow plow. Wildkat has one for less than 2 grand. Anyone out there have any input on it?[/quote]


Can you weld? Or a friend who does? Get a plow off craigslist and save a boat load of money...Thats what I did...

 

[devildog1]

You can operate the grapple using the curl circuits, or a remote valve. Just depends on whatever you install.

Some people like the switch on the joystick valve for the grapple.

Others would say, if you already have the remotes, why not use them.

JJ is that you? Good to see that your in the season, P.S. you do make a a real looking Santa.:thumbsup: