Grappling fun - A Picture Thread....

[TomSeller]

Thank you IslandTractor, Msamt, & Piston, these forums are a tremendous help as is all of your input. In looking at different Grapples some have one upper grip and others have two. Do any of you know the pro and cons of them? I like the idea of trying to find a great deal at a function like an auction, ( the more money saved the more to buy later ) but my wife, ( you gotta love her ) says she prefer that I buy new because of warranty and " tech support ".

Two lids on an L grapple offer some advantage over a single lid with odd shaped loads, but I have not seen many loads that can't be held on the grapple with a single lid. All the lid does is hold the load while you transport unless you have a rake grapple where the lid is wide, with multiple teeth and the lid is used for back raking. I have multiple grapples but If I only had one, it would be a narrow L style, lightweight with one lid. Heavier grapples can lift LESS than lightweight grapples.

As far as used goes, grapples are low tech. If the cylinders are in good shape and the grapple is not bent, you can get a good deal used. Even if it is bent you might be able to just bend it back. The hinges should be looked at but they are low cycle so they should not be worn. Maybe look for cracks or out of alignment. Good luck.

 

[IslandTractor]

Two lids on an L grapple offer some advantage over a single lid with odd shaped loads, but I have not seen many loads that can't be held on the grapple with a single lid. All the lid does is hold the load while you transport unless you have a rake grapple where the lid is wide, with multiple teeth and the lid is used for back raking. I have multiple grapples but If I only had one, it would be a narrow L style, lightweight with one lid. Heavier grapples can lift LESS than lightweight grapples.

As far as used goes, grapples are low tech. If the cylinders are in good shape and the grapple is not bent, you can get a good deal used. Even if it is bent you might be able to just bend it back. The hinges should be looked at but they are low cycle so they should not be worn. Maybe look for cracks or out of alignment. Good luck.

I agree. I don't think I've ever had trouble getting a load secured in my grapple with one upper jaw. Maybe if you were carrying lots of cut split firewood two jaws would be better (but a standard bucket would be better too). The other two negative issues with double jaws are 1) weighs more so net lift capacity is less and 2) always costs more.

There are a few truisms about grapples. The first is that everybody is happy with whatever grapple they have. Second is that any grapple is better than no grapple. Third is that I've never heard of anyone selling their 48" single jaw light duty grapple in order to buy a bigger one.

 

[Piston]

Wayne,
We're happy to help you spend your money

Regarding the hydraulics to operate a grapple, it sounds to me like you have a "power beyond" circuit and no rear remote valves. This is just my assumption based in what I've read, and I may have missed something.

A "power beyond" function, won't give you a way to operate the grapple.

There are a few options like I mentioned before, the electric over hydraulic solenoid, the diverter, and then using an already existing valve, if you have one. You can also add one or more, and it wouldn't be too difficult to do since you already have power beyond.

There is a member on here who sells some kits and is extremely helpful and really great to work with. When you are ready, I'd recommend getting in contact with Brian, his company is Fitrite Hydraulics, and his forum name is mtnviewranch (I'm guessing he has a ranch, with a view, of possibly some mountains )
He can certainly help you choose the right setup based on your preferences and needs. I've bought through him numerous times and have always been happy. There are other companies too, WR Long sells grapples and valve kits, very easy to install and this is the style I have. Also Everything Attachments sells both as well. They are all good.

Regarding the grapple.
I won't tell you what grapple to get, because you might have some unique needs that calls for something specific.
I had very specific uses in mind when I bought mine, I wanted a perfectly flat bottom, not curved, and I wanted something wider as I carry a lot of firewood with my grapple, so I wanted a wider one. I actually wish I got the 72" model but I would never recommend that to others unless they are doing mostly firewood and have more lift capacity. I don't believe a wider grapple will let you carry anymore brush than a narrower grapple. Don't sell the narrow ones short.

I do agree with others that (because of your loader capabilities) I would stick with a smaller grapple. If you don't have specific needs for a bigger one, or a flat bottom, I'd really look hard at that Everything Attachments 50" grapple. I'd be inclined to say just buy that one, but I don't know your real needs so I can't say that.


I'll try to let you know if I'm up that way over the next few weeks.

Wayne, if you work in the woods, I'm not kidding you, a grapple will CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
(Okay maybe a little dramatic but it's seriously amazing how much more useful your tractor becomes)

 

[TomSeller]

my families outdoor opportunities. Such as reclaiming an old apple orchard,

Fodder for a separate thread, but this is one of my hobbies as well. I have an old orchard dating back to 1880 that I have been furiously grafting the old varieties onto new rootstock to save them, some of which are not identifiable. Apple replant disease forced me to relocate the new trees.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Once you get a true 3rd function, with control switch to open / close grapple right on the FEL joystick, you will never want to try to use a rear remote and have to move your hand from joystick to the remote handle. Both of our tractors have the WR Long 3rd function now.

 

[IslandTractor]

Wayne,

Don't worry about 38 vs 35 HP. Your loader is "light duty" and Kubota tractors are light too. I wouldn't hesitate a minute to get the EA light grapple if it were my decision.

Piston raises an excellent point regarding hydraulics at the rear of your tractor. You need to clarify if you have a rear remote or power beyond for the backhand . Is there a lever you need to set to on/official from the operator station? A rear remote allows multiple implements to be attached and controlled. Power beyond is useful only for implements like a backhoe that have their own control valves. Either could have been used for your backhoe.

As noted, there are three options to control grapple hydraulics. There are a number of threads here that discuss those options. Each has benefits and costs. Using an existing rear remote is cheapest. Adding a new rear remote is second (?500). Diverter valve is next (?600-700) and electric over hydraulic is most expensive (?900). Each has fans, all work. I cannot imagine tractoring without at least one rear remote so I am a bit biased

 

[94BULLITT]

Once you get a true 3rd function, with control switch to open / close grapple right on the FEL joystick, you will never want to try to use a rear remote and have to move your hand from joystick to the remote handle. Both of our tractors have the WR Long 3rd function now.

I never used a grapple without a 3rd function but I can't imagine using one with a remote. A remote would not be as user friendly or productive.

 

[TomSeller]

A remote would not be as user friendly or productive.

Only slightly less. But MUCH less expensive. I have made 1000s of grapple picks and see no reason to change from using my remote.

 

[94BULLITT]

Only slightly less. But MUCH less expensive. I have made 1000s of grapple picks and see no reason to change from using my remote.

What is a remote on a Kubota like the guy is asking about, $500? Then a couple hundred for a hoses to run up the loader. A WR Long 3rd function is $750ish.

Edit: I just looked a remote retails for $855 for a L3800.

 

[IslandTractor]

I never used a grapple without a 3rd function but I can't imagine using one with a remote. A remote would not be as user friendly or productive.

If you've never used a remote to control a grapple, how can you make that statement.?

I've used a remote and I currently have a diverter valve. I actually preferred the remote. No way I would pay $600-1000 for the a diverter or electric over hydraulic today.

If you can drive a four on the floor transmission, using a remote is trivial.