Homestead Implements Grapple

[JCoastie]

How are you making out with Homestead fixing your grapple? What kind of issues did you have?

Customer service has been very attentive. They issued the return shipping paperwork the same day, and they let me know the progress of the repair as it went along. Welding one day, recoating the next and shipping the following day. It shipped out yesterday via Fedex, which is better than Estes trucking that was used last time. Estes at least here in my town is so backed up, that the grapple sat in an UNLOADED truck 10 miles away for 7 full days before it was handed off to the last mile carrier. They actually told me it was shipping back to me this time "Fedex White Glove Service" which I just had to google lol White Glove Expedited Shipping Services | FedEx Custom Critical Issues I had were a missing weld, a zerk that was moved and the original hole not filled other than with paint, and the grapple broke through the pallet in shipping, so the banding was loose and things got beat up a little, scratches and chips in the paint. Oh, and the hose placement hit the levers of my SSQA, so they had to move those too. Customer service has been really good, I just wish I didn't need that contact, but it's good they're there. After I sent them the photos and video via email, they called me directly within an hour, said that isn't how they want their product to leave the factory. It shows an expected delivery on Wednesday.

 

[ripHST]

I’d say that’s the response of a company that cares about their customers’ satisfaction and expects to be in it for the long haul. Good to see that. Let’s hope their QC team gets the memo too......let us know how it looks when you get it back.

I think they’ll get some business from me for anything I can wait for. I need a grapple soon though. Can’t afford to lose the whole summer.

 

[Williy]

Does anyone have one of these grapple's?Add-A-Grapples-Single, Double, Pallet Fork Grapple - Ask Tractor Mike
I like the single one that fits on top of the bucket so
you don't have to remove it or the bucket to use.
I just have a bunch of branches and cactus to remove.

willy

 

[tfuller]

Customer service has been very attentive. They issued the return shipping paperwork the same day, and they let me know the progress of the repair as it went along. Welding one day, recoating the next and shipping the following day. It shipped out yesterday via Fedex, which is better than Estes trucking that was used last time. Estes at least here in my town is so backed up, that the grapple sat in an UNLOADED truck 10 miles away for 7 full days before it was handed off to the last mile carrier. They actually told me it was shipping back to me this time "Fedex White Glove Service" which I just had to google lol White Glove Expedited Shipping Services | FedEx Custom Critical Issues I had were a missing weld, a zerk that was moved and the original hole not filled other than with paint, and the grapple broke through the pallet in shipping, so the banding was loose and things got beat up a little, scratches and chips in the paint. Oh, and the hose placement hit the levers of my SSQA, so they had to move those too. Customer service has been really good, I just wish I didn't need that contact, but it's good they're there. After I sent them the photos and video via email, they called me directly within an hour, said that isn't how they want their product to leave the factory. It shows an expected delivery on Wednesday.

Unfortunately I would have to agree. They are great about fixing issues but the issues shouldn't exist in the first place.
My first purchase from them was the SSQA hydraulic auger. Found out real quick that they had installed the adapters in the drive to the hoses backwards so hydraulic oil was pouring out the first time I tried to use it. Easy enough to fix just had to flip the adapters over so the flared end was facing the hoses. Then found out they built the mount incorrect so the bottom locking pins didn't actually contact the slot so it wasn't tight to the loader when locked. Almost fell off the first time I rolled it forward to dig. They shipped me a new one that was built correct.
My second purchase was the 7' landscape rake. When it arrived I noticed the paint was flaking off in multiple places. They blamed it on shipping but there was no way all of that was shipping damage. They ended up shipping me a complete new upper section. Then after some use I noticed the bar that holds all of the tines was bent in the middle so I fixed it by bolting a large piece of angle iron to the bottom to force it straight and keep it from bending again.
Like I said they have been great about dealing with the issues but seems it would be easier and cheaper just to take care of it before it goes to the customer. I sometimes wonder if they have a tractor or even test their equipment like you see EA doing other than sending it to Hank Hamilton who is basically just a glorified salesman more than a product tester.

 

[JCoastie]

...Hank Hamilton who is basically just a glorified salesman more than a product tester.

I actually contacted Hank both before I purchased and also after I received the grapple. I agree with your assessment.

 

[RBA50]

Does anyone have one of these grapple's?Add-A-Grapples-Single, Double, Pallet Fork Grapple - Ask Tractor Mike
I like the single one that fits on top of the bucket so
you don't have to remove it or the bucket to use.
I just have a bunch of branches and cactus to remove.

willy

I have the Mini Add-A-Grapple. I haven't had a lot of time using it yet, but it works ok. I moved some logs today and some limbs. I think having the bucket makes it harder to get a "full" load of limbs, as they are odd shapes and don't fall in line with the bucket well, but it will grab anything that gets pushed in or against the bucket. For logs it works fine. Most of the stuff I have been moving is relatively small diameter, less than 12". Haven't tried to grab any of the 20" logs yet.
If I had more need for it, I probably would have gone for an EA, but it would have to be pin on style as my Kubota B1658 quick attach uses the standard pin on attachments.

 

[Jdrockin]

JCoastie, what is your opinion now that you've had your grapple for a bit? I was ready to order a grapple from Homestead this morning but this thread has given me pause.

Thanks!