How to move boulders with a backhoe

[IslandTractor]

Ed, those lower teeth look pretty impressive, I'm just not sure 48" will be wide enough for me. Sure would be nice to be able to push an area greater than my wheel width.

It'd be no problem for brush work, it's the dirt/rock/root stuff I'm thinking of..

So.. Spending extra dollars and getting what I think I need... vs getting something a little more affordable. Affordable and less weight to subtract from the maximum loader capacity.

I certainly wouldn't say my grapple is ideal for all uses but I would not hesitate for a moment to attack that pile of rocks you have. The only issue is whether the rocks are too small and would fall between the 9 inch separation of tines. I do mostly brush/stump/root work with mine, I posted the rock photos only because that was a theme in this thread. Your L35 loader is I think the same or a bit less powerful than mine and the new version of the LD48 has been further reinforced in a few strategic spots so I certainly would not worry about stressing the grapple with your TLB.

On another grapple thread an owner of a $3000 heavy duty grapple made with high strength steel just posted that he'd twisted some tines pullnig a log. Buying bigger and more expensive does not necessarily mean problem free.

 

[workinallthetime]

On another grapple thread an owner of a $3000 heavy duty grapple made with high strength steel just posted that he'd twisted some tines pullnig a log. Buying bigger and more expensive does not necessarily mean problem free.

I was under the impression most grapples started about 3k, are you saying there is some place out there i can get one for my little b3030 for less?

 

[IslandTractor]

I was under the impression most grapples started about 3k, are you saying there is some place out there i can get one for my little b3030 for less?

Thankfully yes. I have a Millonzi LD48 that currently goes for about $1000. WR Long has a new similar model ?OMG style that sells for a few hundred more. There are a couple of other companies making grapples appropriate for CUTs that also come in under $1500.

 

[3RRL]

I was under the impression most grapples started about 3k, are you saying there is some place out there i can get one for my little b3030 for less?

I would consider a bucket grapple too.
I keep mine on all the time and have a bucket OR grapple available. You would be surprised how handy that set up is.
But getting back to using the backhoe to move and place rocks, I think with a thumb of any kind is the way to go. You have lateral positioning handled that way. As well as good control without repositioning the tractor like you would using the grapple. You can see your work a lot better too.

 

[workinallthetime]

I would consider a bucket grapple too.
I keep mine on all the time and have a bucket OR grapple available. You would be surprised how handy that set up is.
But getting back to using the backhoe to move and place rocks, I think with a thumb of any kind is the way to go. You have lateral positioning handled that way. As well as good control without repositioning the tractor like you would using the grapple. You can see your work a lot better too.

here is what im thinking and why i have chosen to build my own thumb. I see transporting the rock to a pile close to where i plan on working, and a bucket of dirt since i dry stack. from that point you then back up to the pile and get set up for some hoe work. then you can just sit there and pick and place rock along with backfillin as you go. As far as back fill goes I usually dump above the wall or excavate as I go, I have found it easier to dig into the hill to get the basic batter set and then I have dirt ready for backfill.

we have had some crazy rain down here over the past couple of years and my walls are holding tight, most of them are cosmetic around my place but the ones i built for my customers are holding perfect. Remember to leave some places to plant some greenery and you will be happy for years. I wish there was a way i could get a couple loads of that great granite you guys have, im dealing with sandstone that just doesnt have the colors you guys get.

dont be a humpty dumpty and fall off your own wall

 

[workinallthetime]

hey i just found this website

American Thumbs & Attachments - Seattle and the Pacific Nw top builder and installer of Hydraulic Thumbs, Solenoid Selector Valves, Brush rakes, Hydraulics and Welding Supplies.

check out the pics, get some metal and start building !!!!!

 

[workinallthetime]

Thankfully yes. I have a Millonzi LD48 that currently goes for about $1000. WR Long has a new similar model ?OMG style that sells for a few hundred more. There are a couple of other companies making grapples appropriate for CUTs that also come in under $1500.

the only dealer for long in my area is the kubota / new holland dealer i wont deal with anymore and they are 2 miles away (dang shame). they quoted me 1795.00 for the 48" single , i guess you can see why i wont deal with them now.
im curious about the millonzi people and the quote they would have for me. After getting my thumb built i really dont have the use for a bucket grapple at this point or the work to justify the $$$$$$. I wonder how useful the bolt on bucket units are, i never really hear of anyone talking about them.

 

[3RRL]

I wonder how useful the bolt on bucket units are, i never really hear of anyone talking about them.

Are you asking about the grapples that can be bolted or welded onto a regular bucket like this?
If so, that is what I meant by a bucket grapple.

 

[IslandTractor]

the only dealer for long in my area is the kubota / new holland dealer i wont deal with anymore and they are 2 miles away (dang shame). they quoted me 1795.00 for the 48" single , i guess you can see why i wont deal with them now.
im curious about the millonzi people and the quote they would have for me. After getting my thumb built i really dont have the use for a bucket grapple at this point or the work to justify the $$$$$$. I wonder how useful the bolt on bucket units are, i never really hear of anyone talking about them.

I have not used a bucket grapple but many guys who have them are perfectly satisfied. They compromise on the ability to do root raking and are limited by the bucket sides when carrying long items like logs or trees but have the obvious convenience of not requiring a change between standard bucket and grapple. They do limit your ability to push the bucket up against a flat surface due to the grapple but otherwise you get both bucket and grapple in the same set up. I would imagine they are not as efficient as a true grapple for brush and log or stump removal but are more useful than a 4n1 bucket for those tasks. I base that opinion on my use of both a standard grapple and a 4n1.

The kits sold by ATI and Add A Grapple are fairly pricy. I have not gotten prices on them recently but last year they cost within about $200-300 of what a Millonzi LD48 cost (less than a grand) so many people recently seem to have chosen the regular grapple. However, if you are even half way handy with tools or a welder it is not a big deal to add one of the ebay bucket grapple units to your bucket and they only cost about $300 or so. 3RRL has such a set up (dual in his case).

 

[dtd24]

I agree with the FEL grappple add. I too have many rocks on my property. I remember before grapple chaining rocks into FEL. What a waste of time, nit to mention hard on the knees getting on and off the tractor.

IslandTractor, I used to live in Westerly RI seeing the ocean in your background makes me think road trip. Man I miss that ocean!!