John Deere 955 with FEL..... I want to install a grapple

Kevin M · Mar 21, 2017

You'd also have to buy an open center valve to create the remotes

buildinit · Mar 21, 2017

Kevin M said:
The O-ring Boss fittings can be sourced from a hydraulic supply house, the set screw id have to remove to get the exact size and thread, I'd be easier though if I new what year that tractor was , the serial # decoded will tell me

Sounds good! I want to do this. I'll get the serial number this week sometime and make a parts list. Then I will write up the installation on here.

Been thinking of just welding up my own grapple for my standard bucket. After pricing out a few, that 48" titan weighs 450 pounds and costs $1100. I think the Green Thumb will be in the neighborhood of $600 after buying the thumb($400), installation mount($135), and cylinder(~$80). I mean $525 for that makes me a little sick to my stomach. I think I would just rather buy some tubing and make something like this to be honest:

I have a Mechanical Engineering background.

IslandTractor · Mar 21, 2017

If you have basic welding skills and some metal tools (or a metal shop that can cut stock to your specifications) then you shouldn't have any trouble making a jaw for your standard bucket. Lots of designs to copy. Lots of threads here on TBN of guys doing that. As I noted earlier, a full grapple is more efficient especially at digging out stumps and things like that but for carrying brush and branches, a grapple bucket would be fine and much less hassle and expense.

One other thing, I doubt the Titan 48" grapple is 450lbs. My 48" Millonzi (no longer made) weighs in at about 300-320 and is made of the same 3/8" steel and 1/4" square tube. The EA Compact grapple weighs only about 250lbs or something like that and is made of 5/16 high test steel. Your focus on weight is very appropriate though.

Kevin M · Mar 22, 2017

I bought Greens Machine Thumb, for what it would take to build it myself time wise it wasn't worth it , and I'm happy with the product !

buildinit · Mar 22, 2017

Kevin M said:
I bought Greens Machine Thumb, for what it would take to build it myself time wise it wasn't worth it , and I'm happy with the product !

I'm thinking the same thing....

techwrtr2 · Mar 25, 2017

I have a grapple on my old Satoh Beaver that we cobbled up from some scrap C channel, angle iron, and a thumb I purchased on e-bay. Not as strong as soem offerings but it works pretty **** well. Just dont' expect it to look pretty. It doesn't.

buildinit · Jun 30, 2017

Well, I finally got it done! Used a surplus center diverted valve, KTM dirt bike waterproof kill switch, green machines 24" grapple, and custom hoses from the local John Deere dealer. Works amazing. I added some plate steel for some low cost timber teeth to hold logs. Works great and here are some pictures! Thanks for the help everyone.

beenthere · Jun 30, 2017

That's cool. Thanks for posting and the pics.

A bit envious, as I'd like to put a single thumb on my Deere forks. Will have to fabricate, as cannot find a single thumb.