Less expensive grapple...

[5030]

If you have the capabilities of welding and minor fabrication skills, this may be the ticket for a much less expensive grapple. Do keep in mind that you will still require a loader frame mounted 3rd function hydraulic capability to operate it. In my case, I just 'borrowed' one of the rear remotes and ran it to the loader frame via hydraulic hose with appropriate fittings so I could still remove the loader is required.

The Thumb - Add-on Grapple Attachments

 

[ronjhall]

If you have the capabilities of welding and minor fabrication skills, this may be the ticket for a much less expensive grapple. Do keep in mind that you will still require a loader frame mounted 3rd function hydraulic capability to operate it. In my case, I just 'borrowed' one of the rear remotes and ran it to the loader frame via hydraulic hose with appropriate fittings so I could still remove the loader is required.

The Thumb - Add-on Grapple Attachments

I made my own 24 years ago. Still works good. I have 2 buckets for my B2910 with Kubota quick attach. One has the grapple.

 

[5030]

I do as well. 2 Kubota M9000's and 3 buckets, 2 HD excavation and one material.

 

[5030]

One thing to note and that is, if you install a grapple on an light duty bucket, you MUST bolster the top of the bucket or you will deform it. Kind of like owners installing bucket hooks and then deforming the top of the bucket or using clamp on pallet forks and putting a smile in the bottom sheet that is very expensive to repair. Smiling buckets make owners frown....lol

 

[ronjhall]

One thing to note and that is, if you install a grapple on a light duty bucket, you MUST bolster the top of the bucket or you will deform it. Kind of like owners installing bucket hooks and then deforming the top of the bucket or using clamp on pallet forks and putting a smile in the bottom sheet that is very expensive to repair. Smiling buckets make owners frown....lol

That’s why mine is mounted to sides of bucket. I do not remember where I got the idea to make mine. The idea did come from TBN.

 

[tacticalturnip]

That's a solid idea for someone with the skill.

 

[5030]

By no means is Green Manufacturing making a killing on the grapples they offer. When you can buy them and all the related hardware in one spot, it makes it very convenient.

 

[jyoutz]

A nice idea. Can the thumb be easily removed from the bucket when not in use?

 

[scootr]

I had an extra set of forks lying around so I bought a SS mount with a grapple attachment without forks. Can't remember the exact cost but it was not a lot of $.

 

[5030]

A nice idea. Can the thumb be easily removed from the bucket when not in use?

Sure can, it pins on the weldment on the top of the bucket. You do need a welder to install it or know someone that has a welder.

 

[frogpond]

This is a great dyi grapple lid! I salute you! It's very much the same concept as the Precision Manufacturing Add A Grapple, which I bought and installed. But yours probably cost less, and you can take pride in having made it yourself.