Looking for a Front end loader tractor grabble.

DJP · Mar 2, 2018

HI; anyone I have a Mahindra 4500 with a front end loader, I am look for a front end grabble to put on my front end loader.

I presently have the Front end Loader>>TAS loader>>model==ML360. I want to be able to pick up cut piles of branches.
Do anyone know where I can buy a grabble that will mount on the loader model type I have???

I live in Jackson, MISSISSIPPI

nybirdman · Mar 2, 2018

Simple way is to mount a "thumb" on your existing bucket;that with a tooth-bar makes a pretty decent and inexpensive grapple.Maybe not as "exotic" as a full grapple but pretty useful.

DJP · Mar 2, 2018

nybirdman said:
Simple way is to mount a "thumb" on your existing bucket;that with a tooth-bar makes a pretty decent and inexpensive grapple.Maybe not as "exotic" as a full grapple but pretty useful.

Thanks for the REPLY. First what is a THUMB?? A THUMB with a Tooth -BAR. Do I get a certain type/size/model?? Where can I look for a picture of one. Are they easy to install??Do they open up wide enough to grab/pickup anything. Is there a web site that display them? Which tractor dealer have them? Do Mahindra tractor's carry them? What is their cost?

nybirdman · Mar 2, 2018

Here is a picture of mine on a Kubota.Green's Machine Thumb($400?) and a tooth-bar purchased from a dealer no longer in business but I believe Michigan Iron can help.Maybe $150 for a tooth-bar.
Mine is set-up as a bolt on,so easy removed if needed.Down fall is the opening will not be as great as a full grapple;but still very useful for brush ,logs ect.
You will need a third function,divertor valve or run off the rear remotes to operate the grapple or thumb.

DJP · Mar 2, 2018

Thanks for the quick reply. I am look over the web about pro and cons thumb VS grapple. I have read the thumb block you view when using it compared to a grapple. Is this true? Will the thumb work best on my tractor front loader which is a TAS loader .ML360??? IT appear that if my bucket on the loader do not tile backward enough, which leave less opening to grab up anything. Your tractor on the picture the loader has the ability to pull the bucket back more than my TAS loader >ML 360. What open/raises/lowers the thumb? IS that the divertor valve? Do it need a fluid line attached to it, to operate it??? MY Mahindra 4500 with the TAS loader have 4 fluid lines all of them are all used just for the bucket I already have. How and what will I attach the Thumb or grapple to make anyone operational?? MY concern is buying a thumb when it may no work well attached /mounted to my bucket using the TAS loader. Compared to just replacing the bucket all together and going with a grapple. I am also reading the Root grapple work best, what is your idea of that? And are you stating I am going to need a third function the divertor to operate the thumb of the grapple????

RNeumann · Mar 2, 2018

Grapples are fairly easy to find. Everything Attachments is a site sponsor and I believe they ship for free to the eastern art of the country. I ended up with a Mahindra branded grapple. Idaho Implements seems to have a good selection, good products and pricing if you are out west.
The big decision with a grapple is how wide and heavy you want. If you are lifting say heavy rocks you will want a light narrow single jaw grapple so you have more material lifting capacity. Vs a wide two jaw model.

DJP · Mar 2, 2018

RNeumann said:
Grapples are fairly easy to find. Everything Attachments is a site sponsor and I believe they ship for free to the eastern art of the country. I ended up with a Mahindra branded grapple. Idaho Implements seems to have a good selection, good products and pricing if you are out west.
The big decision with a grapple is how wide and heavy you want. If you are lifting say heavy rocks you will want a light narrow single jaw grapple so you have more material lifting capacity. Vs a wide two jaw model.

Good information. I have a Mahindra tractor. Maybe the Mahindra tractor store here in Jackson MS. may have one that fits on TAS loader. I will only be picking up cut tree branches from piles I have made. I need one wide enough to get a better grab, but not too heavy to take away my front end loader pickup power. Do I need to buy something additional to operate the thumb/grapple or can I use one of the 4our H-host I already have on the TAS loader, which will take away one of the present bucket functions????

RNeumann · Mar 2, 2018

You will need a 3rd function for the grapple. It will either electrically divert your curl function or be a separate function all together. Being able to lift curl and squeeze at once was important to me (second choice above) but it’s more money.
I’d budget an additional $500-$1000 for the hydraulic kit needed to add the grapple function.

DJP · Mar 2, 2018

I just call a Mahindra store in my area. They had a grapple, but it was the heavy one, they could get a smaller grabble made for a skid, and it will cost $1,650. But as you stated I will need to purchase another piece to operate the grapple. The store salesman stated I would need a electric H. vale mounted on the tractor to overate the grapple, a additional cost of $1.200. And I would need to get my tractor to the store to have that placed on it. MY bucket is the type that has one back handle on the back of the bucket to unmounts\disconnect the bucket from the loader. Do I need the electric H. vale if I go with the thumb? or what all will I need to just go with the thumb? And can I do all of it myself, going with the thumb? I have already took off the front wheel H steering box, gas tank, bush hall dump jumper all myself, and put all back on.

nybirdman · Mar 2, 2018

You will need some sort of hydraulics to operate a thumb or grapple.A diverter lets you use the bucket curl function to close/open the grapple/thumb.A true third function($600-$800 guess) is independent of your bucket curl.If you have rear remotes;you can run hoses to the front to operate the grapple/thumb.
Roll back on your bucket has no bearing on the size of the grapple/thumb opening.
Any grapple designed for a skid steer is going to be very heavy and take away from you lifting capacity.
As far as visibility;if you can see to use the bucket you can use a thumb on your bucket.Stop and think about it;you can't see through the hood of your tractor now.
I have had my set-up for about six years;found it very handy for brush work and lifting logs ect.