Grapple Markham grapple prices....

[HCJtractor]

Island Tractor, thanks for the information. I have read your past threads on using the rear hydraulics and yes, my tractor has two. The cost of the Long valve is $571 plus another hundred for quick connects and I believe bulk head plates and fittings. Is labor to install this system involved? Unfortunately, I can do lots of things, but hydraulics isn't one of them, so my dealer will do the entire install.

If I go with the rear remote solution, would I have my standard FEL control with a separate lever or switch mounted beside it? How does that work and where does it mount? I realize with the electric/hydraulic system, I'm paying a lot for convenience (I expected $700 or is that too low with labor?) Of course this is a question better asked of my dealer.

 

[IslandTractor]

Island Tractor, thanks for the information. I have read your past threads on using the rear hydraulics and yes, my tractor has two. The cost of the Long valve is $571 plus another hundred for quick connects and I believe bulk head plates and fittings. Is labor to install this system involved? Unfortunately, I can do lots of things, but hydraulics isn't one of them, so my dealer will do the entire install.

If I go with the rear remote solution, would I have my standard FEL control with a separate lever or switch mounted beside it? How does that work and where does it mount? I realize with the electric/hydraulic system, I'm paying a lot for convenience (I expected $700 or is that too low with labor?) Of course this is a question better asked of my dealer.

I'm guessing that your dealer will charge about 3-4 hours labor to install the WRLong kit. As I noted, I wouldn't be surprised if it ended up costing almost as much as the grapple.

What you need to check on your tractor is how you control the rear remotes. There will be a lever somewhere convenient to the seated operator that will allow control of the rear remote. With any luck, Kubota has configured the rear remote lever so that you can easily reach it by simply dropping your hand off the FEL joystick. You'd like to be able to reach for it without looking (like grabbing the stickshift in a car after taking your hand off the steering wheel). You'll need some practice but I found I could control the grapple almost as quickly as with a diverter valve. Even in the beginning it is pretty efficient. Just open the grapple then use the tractor and FEL controls to position the grapple where you want to close then reach for the remote lever and close the grapple. You will almost never open or close the grapple while moving or while fiddling with grapple up/down curl/dump so there is only a minor penalty to needing to move your hand off the FEL joystick in order to open/close the rear remote controls.

 

[wedge40]

I agree with IslandTractor (IT). I had rear remotes that I used to hook up my grapple.. The control is under the seat and easy to reach. At this point I don't see a need to add the switch.

Wedge

 

[HCJtractor]

Thanks, I've never used the rear remotes but I will check where the controls are and consider that option. My dealer is pretty vague about installation prices and says it depends on time spent, which I understand, but that is a little open ended so before I committed to that, I wanted to have some idea. I appreciate each of your responses. This is a great site for good info!!Maybe some day, I can be the one giving advice rather than asking.

 

[medicshawn]

I had a 3rd function valve installed when I bought my L3940 in the fall. It cost me 700 installed for the Kubota system. Here's a pics of the same one on 4 Shorts tractor.

 

[HCJtractor]

IslandTractor, your dream grapple from Markham makes lots of sense. For your information, Markham was very prompt and quoted $1460 for basically an extreme duty 48" with 4.5 spacing using 1/2" stock. I think I am going to go with this! I'll let you know when this happens. Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[IslandTractor]

Pictures, we like pictures!

 

[HCJtractor]

IslandTractor, your ideal grapple seems like a great tool. I had Markham work up a price for a 48" extreme duty made from 1/2" stock with 4.5" spacing, and one upper assembly. The quote was $1460. I think I am going to go with this. From your experience and information, I agree this should be perfect for my larger tractor. Can't wait to try it out on some grown up thickets along my river bank. The road is slowly diappearing from ingrowth of what we call "privy hedge" and I want to rip out these bushes rather than trimming these yearly which is a losing battle. Thanks for the sharing of your knowledge.

 

[HCJtractor]

Sorry for the duplicate post. Didn't think it went through the first time. Yes, when this arrives, I'll post pix.

 

[AKfish]

My bucket advice would be to get a standard bucket from either ATI or WRLong. Both excellent companies. You don't want to waste money on heavy duty and you don't have a need to move sawdust or something that requires an extra capacity style. Whichever you get, consider getting a toothbar from Markham along with your grapple.

Great thread! Always enjoy IslandTractor's perspective. I have never seen either ATI's or WRLong's standard duty buckets. I'd just have to assume that you all have and they're way stout - irrespective of the description of "Standard duty".

That said; nearly every standard duty bucket on a 70hp, 7,000lb tractor that has a few years on it - that I've seen - look like my no-iron shirts when the heat settings too high on the dryer....

Best of luck with your new tractor.

AKfish