My "brilliant" idea for a grapple

[wftree]

I am going to buy a grapple bucket as soon as I get an adapter plate for my FEL

Here is my idea. I have a 43 hp kubota 4310 and want a 48" grapple. By making it 48" it will be lighter than a 66". Then I will have it customized with heavier steel. I do not think that 66" is much better for my use, brush, rock and stumps. I think the heavier steel will make it last longer and less prone to damage.

What do you think and what manufacturers will customize one for me!

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and opinions

 

[foggy1111]

I am going to buy a grapple bucket as soon as I get an adapter plate for my FEL

Here is my idea. I have a 43 hp kubota 4310 and want a 48" grapple. By making it 48" it will be lighter than a 66". Then I will have it customized with heavier steel. I do not think that 66" is much better for my use, brush, rock and stumps. I think the heavier steel will make it last longer and less prone to damage.

What do you think and what manufacturers will customize one for me!

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and opinions

You must be a "shill" for Island Tractor. :laughing::laughing::thumbsup: Lots written about this approach.

Island is the resident grapple guru....and advocates this very approach. This is what I have done (and lots of others too). I dont see any need for a wider grapple for my needs. Works great! :thumbsup:

 

[wftree]

OK now that I know I am not original and the idea will work, who will work with me to design such a thing?????

Thanks

 

[nybirdman]

try W.R. Long..I am sure they build what you want.

 

[foggy1111]

OK now that I know I am not original and the idea will work, who will work with me to design such a thing?????

Thanks

I have a Markham / Gator grapple. They offer to custom build to your metal thickness needs and will add filler tines and such. Lately they have had mixed product reviews on some quality and delivery issues...with some folks here on TBN (ME included).

While they have been the price leader for this size grapple....and can provide what you want....I would be very careful to educate yourself and carefully specify what you want them to build for you.

I'd compare the Gator Grapple and price to the WR Long.

Lotsa reading if you search "grapple".

 

[IslandTractor]

Yep. Markham/Gator have made a few of these "heavy" 48 inch grapples. They did it when the company was still Markham. I don't really know for sure if they still do that sort of customization but the build these things either one at a time or in small batches so I'd imagine they still can do it.

For what it's worth, my Millonzi light duty 48 is 3/8 inch mild steel and weighs about 300 lbs. I use it on my Kioti DK40se which has more weight and lift/breakout power than a Kubota 4310. After five or six years it has a few dings but is basically just as strong as when I got it despite pretty heavy use. My point is just that if you cannot get them to build it in half inch stock then just get the regular one. I'm pretty sure you'll be happy.

I should point out that I've never dealt with Gator but the basic grapple is a holdover from the Markham days and I would tend to trust them. Most of the grumping about Gator seems related to loyalty to Markham and has been about customer service issues not any significant change in the quality of the grapple that I recall. As Foggy points out, make sure you go over the order in detail especially if you specify changes from stock. Don't ignore the type of quick connectors or length of connector hoses etc.

Again, as Foggy noted, WRLong produces an excellent OBG grapple series. I don't recall if they have a 48 inch version. Problem with WRLong is just that you must go through your local tractor dealer as they still will not sell direct.

 

[Don87]

Yep. Markham/Gator have made a few of these "heavy" 48 inch grapples. They did it when the company was still Markham. I don't really know for sure if they still do that sort of customization but the build these things either one at a time or in small batches so I'd imagine they still can do it.

For what it's worth, my Millonzi light duty 48 is 3/8 inch mild steel and weighs about 300 lbs. I use it on my Kioti DK40se which has more weight and lift/breakout power than a Kubota 4310. After five or six years it has a few dings but is basically just as strong as when I got it despite pretty heavy use. My point is just that if you cannot get them to build it in half inch stock then just get the regular one. I'm pretty sure you'll be happy.

I should point out that I've never dealt with Gator but the basic grapple is a holdover from the Markham days and I would tend to trust them. Most of the grumping about Gator seems related to loyalty to Markham and has been about customer service issues not any significant change in the quality of the grapple that I recall. As Foggy points out, make sure you go over the order in detail especially if you specify changes from stock. Don't ignore the type of quick connectors or length of connector hoses etc.
Again, as Foggy noted, WRLong produces an excellent OBG grapple series. I don't recall if they have a 48 inch version. Problem with WRLong is just that you must go through your local tractor dealer as they still will not sell direct.

All the threads I've read state that Gator produces grapples for 'skidsteers', a tractor is totally different than a skidsteer. I think that is what IslandTractor was trying to convey. Be sure of your measurements, and hydraulic connectors when you call.

 

[IslandTractor]

All the threads I've read state that Gator produces grapples for 'skidsteers', a tractor is totally different than a skidsteer. I think that is what IslandTractor was trying to convey. Be sure of your measurements, and hydraulic connectors when you call.

Yes, for example the type of connectors on tractors are typically "Pioneer" style while skid steers usually have flat faced connectors which are incompatible. A number of guys have been tripped up by that. Also, make sure that your FEL quick attach is a standard "skidsteer" type and if not specify what you have. I think they only make the standard and JD types specifically.

 

[slofr8]

I ordered a 48" grapple from Gator last Friday. I was at work and busy and found she didn't ask a whole lot of questions. Before hanging up and almost as an after thoght I said "this is for a quick attatch hitch right"?
"Quick attatch hitch, ok hon. We'll build it next week and let you know when it ships."
I think I'll make a follow up call today with measurments. Maybe it's not to late to upgrade to 1/2".
Dan.

Edit: I reread the description on thier web page and it says "Designed for Tractors and small skid steers with the universal skid steer attachment"
I guess we should be good to go. Cant wait!!!

 

[Ken45101]

It has been said that one does not need a full width grapple, that the work it does can be done very well with a narrower unit. That makes sense. You aren't digging wheel width with it, just popping out particular items or grabbing a bundle. For digging out a stump or something like that, additional width is no advantage, it gets in the way.

I'm not sure you really need to get one custom made heavier than normal. Particularly on a tractor, you are more likely to damage your loader arms or cylinder rods than you would a typical heavy duty grapple.

There are very different styles of grapples. Think long and hard about which type best fits your needs.

Ken