Steve - finally got back around to this thread. Let me show you something that you should SERIOUSLY consider - now that you have your grapple. You can do a search here on TBN and find way too many posts where folks have damaged their - grills, radiators, batteries, hydraulics etc, etc. This shows what a bit of time and some expanded metal can do to your OEM grill guard and provide a bit of additional protection. A grapple will bring an all new supply of limbs, sticks, stobs etc, etc to challenge those "front parts" of your tractor.
View attachment 570441
It doesn't have to be fancy. I don't weld. So I took the grill guard to our local welding shop. This is what a young fellow there came up with. He thought I should paint the "tongue" red. If you look closely there are two "bolts" on each side. The upper bolt/pin keeps the guard locked in an upright position. The lower bolt is the pivot bolt. The guard folds down so the hood will have clearance to open.
Yes - in a rather strange way - it does give the tractor some personality. AND it works. I've pulled a couple branches out of the expanded metal that might have gone on and "perforated" something. I know it doesn't protect from everything but every little bit helps.
Using the grapple, sure saves the back.View attachment 571363