Options for Hydraulic Grapple Operation (Yes Again)

Luke'sScreenName · Feb 12, 2017

Also, don't let the second-guessers get to you. :drink:

bdhsfz6 · Feb 12, 2017

LD1 said:
Dealer is probably recommending the grapple just based on what he sells. While 620# isnt too hateful especially considering its a 72" and double lid. The tomahawk, which is the same brand as mine, is 535# for their 72" dual lid grapple made from 1/2" steel as well. Mine being single lid, 66" and 3/8" plate is a 415# grapple.

Hard to tell on price if its a good deal because whats the breakdown? How much is just the grapple? and how much for the 3rd function?

Why did you not consider a diverter? I installed my diverter in just a few hours and had $225 not counting the couplers. Need two sets to attach the grapple, and they can range in price from $5/pair up to $60+ per pair just depends on what you want to go with. I had originally went with 1/2" flush face like most skid loaders. Didnt like them but dealt with it.

When it came time to install my snowplow, I swapped them to standard 1/4" parker 60-series couplers. Which is what ALOT of old meyer snow plows have, and I have a ton of them.

So....you could potentially have a diverter for ~$250 done yourself......and a ~$1100 grapple for a total of $1350 and a few hours vs $3200+ at the dealer. I am sure the blue diamond cost more. But it all comes down to how much you value your time. I dont value my time as high as the dealer, which is why I do most stuff myself.

The Blue Diamond HD Grapple was $2400. The dealer carries LandPride also but at a higher price. He gave me a discount on the BD since it was sitting outside on a pallet for some time with minor rust and paint fade. The valve and install came to $850.

Yes, I thought about a diverter valve but decided on spending the extra money to get full 3 rd function. I'm comfortable enough working on tractor hydraulics but right now my time is better spent on my house renovation project. Paying someone to work on the tractor is far cheaper than a divorce!

I also considered the cheapest option which was using one of the rear remotes. I decided against it since it might conflict with my top & tilt kit under certain work conditions.

Thanks for your input.

LD1 · Feb 12, 2017

Thats not really a bad price on the valve installed.

For me, if a grapple would have cost $2400, It would have been the difference between owning one and not.

Not second guessing anyones decision on how they choose to spend their money. Just dont see what makes a blue diamond (or other brands) worth 2x the cost.

bdhsfz6 · Feb 17, 2017

This is how the MX5800 and LA1065 FEL looks with W&R Long 3rd function valve and 72" Blue Diamond HD double lid Grapple. The damage was $850 for the valve installed and $2400 for the grapple. The valve kit for a BH equipped tractor required a hose and fitting substitution which the dealer provided at no extra charge. Would have meant a trip to the hardware store, more time and a few extra $ if I had done the install myself. They also cleaned up the minor rust and touched up the faded paint on the grapple which had been sitting outside for a while. Just one of the reasons I've been doing business with these guys for many years.

Yeah, $2400 is pricey for a grapple but it sure beat $3500 for the same size LandPride.
Considering it's only been a week since I pulled the trigger on the project, I'm happy enough.