Pin on Grapple?

[4570Man]

Have you thought of going this route?? There isn't much I can't do with this set-up. <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/attachments/436868-pin-grapple-p1110083-jpg"/> gg

That is definitely better than no grapple, but your lift capacity is seriously reduced moving logs.

 

[IslandTractor]

^^^ You still want full function on the FEL, lift and attachment roll, when using the grapple. You will need to add a 3rd hydraulic even if is accomplished by a diverter valve from either the lift or roll circuit. With a diverter you 'divert' the hydraulic oil flow from its original path to an alternate path. This give you an either/or function between the two circuits. If you choose to install a true 3rd hydraulic then you can move all three circuits at the same time.

Don't forget the simple option: use rear remotes to control the grapple. They are generally cheaper to add than a diverter valve and have the benefit of 1) either already being present or 2) you gain ability to add top and tilt etc or other hydraulically powered implements on the 3PT. Running hoses from the rear remotes to control a grapple takes all of twenty minutes and about $200 worth of hose and fittings. Easy peasy. Most dealers will install a set of rear remotes for under $500 and there are a number of TBNers who have done it themselves in an afternoon.

 

[Gordon Gould]

That is definitely better than no grapple, but your lift capacity is seriously reduced moving logs.

Well my 60" bucket plus the grapple weigh less than 400 lbs. So it is the same as a 60" EA wicked root grapple. When I grab a log I pick it up with the curl which is strong. It rolls the log back so it is almost over the pins and not way forward.

So maybe my capability isn't reduced quite as much as you might think ?? Regardless, it picks up what I need it to. I have never left a log on the landing because I couldn't load it



For a 30 hp tractor I think I do OK. My equipment seems to be well matched for what I do.









To me having the bucket and grapple always available is really handy. I would not consider a pin on grapple. But that is just me.

gg

 

[IslandTractor]

Although I haven't used a grapple bucket, I am a fan. I'd guess that a grapple bucket with toothbar is roughly half as efficient as a grapple doing grapple tasks and obviously can do bucket tasks the pure grapple cannot. I'd much rather have a grapple bucket for collecting and moving piles of cut firewood for example. Yes there are some tasks for which the grapple is better suited but the simplicity and all purpose nature of a grapple bucket should be carefully considered especially by those who don't have SSQA standard. As I recall you can get a weld or bolt on kit via eBay for less than $500 which is about a third the cost of a good small SSQA grapple. Not a bad choice at all.

 

[gwstang]

Nice pics! Mucho Jealous of that.

 

[Gordon Gould]

While I am here boasting about my grapple I would like to dispel another myth about single activated or single lid grapples. I have heard over and over that crooked logs are a huge problem and you need a two lid grapple to handle them. From my experience that is not at all true. I do not find strongly tapered or crooked logs a problem at all.





gg

 

[IslandTractor]

While I am here boasting about my grapple I would like to dispel another myth about single activated or single lid grapples. I have heard over and over that crooked logs are a huge problem and you need a two lid grapple to handle them. From my experience that is not at all true. I do not find strongly tapered or crooked logs a problem at all. <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/attachments/437398-pin-grapple-redpine5-jpg"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/attachments/437401-pin-grapple-grapplelog-jpg"/> gg

Yep. It is amazing that humans can also pick up irregularly shaped objects when then only have one thumb. Simply amazing.