Grapple Recommendations for an add on bucket grapple?

[heviduty]

I got my 3rd function valve installed Monday, a WR Long kit. The installation went smoothly with no surprises, but now I have a couple of questions.

1) On my Kubota LA463 loader, the steel hydraulic lines run down the side of the boom. I ty-rapped the 3rd function hoses to these, but am concerned about abrasion against the steel as the hoses stiffen when pressurized. What do you think about sleeving the hoses with that corrugated plastic hose used on auto wiring? I saw a tractor that had the stuff on all the hydraulic hoses and it looked like a good idea. Any other suggestions for protecting the hoses?

2) I want to buy an add-on grapple for my bucket. I am leaning towards the Tatro, but would like to hear your opinions about it and other options before pulling the trigger.

 

[familyman]

I think it's a smart move to add some protection to the new hoses. It made me think of the hose sleeving that's on my backhoe hydraulics, but a quick search brought up this interesting product: Flexible Neoprene Protective Hose Wrap

I would like a loader grapple too, so I'm looking forward to some suggestions.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Discount Hydraulics has lots of hose protection products and they are great to deal with on line. I like the spiral guard plastic coil wrap.

Hose Protection > Discount Hydraulic Hose.com

My grapple is an ATI and I am quite happy with it.

 

[Artisan]

Go talk to Jery at MyTractorTools. He makes NICE stuff!

 

[heviduty]

The hose wrap looks like good protection. I'm wondering if anyone has used the split loom and how it worked out? 100' coil of 3/4" is ≈ $30.

That is a fine looking grapple there, Gordon. Might be a little on the heavy side for my LA463. I will be picking up mostly brush, small logs and maybe a few rocks. That's some fine looking country you're in, too.

 

[heviduty]

Artisan, I was just looking at your posts "BX25 GrappleOmatic". It looks like what I have been thinking of... 100# or less, minimal vision impairment, easy to remove by pulling 3 pins. How is it working for you? Has your bracing been adequate and would you recommend that type grapple for a casual user? Like anyone else, I want the most bang for my buck.

 

[nickel plate]

I too made that bucket grapple leap a year or so ago and settled on one built by MIE/Michigan Iron and Equipment, Kioti Tractors, Kioti Implements, Kodiak Attachments, Befco, Hound Dog Attachments, Dk Series Tractors, Central Michigan. All tangs, gussets and the four tines are cut from 1/2" stock and the four teeth are plate wrapped 1/4" each side=1" thick teeth. Zerks on all pivot pins and the 24" grapple is easily removed from the 72" bucket when necessary. Might cost a bit more than others but they took the time to engineer it specifically for my bucket as I spec'd the "over bite" and it was done correctly through a couple of traded and signed off tear sheets, I'm sure they would offer you or others the same service. Toll free: 855)265-4590, they are a TBN sponsor.
If a toothbar (see photos) is also in your future bucket plans and you want to have the grapple over bite the FEL bucket's cutting edge, plan for it now so they integrate with each other.

 

[Marveltone]

In case you haven't been inundated with too many opinions and recommendations yet, I'll jump in and throw my vote for the Thumb. In all truthfulness, it's real hard to go wrong with any of the previously listed grapples, as there are a whole lot of quality products being made for this particular market. Just thought you'd like another option to muddy the waters.

Joe

 

[heviduty]

Thanks for the input, all. I pulled the trigger on a grapple over the weekend. Now, if I can just get these hydraulic connectors figured out, I can hook up my 4 stack of remotes and I'll be ready for my Fit Rite TNT kit when it arrives. All this NPTF, ORB, JIC 37 deg. is about to drive me crazier than my wife says I am.

So, all I have to do is take the hose with green tape off my grapple valve p.b. port, connect a 3/8" X 7' hose with #8 JIC 37 deg. female ends from the grapple p.b. output to my new valve input, converting to SAE 8 ORB, then connect another 3/8" X 7' long hose with #8 JIC 37 deg. female ends from the p.b. SAE 8 ORB port, converting to #8 JIC 37 deg., to the 3ph #8 JIC 37 deg. connector where the green tape hose was, then connect another 3/8" X 7' long hose with #8 JIC 37 deg. female ends from the SAE 8 ORB "OUT" port of the valve stack, converting to #8 JIC 37 deg., to the gray Tank port under the 3 p.h., adding a #8 JIC 37 deg. running tee.
Then, I have to install 8, 3/8" NPTF quick disconnects to the work ports, converting to SAE 8 ORB.

 

[crazyangel]

Thanks for the input, all. I pulled the trigger on a grapple over the weekend.

What model did you choose?