Selecting A Grapple

[foggy1111]

bee

Light Duty Root Grapple | North American Implements

This looks exactly like mine, and I believe this is the company that took over Markham- Gator?
Doesn't list the JD QA as available but maybe they can make one?
I bought the Skidsteer attachment grapple and modified it with JD hooks/pins for the 300cx. I can still use on my narrow QA CASE 1840 skidsteer.
got a heck-uv-a deal buying forks at the same time. Modified them also to work on the 3320 and Skidsteer.

The pics you show above are the same as I recieved from Gator / Markham. BEWARE....their are no gussets on the top of your JD QD "hooks". If you pick up max loads those hooks will spread and you may break your loader. I did. It cost me about $500 to fix my loader and rebuild the mounts they way they should have been from day 1. It only takes a few dollars worth of gussets and a little welding to fix it right.

The other thing....if you do much brush and log work your bound to run branches through the openings between the loader masts. That could be hard on your grill or radiator. (dont ask me how I know) May as weld some protection in that area too.

my .02 cents.

 

[OrangeJbird]

bee

The pics you show above are the same as I recieved from Gator / Markham. BEWARE....their are no gussets on the top of your JD QD "hooks". If you pick up max loads those hooks will spread and you may break your loader. I did. It cost me about $500 to fix my loader and rebuild the mounts they way they should have been from day 1. It only takes a few dollars worth of gussets and a little welding to fix it right.

The other thing....if you do much brush and log work your bound to run branches through the openings between the loader masts. That could be hard on your grill or radiator. (dont ask me how I know) May as weld some protection in that area too.

my .02 cents.

Exactly what I did. Took me a few hours, but it's rock solid and protects the grill.

 

[pane056]

You guys are a treasure trove of great info.

Regarding the gussets you mention. I'm not sure I know where they go. Are they a JD part or home made?
I recall looking at the 300CX loader on the JD Parts site. I recall seeing some small flat pieces that were on top of the hook, going from over the hook to over the bucket. Is that what you're talking about?

I will heed your advise and get grill protection right off. What did you guys use? Expanded metal, thin plate steel?

thanks, nicholas

 

[kennyd]

Light Duty Root Grapple | North American Implements

This looks exactly like mine, and I believe this is the company that took over Markham- Gator?
Doesn't list the JD QA as available but maybe they can make one?
I bought the Skidsteer attachment grapple and modified it with JD hooks/pins for the 300cx. I can still use on my narrow QA CASE 1840 skidsteer.
got a heck-uv-a deal buying forks at the same time. Modified them also to work on the 3320 and Skidsteer.

Yes, I think you are correct. Those pictures on that site you linked are mine...I sent them to Melissa Markham years ago when I help them with the JDQA

 

[kennyd]

I agree. I have the 48" Markham. The 48" Wildkat would be plenty also. IMHO my Markham should have 8-12" shorter tines. Sticks out in front quite a bit. 48" is good for getting around in the woods and trails, any wider and it's harder to snake around.

I think Markham unit is now North American Implement product weighing 385 lbs. You want it lighter for that size tractor and loader. http://www.northamericanimplements.com/wp-content/uploads/NAI-CATALOG.pdf

I could not agree more! It does stick out to far for our use, shorter tines would be perfect.

 

[kennyd]

Rumor has it that Artillian may be making one (a lightweight grapple that is) in the future that will hang on their fork frame.:licking:

 

[foggy1111]

You guys are a treasure trove of great info.

Regarding the gussets you mention. I'm not sure I know where they go. Are they a JD part or home made?
I recall looking at the 300CX loader on the JD Parts site. I recall seeing some small flat pieces that were on top of the hook, going from over the hook to over the bucket. Is that what you're talking about?

I will heed your advise and get grill protection right off. What did you guys use? Expanded metal, thin plate steel?

thanks, nicholas

I'm just taking a break from shoveling beach sand....so I dont have time to search for my modification thread now. May post it this evening or tommorow morning. Take a look at any JD bucket and you will see the way they add some re-enforcement to the bucket "hooks" at the top of the Quick Tach bucket. The gussets (re-inforcement) plates are not found on these grapples. They should be....or when you pick up max loads (with those long tines on a grapple especially) those unsuported hooks will open up and all the load will instantly be applied to the bottom pins. Yes, you can buy the gussets over the parts counter at the JD store for a few bucks.

At that point the bottom pin will break away from your loader mast and the casting that has the hole will likely break. The casing and the timing bar will break - if it's done as I did it. Then your faced with repair parts and fixing the blasted grapple too. ALL BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER IS TOO CHEAP TO PUT A FEW GUSSETS IN PLACE LIKE THEY SHOULD. The cost could not amount to $5. during the manufacturing process. Big whoop.

Obviously these manufacturers have never really tried their product on a John Deere tractor or they would know enough to make the needed changes. It aint rocket surgery. (can you tell they pissed me off? )

THe grill protection is another story.....and one that is also obvious to anyone that has been around 'chinery a while.

 

[foggy1111]

Rumor has it that Artillian may be making one (a lightweight grapple that is) in the future that will hang on their fork frame.:licking:

Kinda wondered when that product would hit the streets. I am confident they would make a very good product and do things correctly. If I were in the market......I would look or ask here! (at artillian) :thumbsup:

Good to hear from you Kenny....long time....

 

[pane056]

Hello;

Regarding Artillian making a tree shear. I contacted them and yes they plan on doing that but the project is in the early design stages. They are still waiting for machinery necessary to make them. They want to get them to market as soon as possible and encourage frequent check ins on progress.

Thanks, nicholas

 

[Red Horse]

My two cents- I'm a Wildkat fan. the 48" Economy is a heck of a value-and just right for a 3320. If you are buying this to move brush, buck logs etc its perfect. remember-every pound of steel in the grapple is one less pound of payload. granted there is a trade off on durabiity but if you damage this thing with a 3320 you are truly a "cowboy"! IMO perfect match for a 3320. there are a ton of posts on this subject and a ton of Wildkat 48 "fans". check it out.

couple of pix of mine- I ordered without the JD hook up and installed my own