Grapple To grapple or to not grapple...

[LeRoi]

Chuck,
Instead of a kubota bucket, I ordered a WR Long 4n1 bucket when I ordered my tractor. That's how I measured the spacers for my grapple. The WR Long buckets fits perfectly because it was specifically made for the kubota quick tach on the LA 853 loader.
It has no clearance between the heel of the q/a and the lower attachment point on the bucket.
I used the measurements to make the spacers for my other attachments.
Hope this helps
Leroy

 

[swiftboot]

I am not sure which grapple would be best fit for my QA. I suppose the Mahindra section would be the best place to determine that info. I did look at the bottom of the loaner grapple with it lifted up, there is at least an inch or more distance between the bottom of loader and the grapple when it is resting on the lip of the loader. I suspect that is why the pins slip out when reversing with the grapple/rake in the down position with it slightly curled (all the pressure pulling on the bottom of the grapple). Of course it surely shouldnt be that way, but now that i know.......i will just be more careful. Its been raining here for a couple days so havent been out to do anything much. Tomorrow looks good, i will try to get a pic of the lack of fit part. thanks chuck

 

[CT_Tree_Guy]

Dargo -

I was just visting the Implemax website, and it looks like they've been busy. They seem to have improved upon my rear grapple, adding a hydraulic rotation feature that I've always thought might be nice, though not essential. Here's the link: Implemax Smart Grapple. Picture having this on the back of your 5030, and a tree shear or brush grapple on the front. A combo like that would kick some serious tree a$$. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[ScottAR]

Kinda looks like a beaver squeezer grapple now... Not to be negative, but the resemlence has me curious... I do like the modular nature.

 

[CT_Tree_Guy]

Scott, I must admit that was my first thought too, how much it resembled the Beaver Squeezer. I have had many conversations with the guys at Implemax, and they admitted that they were getting a little "squeezed" themselves. Implemax makes a GREAT product, and as is so often the case, maybe it's just a little TOO good. They really do their homework, and their design and manufacturing is truly world-class. Ditto the components they use. They spent a LONG time selecting just the right rotator that would really stand up to years of use and abuse. The two grapples might look similar, as do a Ford Taurus and a BMW, but there just might be similar differences when you examine them closely.

I have a feeling they might have trimmed off some of the "fat" to come up with a more competitively priced grapple (mine was $8K), but knowing them, I bet the Smart Grapple is one VERY fine unit. (Compare the heeling areas, grapple arms themselves, winch location, and probably the rotators). If you saw my grapple close up, you'd be amazed at the construction quality. T1 steel, superb welds, and just an amazing design. I've used mine hard, and it has shown no signs of having as much as a single molecule out of place. You get what you pay for with an Implemax, I have no doubts about that. I'm curious about what the two grapples sell for, I'll try to find out. I'm glad I got my Implemax 4836RW while I still could though, it's awesome. The big arms pick up a LOT of brush, and BIG logs.

 

[greenthumb]

any one ever used this. It seems like a decent light weight way to go. I have been looking for somthing like it. they have several products Add-a-Grapple is one of them. seems good for brush small logs etc. price is around 500 plus you need hose to plum the cylinder and a extra outlet.

http://www.precisionmfg.com/products.asp?product=Grapple&type=Add-a-Grapple

 

[CT_Tree_Guy]

That approach is definitely worth considering to save a lot of $$$ and still add a whole lot of functionality to your bucket. Obviously not as effective as a regular grapple, and it might be tough to grab a log, but maybe you could add some stubby bolt-on pallet forks to the bottom edge of the bucket?

Haven't seen that particular brand before but it looks pretty well-made.

 

[ScottAR]

CT, you've hit on my biggest reservations with Implemax. Their equipment looks top notch, but for $8k, your nearly into a small forwarder type trailer with a grapple.
Granted, I doubt a trailer would work for lawn work.

If one were using it for a business, as you are, it becomes a need instead of a luxury.

I'm not sure Implemax has a product for the amatuer yet. They'd have to halve the cost.

 

[CT_Tree_Guy]

Scott, the $$$$$ was my biggest reservation too, but it seemed to be the very best one out there, and I still haven't seen anything that looks better. I totally agree with you that you'd have to be using it a LOT to justify that kind of expense. So far it's cost me $14.00/hour to have it on the "payroll" ($8,000/560 tractor hours), and that will of course keep going down. After 2,000 hours, 4 bucks an hour, a heck of a deal for what it does.

I'll call Implemax and get the scoop on $$ for the Smart Grapple, but I bet it's $4500 or so. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Anyone have any prices on the Beaver Squeezer? I'll see if I can come up with that too.

 

[ScottAR]

The only price I remember on the squeezer was around $4500... Close anyway...

Kinda funny... These skid grapples look huge yet are tiny compared a "real" skidders grapple... A logger friend of mine has a skidder grapple that opens to 96"!