W.R. Long Inc. Grapple Problem

[bgtrck458]

I recently purchased a 60" grapple rake from W.R. long through a local dealer. The model is the RBG 2 which is designed for compact tractors with a lift capacity under 2k. I run a small cord wood business and use the grapple for moving logs and the slash generated from felling and processing trees. The grapple is mounted on a 2010 Massey 1635, which the sales person from W.R. Long assured me was exactly the size tractor they had designed this grapple for. With less than 5hrs. on the grapple I can tell you it is VERY poorly manufactured. I had broken one tooth off the grapple and bent another in less than one hour. I could not believe an implement advertised as being able to remove roots from the ground couldn't even handle some branches. I figured I must have hit a large rock I didn't see and the damage was from operator error. WRONG. Upon inspection of the remaining teeth I found they were only tack welded to the frame of the grapple. I couldn't believe it, several of the welds didn't even contact both pieces of metal. Not poor penetration, NO CONTACT AT ALL. I paid 2135.00 for this thing with shipping and I am going to have to do probably 5 hours of prep and welding to get it through 20hrs. of use. I can't believe a company with such a long history and good reputation could have such terrible quality control or poor engineering. has anyone had any experience with this product? Is there a similar grapple for around the same money which isn't trash?

 

[gpflepsen]

Did you call them and let them know? Give them a chance to make it right.

 

[timswi]

Did you call them and let them know? Give them a chance to make it right.

Agreed...Sounds to me like it wasn't finish welded yet. Shouldn't happen, but it does sometimes.

 

[Ductape]

Post us some pics of the grapple.

 

[Mousefield]

I go along with gpflepsen, contact them and tell them why you are not happy. Take it back to the local dealer and ask for your money back. They should stand by what they sell. Take pictures of the problem areas and send them to the manufacturer as well.

 

[bgtrck458]

i will post some pictures when I get the tractor back from the shop. It is in for some warranty work right now. I was supposed to have it back today, but haven't heard from the dealer yet. I am sure I could stir up some concern at the dealer, but it really isn't their fault. I contacted them because they were the only dealer around that could get W.R Long attachments, I asked them to order it for me, and I have no complaints with anything they did. I also think that W.R Long would probably have no problem taking the grapple back and repairing it. But I doubt they would cover the $300 shipping each way, and the weeks of downtime would kill my spring time cord wood sales. I guess I am looking more to warn people about this product, and to see if anyone has had similar problems with a W.R Long grapple, or a more positive experience with this grapple or another one.

 

[MikePA]

Before you continue bad mouthing W R Long, call them and don't assume what they will or wont do to make this right. Mfgr bashing violates TBN Terms Of Service.

 

[bgtrck458]

I am Sorry Mike, you are right I do Need to contact W.R Long and see what they will do to make things right. But it is Monday night and that can't happen until tomorrow. If my complaining is considered MFG. bashing then I will not continue. I am not trying to say that W.R. Long is a bad company, I hear great things about their valve kits and other products. My complaint is that no matter what any company is willing to do, at this point any correction to my problems is going to cost me time out of my days, which translates to money out of my pocket, even if there is no direct outlay of money. If you bring your car to the shop and the wheel falls off after they repair it, it doesn't matter if the shop pays for the tow, and fixes the wheel, and even if they brought you a rental car for free so you could continue with your day. It is still costs you time, which you can't get back.

 

[magicheater]

Perhaps a different place to vent your frustrations would be appropriate, after you get over your lost time I am hoping you will come back and tell us what a great job W. R. Long making it right by you if that is the case.

 

[NHbotanut]

I have the 48" RBG 2 Grapple on my tractor now. Had been using it to move a lot of brush and logs from the house we are building. No problems with mine, and a few times I wasn't very gentle in moving the logs or building the burn pile.

Sounds to me like 1 bad grapple got through MFG line. Even car & truck MFG get lemons out in the market. I have no doubt that Nelson will take care of the problem. Actually, I have been so pleased with the grapple, I just ordered a 4N1 bucket last Friday.

 

[bgtrck458]

Thanks NHbotanut, I was looking to hear from some who actually had a similar product from W.R. Long and some experience with the company. It is amazing how many people made replies with nothing to do with grapples, or even stating that they had any experience with the company. They do build each grapple to order and maybe there was just some welding problems that day.

 

[bgtrck458]

I contacted W R Long Inc. today and spoke to Don Sloan. Don assured me that my grapple should not have failed in the way it has on my 1635. He also assured me he would send me any parts I needed and pay to have it welded back together. So even though I will lose a little time, W.R. Long is absolutely willing to help me get my grapple back together and working in whatever fashion I see as best. So..... Everyone who said I should talk to them was right. it doesn't make the grapple a different product, but it does mean they are going to stand behind it.

 

[HCJtractor]

I had a problem with a WR Long Electric over hydraulic kit. They were fantastic in their customer service and did all that they could to make me happy. They sent me a new one immediately and were very concerned and prompt. They are a top notch company in my opinion, so I expect them to make this grapple right.

That being said, Markham grapples have an extensive history here on TBN and are, in my opinion, the best for the money!

 

[Mousefield]

Glad to hear of the good out come to your problem.

 

[pitt_md]

Sorry to hear your grapple had problems. Glad they are going to make it right.
I have a WR Long grapple OBG2 model. Its built like a rock.

 

[miramadar]

Before you continue bad mouthing W R Long, call them and don't assume what they will or wont do to make this right. Mfgr bashing violates TBN Terms Of Service.

That's one of the things I love about this forum...it's not allowed to degenerate into meaningless rabble. Now, I'm not saying that bgtrk458 was engaging in meaningless rabble. On the contrary...he had a legit concern and was looking for legit responses. But it would have been so easy for someone to get on and just fan the flames and let it become a bashing session. Hats off to TBN for policing the scene and keeping everything on the up and up! :thumbsup:

Glad to hear Nelson made it right. I've never bought anything off him, but I have corresponded via email with him. Seems to be a stand-up guy.

 

[dirtmovinmom]

sounds like one bad "gr apple" in the bunch

 

[Redbug]

I also have an RBG-2 which has been used with force. I think it is well made and designed. I did bend an outer tine a time or two, but that's because it got rammed into a stump while turning. A heavy sledge and chain fixed it back.

 

[JHTFarmer]

I have a WR Long RBG-60. Its mounted on a Case DX-40. I found it to be an excellent product, well engineered and very heavily built. absolutely nothing negative to report.

 

[davygp38]

Before you continue bad mouthing W R Long, call them and don't assume what they will or wont do to make this right. Mfg bashing violates TBN Terms Of Service.

Could you clarify what "manufacturer Bashing," is as opposed to a genuine concern, about the experience a member has with a product? I have to tell you that half of my interest in TBN, is product research. The other half, is knowledge gathering. If your telling me that I cannot post about a tractor, or attachment,problem in a factual contextual way, without being considered a no good manufacturer basher, then what is the point of this forum comrade? it does not bother me when a member vents about a problem he is having. That's because I will read hundreds of comments, and reviews before I judge a product. The last thing we need on this site, is a lack of freedom to express our opinions about products. By the way, what "manufacturer do you work for?