Grapple Wanting info on grapple buckets/thumbs

[jmt1271]

I'm not positive, but doesn't the 3520 already have a 3rd SCV option ?

I believe the 3rd valve is there, it just needs tubing, connectors and a handle.

I know I didnt purchase a 3rd SCV. I thiink it is an option that you have to buy. As embarrassing as it is, I am not sure I can identify one if it is there.

 

[jmt1271]

Hi jmt,
This is a pretty good thread to determine which kind of grapple you want or a bucket grapple or even a 4 in 1 bucket. After you decide which one suits your needs best, then I think figuring out the best way to plumb and operate it would be the next step.

Click here:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107635

RRL, that is an excellent thread. I read it earlier when I first started researching. Thanks a lot.

 

[jmt1271]

Guys, in the interest of bang for the buck, I think I may want to just add a grapple to my existing 60" HD bucket. What are the most common options when going this route?

 

[Big Daddy]

I predict that you be extremely disappointed with a grapple on the bucket. Even for that you will need the 3rd input. The bucket sides will be in the way; and you won't be able to dig into and under the brush pile. My situation was similar to yours, and there is no better investment for this work than a grapple. It is by far the most often used attachment in my arsenal.

George

 

[jmt1271]

Your point makes sense. Guess I will keep looking for the best way to go as far as a grapple bucket. I would like to do it myself. I cant see paying what the dealer wants.

Basically, I need a valve, hoses, the grapple bucket and some sort of controller. Is that all that is needed?

 

[Big Daddy]

In most cases the grapple will come complete with all of the cylinders, hoses and couplings needed to hook up. I had my dealer install the 3rd valve option and controls. They did in 2 hours what would have taken me all day. You will be amazed what you can accomplish without even leaving the tractor seat once you have everything. Do an ebay search for a "root grapple". There are several to choose from. I have my 66 inch unit on a Montana 3644 HST. My opinion is that those costing over $3000 are not significantly better than those costing under $2000. Be careful not to get one that is too big and too heavy for your tractor. The heavier the unit, the lower the manageable load you can handle.

George

 

[jmt1271]

I would like to install the valve myself, but if I did pay a dealer to install one on my JD 3520, does anyone have a solid estimate on the parts and labor?

 

[jmt1271]

I just got off the phone with both WR Long and Millonzi. From what I gathered, I will be looking at roughly $600 for the WR Long valve kit with all the options(QDs, replacement loader control handle with switch, hoses etc). That doesnt seem too bad. From Millonzi I got a price of $1425 for the 60" LD grapple bucket, but roughly HALF that for a 48" LD(with single grapple instead of dual grapples on the 60"). I was set on a 60" until I found out the 48 is $700 cheaper. I can get into the 48" with the valve kit for right around $1500. This seems like the way to go for the jobs I will be doing. Just clearing brush on my time, no hurry. Will I be making a mistake or a wise financial move based on my needs by giving up 12" to save $700?

Also, am I leaving out anything to get my 300CX loader from a standard 60" HD bucket converted to a grapple bucket?

 

[jmt1271]

Guys. forgive my ignorance, but in researching this I keep reading that JD 3X20 series come with a 3rd SCV from the factory. I thought this was an added cost option. What is the deal? My 3520 has no aux hydraulic outputs that I ordered. Am I correct in assuming that I need the WR Long valve kit($550ish) and the Millonzi grapple bucket and nothing more/ nothing less to get my tractor setup with grapple capabilities?

 

[SkunkWerX]

Guys. forgive my ignorance, but in researching this I keep reading that JD 3X20 series come with a 3rd SCV from the factory. I thought this was an added cost option. What is the deal? My 3520 has no aux hydraulic outputs that I ordered. Am I correct in assuming that I need the WR Long valve kit($550ish) and the Millonzi grapple bucket and nothing more/ nothing less to get my tractor setup with grapple capabilities?

To get a firm answer, you are probably going to have to talk to your dealer, or perhaps correspond with a JD representative. That way you will get the solid technical answer, plus whatever pricing on whatever parts/valve/etc may be involved. You may luck out and find your Valve costs cut a bit, if your tractor is already partially capable of accepting the valve needed.

In terms of the 48" over the 60", also keep in mind, the 48" will probably be overall lighter in total weight, which might actually increase the amount you can pick-up. Check your overall FEL lift capacity, subtract the weight of your stock bucket, (since you will be removing it) then add the weight of any Grapple you are considering back into the equation.
This will get you in the ballpark for what you'll be able to effectively carry in terms of weight.


I would have to agree with the others, for the amount of brush you will be looking at, a full-on Grapple unit is going to be money well spent.
And, later on, once you have everything plumbed, you can always add a bucket grapple to your loader bucket fairly cheaply, if you so desired.