Grapple Which One To Buy?

[dmiele]

I have been running through threads on grapples and ready to bit the bullet, now, which one? I have a B3300SU with a LA504 FEL (pin on).
I had a logger in and have ALL the tops left over to move to the burn pile.
I have looked at the bolt on type (bolt to the side of the bucket, the entire grapple unit, and just recently found the "Westendorf" Brush Crusher.
This thing looks awesome and I have requested a quote (we'll see).
I don't have front ports, but do have rear ports that I could have hoses made and get the Hydro to the front.
ALL opinions and advise would gladly be appreciated.
Thanks guys

Dan

 

[nybirdman]

A thumb type attachment to your current bucket will save some weight.Your 504 loader doesn't have a lot of lift capacity.(1,000 lbs or so) and you don't want to add a 500lb.grapple.

 

[HCJtractor]

I'm not familiar with your tractor, but if that 1000 lb lift capacity is correct, I think any light duty grapple would work. I would get a four foot wide grapple with one thumb. I would expect it would weigh less than your bucket, so you don't lose anything. Something to consider would be how it connects to your loader arms. If you don't have skid steer quick connect, it may require some customization. I would give Everything Attachment a call and ask for their advice . My four foot heavy duty on my 65 horse Kubota makes clean up of saw debris easy and fun! Lift capacity is not a deal breaker. You mainly are pushing any way. You can push more than you can lift. If your tractor strains to lift a load, just take a smaller bite.

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[HCJtractor]

Just googled the Westendorf. If you're looking at the one with two separate claws, I would advise a standard type grapple is way more useful. My grapple will do everything that will do (as far as picking up stuff) but much more (like uprooting and digging root balls) . And if you're looking at the add on thumb to your bucket, I also don't like that. I've never found a bucket edge good for scooping or "raking" tree debris. It kinda like trying to pick up limbs with a shovel. A pitch fork works better. Same principal. Go with a standard design light or medium duty grapple. You'll love it.

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[HCJtractor]

Here's one to consider



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[HCJtractor]

Or better yet, this



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[dmiele]

Thanks guys. HC, I'm with you on just adding a thumb to the bucket, the sides just don't leave the room for the debris.
And, with the grapple unit, there will be some mod being I don't have a quick system bucket, (pin on now) and our hydro up front.
Hence the Westendorf, I found it here on TBN, never saw such a thing but it looks to me to make sense, Just pin on and go.
I will use the bucket more than the grapple for chores around here that's why at around (2k) for bucket swap and plumbing the front it a big big bite out of the beer budget!!!!!!
I just got my chains and wheel spacer (600) to go play in the mud to get the tops. (had a logger in and rain, lot's of it) now it's just a hog pen of slop.

 

[jeff9366]

Westendorf has mixed reviews on T-B-N.

Here are some Westendorf threads from the T-B-N archive: https://www.google.com/?gfe_rd=ssl&ei=1SmJVqScJ4uS-AW6z7HoCA#q=Westendorf+site:tractorbynet.com

 

[Bigshooter81]

The lightest one you can find that is built to do what you want. The overbuilt monster grapples are great, but kill the FEL capacity. The EA and LandPride options at right around 280lbs are nice units. I personally got the LandPride unit with my package and it is very well built for how light it is.

 

[Xfaxman]

I have been running through threads on grapples and ready to bit the bullet, now, which one? I have a B3300SU with a LA504 FEL (pin on).
I had a logger in and have ALL the tops left over to move to the burn pile.
I have looked at the bolt on type (bolt to the side of the bucket, the entire grapple unit, and just recently found the "Westendorf" Brush Crusher.
This thing looks awesome and I have requested a quote (we'll see).
I don't have front ports, but do have rear ports that I could have hoses made and get the Hydro to the front.
ALL opinions and advise would gladly be appreciated.
Thanks guys

Dan

I think the Brush Crusher would be your least cost, quickest solution for moving tree tops.

This is what I made for my pin on loader: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ter-put-together-post3455827.html#post3455827