Xfaxman
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2013
- Messages
- 12,887
- Location
- Guthrie, OK
- Tractor
- Toolcat 5610 G - Bobcat V417 - TORO+Loader
I finally got the North American Implements 48" LD grapple up and running and had sometime to use it a little this weekend. I have not seen anyone with these on here so I have posted some pics. The grapple along with the WR Long 3rd function valve works flawlessly and IMHO is the only way to go when purchasing a grapple. I measured the opening at 36". I know alot of you are "big mouth" fans and will not care for the meager 36" mouth on this unit. But to be honest for what I do around the house it is more than enough. I noted that these grapples definately feel a little different than having the bucket on the front. The weight difference on front takes some getting use to and having added counter weight in the rear is a big help. I can not imagine what a douple HD grapple would feel like on this tractor (DK40HST).
I hope the photos are enough for our resident engineers and grapple experts to look at and break down the pros and cons of the design. I think it is built very well and they were a very good company to deal with. Just a reminder NAI's normal LD grapple only comes with 5 lower tines. I requested two additional tines be added to mine which they gladly added for $20 a tine. The hinge pins have grease fittings which are probably not needed but nice to have. So far my only complaint is I wich the design allowed the mouth to close further so I could pinch down on single logs.
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Looks good to me. I don't understand your complaint of not being able to "pinch down on single logs". It doesn't have to be clamped tight to carry it, just pick it up near the center of the log.