Grapple Grapples and QAs; right combo??

[merlintractor]

I'm ready to pull the trigger on a SS Markham grapple...my problem is whether this a good time to get an ATI SS QA for my MF 1246 loader. Or, should I just get the Markham without the SS fitup and fabricate it for the existing loader attach points?
If I go the SS QA route then I have to modify the bucket to use it with the QA...any ideas on this one before write the check??

Thx!

 

[amigauser]

I would add the skid steer adapter to the FEL as it will open up a lot of attachments to you. If you want add things like pallet forks or a different bucket in the future there are lots of them out there that use a skid steer type q/a. Also, if you ever want to sell the grapple, a skid steer type q/a on it will make it much easier to resell. It should also increase the tractor resale value to.

 

[kennyd]

If you want to prove to yourself why you should get the QA setup now, then go out and remove your bucket...then re-install it-repeat twice and time yourself. Now imagine doing that with something that weighs twice as much(the grapple) and see if you want to go without the QA setup.

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

If you want to prove to yourself why you should get the QA setup now, then go out and remove your bucket...then re-install it-repeat twice and time yourself. Now imagine doing that with something that weighs twice as much(the grapple) and see if you want to go without the QA setup.

...and swapping attachments at a temperature that is substantially warmer than now.

Great point, kennyd.

 

[AKfish]

I would add the skid steer adapter to the FEL as it will open up a lot of attachments to you. If you want add things like pallet forks or a different bucket in the future there are lots of them out there that use a skid steer type q/a. Also, if you ever want to sell the grapple, a skid steer type q/a on it will make it much easier to resell. It should also increase the tractor resale value to.

What he said... You won't regret having the SS QA. Good investment.

AKfish

 

[HCJ]

I just researched this same issue. I just purchased a FEL for my 70 hp Kubota and went with the Tach-All QA by ATI. I also purchased a Markham Grapple. Put this all together only 3 weeks ago. Awesome!! The QA is really simple, literally takes only a few seconds to remove or install the grapple or bucket, and it seems really solid. No way would I go with anything but a skid steer type. As far as your bucket, have you thought about just ordering a new bucket from Markham? I priced lots of buckets, and theirs was less than 1/2 of other brands. ATI and WRLong both quoted over $1000 for a 72" bucket whereas Markham sold me a really stout bucket for less than $500. They also discounted both the grapple and bucket, and discounted shipping for getting both. By the time you buy an adapter or buy steel to modify yours, you may only need to spend a little more to get a new bucket. I also purchased a tooth bar for a good discount. You may be able to sell your bucket for enough to cover a new one. Just a thought. Don't forget to order a bolt kit from ATI to attact the QA to your loader arms. My loader did not come with these bolts. You may want to research whether you need these also. I think these were about $90. What grapple are you ordering? I'm a tool junkie and I must say that this grapple is about the most impressive tool I have ever used.

Get the skid steer QA. You can't go wrong with it.

 

[GreenWannabe]

If I go the SS QA route then I have to modify the bucket to use it with the QA...any ideas on this one before write the check??

ATI also makes adapter plates that will weld to your existing bucket. You could check with them to see if this would be a lower cost than replacing the bucket. Good luck with your quest.

 

[IslandTractor]

I have a QA set up which I like but think it is quite reasonable to consider using just the pins if you are not planning to change implements on a daily basis. The QA is obviously much faster and allows you to get other QA implements off the shelf and QA implements will always be easier to sell so there are a lot of good reasons to do QA. However, the adapter is expensive, heavy and while it does open up some flexibility, consider also extra expense you will incur as you will need to modify you standard bucket to adapt to QA. If you don't really intend to use anything other than a grapple and a bucket, I'd save the QA adapter money. It only takes about 15 minutes to switch out a pin mount bucket for pin mount grapple. If you change your mind you can upgrade by cutting off the pins and welding on a QA mount to the grapple later. I had that done for a 4n1 bucket with JD mount and it took a local welder about 45 minutes plus the cost of a QA receiver plate ($165).

 

[merlintractor]

Thanks guys for all the great info. I think I'm going with the ATI SS QA interface, Markham 48" grapple and a new SS ready bucket (could use a new one anyway). Its only money, right? Besides, gotta do my part to stimulate the economy!

 

[HCJ]

How big is your tractor (hp and weight?) Just curious. Markham sent me the wrong grapple(a light duty 48") and then corrected it by sending a heavier duty made from 1/2 steel and tighter spacing. My point is that I got to compare them side by side. There is quite a difference in beefiness. I was just wondering what you are putting it on and what's your loader lift capacity?

I just got in from spending 4 hours playing with mine, clearing trees and bushes along the river. You will be pleased.

 

[IslandTractor]

There is quite a difference in beefiness.

And price as I recall.

For what it is worth, the light duty Markham is built very similarly to the light duty Millonzi I have been beating the snot out of for the past three years. My current tractor has a lift capacity of 2700lbs and I use every bit of that as well as max breakout force with the grapple. After much use there are some cosmetic scars on the grapple but it functions just as well as on day one. In looking at photos of the Markham light duty I would not hesitate to say that it would hold up just as well.

My point is that so long as you use the grapple for lifting and don't twist it or ram into things a "light duty" grapple matches up well with a CUT, even a big one.

 

[merlintractor]

How big is your tractor (hp and weight?) Just curious. Markham sent me the wrong grapple(a light duty 48") and then corrected it by sending a heavier duty made from 1/2 steel and tighter spacing. My point is that I got to compare them side by side. There is quite a difference in beefiness. I was just wondering what you are putting it on and what's your loader lift capacity?

I just got in from spending 4 hours playing with mine, clearing trees and bushes along the river. You will be pleased.

I have MF 40hp tractor (3100#). It has a MF 1246 loader; 1840# capacity. I plan on buying the Markham light duty grapple as IsTrac recommends. I need to be careful with the grapple weight since I am planning to also use a ATI SS QA interface, another 85-100#.