Selecting A Grapple

[pane056]

Hello;

I will be installing this grapple on a JD 3320 w/ 300 CX Loader.

I am seriously considering one of two models from ATV Skid Steer in Memphis, Tenn.

The model RG-LW72 at 595# is classified as a Light duty

The model RG-R72 at 700# is classified as a Heavy Duty.

I'm leaning toward the Heavy Duty thinking that the 105# more weight won't hurt me.

Any of you folks using these or any other models from this company?

Thanks, nicholas

 

[foggy1111]

Hello;

I will be installing this grapple on a JD 3320 w/ 300 CX Loader.

I am seriously considering one of two models from ATV Skid Steer in Memphis, Tenn.

The model RG-LW72 at 595# is classified as a Light duty

The model RG-R72 at 700# is classified as a Heavy Duty.

I'm leaning toward the Heavy Duty thinking that the 105# more weight won't hurt me.

Any of you folks using these or any other models from this company?

Thanks, nicholas

I have the same tractor as you.....and after reading lots on grapples I went with a lighter 48" model made by Markham / Gator.

I would not want a larger grapple. This one does all I need it to do and does not "overpower" the size on the loader. Lots of reading on grapples at the attachements section.....do a search for hours upon hours of reading. Most guys will steer you to a size such as I describe for your tractor.

Good luck.

 

[whitedogone]

The 2 you listed are too heavy for yor 300x loader. Get a lighter wildkat model.

 

[OrangeJbird]

The 2 you listed are too heavy for yor 300x loader. Get a lighter wildkat model.

I agree. I have the 48" Markham. The 48" Wildkat would be plenty also. IMHO my Markham should have 8-12" shorter tines. Sticks out in front quite a bit. 48" is good for getting around in the woods and trails, any wider and it's harder to snake around.

I think Markham unit is now North American Implement product weighing 385 lbs. You want it lighter for that size tractor and loader. http://www.northamericanimplements.com/wp-content/uploads/NAI-CATALOG.pdf

 

[merlintractor]

I have the 48" markham and it has performed flawlessly...and I have done my best to put this thing to the test. Go for it! Good folks to work with, too.

 

[pane056]

Hello;

Thank you very much for the info. Once again the old saying, "Ask the man that owns one." comes true.

Well it turns out the company making the two I was considering do not make hookups for anything but Skid Steer.

I did check out the Markham site. It sure looks like the model you mention will do everything I need done. I'll give them a call.

Is the attachment forum mentioned under the Laaen & Garden forum?

Thanks again, nicholas

 

[foggy1111]

Hello;

Thank you very much for the info. Once again the old saying, "Ask the man that owns one." comes true.

Well it turns out the company making the two I was considering do not make hookups for anything but Skid Steer.

I did check out the Markham site. It sure looks like the model you mention will do everything I need done. I'll give them a call.

Is the attachment forum mentioned under the Laaen & Garden forum?

Thanks again, nicholas

Go to the MAIN Menu. Scroll down to the 4th heading....that is the "attachements" section. If you use the search tab (upper right side of menu) you can use the word "grapple" or perhaps "root grapple" for lots of info on this topic.

FYI Markham is no longer in biz. They sold out to Gator....whom I've read is out of biz. The latest company in the area selling this style of grapple is Wildcat. (I have not checked this out and it's just info I gleaned from reading TBN....so dont flame me if I got this wrong. I hope all these biz are thriving....but I'm not sure of that.)

A word of caution: When I bought my grapple I thought I was buying from Markham....but I ended up buying a "Gator" branded product and Malissa (Markham) was always unavailable so I got some (bad) information from one of the gals that became known as the "gator girls". Beware when ordering that you get things spec'd right as some of us had some issues with what was bought vs what was delivered. Maybe it's better now? A pretty fair product design with a history of confusion for me and some others. (I also wish the teeth were a little shorter, they put the right couplers on for deere, that they would put the deere gussets on the quick tach, and that they had some protection for the tractor in the center of the grapple....so braches dont stab the tractor.)

 

[OrangeJbird]

Light Duty Root Grapple | North American Implements

This looks exactly like mine, and I believe this is the company that took over Markham- Gator?
Doesn't list the JD QA as available but maybe they can make one?
I bought the Skidsteer attachment grapple and modified it with JD hooks/pins for the 300cx. I can still use on my narrow QA CASE 1840 skidsteer.
got a heck-uv-a deal buying forks at the same time. Modified them also to work on the 3320 and Skidsteer.

 

[pane056]

Hello;

Markham maybe North American Implements. Anyway that is where I found a 48" grapple, 385#. $825 & $140 S &H

The Wildkat 48" grapple, 420#, $800 & $165 S&H.

I might have that backwards. The specs for NAI maybe for Wildkat and visa versa. My notes are a mess.
Having had a stroke my hands often will not do what they are supposed to do.

Both companies will set up for the JD Quik Tach loader. NAI has them set up for the JD 400 & 500 Loaders and say they will fit the 300 as well. I need to check into that. I'm sure the 400 & 500 are wider. Will call them back on Monday.

I wondeer where the extra 35# of weight in the Wildkat is at. 35# stronger maybe???

Thanks for all of the help, nicholas

 

[OrangeJbird]

The upper jaw looks wider on the Wildkat and it has 8 vs 5 tines below.

 

[foggy1111]

bee

Light Duty Root Grapple | North American Implements

This looks exactly like mine, and I believe this is the company that took over Markham- Gator?
Doesn't list the JD QA as available but maybe they can make one?
I bought the Skidsteer attachment grapple and modified it with JD hooks/pins for the 300cx. I can still use on my narrow QA CASE 1840 skidsteer.
got a heck-uv-a deal buying forks at the same time. Modified them also to work on the 3320 and Skidsteer.

The pics you show above are the same as I recieved from Gator / Markham. BEWARE....their are no gussets on the top of your JD QD "hooks". If you pick up max loads those hooks will spread and you may break your loader. I did. It cost me about $500 to fix my loader and rebuild the mounts they way they should have been from day 1. It only takes a few dollars worth of gussets and a little welding to fix it right.

The other thing....if you do much brush and log work your bound to run branches through the openings between the loader masts. That could be hard on your grill or radiator. (dont ask me how I know) May as weld some protection in that area too.

my .02 cents.

 

[OrangeJbird]

bee

The pics you show above are the same as I recieved from Gator / Markham. BEWARE....their are no gussets on the top of your JD QD "hooks". If you pick up max loads those hooks will spread and you may break your loader. I did. It cost me about $500 to fix my loader and rebuild the mounts they way they should have been from day 1. It only takes a few dollars worth of gussets and a little welding to fix it right.

The other thing....if you do much brush and log work your bound to run branches through the openings between the loader masts. That could be hard on your grill or radiator. (dont ask me how I know) May as weld some protection in that area too.

my .02 cents.

Exactly what I did. Took me a few hours, but it's rock solid and protects the grill.

 

[pane056]

You guys are a treasure trove of great info.

Regarding the gussets you mention. I'm not sure I know where they go. Are they a JD part or home made?
I recall looking at the 300CX loader on the JD Parts site. I recall seeing some small flat pieces that were on top of the hook, going from over the hook to over the bucket. Is that what you're talking about?

I will heed your advise and get grill protection right off. What did you guys use? Expanded metal, thin plate steel?

thanks, nicholas

 

[kennyd]

Light Duty Root Grapple | North American Implements

This looks exactly like mine, and I believe this is the company that took over Markham- Gator?
Doesn't list the JD QA as available but maybe they can make one?
I bought the Skidsteer attachment grapple and modified it with JD hooks/pins for the 300cx. I can still use on my narrow QA CASE 1840 skidsteer.
got a heck-uv-a deal buying forks at the same time. Modified them also to work on the 3320 and Skidsteer.

Yes, I think you are correct. Those pictures on that site you linked are mine...I sent them to Melissa Markham years ago when I help them with the JDQA

 

[kennyd]

I agree. I have the 48" Markham. The 48" Wildkat would be plenty also. IMHO my Markham should have 8-12" shorter tines. Sticks out in front quite a bit. 48" is good for getting around in the woods and trails, any wider and it's harder to snake around.

I think Markham unit is now North American Implement product weighing 385 lbs. You want it lighter for that size tractor and loader. http://www.northamericanimplements.com/wp-content/uploads/NAI-CATALOG.pdf

I could not agree more! It does stick out to far for our use, shorter tines would be perfect.

 

[kennyd]

Rumor has it that Artillian may be making one (a lightweight grapple that is) in the future that will hang on their fork frame.:licking:

 

[foggy1111]

You guys are a treasure trove of great info.

Regarding the gussets you mention. I'm not sure I know where they go. Are they a JD part or home made?
I recall looking at the 300CX loader on the JD Parts site. I recall seeing some small flat pieces that were on top of the hook, going from over the hook to over the bucket. Is that what you're talking about?

I will heed your advise and get grill protection right off. What did you guys use? Expanded metal, thin plate steel?

thanks, nicholas

I'm just taking a break from shoveling beach sand....so I dont have time to search for my modification thread now. May post it this evening or tommorow morning. Take a look at any JD bucket and you will see the way they add some re-enforcement to the bucket "hooks" at the top of the Quick Tach bucket. The gussets (re-inforcement) plates are not found on these grapples. They should be....or when you pick up max loads (with those long tines on a grapple especially) those unsuported hooks will open up and all the load will instantly be applied to the bottom pins. Yes, you can buy the gussets over the parts counter at the JD store for a few bucks.

At that point the bottom pin will break away from your loader mast and the casting that has the hole will likely break. The casing and the timing bar will break - if it's done as I did it. Then your faced with repair parts and fixing the blasted grapple too. ALL BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER IS TOO CHEAP TO PUT A FEW GUSSETS IN PLACE LIKE THEY SHOULD. The cost could not amount to $5. during the manufacturing process. Big whoop.

Obviously these manufacturers have never really tried their product on a John Deere tractor or they would know enough to make the needed changes. It aint rocket surgery. (can you tell they pissed me off? )

THe grill protection is another story.....and one that is also obvious to anyone that has been around 'chinery a while.

 

[foggy1111]

Rumor has it that Artillian may be making one (a lightweight grapple that is) in the future that will hang on their fork frame.:licking:

Kinda wondered when that product would hit the streets. I am confident they would make a very good product and do things correctly. If I were in the market......I would look or ask here! (at artillian) :thumbsup:

Good to hear from you Kenny....long time....

 

[pane056]

Hello;

Regarding Artillian making a tree shear. I contacted them and yes they plan on doing that but the project is in the early design stages. They are still waiting for machinery necessary to make them. They want to get them to market as soon as possible and encourage frequent check ins on progress.

Thanks, nicholas

 

[Red Horse]

My two cents- I'm a Wildkat fan. the 48" Economy is a heck of a value-and just right for a 3320. If you are buying this to move brush, buck logs etc its perfect. remember-every pound of steel in the grapple is one less pound of payload. granted there is a trade off on durabiity but if you damage this thing with a 3320 you are truly a "cowboy"! IMO perfect match for a 3320. there are a ton of posts on this subject and a ton of Wildkat 48 "fans". check it out.

couple of pix of mine- I ordered without the JD hook up and installed my own