Grapple Which type of grapple is best suited for...

[Kryton619]

Nice. That is a lot of curl to the lower tines. How is it working out?

It has only been 1 weekend so far...but I can't see me putting the bucket back on anytime soon. As far as the curl of the tines....I just tilt the grapple forward and dig in to the ground as deep or shallow as I want. While it is called a brush grapple, this weekend I did remove roots with it.

I have a fair amount of clearing to do so time will tell......initial thoughts are it will work just fine for me and for $700.00 it was hard to beat.

 

[IslandTractor]

Nice. That is a lot of curl to the lower tines. How is it working out?

I love the curl on my grapple. Never have been able to understand why more grapples don't incorporate curled lower tines.

 

[TSO]

It has only been 1 weekend so far...but I can't see me putting the bucket back on anytime soon. As far as the curl of the tines....I just tilt the grapple forward and dig in to the ground as deep or shallow as I want. While it is called a brush grapple, this weekend I did remove roots with it.

I have a fair amount of clearing to do so time will tell......initial thoughts are it will work just fine for me and for $700.00 it was hard to beat.

What what what?! Where was I when they were selling these for $700 ?!

 

[Kryton619]

What what what?! Where was I when they were selling these for $700 ?!

I bought mine at the Ritchie Bros. auction in Montreal...but I see in the Detroit auction which would be closer to you that is taking place on June 6th...there are some.

UNUSED VERSATECH Brush Skid Steer Grapple | Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers

 

[TomSeller]

What what what?! Where was I when they were selling these for $700 ?!

x2. I see some used ones for that price.

 

[TomSeller]

I love the curl on my grapple. Never have been able to understand why more grapples don't incorporate curled lower tines.

I would tend to agree, particularly if the grapple has a large vertical opening as yours does. With any in the 30" range (such as EA's), I would say the curl is working against the functionality as it decreases the opening.

 

[Xfaxman]

Well I now have my new grapple installed and functioning. It is the Versatech 66 inch model. I thought that if it was to big or heavy I could always cut it down. So far so good!

What is the opening height?

I don't see any grease zerks on the pivots, true?

 

[Kryton619]

What is the opening height?

I don't see any grease zerks on the pivots, true?

I don't know what the opening height is but will measure this weekend. You are correct...no grease zerks.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Heres one that could be a good deal.. White Lake, MI.

Grapple bucket

 

[TSO]

Heres one that could be a good deal.. White Lake, MI.

Grapple bucket

Saw that, thanks! I'm just waiting on Ted and Travis (Everything Attachments .com) to provide an update on their product... Especially price.

 

[IslandTractor]

What is the opening height?

I don't see any grease zerks on the pivots, true?

My 8 year old grapple has no grease zerks and the pins barely show any wear. There is simply not a lot of force on those pins. Very different than loader or backhoe pins. The grapple is moving with almost zero force on the pins until it comes in contact with the load and even then the movement while under load is minimal. Zerks are a non issue IMO.

 

[Kryton619]

My 8 year old grapple has no grease zerks and the pins barely show any wear. There is simply not a lot of force on those pins. Very different than loader or backhoe pins. The grapple is moving with almost zero force on the pins until it comes in contact with the load and even then the movement while under load is minimal. Zerks are a non issue IMO.

I appreciate your insight Island Tractor....my intention was to spray the pivot areas with lithium grease occasionally.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Saw that, thanks! I'm just waiting on Ted and Travis (Everything Attachments .com) to provide an update on their product... Especially price.

Hmm.. only four hours away from me. Might have to call dibs..

 

[IslandTractor]

I appreciate your insight Island Tractor....my intention was to spray the pivot areas with lithium grease occasionally.

I intended to do that too but have done so about twice in the past seven or eight years. Just doesn't seem to be a real wear item.

 

[Xfaxman]

My 8 year old grapple has no grease zerks and the pins barely show any wear. There is simply not a lot of force on those pins. Very different than loader or backhoe pins. The grapple is moving with almost zero force on the pins until it comes in contact with the load and even then the movement while under load is minimal. Zerks are a non issue IMO.

Even if it did wear, the grapple would still work. The bolts would be easy to replace when it got too sloppy.

 

[IslandTractor]

Even if it did wear, the grapple would still work. The bolts would be easy to replace when it got too sloppy.

My thinking exactly. If I recall correctly, the pins are just big bolts anyways. The threads are worn off but the shaft has plenty of life left. I'm figuring I might need to replace them in another 8-10 years. Low on the maintenance list.

 

[kipgary]

Moved some big rocks over the weekend at our ranch west of San Antonio with our Kubota M8560 and Solesbees 84 inch rock grapple. Tough gear for tough country.

 

[94BULLITT]

My thinking exactly. If I recall correctly, the pins are just big bolts anyways. The threads are worn off but the shaft has plenty of life left. I'm figuring I might need to replace them in another 8-10 years. Low on the maintenance list.

I would be more concerned about the wear on the grapple and not the bolts.

 

[IslandTractor]

I would be more concerned about the wear on the grapple and not the bolts.

Understood but that has not been an issue either. There just isn't that much friction or wear when opening or closing the grapple arm compared to pins on the FEL or BH. Not much chance for heat to build up either. I think of it more like 3PT pins which are not lubricated, don't wear quickly and see similar friction as the grapple pivot points.

 

[Boeing]

I watched the "wicked Grapple" video. Looks like a nice piece of gear. I have a Quick Disconnect FEL on my Kubota L-3010. I've never had it off...even when mowing on slopes (just keep it low) I DID remove the bucket from the arms once to get a hook welded on. HOW...does a grapple attach? (I presume with the same pins that attach my bucket) I have hyd cyclinders that raise the arms and cylinders that tilt the bucket. A grapple needs those PLUS cylinders to open close the jaws......WHERE does that hyd power come from and what lever/control is added to work it? The video did not address these issues.
Thanks, Rob