Grapple Which type of grapple

[BlueBerry Farmer]

I'm interested in purchasing a grapple for my MF 1720. I'm looking at either the type that attaches to the existing bucket or the type that attaches after the bucket is removed. My farm is 75km from where I live so if I go with the grapple that attaches after the bucket is removed I will have to transport the two (bucket or grapple) to my work site as well. My preference would be the type that attaches to the bucket for convenience but only if it work satisfactorily . Any thoughts or experience or suggestions?

Dave

 

[TripleR]

My brother uses a bucket grapple, it is not an add on, but has essentially the same function as an add on system and he really likes it as it gives him the convenience of being able to do a bit of dirt work if needed. I use a root grapple that must be replaced with the buket to do dirt work, but changing out is easy as my tractors rarely leave their respective farms.

Given your situation, a bucket grapple would be very tempting.

 

[nybirdman]

I use a Green's Machine Thumb and a tooth-bar.Works very well and the thumb comes off with four bolts.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I transport two buckets at times. It's really not that difficult. I made my manure bucket slightly narrower than my materials bucket. It's quite easy to slide the manure bucket inside the other bucket for transportation. If you buy a fork type grapple I can't see it being too hard to pick the materials bucket up and nestle it in the grapple for transport.

 

[Walkin Horse]

I also bought the thumb from Greens. I really don't like it on the bucket. When I was thinking about getting it someone said it was like picking up a jar with needle nose pliers. Well logs shoot right out of it. I have sims longer teeth to it but it doesn't help. Brush it does good.

Sunday I was backdragging with it closed and hung something. The claw snapped right off. I can fix it but I'm going to use it to make a grapple out of.

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet

 

[Gordon Gould]

I have an ATI bolt on grapple - similar to the thumb. I had it for several years before I added the tooth bar. The tooth bar made it far better all around. Better at raking brush, going after rocks and stumps, and grabbing logs although I could do this stuff before I added the tooth bar. Much better digging too of course.



I like it because I always have the bucket and grapple with me. I can clean snow out of a woods road with the bucket then go to work stacking brush when I get to where I am cutting. Here are some pics of what I do with it

 

[Xfaxman]

View attachment 419420View attachment 419421

I'm interested in purchasing a grapple for my MF 1720. I'm looking at either the type that attaches to the existing bucket or the type that attaches after the bucket is removed. My farm is 75km from where I live so if I go with the grapple that attaches after the bucket is removed I will have to transport the two (bucket or grapple) to my work site as well. My preference would be the type that attaches to the bucket for convenience but only if it work satisfactorily . Any thoughts or experience or suggestions?

Dave

Is your bucket pin on or quick attach?

What is the main job you will be doing with the grapple?

 

[BlueBerry Farmer]

Impressive and looks very versatile.

 

[txdon]

For brush, go with a grapple. I have had both and can do more work with a grapple and then smooth thing out with an attached box blade. The bucket will always grab too much dirt. and there is no good raking action.

If you do decide to go with the bucket, at the minimum as suggested, get a tooth bar. If you are looking for happiness get a grapple.

 

[JRL305]

There are so many different style grapples, it's difficult to decide what to buy. Everyone's needs are varied also. I searched every post about grapples that I could before I made my decision. My needs are different than many people on here but I got some really good input. Figure out what you'll need it for and study up. I ended up with a WR Long OBG2 48" from Everything Attachments. The folks at EA are also very helpful and responsive to phone calls and emails. Do your research and you'll be amazed how the right grapple will make your job so much easier.

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

I also bought the thumb from Greens. I really don't like it on the bucket. When I was thinking about getting it someone said it was like picking up a jar with needle nose pliers. Well logs shoot right out of it. I have sims longer teeth to it but it doesn't help. Brush it does good.

Sunday I was backdragging with it closed and hung something. The claw snapped right off. I can fix it but I'm going to use it to make a grapple out of.

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet

Something doesn't add up.....

For the cyl bracket to break like that, it would require a tension load on the cyl which would mean pushing with the top of the lid with it partially open. The actions you describe would have ripped the front of the bracket.

Either way it sucks for it to have broken and certainly looks like a weak design. Penetration on that weld doesn't look too good either. They should have designed it with some bracing that runs down the back of the bucket

 

[rocketfish]

There are so many different style grapples, it's difficult to decide what to buy. Everyone's needs are varied also. I searched every post about grapples that I could before I made my decision. My needs are different than many people on here but I got some really good input. Figure out what you'll need it for and study up. I ended up with a WR Long OBG2 48" from Everything Attachments. The folks at EA are also very helpful and responsive to phone calls and emails. Do your research and you'll be amazed how the right grapple will make your job so much easier.

Confused on what you have??? I thought WR Long and Everything Attachments are 2 different companies???

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

You are right, they are separate. But EA sells WR Long as well as their own

 

[rocketfish]

You are right, they are separate. But EA sells WR Long as well as their own

Cool! Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[powerscol]

I did not see if the OP answered the pin on or QA bucket question. If it is the Pin on, I suggest getting the QA adapter installed, then the assortment of grapples greatly increases, as well as other tools.

 

[BlueBerry Farmer]

It would be pin attachment.

 

[BlueBerry Farmer]

Jobs with such would be 50% brush, 30% fire wood, 20% other jobs (land clearing, tearing down a barn, new construction.)

 

[ns_in_tex]

To my way of thinking, the quick attach is worth nearly as much as the tractor.
I would probably let my bucket go before I would give up my grapple.
When we need both, we just pick up the bucket with the grapple and drive the tractor onto the trailer, then 2 minute job to use which ever one needed.

 

[BlueBerry Farmer]

Yes this makes sense Neal and thanks for your views. I'm thinking this will be the route I'll take.
Dave

 

[TomSeller]

I would probably let my bucket go before I would give up my grapple.
When we need both, we just pick up the bucket with the grapple and drive the tractor onto the trailer, then 2 minute job to use which ever one needed.

Exactly.