Add-on Bucket Grapple for a Kubota 3200 - DIY or Dealer install?

[Forest_Man]

I would like to understand what would take to install a grapple to my bucket, similar to this Kubota B3030:

I suspect I'd need to install front hydraulics and buy the grapple? Is this correct?

And should this be done by the dealer or possibly a DIY project?

My end goal is to be able to move brushes and tree limbs with ease.

Thanks in advance.

 

[D&D]

I would like to understand what would take to install a grapple to my bucket, similar to this Kubota B3030:


I suspect I'd need to install front hydraulics and buy the grapple? Is this correct?

And should this be done by the dealer or possibly a DIY project?

My end goal is to be able to move brushes and tree limbs with ease.

Thanks in advance.

Yes, a 3rd function kit (WR Long, Summit Hydraulics, etc) and a grapple unit. A dedicated grapple or forks with a grapple lid out of the question?
Self installation isn’t overly difficult.

 

[Forest_Man]

Yes, a 3rd function kit (WR Long, Summit Hydraulics, etc) and a grapple unit. A dedicated grapple or forks with a grapple lid out of the question?

Kubota Dealer had quoted me $5k to $6K for a new grapple unit + hydraulics. This is too much for me at this time.

Self installation isn’t overly difficult.

I am hoping this could be a DIY project and have a functional grapple for a lot less $$$.

 

[old and tired]

WR Long; bolt on grapple; W.R. Long, Inc. | Bolt On Grapple Single, Dual, Dual X $1,005

WR Long; valve; Third Function Valve Kit for Kubota LA403 No Cab. (VKKULA403-NC) $950

Although, if you ever want or need hydraulic top and side link, I added 3 spools for less than the valve to operate just the grapple from WR Long. You just need to learn more about hydraulics.

If I can do it, pretty sure anyone can learn to do it... the links above, I think have instructions you can read over). any question just ask.

 

[Forest_Man]

WR Long; bolt on grapple; W.R. Long, Inc. | Bolt On Grapple Single, Dual, Dual X $1,005

WR Long; valve; Third Function Valve Kit for Kubota LA403 No Cab. (VKKULA403-NC) $950

Looks legit and quality product. Great find, thank you for sharing it.

Although, if you ever want or need hydraulic top and side link, I added 3 spools for less than the valve to operate just the grapple from WR Long.

Not sure I fully understand what you mean here. I think you are talking about hydraulic top link on the rear 3point hitch? I suspect you are saying that if I intend on adding hydraulics to the back, I should do it at the same time I am adding to the front?

If I can do it, pretty sure anyone can learn to do it... the links above, I think have instructions you can read over). any question just ask.

Watched the videos and yes, it seems doable! I think I'll have a BOG in the near future!

Thank you very much, at about $2k this is very doable!

 

[old and tired]

I suspect you are saying that if I intend on adding hydraulics to the back, I should do it at the same time I am adding to the front?

Yes, with this valve you could get 2 functions for $215.35; 2 Spool 8 GPM DA Valve Wolverine by Prince Mfg MB21BB5C1

It would mean that you would have to pull a handle to close or open the grapple instead of pressing a button with the WR Long valve (which is convenient but comes with the added cost).

You will still have to buy 2 hoses to the grapple, 2 hoses to the hydraulic top link and another to tie your FEL and the new valve together in series.

 

[Gordon Gould]

This is how I did mine back in 2011. It is on an L3010. Much cheaper than a kit but more work.


Finished 3rd Function Valve Project

gg

 

[nybirdman]

I had the dealer install a third function when I purchased the tractor($900 at the time) added a Green's Machine Thumb(now $750),also a tooth-bar.This all works great and the best add-on for my tractor.
Use the third function to run a front snow plow also.

 

[Forest_Man]

This is how I did mine back in 2011. It is on an L3010. Much cheaper than a kit but more work.


Finished 3rd Function Valve Project

Very impressive. But for someone with limited manufacturing resources, a $925 pricetag for a kit is not that bad, really.

View attachment 872853


View attachment 872855

But I have to ask: what is the capacity of your loader?

My LA504 has a pivot pin capacity of ~1,000 pounds. I suspect you are moving a lot more than 1,000 lbs... I have a lot of ash tree logs to move around.. I hope my FEL can work as good as yours..

 

[old and tired]

LA504??? This is the WR Long valve kit... the one above was for the photo you posted...

Third Function Valve Kit for Kubota LA504. (VKKULA504)

Live 3rd Function Valve Kit; Kubota LA504 on B3200 and B3300SU tractors. (12gpm)

store.wrlonginc.com

I would also recommend a tooth bar in combination with these grapples...

 

[oosik]

I purchased my Land Pride SGC1560 grapple and WR Long 3rd function from the local Kubota dealer. He did the installation - at no added cost. It's a very well thought out fit, for the 3rd function.

I checked my paperwork. Grapple - $3175. 3rd function - $1195.

This was in 2013. I'm quite able to do a lot of things. However - hydraulics is not one of those things.

I have pics of the 3rd function and how it was fit on the tractor - if you would like to see.

 

[Forest_Man]

LA504??? This is the WR Long valve kit... the one above was for the photo you posted...

Third Function Valve Kit for Kubota LA504. (VKKULA504)

Live 3rd Function Valve Kit; Kubota LA504 on B3200 and B3300SU tractors. (12gpm)

store.wrlonginc.com

Good catch! And same price kits!

 

[Forest_Man]

I purchased my Land Pride SGC1560 grapple and WR Long 3rd function from the local Kubota dealer. He did the installation - at no added cost. It's a very well thought out fit, for the 3rd function.

Good dealer.

I'm quite able to do a lot of things. However - hydraulics is not one of those things.

I have pics of the 3rd function and how it was fit on the tractor - if you would like to see.

Glad to hear that.. I am already dreaming about the tree limbs and tops I'll be able to move around....

And absolutely, I'd like to see photos.

 

[dieselscout80]

I’ve looked at those grapple lids you add to a loader bucket, but with a 6’ bucket is one enough or would I need two of them?

If it’s two it’s probably like buying a complete grapple.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Very impressive. But for someone with limited manufacturing resources, a $925 pricetag for a kit is not that bad, really.



But I have to ask: what is the capacity of your loader?

My LA504 has a pivot pin capacity of ~1,000 pounds. I suspect you are moving a lot more than 1,000 lbs... I have a lot of ash tree logs to move around.. I hope my FEL can work as good as yours..

My loader is an LA482 with the heavy duty curved bucket - 1060 lbs.

gg

 

[Gordon Gould]

Just for reference, talking green wood, a 10' white ash log 12" in diameter weighs 375 lbs and at 18" diameter it would be 850 lbs

gg

 

[D&D]

Good dealer.


Glad to hear that.. I am already dreaming about the tree limbs and tops I'll be able to move around....

And absolutely, I'd like to see photos.

 

[old and tired]

I’ve looked at those grapple lids you add to a loader bucket, but with a 6’ bucket is one enough or would I need two of them?

If it’s two it’s probably like buying a complete grapple.

One Lid has been more than enough for me (60" bucket), I can not see where I'm going sometimes if I grab too much.

Two grapple lids weigh #230 for $1,415 - the OP has a 60" and somewhat limited lift capacity.

The single, Light weight one is #133 - mine is 143 pounds and fits nicely with my capacity.

I would imagine your TC45DA can handle 2... no problem.

 

[Forest_Man]

Just for reference, talking green wood, a 10' white ash log 12" in diameter weighs 375 lbs and at 18" diameter it would be 850 lbs

gg

I can confidently say that a 10' ash log 12" dia feels like it weights about few thousand pounds when you are trying to move it without a tractor. I joke you not.

But really glad to know that a possible future GOB should be able to handle moving some logs! This is great news. I thought it was out of question.

 

[old and tired]

I thought it was out of question.

Should be able to... that's one of the smaller rocks, below...