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

Forest_Man · May 30, 2024

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 · May 30, 2024

Forest_Man said:
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 · May 30, 2024

D&D said:
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.

D&D said:
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 · May 30, 2024

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 · May 30, 2024

old and tired said:
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.

old and tired said:
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?

old and tired said:
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 · May 30, 2024

Forest_Man said:
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 · May 30, 2024

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 · May 30, 2024

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 · May 30, 2024

Gordon Gould said:
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.

Gordon Gould said:
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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..