SDT
Veteran Member
Today, I used my 2635/DL250 FEL with grapple bucket for the first time.
I'm building a new 1000'+ driveway this summer and need to clear cedar trees from the roadway.
Last fall I bought an Edge 66" grapple bucket knowing that this unit was designed for a skid steer and at nearly 800 Lbs. it was on the heavy side for my 2635/DL250. I bought it anyway because my MF dealer would deliver it and take an old 5' Dunham cutter on trade. Could have bought other grapple buckets online for a bit less but they would have been delivered by truck (no doubt when I was not home) and no trades.
I bought and installed the third function valve myself. FWIW, the MF third function valve for the DL250 FEL is not up to competitive standards and is over priced.
I had my doubts as to how my 2635 would handle the 800 lb. bucket, but was pleasntly surprised.
I used one of my chain saws to cut the cedar trees, dragged them to a nearby gulley with another tractor, and picked them up and dropped them in the gulley with the 2635/DL250/Edge grapple bucket (could not pick up the entire tree with the grapple bucket and transport to the gulley due to numerous obstacles).
I change/repair all of my own tires so never use liquid ballast. My 2635 has 2 weights on each side (no more to minimize overall width, as it is primarily used as a mowing tractor with a 7' cutter). I was uncertain how the 2635/DL250 would handle this task but it did so well. I had no problem lifting and stacking 25' - 30' cedar trees with my set up.
Will try somewhat larger trees next weekend.
Dean
I'm building a new 1000'+ driveway this summer and need to clear cedar trees from the roadway.
Last fall I bought an Edge 66" grapple bucket knowing that this unit was designed for a skid steer and at nearly 800 Lbs. it was on the heavy side for my 2635/DL250. I bought it anyway because my MF dealer would deliver it and take an old 5' Dunham cutter on trade. Could have bought other grapple buckets online for a bit less but they would have been delivered by truck (no doubt when I was not home) and no trades.
I bought and installed the third function valve myself. FWIW, the MF third function valve for the DL250 FEL is not up to competitive standards and is over priced.
I had my doubts as to how my 2635 would handle the 800 lb. bucket, but was pleasntly surprised.
I used one of my chain saws to cut the cedar trees, dragged them to a nearby gulley with another tractor, and picked them up and dropped them in the gulley with the 2635/DL250/Edge grapple bucket (could not pick up the entire tree with the grapple bucket and transport to the gulley due to numerous obstacles).
I change/repair all of my own tires so never use liquid ballast. My 2635 has 2 weights on each side (no more to minimize overall width, as it is primarily used as a mowing tractor with a 7' cutter). I was uncertain how the 2635/DL250 would handle this task but it did so well. I had no problem lifting and stacking 25' - 30' cedar trees with my set up.
Will try somewhat larger trees next weekend.
Dean
