Loader Any BX owners with a Grapple? Thoughts?

Johnkn · Jan 21, 2015

tractorshopper. That LandPride grapple requires a 3rd function valve with 2 hoses running to the grapple. The valve assembly mounts above the right side floor board in front of the forward pedal as shown in the first picture. The hoses then route to the grapple shown in the other pics. $1600 seems low for the new grapple, installation, etc. Good luck, you'll love it. My BX25D has the QA system on the front.

tractorshopper · Jan 21, 2015

Thanks Johnkn. Those are excellent pictures. I can see what you're talking about clearly. I will discuss more with my dealer. He made it sound like I could easily swap this back and forth between my and my brother's tractors. Looks like my brother would also need the 3rd function since he has the exact same tractor you have. -Dave.

Johnkn · Jan 21, 2015

If you and your brother plan to share a grapple you would both need the same type of grapple (mine is for the Kubota Quick Attach bucket) and you each would need your own 3rd function valve assembly and control knob on the FEL lever. Good luck....

jmc · Jan 22, 2015

From the sound of it, the dealer was probably quoting a diverter setup rather than a true third function. The difference has been much discussed on TBN but in this installation, it would divert your curl flow into the grapple and then back again with a button.

Cherokee140 · Jan 22, 2015

I have the same one as john has....LOVE IT. But it does seem that there is something missing. To get it going on the BX plumbing changes have to be made to the system....electrical connections made....it is not a 5 minute deal to set up the grapple on a new tractor. After the "kit" is installed it is a 5 min deal to switch between the bucket and the grapple, but I think your dealer has left some things out.

Here is a video I made using mine not too long after I got the tractor.

CHDinCT · Jan 22, 2015

If you want to spend a few hours reading up on the LP grapple for the BX series, check out this thread. I believe I and others posted installation photos and other info you might find helpful.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/295953-landpride-grapple-scut.html

macguyver13 · Jan 23, 2015

I have the LP grapple on my BX25D and I love that thing. It does require extra hydraulic hose and valves though (that was included in my price). My initial thought was to use it for clearing debris from clearing some land behind our house, but I actually keep it on most of the time instead of switching back to the bucket (unless I need to pick up dirt or something fine). I've hauled wood with the grapple, pulled downed trees out of the woods, picked up whole trees (not huge ones of course), and cleared lots of brush. The first time you pick up a huge load of branches, etc. and move it to your brush pile you'll almost shed a tear thinking about how long all that would have taken you by hand. I'm very happy to have mine.

tractorshopper · Jan 23, 2015

Great info, link, and video guys. I'm definitely going to buy it with the tractor. Even if I can't loan it to my brother. We can just swap tractors instead if needed and then I can get some backhoe work done from time to time with his.

I think jmc is right. The way my dealer had explained it, it sounded like I would have a separate electronic switch (diverter?) instead of the 3rd function. I'll try to go by there today or tomorrow morning and put hands on it and learn more about what he's offering me.

tractorshopper · Jan 23, 2015

Update - I went by there today and asked specifics about 3rd function, etc. My dealer's dad took me to see them and told me they put in a diverter valve upon installation and then when I want to clamp the grapple, the flow is diverted from the curl. Makes sense. I would probably rather have the 3rd function for obvious reasons, but for the price, I think I'll be quite happy with the diverter. I have plenty of time to piddle. It will be okay to not be able to curl and clamp at same (so I say now).

Also, my dealer had told me jlast time I was there that they can only put a two function remote on the back (from Kubota) so I can't do top and tilt (or they won't offer it that way, but I have seen where others have done their own). But.... I'm now thinking just tilt. The top link on these are very easy to adjust anyway and after having used my box blade a lot on the L3800, my most painful part was adjusting the tilt anyway, so this would be a real handy add-on.

Johnkn · Jan 23, 2015

You can order the grapple with the complete 3rd function valve kit, for the very few dollars you might save I think you'd be sorry doing anything else. Owning one, I sure wouldn't want it any other way. Good luck...