Best thumb/grapple for 7500 FEL ?

bcarwell · Jan 23, 2010

Could somebody please tell me if a thumb/grapple can be added to a 7500 FEL and if so what the best model number in their experience is and the best place to order from ?

I live in Liberty Hill, TX and am clearing 20 acres. I've just about had it manually grabbing bunches of nasty cedar limbs, vines with thorns, assorted brambles, etc. and dragging them to a burn pile. And my Finance Committee has O.K'd a purchase and told me to do it quickly (!) while we have the money !!!!!

Thanks for any help.

Bob

KennyV · Jan 24, 2010

Do you have a skid steer Quick attach on your loader?
Is that a M7500 Kubota? KennyV

bcarwell · Jan 24, 2010

Kenny, thanks for replying.
No I do not have a "quick attach" and not sure what it is.
The FEL is a Kubota LA 272 and the tractor is a B7500.
Any ideas what I could use for a thumb or grapple ?

Bob

lawn_king · Jan 24, 2010

I would have a hard look @ the specs if i were you. That loader has a low lift capacity to begin with, if you mount a heavy grapple, you will not be lifting much?

Northland · Jan 24, 2010

My Andy Tatro grapple with cylinder was $400 direct from Andy in Ohio. My WR Long valve kit was $600. It has proven to be a very useful tool for my logging and rock removal use.

Lawn King makes a good point. I believe my grapple, cylinder and welded bar weighed in at 100+ lbs. You might want to check out something like this http://amerisolutions.net/grapple.htm . If that grapple design will work for a BX it should be good for a B7500. It only weighs 80 lbs.

A friend of mine just asked me for the information for his B3400 so:

[FONT=&quot]Here's the information on the valve kits[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Valve Kits[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]They also have nice tooth bars. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Tooth Bars TB, STB, and ITB[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]The grapple itself came from Andy Tatro - [FONT=&quot]htatro@bwsys.net[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Help for installing everything:[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/84907-tatro-grapples-wr-long-valves.html[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/69093-another-diverter-valve-grapple-setup.html[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Adding A Bucket Grapple To A TC-40D[/FONT]

bcarwell · Jan 24, 2010

Thanks again all for responding.
Lawn King, thanks for the warning. I'll check. But I'll probably be okay because I will not be lifting big logs, just brush which is driving me crazy.
And thanks so much for the details on the specific grapple, as that's exactly what I needed. I was not clear what kind of hydraulic valve was required and also needed some reassurance that the aux. hydraulics on a 7500 would be adequate.

Bob