Travis,
I'm the culprit. I ordered one to go on my PT-1430 (T-12) that uses the smaller PT-425 (T-8) quick attachment plate -- so, it is somewhat of an anomaly.
The shape of the Power Trac quick attach plates are all similar, but the sizes are different for different product classes:
Products
The T-8 class have an 800lb rated loader, while the T-12 class have a 1200lbs loader.
On my oldie, that originally predates quick attach mechanisms, I'm using the smaller T-8 for two reasons: (1) it bolts right on, and (2) I have several other T-8 attachments such as tiller, stump grinder, mini-hoe that I want to keep to use on it.
I went back and forth for a while on which grapple to get. One of the reasons I went with your 50" compact, rather than your larger 54" with a bigger opening, is that I didn't want to overtax the smaller QA plate. I owned, used and abused a T-8 grapple bucket, and just sold it. I wanted a more capable grapple, yet wasn't enamored with the factory options.
BTW, the PT-425 (T-8 class) is the biggest selling Power Trac model by a pretty fair margin, I understand. But, the 800lb lift is a limitation - as is the price point for your current 50" compact.
The factory T3295 45" T-8 grapple bucket lists for $1300. This is what I sent you pictures of.
And they offer a lighter weight 29"
T3424 Utility Grapple for the T-8 class, though not nearly as robust as yours, rated for 800lbs. It lists for $800.
For the larger T-12 class their products are a bit bigger/stronger, beginning with the T-3425 29" Utility Grapple (their utility grapples are narrow), rated for 1200lbs, which lists for $1300.
The T3296 54" Grapple Bucket for the T12 class lists for $1700.
Having used one of their T-8 grapple buckets for about 10 years, I was pretty aware of their capabilities. But, I have a 60" rock/dirt bucket with teeth for the new-to-me PT-1430, and wanted to have a more specialized grapple. (My grapple bucket has been my most used attachment.) I also stress-cracked that T-8 grapple bucket with my PT-425, digging roots (and had it repaired), so I was aware of its limitations. But, don't underestimate its ability to handle brush. Here's a couple pics of grapple loads that I've moved with the 45" T-8 grapple bucket on my old PT-425.
