Grapple Help

[Jstpssng]

I have the 54" MTL for my 3301, which probably has similar lift capacity as yours. I bought my tractor used and the Land Pride 3rd function came with it. I thought the wider grapple would be more handy, now I don't think that 6 inches makes a lot of difference. All that it really does is add a little weight, and cost a bit more.
If your tires aren't loaded you need to get that done. Mine aren't but I do have wheel weights; and still lift the rears off the ground way too easily.

One thing I don't like about my controls, but don't know if there's anything you can do differently; when I'm curling or raising the loader I can't work the grapple at the same time.

 

[coltbean]

I have the 54" MTL for my 3301, which probably has similar lift capacity as yours. I bought my tractor used and the Land Pride 3rd function came with it. I thought the wider grapple would be more handy, now I don't think that 6 inches makes a lot of difference. All that it really does is add a little weight, and cost a bit more.
If your tires aren't loaded you need to get that done. Mine aren't but I do have wheel weights; and still lift the rears off the ground way too easily.

One thing I don't like about my controls, but don't know if there's anything you can do differently; when I'm curling or raising the loader I can't work the grapple at the same time.

My tires are loaded. Is your RPM up? With only 1 pump you have to get the hydro fluid moving at max.

 

[Jstpssng]

I don't think that it's the pump, otherwise both functions would just be slower. Instead it's either or; dump the bucket, or work the grapple. That could be typical of all setups, or just the way that mine is.

 

[coltbean]

I don't think that it's the pump, otherwise both functions would just be slower. Instead it's either or; dump the bucket, or work the grapple. That could be typical of all setups, or just the way that mine is.

That sounds like a diverter instead of a 3rd function.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I have the 54" MTL for my 3301, which probably has similar lift capacity as yours. I bought my tractor used and the Land Pride 3rd function came with it. I thought the wider grapple would be more handy, now I don't think that 6 inches makes a lot of difference. All that it really does is add a little weight, and cost a bit more.
If your tires aren't loaded you need to get that done. Mine aren't but I do have wheel weights; and still lift the rears off the ground way too easily.

One thing I don't like about my controls, but don't know if there's anything you can do differently; when I'm curling or raising the loader I can't work the grapple at the same time.

I am working on uneven ground all the time, In the humpy, stumpy, holey, rough woods. I prefer a narrow grapple there. If it is wide it is hard to get it parallel or close to the ground all the way across because one corner hits way before the other. So you end up missing one end of what you are trying to pick and make a mess. On a flat field wide is good.

gg

 

[CoyPatton]

That sounds like a diverter instead of a 3rd function.

It actually sounds like a low flow and diverter.
Diverters typically disable a function (curl/dump) to make the grapple work with the flip of a switch.
Not being able to grapple when raising the loader and operating the grapple sounds more like a fluid flow issue. Yes both functions would be slower as most compacts and subcompacts have a low flow rate from the pump.
It can be changed through a couple of routes, but can get pricey quick. (1-upgrade the existing pump. 2-install a PTO pump and usually a separate hydraulic tank)
Most of us just learn to live with the limitations of the available flow. One major issue with a PTO pump setup is if you need your loader while using a PTO implement.

 

[oosik]

I went with the Land Pride SGC 1560 grapple and WR Long third function valve. I have over 30 years of experience out here and know what will happen to light weight implements. The Land Pride grapple is very HD but I have plenty of capacity with the FEL on my M6040.

The 1560 is a rock/root type grapple. It's not the grapple you need but the Land Pride brand provide good implements.

I'm not familiar with the EA brand but sure a lot of folks here that speak highly of their implements, also.

When I look for a new implement - one of my primary concerns - will this new implement last as long as my tractor.

 

[coltbean]

MTL 48" compact grapple and Summit 3rd function kit on the way. Thanks for the help.

 

[ovrszd]

Give us a report when you get it. We love pics.

 

[BRMyers]

Yes, make sure you post pics.