Grapple Question

[ritcheyvs]

I have a question for grapple users. I bought a Titan 48 inch grapple like in this photo.

On two recent occasions, the grapple "fell off" the loaders SSQA "tool carrier". I think this was caused by "up" or "forward" force at the grapple teeth that popped the lower (tapered) locking pins out of the slots in the grapple. In the most recent case. the grapple was pointed almost straight down and I was lifting and backing to pull up roots. I never had the stock Kioti bucket disengage even when pushing down and pulling back with enough force to bend the lip of the bucket.

Question: Has this happened to others? Is it common? Is there a fix?

Also, I don't like the fact that this Titan grapple only has two upper teeth (see pic in link) so I'm considering hiring a local welding shop to add 1-3 traditional teeth. Alternatively, I may just try to sell it and buy a grapple from EA, which is probably what I should have done originally. Thoughts on this?

Final comment: Chevy engine red-orange paint is a very good match for Kioti orange, at least on my 2006 model.

Scott

 

[Turbys_1700]

I've had mine to come unattached several times. I never really investigated the cause but suspect the same issue as yours. I would think the only solution would be to get the lower pin the engage a little deeper into the carrier slot. How you can accomplish that? Get a longer pin or perhaps adjust the pin in the holder. I've not really looked into modifying mine since it's only happened a couple of times. I do need to bungee the locking arms.

 

[Xfaxman]

Sounds like the same problem as the Pallet Forks: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/337508-pallet-forks-disconnect-fel-quick.html

 

[ritcheyvs]

Sounds like the same problem as the Pallet Forks: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/337508-pallet-forks-disconnect-fel-quick.html

Thanks for that link. Just what I needed to know; some great information there.

I guess I should monitor some of the other TBN forums but I only seem to have time for this one.

 

[Msamt]

Hmmm, never once slipped out. Mine is a versatech, about the same build quality, and engages exactly like yours on my DK45 loader.

 

[rd_macgregor]

Welding on a shim should fix it. It looks to me that they may also have set the lower bracket at too steep an angle, so the back (tractor) side of the QA pin slot is a lot lower than the front side...ie, the front side may be on-spec, but not the back side.

 

[rswyan]

I've had mine (homemade, using a Titan SSQA plate) come off several times.

See rd's comment for the likely cause. The SSQA plates I got from Titan (4 or 5 ?) have an excessive gap at the bottom, particularly on the left side.

Bad quality control.

 

[Lockport]

I've got a Mid-State 72" with dual clamps. I've a Bob-tach setup and it locks in firmly. Haven't had it that long but cannot see it detaching on its own. Weld on the tabs you're suggesting. Safety first

 

[Coyote machine]

Never had anything come loose on my DK-35 or my DK-40, and things like my tree shear are very heavy on the FEL. 900+ lbs. on the QA. (It happens to be a Titan model shear, but it fits tightly, last I checked).

I'd say either modify it to work where it can't come loose or dump it and get a better brand....
You don't ever want something coming loose or falling off your FEL. That sounds like a disaster in the making.
Let us know what you decide.

 

[TomSeller]

Titan has had a problem with sloppy mounting for what seems like at least 5 years. They will usually give you ~$50 back if you ask and tell you to weld some shims on as has been mentioned. Why they don't rectify this, I have no idea. They are a great bank for buck so it is a trade off.