Loader grapple

[don white]

Need some help. I am looking at grapples and there are a lot of choices. Any input would be appreciated. I want to use it mostly for logs and brush. I do have a lot of rock so I will use it for that also. I have looked at Titan, Gator, WRLong. Size? Titan has free shipping!

Also I have a B26 TLB. Are there extra hydro outputs somewhere or can I use the quick disconnects from the Backhoe. I would have to mount a valve.

I have a mess of limbs down after the storm last week and this seems like a good time to get a grapple.

 

[638]

Take a look at "The Thumb" made by Greens machine shop. I have one on my bx23 and love it.

 

[adjusterr]

Before you spend big money on a hydraulic thumb, check out Bro-tek thumb. I think it's www.bro-tekthumb.com or Google Bro-tek thumb. I needed a grapple for a L2500 Kubota and looked at many mfgrs. I found the Bro-Tek and spoke with the company Rep, Richard. I bought one and am very pleased with the results. Why pay big money for a hydraulic system when your backhoe bucket already provides the system. There is a video on Google that shows exactly how the unit works. It's easy to install and Richard said they can manufacture one for most any tractor. I have lifted and hauled large rocks and brush and today lifted 25' logs for firewood cutting. I have used my thumb for two years and have no complaints.

 

[Mike_VT]

I have a 60" grapple from wildcat skid steer attachments. this is bullet proof and you cant beat the price. Even with shipping it was still well below prices I recieved from local dealers.

WILDKAT ATTACHMENTS by Mid-State Equipment

 

[cal2620]

Don I put a 48" W.R.Long grapple on to my B2620. It works great for brush and logs and any thing you can think of. here is a pic of my grapple in action.

 

[don white]

I like the looks of the 48" rock grapple. I live in West Rockhill township so I am thinking the grapple would work fine with brush and logs but also be strong enough for grubbing rocks. It is only 800 bucks. That is a good price.

 

[don white]

Your picture is exactly what I need the grapple for. The snow we got the other week really brought down a lot of limbs in my woods. Studying your picture it looks like you use the quick disconnects on the backhoe to operate the grapple. Did you also have to add a valve?

 

[nickel plate]

Don,
There are grapple types that will attach to your existing FEL bucket and will fairly easily detach via the connecting pins if necessary to do serious dirt work, etc. and there are types that stand alone and are built to replace/switch out your FEL bucket.
I can speak about the first type as I have one manufactured by MIE, Michigan Iron and Equipment co. If you're interested, go to their website for photos and pricing.
Yes, you should be able to use your backhoe's hydraulic remotes with little or no modification, just match up the QCs and you should be good. I run mine off of a second set of remotes which is quite similar to what you are asking. I used 1/2" hose for ease of routing and flexibility without any notice of power loss as it functions fast enough through the tractor's 9.8 GPM hydraulic pump.

 

[cal2620]

Don the 48'' grapple from W.R.Long costs more then 800.00 more like 1400.00. and like 700.00 for W.R.Longs valve fit. Here is some pic of my valve kit.

 

[don white]

The 800 was for the 48" Wildkat rock grapple. It looks like a solid design. I have a lot of rocks and the 48" bucket will work well with my B26 as it is a pretty light machine. Plus I can use if for brush and logs.

I will need a valve kit though. Your setup looks easy enough.