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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
I added the auxiliary front hydraulic kit to my B26 this summer Don and it cost me around $1,200 Canadian. This kit changes your FEL control lever which adds two buttons just below the "ball" on top. In addition there is a switch that is installed at the base of the new FEL lever which turns on the auxiliary front hydraulics. When this switch is on, you push one button under the "ball" to open the auxiliary attachment and the other one to close.
I have a snow blade which extends from 5'-6" to 9' as well as a set of forks that move in and out hydraulically and it works great for them. I intend to purchase a grapple bucket for the FEL next year.
Go with the kubota 3 function kit it is a simple install and works fine. It was included in my price but not installed. I built a 50" or so grapple for mine. Go with an open grapple so you can see what your doing. Something like in my photo's.
I could not begin to count how many semi loads/acres of trees I have moved with mine. Also the hydraulic thumb on the hoe is a must.
That pile in the photo took about 3hrs to cut down and stack and I use leaf blowers and a very large furnace fan that had a 36" cage on it to keep a clean smoke free burn. That pile burn in about 6hrs with about with 1qt of diesel fuel and a hand full of straw.
Back on topic my 3rd function gets used daily I have a 4n1,grapple, pallet forks with side shift and back fill/snowblade. And had no issues other than I bought cheap couples that leak after 100-150 hrs and always need replaced.
