Help deciding on a grapple.

[JeepHead]

Thanks for all the replies, photos and suggestions.

My biggest problem right now is finding anyone that has one in stock. I'm expecting a call back on a MTL demolition/rock grapple tomorrow. It's a little narrower than I'd prefer (80 vs 84") but ordering anything is going to be a 6 week wait (which IME usually turns into a 12 week wait).

I'm not going to use this grapple to dig into the ground. I just want to be able to pickup stuff that's on the ground (firewood/uprooting sage brush/picking up windfall), in the same footprint of the tractor (7ft).

The MTL grapple I'm looking at is about 1000lbs and made from 1/2" thick 50,000psi steel (I believe, but will have to verify). Is that still too light duty for my Kubota M5?

You might check out Catawba. They make really nice stuff and from what I have seen, they typically get grapples shipped out within a week. Front End Attachments Archives

 

[sd455dan]

I prefer a solid plate like in #7 if branches and such are on the "to do" list. More difficult for them to contact the tractor if they have to go through plate steel first.

Some models in my earlier post are solid backed. Also the Faver grapples are used on heavy duty higher end skid steers as well.

We also have a STOUT brand in the family on the Bobcat T 250 that has stood up very well over the last decade plus.

Stout Skid Steer Heavy Duty 3" Tine Spacing Rock Bucket Grapple with Skid Steer Quick Attach

FREE SAME DAY SHIPPING Made with high strength 50,000 psi Steel! The Stout Heavy Duty 3" spacing Rock Grapple Bucket is an attachment that is ideal for removing rocks from dirt. This Stout Rock Grapple Bucket has optional sides plates that can be added and removed by the operator. It will...

stoutbuckets.com

couple of their models, They also say they have same day shipping on many models.

 

[ArlyA]

Just following.

 

[In.the.Piñons]

I check out the stouts and they were on my short list, but there were a number of complaints about their customer service. I.E. they were taking orders, charging customers, but nothing delivered months later.

 

[In.the.Piñons]

You might check out Catawba. They make really nice stuff and from what I have seen, they typically get grapples shipped out within a week. Front End Attachments Archives

Thanks for the suggestion. I took a look, but the tine spacing and upturned leading edge of the grapple make it less suited to sliding under & picking up stuff on the ground (firewood demo material etc) but better for getting under roots etc.

 

[In.the.Piñons]

So I just placed an order for this grapple. They just got one in 80" width (I'd prefer an 84" but no ETA on those). The sales guy said he'll get it on a truck today, so I should have it sometime next week.

The guy told me they use them on 100+ hp skid steers and they hold up fine.

Now I just have to get a 3rd function installed on my tractor. May as well get a diverter for an extra set of remotes for the rear while I'm at it.

MTL XT Series Root Rock Demolition Grapple - 66-72-80-84 BLACK — MTL Attachments

OUR NEWEST ROOT GRAPPLE OUT !!!!! Brand New Built in the USA Skid Steer MTL Attachments Xtreme XT Root Grapple Highest quality Construction - BUILT IN THE USA High Strength solid all 1/2" Steel Construction Massive 4" Square tubing top & bottom rails Powder C

www.mtlattachments.com

 

[ArlyA]

I have a hard time believing sales people....

 

[1 Old Man]

So I just placed an order for this grapple. They just got one in 80" width (I'd prefer an 84" but no ETA on those). The sales guy said he'll get it on a truck today, so I should have it sometime next week.

The guy told me they use them on 100+ hp skid steers and they hold up fine.

Now I just have to get a 3rd function installed on my tractor. May as well get a diverter for an extra set of remotes for the rear while I'm at it.

MTL XT Series Root Rock Demolition Grapple - 66-72-80-84 BLACK — MTL Attachments

OUR NEWEST ROOT GRAPPLE OUT !!!!! Brand New Built in the USA Skid Steer MTL Attachments Xtreme XT Root Grapple Highest quality Construction - BUILT IN THE USA High Strength solid all 1/2" Steel Construction Massive 4" Square tubing top & bottom rails Powder C

www.mtlattachments.com

Congrats! I'm sure you'll like your new implement. Once you get your tractor set up
to use the grapple, please come back and post your comments/opinion on your purchase.

 

[In.the.Piñons]

I have a hard time believing sales people....

LOL, that's a fair point.

 

[In.the.Piñons]

Congrats! I'm sure you'll like your new implement. Once you get your tractor set up
to use the grapple, please come back and post your comments/opinion on your purchase.

Thanks, and I will do.

Finally, I'll have a tractor, grapple, dump trailer and HD truck. All equipment needed to move forward with some projects that have been staring me in the face for the last few years!

 

[Lineman North Florida]

So I just placed an order for this grapple. They just got one in 80" width (I'd prefer an 84" but no ETA on those). The sales guy said he'll get it on a truck today, so I should have it sometime next week.

The guy told me they use them on 100+ hp skid steers and they hold up fine.

Now I just have to get a 3rd function installed on my tractor. May as well get a diverter for an extra set of remotes for the rear while I'm at it.

MTL XT Series Root Rock Demolition Grapple - 66-72-80-84 BLACK — MTL Attachments

OUR NEWEST ROOT GRAPPLE OUT !!!!! Brand New Built in the USA Skid Steer MTL Attachments Xtreme XT Root Grapple Highest quality Construction - BUILT IN THE USA High Strength solid all 1/2" Steel Construction Massive 4" Square tubing top & bottom rails Powder C

www.mtlattachments.com

That is the very same grapple that I ordered from MTL and use on my skidsteer, I believe you will be well pleased.

 

[IXLR8]

I ordered my MTL grapple 29-July, it shipped out 1-Aug and it arrived today, 8-Aug.

 

[In.the.Piñons]

I ordered my MTL grapple 29-July, it shipped out 1-Aug and it arrived today, 8-Aug.

That's great. Enjoy!

 

[In.the.Piñons]

Now that I have a grapple on order, I'm researching 3rd functions.

Any of you grapple operators have opinions on a true third function vs a diverter?

Looks like the pro's for a diverter are fine control over the jaws of the grapple, but without the ability to curl and operate the jaws simultaneously.

With the 3rd function, there's no modulation of the jaw's function, but you can curl and operate the jaws at the same time.

Having never operated a grapple, it's hard for me to think which would be the better option for my intended use.

 

[Torvy]

I wouldn't get a diverter given the choice. Operating my grapple with buttons built into my joystick is just natural. Having to swap functions to use the grapple function would be awkward at best.

I've never had a problem with precision. It is definitely nice to be able to open as I lift to unload.

 

[M59]

The 3rd function for use on the M59's FEL is a momentary button on the FEL joy stick and is electric over hydraulic ( an electric solenoid opens the hydraulic solenoid and it immediately closes when button released).

You will quickly learn how long to keep the momentary button depressed.

A diverter is NOT something I would be putting on my machine for controlling the grapple jaws. When I pick up debris, I open the grapple jaws and roll the grapple's lower jaw to ground, roll the tractor forward to gather the material against jaw and then close the upper jaw while also rolling the grapple upward. Having a diverter in circuit would be incredibly annoying and hus waste of time.

 

[Jstpssng]

I have a diverter valve because it came on the tractor. I was constantly dropping things at inopportune times until remembering that I can't curl and close at the same time.
You won't even notice missing 2 inches on either side of the grapple

 

[IXLR8]

I have 2 rear remotes and I just plumbed the grapple into one of them. I haven't found any issues so far, but I have only moved one pile of brush so far.

 

[In.the.Piñons]

I have 2 rear remotes and I just plumbed the grapple into one of them. I haven't found any issues so far, but I have only moved one pile of brush so far.

I though about that, but the layout of my controls would mean operating the loader joystick with my right hand and reaching behind my back with my left hand to operate the rear remote/grapple jaw. That's pretty awkward and the only alternative would be to operate the loader with my left hand so I can more easily access the rear remotes with my right hand.

 

[M59]

I though about that, but the layout of my controls would mean operating the loader joystick with my right hand and reaching behind my back with my left hand to operate the rear remote/grapple jaw. That's pretty awkward and the only alternative would be to operate the loader with my left hand so I can more easily access the rear remotes with my right hand.

You need to grow a few extra arms and hands like this Hindu god. The extra faces also help out