Loader I want to give my bucket the finger!

[Robert Bolton]

Hi guys, after talking to the JD dealer my 790 is a little light for a grapple. What I would like to do is add a finger to the bucket in the center to grab branches and pin them to the bucket so that I can carry them to the burn pile. Has anyone done this and how do I handle the hydraulics without spending an arm and a leg?
Thanks, Robert

 

[trook]

I purchased "the Thumb" about 2-3 years ago for exactly that purpose. While I don't believe it is anywhere near the capability of an actual grapple, it does fairly well. The largest problem I have is keeping the top of the bucket from bending under the stress that is created when the thumb forces down onto brush, etc. You will DEFINITELY need to reinforce the top of your bucket. I ran hydraulic hoses from the rear to the front of the FEL.

 

[beenthere]

I have intentions to add a thumb to my forks, as I move more brush and logs with the forks than the bucket.