Kubota B2620 Root Grapple Upgrade

[Shagenit]

I thought I would share some info on my recent grapple upgrade. First off, I have a Kubota B2620 w/ LA364 loader, BH65 backhoe and 54" mid mount that was bought new in April 2013. During the 50 hour service, I had a W.R. Long electic over hydraulic third function valve kit installed along with a B1658 quick disconnect for the loader bucket. I recently contacted Sam at the Rake Shop who built a 48" root grapple. I have had the grapple about a week now and this thing is a beast. The tines are made of 3/4" T1 steel which is double the strength of the competitors. The weight of the grapple is just over 300lbs but like how most of this weight is on the back of the grapple, minimizing the displacement of my lift capacity. Attached are some pics of the finished product. The rake grapple was even painted Kubota orange!

 

[davrow]

Very nice, but Rake Shop doesn't display prices. What's an approximate cost on one like this? Just the grapple part, no valves/diverters/freight etc. Thanks.

 

[Shagenit]

I live 15 minutes away from the Rake Shop so was also given free delivery and install. I paid $1,300 which is a great price for a grapple of this quality. The grapple was custom built to the quick disconnect pin fittings on my Kubota and I was able to select the color (Kubota orange of course). Sam is great to work with too and built the grapple in 10 days.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Looks great and really well built. Are you sure that thing only weighs a little over 300 pounds? Looks really beefy.

 

[Shagenit]

Looks great and really well built. Are you sure that thing only weighs a little over 300 pounds? Looks really beefy.

No, I am taking Sam's word here. I don't feel as though I have a tipping issue with a full load even without a box blade or some other counter balance in the back. My rear tires are loaded which I am sure helps. I am not sure how to weigh the grapple myself but if I track down a scale, I will post more precise figures.

 

[faustle0]

I too have been looking for a grapple. I really like how these grapples look. I have emailed them with no response. May have to give them a call. I live in Minnesota, so shipping and all may be a bit much. Looks like you will get some "work" done with that though!

 

[dragoneggs]

Looks great and really well built. Are you sure that thing only weighs a little over 300 pounds? Looks really beefy.

Agreed... looks hefty and heavier than 300lb. But very nice looking... looks like it can take some abuse!

 

[PhysAssist]

I live 15 minutes away from the Rake Shop so was also given free delivery and install. I paid $1,300 which is a great price for a grapple of this quality. The grapple was custom built to the quick disconnect pin fittings on my Kubota and I was able to select the color (Kubota orange of course). Sam is great to work with too and built the grapple in 10 days.

Hi Shagenit,

That grapple has a great looking sturdy design, and looks perfectly fit to your tractor too.

Can you ballpark me with what it cost for the quick disconnect and 3rd function add-ons?

We have a B2320 with the LA304 loader, will the B1658 QD likely fit on my loader too? Or is it a mismatch?

We'd use the poop out of that that grapple around here.

Thanks,
Thomas

 

[rswyan]

Shag,

Nice looking piece ... you'll be able to get some serious work done with it ...

Wish I had pulled the trigger on one long ago myself.

 

[TomSeller]

I paid $1,300 which is a great price for a grapple of this quality. .

You are dang right it is. Very nice and good value.

 

[Shagenit]

I too have been looking for a grapple. I really like how these grapples look. I have emailed them with no response. May have to give them a call. I live in Minnesota, so shipping and all may be a bit much. Looks like you will get some "work" done with that though!

Give Sam a call at his number posted on his website (352-308-7346). I didn't have any luck with email either but found he answered his phone consistently. I believe he has some contacts with shipper so may get a price cheaper than you think.

 

[Shagenit]

Hi Shagenit,

That grapple has a great looking sturdy design, and looks perfectly fit to your tractor too.

Can you ballpark me with what it cost for the quick disconnect and 3rd function add-ons?

We have a B2320 with the LA304 loader, will the B1658 QD likely fit on my loader too? Or is it a mismatch?

We'd use the poop out of that that grapple around here.

Thanks,
Thomas

Thomas,

I paid $1,150 for the third function valve installed and $305 for the B1658 quick disconnect. It seems that the B1658 quick disconnect are in short supply as I had to wait close to a month for the dealer to receive it from Kubota. I have read that the B1658 will work on the LA304 loader too.

We had a bad storm come through the other night. While it was going on, I was sitting inside grinning with envy at how easy the branch clean up would be. The grapple has exceeded all expectations thus far.

Paul

 

[94BULLITT]

I really like your whole setup, the grapple looks great on that size tractor:thumbsup:

 

[dragoneggs]

I really like your whole setup, the grapple looks great on that size tractor:thumbsup:

Yah, got me drooling and dreaming again.

 

[Machinewars]

Shagenit,
How does your tractor handle the grapple? I've got a JD 2320 with 26HP as well. That grapple looks pretty beefy.

 

[Shagenit]

Shagenit,
How does your tractor handle the grapple? I've got a JD 2320 with 26HP as well. That grapple looks pretty beefy.

Surprisingly well! I have popped some roots out of the ground and have yet to experience any tipping, that is without counterbalance in the back too (boxblade or tiller). Same goes for moving around some yard debris. I couldn't be more pleased at the moment.

 

[Machinewars]

Shagenit,
Thanks for the reply. I talked to Sam twice today and just waiting on a final quote.

Is the lid as strong as you like (close game strength)? Do you still feel it's right at 300lbs?

 

[Shagenit]

Shagenit,
Thanks for the reply. I talked to Sam twice today and just waiting on a final quote.

Is the lid as strong as you like (close game strength)? Do you still feel it's right at 300lbs?

The lid is plenty strong. I grabbed several piles of 1"-3" tree branches and never had a problem with the lid closing tight, even to the point that some branches would snap. I would ballpark the weight in the 330 to 340 range. However, Sam did point out that he engineered the grapple so most of the weight was in the rear (ie. no cross beam in the tines). This does help the weight displacement a bit.

 

[TomSeller]

The lid is plenty strong. I grabbed several piles of 1"-3" tree branches and never had a problem with the lid closing tight, even to the point that some branches would snap. I would ballpark the weight in the 330 to 340 range. However, Sam did point out that he engineered the grapple so most of the weight was in the rear (ie. no cross beam in the tines). This does help the weight displacement a bit.

That is a very respectable weight and I like it's style better than the 274 lb 50" Wicked Grapple, and that is a good grapple. I am pleased the Rake Shop competes in that range at an equivalent price. It looks sturdier to me and I like the open curved tines.

 

[Machinewars]

That is a very respectable weight and I like it's style better than the 274 lb 50" Wicked Grapple, and that is a good grapple. I am pleased the Rake Shop competes in that range at an equivalent price. It looks sturdier to me and I like the open curved tines.

That was my thinking, I'd been looking at the ea 50" root grapple. After seeing this thread I knew I wanted this style and build