Grapple Three hours to install Grapple

[WVnewbe]

Three hours to replace my bucket with my new grapple, must be a faster way to do it...Had a real tuff time getting the bolts to line up.

 

[kennyd]

What Tractor? What FEL? and What Grapple?

Are you asking a question or making a statement?

 

[WVnewbe]

Kobota 5240, FEL L4240 and a Long Root, rake grapple 72".

 

[BTDT]

Welcome to the wonderful world of working on tractors (TBN). From all the good things I've read from posts of folks who have grapples, it will be time well spent. How about some pics, and be sure to post back and let us know how it's working for you.

 

[hazmat]

You may want to look at retrofitting a quick attach to the loader. Your rig is plenty big for a skid steer style. Do a search on quick attach & you'll find plenty of post & pictures. Here is a recent one w/ some pix. quick attach couplers

 

[LaVita]

This may sound like a lot, but counting the time to install the redirector, electrical wiring, hose retraction system (i.e. big spring connected to the hose), etc. I must of spent 20 hours on mine maybe more.

Mines a Bodozer 66" on a Kubota L4330 with quick attach on the loader.

 

[john_bud]

Three hours to replace my bucket with my new grapple, must be a faster way to do it...Had a real tuff time getting the bolts to line up.

WV -

If I understand your issue correctly, you are replacing your standard bucket with a root rake & grapple and are not using a Quick Connect system. Right?

If so, I have much sympathy for you. The way I have found that works the best is to remove and attach the buckets with the opening to the ground and the pins up. (Buckets are pinned on to the loader with a straight hardened smooth shaft pin - not a threaded bolt).

With the bucket in this fully dumped position, it is easier to wiggle it with a long lever. I have a 5 foot long steel lever and a 4' long pry bar to help wiggle. If the pins don't come out, a little persusation with a hammer and old smaller diameter pin helps. You only want to tap - not whap or you can mushroom the pin head and that is the start of a long day.

When putting the pins in, make sure they have a generous chamfer so they self align. Again, tapping is OK, whapping is not. Wiggle the bucket with your levers and be patient. I also coat the pins with never sieze so they don't rust up.

Last time it was about 15-20 minutes to do the 72" 3/4 yard bucket. As the pins and bushings wear, it will get easier.

jb

 

[Glowplug]

Man, am I glad I have a universal skid steer type quick attach on my loader. Takes about 2 1/2 minutes to dump my standard bucket, attach the grapple rake, and connect the hydraulics! Well, maybe three minutes.

 

[WVnewbe]

john Bub,

Thanks that is what I needed. If I can get down to 20 mins. that would be great. Moving the grapple by yourself and trying to line-up the FEL is part of the fun. Thanks for the help.