Thumb Thumb grapple on ebay -anyone purchased one?

lhfarm · Apr 26, 2005

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7511018127&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

I've read all the threads about building your own. First I need to buy a welder and then I need to learn to weld. In the mean time, I'd like to have a grabble.

Thanks,

kully · Apr 26, 2005

I have seen that one and have been looking for one my self. the problem with that one is it only 18 in wide . I did check with ati there single arm is 36 in wide which is better for larger buckets .I once had a 62, 4000 ford model 4030 industrial with solid front axel, had a bucket with of 60 in. how wide is you bucket, you may need 2 of the grapple thumbs he sells to cover the bucket.I emailed him and does not make them any wider. they say two is a little better for uneven loads but could get costly once you add hoses and splitters . ati comes with hoses .

PineRidge · Apr 26, 2005

That particular grapple is made by Andy Tatro. There have been quite a few members here that have purchased a grapple from Andy probably the most recent that I can think of is Jinman for his rock bucket.

I liked Andy's design but I too wanted something a bit wider so Andy cut the steel for me and I assembled a 36 inch wide grapple using his grapple arm design. Personally I don't think you can go wrong with one of his grapples, I'm thrilled with mine. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

KiotiJohn · Apr 27, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( That particular grapple is made by Andy Tatro. )</font>
Are you sure it's Andy's grapple? He was selling under the name of caddesignsplus1 before, this is a different seller name.
Andy's were also black. What do you know about a possible name change on Ebay?
John

lhfarm · Apr 27, 2005

I sent the seller a note and asked how to determine the length. He answered immediately with an address of weld@peoplepc.com and signed it greensmachine.

I got a quick quote from ATI (actually MSRP) of $767 for my loader. Sounds like I might be better off go for the ATI for about the same money as two of these.

PineRidge · Apr 27, 2005

Barry the grapple that ATI makes is a nice looking unit. Almost bought one for myself but the local dealer was lacking on information for the product. ATI won't make a direct sale so we decided to make one instead.

John the new eBay user name caught me off guard also. I have a call into Andy Tatro and expect a return call from him to find out what's what at this point I'm confused myself. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

PineRidge · Apr 28, 2005

I spoke with Andy last night on the phone.

Seems he sold a grapple to the fellow mentioned above about a year ago.

The Ghent evidentially copied Andy's design right down to the lift arms. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif How about that for being enterprising?

The only differences that I can see is that if you look closely his grapple is not strengthened with gussets like the ones that Andy puts together. The gussets do make for a much stronger unit and eliminate twist when you are using the grapple, I can testify to that from first hand experience.

PineRidge · May 1, 2005

As an update I found one of Andy's grapples at eBay grapple

rcrcomputing · May 1, 2005

On my ck30, what is there likely to be for installation? Find a welder to reinforce my bucket? What about attaching the hose? How is it controlled?
Probably dumb questions, but hey, that's what you guys are for! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

PineRidge · May 1, 2005

If you needed to reinforce the middle of your bucket you could sandwich a piece of metal on the top inside of the bucket and Andy's grapple on the top outside lip of your bucket. Once bolted together you should have a strong mounting point.

You would need to add hydraulic hoses and possibly a restrictor orifice like we did to slow things down a bit.

The grapple could either be controlled by a rear remote or by adding an electric diverter valve. If you are unsure how to do that click on my link that will show detailed pictures of how we did it.

Believe me it isn't rocket science and you can add a grapple to your tractor yourself.