Grapple Very Dissapointed with MIllonzi Grapple

[Charlesaf3]

I think the take away in this seems to be that you should have a standard skidsteer QA if you order the millonzi. Which is a good thing to have anyway - I wouldn't be shocked if other grapple companies have issues with fabricating pin on grapples actually.

I have the ATI SS QA on my 3030. I like it generally, though the kubota one seems nicer - but they don't make it for the 3030.... The ATI does have some annoying shear pins in the levers made out of stainless (ie soft). You'd be well advised to buy a few extra when you buy the mount. Luckily they replace easily (once one stops swearing and thinking one has to replace the entire assembly - when they sheer they vanish, and the sheer pin is almost invisible. And in a pinch a grinder and a clip with the same diameter can be made to work)

I'd buy the ATI again though, despite minor complaints. Once you try a SS QA you'll wonder why tractors are built any other way.

 

[IslandTractor]

I basically agree with you Charles but the question remains, how is it that ATI manages to make pin mounts that fit all sorts of different FEL pin mounts(the Tach All for example) while Millonzi seems to have trouble getting that right. My wild *** guess is that Millonzi is doing them as one off custom fabrications and does not have a series of standard templates or engineering diagram based measurements. It seems they are relying on field measurements which is a very inexact science.

There are many benefits to having the QA adapter but there are also some disadvantages. First is cost. These adapters add about $700-800 when you take into account shipping. Second, they add weight (roughly 100lbs) which comes right off your net lift capacity. Thirdly, they push the bucket or grapple out another 3-4 inches from the pivot pins and that reduces your mechanical advantage which further reduces lift capacity and breakout force. Fourth, they force you to modify your original bucket ($100-200) by adding adapter plates. Point is that there are some downsides both in cost and reduction of loader capacity.

I think pin mount does make sense for a lot of people. It really doesn't take more than about 10-15 minutes to change out pin mount bucket/grapple once you've done it a few times. Longer than switching out a 3pt implement but less time than the backhoe. It doesn't make as much sense if you are switching all the time or need other FEL mounted tools like tree boom, forks or some special applications like your post hole digger but again, for someone who just wants a cheap workable solution for a true grapple, the pin mounts are definitely the cheapest solution even if the pin mount costs an extra $100-200.

 

[pitt_md]

I would like to make one last comment on this grapple adventure. The Millonzi grapple looks like it is built to take ANY thing you throw at it. I really wish I could have just put it on and gone to work.

I was looking for another grapple and I called WR Long to see what they offer and if I needed the Q/A to install their product. I spoke with Vance Long. He tells me that when a tractor company comes out with a new loader they send a person out to get the specs from the loader (Millonzi did this to) and they file them away. The big difference seems to be that once they fabricate a pin on type they take it to the dealer and actually install it on the loader and test it. A critical step in any design process. Vance told me they have the specs for most of the new loaders and that they have been installing their grapples on my loader (LA852) for years. So I am not sure what happened with the grapple I ordered. Maybe the guy that went out to get the specs was new. Anyway Millonzi was good to work with they just need to go that one last step with their design process.

 

[Ford850]

I wonder how many versions of that loader exist. I noticed Kubota calls it a LA852-2 now. Not sure if that matters, but maybe they changed the design slightly over the years and Millonzi didn't use the right version's specs when they built yours.

 

[jimmysisson]

My Ford 7109 loader has an unusual factory proprietary QA setup - you pull levers to disconnect, pins are spring-loaded for hookup. Factory backing plates are still available, but cost $300, weigh 150#, and block all view through the loader. After a few backs and forths with John Millonzi, we agreed they'd ship the grapple bare, and I'd fabricate the QA mounts. He knocked off the cost of the mounts and shipped when he said they would. Only QC problem was minor - they only used one steel band so the unit shifted and broke the wood pallet. That meant the carrier had to be careful with it. No damage to the grapple, though.
I agree with Island that Millonzi should be able to get this right if they want to pursue the direct sales to owner market. However, they do have an excellent product in the right weight class for many of us. I hope they can ramp up their fitment engineering to match the strong original design. This is a great tool.
Jim

 

[Charlesaf3]

I agree IslandTractor, but some of those issues could be solved if the FEL came from the factory with a QA - no real reason why that system should weigh much more than the pin ons in that case.

Even with the QA downsides I still think the SS QA is worth it by the way, for anyone reading this who is unfamiliar. Switching between forks, grapple, and bucket is a joke its so easy. Literally 30 seconds to pop something on or off.

 

[woodlandfarms]

This is who did my grapple, although it looks like the type I have has been replaced with this beefier version

Lackender Skid-Loader Backhoe Attachments

 

[RollTideRam]

I agree IslandTractor, but some of those issues could be solved if the FEL came from the factory with a QA - no real reason why that system should weigh much more than the pin ons in that case.

Even with the QA downsides I still think the SS QA is worth it by the way, for anyone reading this who is unfamiliar. Switching between forks, grapple, and bucket is a joke its so easy. Literally 30 seconds to pop something on or off.

The Deere QA is just as easy, pull two pins, swap implements and re-install the two pins. JC

 

[wedge40]

Wedge, have you detailed this "swap-out" in another thread?

gmercer. I have not started a thread with the details of the swap. I can do that if you like, but I'm hoping it will be very boring. My Koyker 210 has/had two mounting options, a Koyker proprietary and a standard skid steer mount. When I bought my FEL I didn't know the difference and got the proprietary mount. I found my manual, got the part number for the SS mount, called my Koyker rep and ordered it. Had it within two weeks. I'm pretty sure all I'll have to do is un-bolt the old and replace with the new.

Now back to OP. Yes I understand that when it happens to you its big deal, but does anybody remember reading any other threads about Millonzi sending out a product that doesn't work.? It's a PIA, but we all make mistakes and it sound like Millonzi is going to try and fix the issue if they are given the chance.

I am curious.. If you're going to send the item back, who is paying shipping? Not a trival cost.

Wedge

 

[pitt_md]

gmercer. I have not started a thread with the details of the swap. I can do that if you like, but I'm hoping it will be very boring. My Koyker 210 has/had two mounting options, a Koyker proprietary and a standard skid steer mount. When I bought my FEL I didn't know the difference and got the proprietary mount. I found my manual, got the part number for the SS mount, called my Koyker rep and ordered it. Had it within two weeks. I'm pretty sure all I'll have to do is un-bolt the old and replace with the new.

Now back to OP. Yes I understand that when it happens to you its big deal, but does anybody remember reading any other threads about Millonzi sending out a product that doesn't work.? It's a PIA, but we all make mistakes and it sound like Millonzi is going to try and fix the issue if they are given the chance.

I am curious.. If you're going to send the item back, who is paying shipping? Not a trival cost.

Wedge

Millonzi is taking it back and arranged the shipping. They just asked that I bring it back to the place I picked it up from.

It might not even go back to Millonzi. I got an email from another guy on this board that lives just up the road who is into metal fabricating and might try to strike up some sort of deal with them for grapple.