Grapple Wanting info on grapple buckets/thumbs

[jmt1271]

Guys, I am about to start the process of cleaning up after loggers who are cutting the timber on about 20 acres of my 35 acre place. It looks like a disaster area in the few acres they have done thus far. To do the job I have a 20" chain saw(Stihl 270) and my JD 3520. I have a 300 CX loader and it looks to me that a grapple bucket or even a hydraulic "thumb" would be worth its weight in gold for this job.

Can you guys offer advice on the utility of this attachment? Also, what is the most cost effective way to get into one? I have no additional hydraulics on the front, so this would have to be factored into the initial cost as well. What do I need to look at? also, on a tractor this size, is there sufficient power available to make this attachment worth the cost? Lastly, what is the approximate price range of each option?

Thanks.

 

[kennyd]

Do a search here for "Millonzi", it sounds like it would be perfect for you!

HERE is thier webpage.


Do you have a rear remote?

 

[jmt1271]

No rear remote. Will check the site, thanks.

 

[kennyd]

No rear remote.

Well then, You could get the JD remote for your tractor, it cost's about $250 or so I think and run hoses from the rear up to the front of your FEL. Or you could get a diverter kit to add a remote to your FEL by splitting the curl circuit, that will cost about $550.00 or so...

 

[jmt1271]

I dont really understand the drawbacks of splitting the curl function. Please explain the pros and cons of the 2 options you mentioned.

I just called my nearest Deere dealer and he quoted me $411 for just the rear valve(!!!). He priced me a 60" grapple bucket(I think it is the "scrap grapple" on their website) this bucket was $1900 and apparently includes all lines and necessary extras. It is controlled by a switch on the fender. I dont like this as I want something with a new stick handle, so I wont have to remove my hand from the stick to control the grapple.

What I want to do is have Deere install the rear valve and necessary hydraulic lines to the bucket, then purchase a 4 prong grapple ,(prefferrably 2 independent grapples) and have it installed. Has anyone gone this route? What would be fair pricing for parts and labor? Is this the best route? The job is to clean up behind the timber cutters on about 20 acres.

 

[kennyd]

I personally don't see any "drawbacks" of using a diverter setup. To me it's simple, with the button on the joystick pressed the grapple opens or closes, when the button is not pressed the bucket curls or dumps. Other opinions will vary, and there are many opinions!

You should do some searching here on TBN for HOURS of reading on this very subject. Key search words are "diverter", "WR Long", "grapple","4n1", "remote"

The dealer quoted the price on a 4n1 bucket, and you still will need the remote (front or rear) to make it work. And the price on the remote kit sounds high to me, but one thing is for sure-hydraulics are NOT CHEAP!

Having a dealer install is going to cost $$$, any reason you can't do it yourself?

The Millonzi grapple will cost about $1000.00 shipped to you, and will attach to your FEL with the JD Quick Attach setup you already have.


You need to do some searching! all the things your asking have been discussed HUNDREDS of times...

 

[jmt1271]

I am not sure what is involved with installing the grapple and associated parts, but I can probably do it myself, assuming it isnt too involved. Are there any special tools required? What is typically the most difficult part? How difficult is running the plumbing? Is there an online source for everything I need in one place?

As far as searching the forums, I have done so. But I like to ask questions that are specific to my situation. Also, a lot of times when you search you dont get the most current info. A lot of times new products or options have come to market.

Either way, I appreciate your input. Given all my questions, what do you think would be the best bang for the buck option? I will gladly try and install this stuff myself, if you guys think a guy of average to slightly better than average mechanical skills can do it properly.

 

[kennyd]

As far as searching the forums, I have done so. But I like to ask questions that are specific to my situation. Also, a lot of times when you search you dont get the most current info. A lot of times new products or options have come to market.

I understand, but some people get tired of typing the same thing and answering the same questions over and over, so you may get limited responses.

Either way, I appreciate your input. Given all my questions, what do you think would be the best bang for the buck option? I will gladly try and install this stuff myself, if you guys think a guy of average to slightly better than average mechanical skills can do it properly.

Best bang for the buck IMHO is the Millonzi grapple, and either a diverter from WR Long or the rear kit from JD.

I am not sure what is involved with installing the grapple and associated parts, but I can probably do it myself, assuming it isn't too involved. Are there any special tools required? What is typically the most difficult part? How difficult is running the plumbing? Is there an online source for everything I need in one place?

"installing" the grapple is nothing, have you ever taken the bucket off your FEL? Pull two pins and uncurl and it pops right off!
Installing the diverter can be hard, but with the kit from WR Long it should go well...I built my own setup so I cannot comment on the 'Kit", but lots of people on TBN have been happy with there products.

 

[Willl]

I'm not positive, but doesn't the 3520 already have a 3rd SCV option ?

I believe the 3rd valve is there, it just needs tubing, connectors and a handle.

 

[3RRL]

Hi jmt,
This is a pretty good thread to determine which kind of grapple you want or a bucket grapple or even a 4 in 1 bucket. After you decide which one suits your needs best, then I think figuring out the best way to plumb and operate it would be the next step.

Click here:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107635

 

[jmt1271]

I'm not positive, but doesn't the 3520 already have a 3rd SCV option ?

I believe the 3rd valve is there, it just needs tubing, connectors and a handle.

I know I didnt purchase a 3rd SCV. I thiink it is an option that you have to buy. As embarrassing as it is, I am not sure I can identify one if it is there.

 

[jmt1271]

Hi jmt,
This is a pretty good thread to determine which kind of grapple you want or a bucket grapple or even a 4 in 1 bucket. After you decide which one suits your needs best, then I think figuring out the best way to plumb and operate it would be the next step.

Click here:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107635

RRL, that is an excellent thread. I read it earlier when I first started researching. Thanks a lot.

 

[jmt1271]

Guys, in the interest of bang for the buck, I think I may want to just add a grapple to my existing 60" HD bucket. What are the most common options when going this route?

 

[Big Daddy]

I predict that you be extremely disappointed with a grapple on the bucket. Even for that you will need the 3rd input. The bucket sides will be in the way; and you won't be able to dig into and under the brush pile. My situation was similar to yours, and there is no better investment for this work than a grapple. It is by far the most often used attachment in my arsenal.

George

 

[jmt1271]

Your point makes sense. Guess I will keep looking for the best way to go as far as a grapple bucket. I would like to do it myself. I cant see paying what the dealer wants.

Basically, I need a valve, hoses, the grapple bucket and some sort of controller. Is that all that is needed?

 

[Big Daddy]

In most cases the grapple will come complete with all of the cylinders, hoses and couplings needed to hook up. I had my dealer install the 3rd valve option and controls. They did in 2 hours what would have taken me all day. You will be amazed what you can accomplish without even leaving the tractor seat once you have everything. Do an ebay search for a "root grapple". There are several to choose from. I have my 66 inch unit on a Montana 3644 HST. My opinion is that those costing over $3000 are not significantly better than those costing under $2000. Be careful not to get one that is too big and too heavy for your tractor. The heavier the unit, the lower the manageable load you can handle.

George

 

[jmt1271]

I would like to install the valve myself, but if I did pay a dealer to install one on my JD 3520, does anyone have a solid estimate on the parts and labor?

 

[jmt1271]

I just got off the phone with both WR Long and Millonzi. From what I gathered, I will be looking at roughly $600 for the WR Long valve kit with all the options(QDs, replacement loader control handle with switch, hoses etc). That doesnt seem too bad. From Millonzi I got a price of $1425 for the 60" LD grapple bucket, but roughly HALF that for a 48" LD(with single grapple instead of dual grapples on the 60"). I was set on a 60" until I found out the 48 is $700 cheaper. I can get into the 48" with the valve kit for right around $1500. This seems like the way to go for the jobs I will be doing. Just clearing brush on my time, no hurry. Will I be making a mistake or a wise financial move based on my needs by giving up 12" to save $700?

Also, am I leaving out anything to get my 300CX loader from a standard 60" HD bucket converted to a grapple bucket?

 

[jmt1271]

Guys. forgive my ignorance, but in researching this I keep reading that JD 3X20 series come with a 3rd SCV from the factory. I thought this was an added cost option. What is the deal? My 3520 has no aux hydraulic outputs that I ordered. Am I correct in assuming that I need the WR Long valve kit($550ish) and the Millonzi grapple bucket and nothing more/ nothing less to get my tractor setup with grapple capabilities?

 

[SkunkWerX]

Guys. forgive my ignorance, but in researching this I keep reading that JD 3X20 series come with a 3rd SCV from the factory. I thought this was an added cost option. What is the deal? My 3520 has no aux hydraulic outputs that I ordered. Am I correct in assuming that I need the WR Long valve kit($550ish) and the Millonzi grapple bucket and nothing more/ nothing less to get my tractor setup with grapple capabilities?

To get a firm answer, you are probably going to have to talk to your dealer, or perhaps correspond with a JD representative. That way you will get the solid technical answer, plus whatever pricing on whatever parts/valve/etc may be involved. You may luck out and find your Valve costs cut a bit, if your tractor is already partially capable of accepting the valve needed.

In terms of the 48" over the 60", also keep in mind, the 48" will probably be overall lighter in total weight, which might actually increase the amount you can pick-up. Check your overall FEL lift capacity, subtract the weight of your stock bucket, (since you will be removing it) then add the weight of any Grapple you are considering back into the equation.
This will get you in the ballpark for what you'll be able to effectively carry in terms of weight.


I would have to agree with the others, for the amount of brush you will be looking at, a full-on Grapple unit is going to be money well spent.
And, later on, once you have everything plumbed, you can always add a bucket grapple to your loader bucket fairly cheaply, if you so desired.