What grapple for L3800?

rogerius · Mar 7, 2012

Planning to purchase an L3800 in couple of weeks and in the mid time I'm looking for some attachments. One of these is a grapple which I'm planning to use it for cleaning the branches around the farm.
First, I'm not sure for the size and second not sure from where. Here in Canada I can't see any options so I'm willing to buy it from US. So far I found the Wildkat 48" Mini Econo Grapel at 900$ with good reviews, but not sure if is too small for a L3800 and also if will fit as is on a quick attach.
Any sugestion is appreciated.
Thx.

k0ua · Mar 7, 2012

rogerius said:
Planning to purchase an L3800 in couple of weeks and in the mid time I'm looking for some attachments. One of these is a grapple which I'm planning to use it for cleaning the branches around the farm.
First, I'm not sure for the size and second not sure from where. Here in Canada I can't see any options so I'm willing to buy it from US. So far I found the Wildkat 48" Mini Econo Grapel at 900$ with good reviews, but not sure if is too small for a L3800 and also if will fit as is on a quick attach.
Any sugestion is appreciated.
Thx.

It is the right size.. you don't want one bigger. Do you have the SSQA on your loader now? if so it should fit up... there have been a couple of people report loose fits on their SSQA. Check it out when you get it.. Give it a good inspection and a good shake.. They have made good on any problems that have been reported. Of course you will need the 3rd function hydraulics to hook up to, or run a set of hoses from your rear remote it you have one. Good Luck with it.

James K0UA

Cantoo · Mar 7, 2012

I have an L35 TLB and have a grapple on it. I bought a smooth bucket style with a grapple on it and also bought a stone fork bucket. I made mounts for the grapple to fit onto the stone bucket. Works good for all I use it. Bought them at an auction. Markdale Ford auction is this saturday, might be a grapple or 2 there. The auction company that is running the sale also sells them at their yard. I bought mine off them.
Pictures of sat auction are here.
brindley auction

Code54 · Mar 7, 2012

Yep it will fit and it is NOT too small. I have that exact one on my MX5100 and it is a great grapple for the money!!! You will feel it on the front end however, I notice it on my 5100

IslandTractor · Mar 7, 2012

Code54 said:
Yep it will fit and it is NOT too small. I have that exact one on my MX5100 and it is a great grapple for the money!!! You will feel it on the front end however, I notice it on my 5100

Agree completely. Don't waste your money on a more expensive or heavier grapple. 48 inch single upper jaw light duty grapple is the most economical and effective choice for just about any CUT up to and beyond 50hp.

rogerius · Mar 7, 2012

Cantoo said:
I have an L35 TLB and have a grapple on it. I bought a smooth bucket style with a grapple on it and also bought a stone fork bucket. I made mounts for the grapple to fit onto the stone bucket. Works good for all I use it. Bought them at an auction. Markdale Ford auction is this saturday, might be a grapple or 2 there. The auction company that is running the sale also sells them at their yard. I bought mine off them.
Pictures of sat auction are here.
brindley auction

Ouch!, I just saw few on the auction site for 2000$ - Versatech 5 1/2ft. Not sure the weight but based on size seems to be a concern for a L3800 but 2K is over my budget.
Thx.

Cantoo · Mar 7, 2012

Money talks, I paid 600 for my bucket with grapple and 700 for the stone fork. They sell light ones too. I think the 6' root grapple type was around$1500 last time I checked. Where are you buying the bota, will they make a deal on a grapple with it? Most farm equipment dealers are also Horst dealers so maybe they can make a deal.

IslandTractor · Mar 7, 2012

rogerius said:
Ouch!, I just saw few on the auction site for 2000$ - Versatech 5 1/2ft. Not sure the weight but based on size seems to be a concern for a L3800 but 2K is over my budget.
Thx.

You do not need to spend more than $500-1000 on a grapple for a CUT. Lots of experience on TBN with "light duty" 48 inch grapples. Nobody who has one ever seems to complain that they wished they'd invested more in a bigger, heavier grapple with less net lift capacity. Really.

rogerius · Mar 7, 2012

Cantoo said:
Money talks, I paid 600 for my bucket with grapple and 700 for the stone fork. They sell light ones too. I think the 6' root grapple type was around$1500 last time I checked. Where are you buying the bota, will they make a deal on a grapple with it? Most farm equipment dealers are also Horst dealers so maybe they can make a deal.

Thanks Cantoo for advice. I just start asking dealers around for quotes but I was surprised to see that most of them ignore the emails so I start call them. Unfortunately all want to visit them in order to give out a quote or make a deal. Let me know if you know a "good one" and not so "hungry" :ashamed: in SW Ontario.

Thx.

rdneckbota · Mar 7, 2012

my local dealer specd out the wr long obg2 bucket for that machine.they seem to know what they are talking about. you may loose some lift capacity. if you are moving brush i would not be concerned