Help me pick an attachment

[Salty Sawyer]

So I finally gotten busy enough to justify a new tractor with loader. I've been loading my Norwood HD 36 with an old Ford 3000 with 3 pt hitch pallet forks since I've had the mill. I've got a new 50hp Massey Ferguson on order from the factory with a 1800 lb loader with third function forward. I'm pretty much sold on some sort of grapple. I know it can be done with a set of forks but you lack the amount of control I'd like to have. I'm trying to decide between grapple forks or a log grapple, something along the lines of a Ingland or Frostbite grapple. I like the idea of grapple forks but see a few down sides. First no matter the weight rating you are likely to bend them. I've welded on mine now 6 times and have seen several bent pairs on skids steers from prying into log piles. Second I've heard the grapple function is way to fast on most of the grapple forks. I like the idea of a log grapple because its doing what it's designed for so I see less chance of breaking it. Also they are about 300 lbs lighter then grapple forks so we are gaining more lift. The only downsides I see are the cost of having to buy two attachments and having to switch them when I have to move lumber. If anyone has any input on either method or a particular brand of fork/grapple I would appreciate it?

[PAmizerman]

This subject has been covered here several times. Use the search function to find plenty of good threads.

[Salty Sawyer]

Thank you. I have already spend several hours searching and reading previous threads.

[doc henderson]

does you massey have a flow control to the aux. hydraulics?

[Oliver05262]

  He probably can't get a flow control on the factory setup, but it's easy enough to make a  restrictor fitting or plumb in a needle valve. You only need to restrict one hose because it will work whichever way the oil is flowing.

[Salty Sawyer]

Correct. I would have to plumb in a restrictor valve of somesort.

[Tin Horse]

Not sure but isn't your Massey equipped with the 3rd function kit. If so your set. I just bought the Frost bite log grapple a week ago. Wish I'd bought one years ago. I find it safer and fast for sorting logs for the mill or wood processor. Been using forks prior. I got the 3rd function kit from Michigan Iron and Equip. Installed in an hour or so. Real happy with it so far. 8)

 

 

[YellowHammer]

The third function valve system is key, either stock or aftermarket for a grapple.  The VR Long Valve kit is what my New Holland dealer put on mine.  Very nice, with full control plus feathering.

[Salty Sawyer]

I'm having the WR Long kit installed by the dealer. For those of you using the Frostbite style grapple how much precision do you have picking up logs? I've watch quite a few videos but they all just show grabbing logs out of a pile. Are you able to pinch just one log on the end? Like to unload a high sided trailer or set  a single log on the mill? Are you able to pick up a single cant or slab off the mill?

[YellowHammer]

I don't have a frostbite grapple but I'm sure it is nice.  I have a split jaw grapple so the upper jaws work independently so they won't torque on tapered or unusual objects. It also lets me pick up several small objects at the same time, such as stumps and debris.  If you are going to use it for grubbing or cleaning the ground get one with a round bottom float bar to keep the teeth from digging in too far into the ground when driving at high speed clearing roots.   With the VR Long valve you can feather the pressure to the grapple by moving the joystick to a near float position, if you have one, thus reducing the hydraulic pressure to the system, and allows you to control the closing pressure for delicate objects.

Once you get the feel of it, you will able to perform surgery with it. ;D  Picking a cant off the mill is easy.  Putting logs on a mill, no problem.




I can strip poison ivy vines off logs with mine, peel bark it the log is shedding, pull up fence posts, etc.

Balance is an issue as you can pick a log way off to the end and unbalance your tractor, so be aware of that.  Remember to grab the center of a heavy log, not to the side, or your tractor will start to tip.

[mitchstockdale]

I just bought the Frost bite log grapple a week ago.

I see you are in Canada who sells the Frost Bites up here and how much to they run....i have been looking at Landpride and HLA for my 52 hp Kubota and they run about 4 to 5k, But would really like to look into a Frostbite.

[Tin Horse]

I just bought the Frost bite log grapple a week ago.

I see you are in Canada who sells the Frost Bites up here and how much to they run....i have been looking at Landpride and HLA for my 52 hp Kubota and they run about 4 to 5k, But would really like to look into a Frostbite.

The Frost bite I bought came from Grenville Quebec. Hakmet equip. They are only a couple hours from me so I picked it up. They were real good to deal with and have a lot of nice stuff. Check out their web site. I paid $2000.00 plus tax. I do like the versatility of Yellowhammers grapple but they do weigh more. For smaller tractors that weight affects lift. If you get it and can afford the 3rd function switch on the loader arm it's great.

 

[Bruno of NH]

I have a frost bite and the long kit.
I can do a lot with it.
Pick finished beams off the mill with a very light touch.
End pick logs out of the piles. 
I have broke the weld on the quick hitch mount.

[Tin Horse]

I have a frost bite and the long kit.
I can do a lot with it.
Pick finished beams off the mill with a very light touch.
End pick logs out of the piles.
I have broke the weld on the quick hitch mount.

Bruno; What is the long kit? I asked about accessories and they only mentioned the bolt on rock plate.
Mike.

[loganworks2]

The long kit is the 3rd function valve that operates the graple. 

[Tin Horse]

The long kit is the 3rd function valve that operates the graple.

Thanks very much for the reply. I wasn't aware it was refered to as that.  I got that so I'm all set. 8)