Grapple from Skid Steer Attachment Depot.

[Series9]

I just sourced this grapple from skidsteerattachmentdepot.com and wanted to offer my observations.

I bought this grapple specifically because it's "Made in USA" and was the best price I could find at $895.

I still have to hook up my Landpride 3rd function valve today before I can use it, but I wanted to offer my initial observations.

Pros:

Very heavily built.
Fits on the tractor perfectly.
Fast communication from the company.
They changed the couplers to Pioneer for me, no charge.

Cons:

All Chinese hydraulics that will be leaking very soon.
(see pictures)
Welds look like Chinese welds and not "American Craftsman" welds.
No way to grease the pivot points.


In fairness, I admit that I went on the cheap side on the grapple. However, I hate being sold a "Made in USA" lie.

 

[SRG]

Contact them and ask them by whom and where they are made. They can't just lie about it like that, without consequences.
On the other hand, they very well could be US made by Bill Hilly Bobjo in his garage, with pot metal, a Harbor Freight buzz box and a rattle can or two of black paint. Cheap labor and material...Made In The USA.

And just FYI, you really aren't highlighting your talking points with those pictures. Show us the meat and potatoes.

 

[Series9]

I'll add more pictures as I use it, but here is one from their website.

This is exactly what I got, but mine has a metal cover over the cylinder. Otherwise, identical.

 

[D2Cat]

Maybe it's not really a lie. Maybe there is a town/city in China named USA!

 

[AuburnAlum]

Maybe it's not really a lie. Maybe there is a town/city in China named USA!

I live close to a town called China Grove.

 

[Jchonline]

I try to stick with Landpride, even though they are more expensive. They make everything in the Kansas plants and they are great quality.

That said, I do hope it performs well for you. $895 is still a nice chunk of money.

 

[Jchonline]

I'll add more pictures as I use it, but here is one from their website.

This is exactly what I got, but mine has a metal cover over the cylinder. Otherwise, identical.

Does the metal cover also shroud the cylinder hoses and fittings? These are what will be damaged if you start lifting brush. Definitely make sure thy are totally covered, or weld a guard on the rear of the grapple body.

 

[Series9]

I'm planning to install the 3rd function valve in the next couple of hours. I'll post pictures after that.

 

[SidecarFlip]

From what I can ascertain for the tiny pictures, the welds look to me like Gas shielded MIG. Don't look bad. I prefer LandPride / Great Plains myself in as much as you get what you pay for.

 

[SidecarFlip]

For a long time now, the line has been blurry concerning 'Made in USA' and 'Assembled in USA' from parts sourced worldwide, which means from the cheapest source.

 

[AuburnAlum]

For a long time now, the line has been blurry concerning 'Made in USA' and 'Assembled in USA' from parts sourced worldwide, which means from the cheapest source.

Yep, even Mahindra slaps a "Made in the USA" sticker on their tractors.

 

[AKguy09]

and just because it it "made in the USA" is no guarantee of quality welds. The trailer industry is proof of that fact.

 

[SidecarFlip]

and just because it it "made in the USA" is no guarantee of quality welds. The trailer industry is proof of that fact.

I'm on a couple RV forums and it's amazing how many Lippert frames break at the welds., but then when you hire welders from fast food eateries, you cannot expect much more. Flipping burgers and flipping welds are 2 entirely different things.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Yep, even Mahindra slaps a "Made in the USA" sticker on their tractors.

I suspect Mahindra tractors come in, in containers not entirely assembled and the 'final' assembly is done here so that gives them the right to plaster on a 'Made in USA' sticker. Having said that, don't Kubota do the same thing?

I've read some terrible things about Mahindra tractors, true or not I have no idea. I don't put much water in what I read on the net anyway. and I've never owned one.

 

[Series9]

Got it all hooked up in a persistent drizzle this evening. It works great. Very dangerous (in the good way). Don't get near those jaws when closing.

Here come the pictures:

 

[Series9]

More pics:

 

[Series9]

The hydraulic lines on the grapple are way too long and "Made in China", so I may run down to my local hydraulic shop and get some Aeroquip lines set up at the correct length.

(I understand the lines are generic lengths for multiple applications)

 

[D2Cat]

You have to have enough hose to reach when you have the grapple extended all the way down, don't forget.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

don't Kubota do the same thing?

Nope, because Kubota tractors are made here, GA.

 

[AuburnAlum]

I suspect Mahindra tractors come in, in containers not entirely assembled and the 'final' assembly is done here so that gives them the right to plaster on a 'Made in USA' sticker. Having said that, don't Kubota do the same thing?

I've read some terrible things about Mahindra tractors, true or not I have no idea. I don't put much water in what I read on the net anyway. and I've never owned one.

Yes the Kubotas are assembled here in the US. Difference is that Mahindra smacks a big sticker on the loader and Kubota does not. The Land pride stuff is made here and we all know that. The warranty issues with Mahindra crossed them off my list long ago