Bucket thumb or grapple

[radas]

Quick question for you grapple owners and hydraulic thumb owners.

I don't have a huge lot, however, I do have a few days in the spring and a few days in the fall (and typically one day after major storms) where I do branch/twig cleanup around the lot. I am leaning towards ordering pallet forks and adapting the 36" hydraulic thumb from greens machine to accommodate this activity. I also plan on getting a second mounting bracket and welding that to my 54" bucket for misc lifting/carrying jobs so I can use the thumb in multiple arrangements. I don't think I need a grapple and cannot justify the additional cost considering the amount of use it will get in the short term, however, I think the hydraulic thumb will be useful and "out of the way" when I am not using it without taking up additional space.

Considering my 1 acre wooded lot and the frequency of cleanup, am I on the right track here?

 

[rc51stierhoff]

Quick question for you grapple owners and hydraulic thumb owners.

I don't have a huge lot, however, I do have a few days in the spring and a few days in the fall (and typically one day after major storms) where I do branch/twig cleanup around the lot. I am leaning towards ordering pallet forks and adapting the 36" hydraulic thumb from greens machine to accommodate this activity. I also plan on getting a second mounting bracket and welding that to my 54" bucket for misc lifting/carrying jobs so I can use the thumb in multiple arrangements. I don't think I need a grapple and cannot justify the additional cost considering the amount of use it will get in the short term, however, I think the hydraulic thumb will be useful and "out of the way" when I am not using it without taking up additional space.

Considering my 1 acre wooded lot and the frequency of cleanup, am I on the right track here?

I do not have a bucket thumb, so I can not speak to their benefit, however I do I have both a grapple and pallet forks (2 pair). I use the pallet forks a lot, so I am biased. If I could only have one of the two it would be the forks. I can pick up branches with forks but I can not pick up pallets with the grapple. Grapple is helpful to pick up piles of stuff, but if you want to pick up sticks or a single small sapling it’s it’s easier to get off tractor and put a single small item on the forks. If a larger branch the grapple might be easier. So I think it depends on your expectation. For piles of brush a grapple is handy to move them. Otherwise I am biased to the versatility of the pallet forks. I have a set for each machine(2). I am not sure that helps or not.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I've got about 10 acres of 'playroom' to have fun in and it's surprised me just how much 'brush' the pallet forks can clean up in a short time ! Mashing them into 'clumps', then lifting a 'bunch' of them, tilt all the way back ,then carry to the compost pit. A grapple 'might' be better but it'd be seldom used, so a high priced per use implement,especially for smaller lots.
Maybe start with the pallet forks....use for 3-4 cleanups.....IF you need the 'grapple' cabability, add on the thumb ? With enough practice and technique, you may find you ONLY need the forks.
Another consideration is WHEN can you buy the implements ? Given the choice of forks, now....grapple, 6 months(even 2), I'd go for NOW, as the jobs get done NOW..

 

[Elliott in GA]

If you are not sure what you want, you might want to look at Artillian. Their system is modular, and it might - might be cheaper to add on items rather than buy completely new pieces.

Artillian Tractor & UTV Attachments & Accessories

Artillian is a U.S. manufacturer of attachments for compact and sub-compact tractors, specializing in pallet frames, pallet fork sets and grapple systems.

www.artillian.com

 

[rc51stierhoff]

If you are not sure what you want, you might want to look at Artillian. Their system is modular, and it might - might be cheaper to add on items rather than buy completely new pieces.

Artillian Tractor & UTV Attachments & Accessories

Artillian is a U.S. manufacturer of attachments for compact and sub-compact tractors, specializing in pallet frames, pallet fork sets and grapple systems.

www.artillian.com

If you are not sure what you want, you might want to look at Artillian. Their system is modular, and it might - might be cheaper to add on items rather than buy completely new pieces.

Artillian Tractor & UTV Attachments & Accessories

Artillian is a U.S. manufacturer of attachments for compact and sub-compact tractors, specializing in pallet frames, pallet fork sets and grapple systems.

www.artillian.com

I agree with that. One of my two is an artillian and it’s great. I was too cheap to add the guard and have dented my hood with some split wood that fell off…I’d consider a guard no matter which brand you choose.

 

[radas]

Thank you guys for the feedback. I think I'll start with the forks and see how it goes. I'll mash the piles down with the FEL and scoop them up with the tines.

I love that artillian system but they are on the pricier side for me (would cost the same to buy an EA grapple and EA forks with a few hundred to spare lol.

I am leaning towards the EA forks... Their lead time is 2-3 months though... Any other 42" 2000lb max forks with a brush guard that you guys can recommend?

 

[rc51stierhoff]

Thank you guys for the feedback. I think I'll start with the forks and see how it goes. I'll mash the piles down with the FEL and scoop them up with the tines.

I love that artillian system but they are on the pricier side for me (would cost the same to buy an EA grapple and EA forks with a few hundred to spare lol.

I am leaning towards the EA forks... Their lead time is 2-3 months though... Any other 42" 2000lb max forks with a brush guard that you guys can recommend?

My other (it’s much larger for the Mx)is a landpride and it’s very nice too. I have no idea on current prices though.below are what the specs were from a year or so ago on land pride offerings in the forks.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I have 900# HLA pallet forks (sized for my BX23S...), no 'brush guard'. never had an issue so far....
Try Googling and see WHO has ANY in stock.

 

[radas]

My other (it’s much larger for the Mx)is a landpride and it’s very nice too. I have no idea on current prices though.below are what the specs were from a year or so ago on land pride offerings in the forks.

I did see the land pride 1200lb forks and my dealer had them in stock when I picked up my unit. If they're any good, and adjustable, I might have to go that route to avoid waiting. Honestly speaking, the LX2610 can only lift 1k anyway, anything rated higher than 1-2k seems overkill.

I have 900# HLA pallet forks (sized for my BX23S...), no 'brush guard'. never had an issue so far....
Try Googling and see WHO has ANY in stock.

That is a good point, nobody has any damn stock!

 

[NCL4701]

That is a good point, nobody has any damn stock!

Compact Tractor Pallet Forks & Frame - Unlimited Fabrications

A lightweight frame offers a 2000 lb. load capacity. Fork tines are 42" in length, while see through visibility eases tine placement. Hook up is fast and convenient with a universal skid steer mount. Designed specifically for compact tractors 2000 lb load capacity 42" fork tines Euro style and...

www.rootgrapple.com

These may be a bit bigger than you need. I’ve been pleased with their quality. Been a while since I got them so not saying they’re in stock. They were local to me so I called them one morning, picked them up at lunch, and went back to work which was nice. Looking at their website tonight I didn’t see anything indicating they’re not in stock. Might be worth a call, particularly if you don’t find something more precisely sized to your machine.

BTW, I have forks and a grapple. If I had to have one of the other, it would be forks even though I use the grapple MUCH more. I also have 70 acres, of which about 60 is wooded, to keep up with. For one acre, I would start with forks and if that wasn’t cutting it, look into a grapple or something like an add a grapple for the bucket or forks (https://www.goodworkstractors.com/product/precision-mfg-add-a-grapple/).

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Quick like a bunny...get them forks TOMORROW !! 'Bunches of brush' generally won't be HEAVY, just awkward, if it's too much, take another couple of trips......

Also, with this whacky 'economy', they'll be sold out before the weekend and you can USE them all summer and resell in the fall, probably make a profit !!!

Dang diesel hit 2.09 a litre here 2 hours ago.....sigh...

 

[radas]

Compact Tractor Pallet Forks & Frame - Unlimited Fabrications

A lightweight frame offers a 2000 lb. load capacity. Fork tines are 42" in length, while see through visibility eases tine placement. Hook up is fast and convenient with a universal skid steer mount. Designed specifically for compact tractors 2000 lb load capacity 42" fork tines Euro style and...

www.rootgrapple.com

These may be a bit bigger than you need. I’ve been pleased with their quality. Been a while since I got them so not saying they’re in stock. They were local to me so I called them one morning, picked them up at lunch, and went back to work which was nice. Looking at their website tonight I didn’t see anything indicating they’re not in stock. Might be worth a call, particularly if you don’t find something more precisely sized to your machine.

BTW, I have forks and a grapple. If I had to have one of the other, it would be forks even though I use the grapple MUCH more. I also have 70 acres, of which about 60 is wooded, to keep up with. For one acre, I would start with forks and if that wasn’t cutting it, look into a grapple or something like an add a grapple for the bucket or forks (https://www.goodworkstractors.com/product/precision-mfg-add-a-grapple/).

Those are priced very fairly, I appreciate the lead. I'll give them a shout tomorrow. 70 acres... That sounds like a dream come true

Quick like a bunny...get them forks TOMORROW !! 'Bunches of brush' generally won't be HEAVY, just awkward, if it's too much, take another couple of trips......

Also, with this whacky 'economy', they'll be sold out before the weekend and you can USE them all summer and resell in the fall, probably make a profit !!!

Dang diesel hit 2.09 a litre here 2 hours ago.....sigh...

I'm going to call them tomorrow - I'm curious what freight is going to cost being I'm in MI and they're in NC. I'll call my dealer too just to see if he still has the land pride forks in stock as well. Holy shit... That's like $8/gal US...

 

[Elliott in GA]

Those are priced very fairly, I appreciate the lead. I'll give them a shout tomorrow. 70 acres... That sounds like a dream come true


I'm going to call them tomorrow - I'm curious what freight is going to cost being I'm in MI and they're in NC. I'll call my dealer too just to see if he still has the land pride forks in stock as well. Holy shit... That's like $8/gal US...

No - it is only about $6.50 a gallon US Dollars. Canadian Dollars are not real Dollars.

 

[radas]

No - it is only about $6.50 a gallon US Dollars. Canadian Dollars are not real Dollars.

I forgot about the exchange rate! You are correct - all your dollars are Loonies

 

[fruitcakesa]

I put a Green's Thumb on my pallet forks and also added a third fork [not shown in pic] to help hold shorter stuff.
For the price it is a really handy tool

 

[Grindstone]

I put a Green's Thumb on my pallet forks and also added a third fork [not shown in pic] to help hold shorter stuff.
For the price it is a really handy tool

That's a slick set up! How did you attach it to your forks and what length thumb did you go with?

 

[radas]

I put a Green's Thumb on my pallet forks and also added a third fork [not shown in pic] to help hold shorter stuff.
For the price it is a really handy tool

Your machine is quite a bit bigger than mine, what forks are you using? It also appears that you had to cut the headache rack to weld the thumb mount and then weld the headache rack supports over the thumb mount - am I seeing that correctly?

 

[fruitcakesa]

That's a slick set up! How did you attach it to your forks and what length thumb did you go with?

The thumb mount is welded into the headache rack. 36 inch model

 

[fruitcakesa]

Your machine is quite a bit bigger than mine, what forks are you using? It also appears that you had to cut the headache rack to weld the thumb mount and then weld the headache rack supports over the thumb mount - am I seeing that correctly?

4000# Virnig forks. Yes, some cuts were needed; and the thumb mount is welded into the headache rack.
Very clean install by a welder friend.

 

[Grindstone]

The thumb mount is welded into the headache rack. 36 inch model

Thank you