Grapple safety

selftot

Active member

Equipment
L3400
Aug 6, 2025
57
106
33
Vancouver Island
I just ordered my grapple and doing some learning.

I've seen grapples with bent tines and misuse that puts uneven pressure on the loader arms.

But this - i didn't know... A grapple can generate some serious pressure feedback which can affect hydraulics in the tractor.

Thinking back - without knowing it i have probably abused my loader and backhoe too.

 
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mdhughes

Well-known member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3901DT
Dec 10, 2014
1,423
1,384
113
Ste Geneveive county, MO
One thing you might want to get is a grill guard. There are all kinds of companies make them. I went with the Homestead Implements for my L3901DT. I was going to jet one, but kept putting it off till I saw GP Outdoors put a limb thru his grill.

14_10_04.jpg
 
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selftot

Active member

Equipment
L3400
Aug 6, 2025
57
106
33
Vancouver Island
Good call. I smashed my headlight years ago.

Kubota replacement was outrageously priced given that the light output was terrible. I built a frame and put LEDs in.

I should add protection now - especially with the grapple.
 
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GrumpyFarmer

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
B2650, MX6000, Ford 8N, (BX sold)
Sep 13, 2021
3,349
4,738
113
Ohio
Good day.

I would also suggest, pay attention to how attach/detach and location of your feet when flipping the SSQA levers. (Same as bucket or forks or whatever…for some reason seems my clamshell grapple drops when I flip levers more so than other attachments)

Careful your tootsies.
 
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CGMKCM

Well-known member

Equipment
RVT-1100C, ZD323, L4760
Jan 26, 2021
468
262
63
Randolph county N.C.
Twice I have had a limb trip the quick attach lever and then bent the arms on the quick attach plate. I recommend doing something like this when the grapple is being used.
IMG_3588.JPG
 
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