Why the Artillian grapple kind of sucks...

[B737]

This is just my experience, YMMV...
I set out to buy a grapple for my BX that did not have SSQA. The Artillian modular system seemed to make sense, it wasnt the lightest but it was versatile. I thought by configuring rake-grapple-rake I'd save a little money, and save a little weight. About $1,700 plus the $700 frame = $2,400. Weighs in around 290 pounds. Then I realized I needed SSQA and added that to the BX. SSQA now negates the quick change "perk" Artillian offers.

Fast forward to B2601. I'm finding the limits of the single narrow 18" wide lid with this system. I need to add another lid. So it's going to cost $1,300 to add ONE lid. Grapple will weigh over 300 pounds, plus I need to buy and add their valve splitter box to my already crowded loader frame for the extra hoses it requires. Once I add the lid, I will be into this grapple nearly $3,700. That is just stupid.

EA Grapple: ~5" wider, 200 pounds. $2,200. Dual cylinder, full lid, no hooky box. I got a little sour on this grapple after the honeymoon wore off, now I'm really regretting it. It is pushed on YouTube a good bit, I guess I fell for it lol The little stump bucket they offer is the best part of the system, but I don't think that alone makes it worth it.

 

[Matt Ellerbee]

Could you do without the box and T off of the existing lines to other lid? May save some money. one lid would close sooner, but I believe all dual lids are like that.

I oogled over my EA for two weeks before the tractor even arrived.

 

[B737]

It says you need the box if you use twin lids... If you look at the back of the EA grapple they plumb the hoses neatly using a T, without having to add a box to the loader frame. On the artillian, there will be 6 hoses going to this box

 

[S-G-R]

Would it be more feasible to sell it and pick up the EA version?

 

[B737]

If I decide to throw in the towel and get the EA one, I'm out of pocket $2200 vs pouring another $1300 into this one (plus $150 shipping). Artillian one also has limited resale ability because the buyer would have to buy a $700 'frame', if I keep the frame for the stump bucket, which I do love.

but I think you're right Gallows, I should just get it over with.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

While some say the SSQA 'weighs too much', I bought it for the versatility and COMPATABLITY. every SSQA thing I've used connects just fine.....and neighbours and I can share implements as needed.
What I don't understand is most(all ?) grapples top 'claw' seem to be overbuilt. it doesn't have to carry the weight of the load,so they should be able to reduce the overall weight by using thinner steel, fewer 'fingers' ???

 

[B737]

Totally agree Jay. It seems the artillian grapple really only lends itself to people with pin on loaders, which I departed from very early on. I guess i'll just order the EA one. and see if i can talk one of my local buddies into buying a frame

 

[Matt Ellerbee]

It says you need the box if you use twin lids... If you look at the back of the EA grapple they plumb the hoses without having to add a box to the loader frame, it's in their pictures, they do it with a T. On the artillian one, there will be 6 hoses going to this thing

I know, here is my EA after adding hose protection. Could you not plumb yours exactly like this?

 

[B737]

That is a helpful picture. That is a much cleaner set up. I don't think I can do that. Each modular 'section' pops off the frame, and the frame pops off the ssqa mount. So if I took the grapple off the frame I'd have 3 segments, plus all the hoses tied together.

 

[B737]

Placed the order for the EA 55" just now

 

[Matt Ellerbee]

That is a helpful picture. That is a much cleaner set up. I don't I can do that. Each modular 'section' pops off the frame, and the frame pops off the ssqa mount. So if I took the grapple off the frame I'd have 3 segments, plus all the hoses tied together.

Ahh... I’m an idiot. I forgot the lids are removable. So the quick connections make sense on the box.
How about a T with quick connects, that could work. But you’d still have 6 hoses like you said.

Best bet may be to pawn it off on a buddy you don’t like too much!

 

[B737]

lol agree matt!
got a grapple for you, cheap!
"why you selling?"
ummmm

 

[NHSleddog]

You will have no problem selling that other grapple. There is a tool for everyone and it is a nice "modular" system for the BX.

Where you have the QA now and are using the machine more, dedicated attachments will be better suited.

That new grapple should mount up nicely on your aluminum trailer .

 

[B737]

haha thanks NHS, i was kind of thinking that, you'll have to show me some pictures of how to hang it.

 

[B737]

I just had an idea to sell the grapple with its frame, AND be able to hang onto the stump bucket.

Buy a 1/4" ssqa plate, weld the stump bucket to that, and then sell the grapple with its backing plate for a much easier local resale.

1/4" Attachment Mount Plate for Skidsteer bobcat kubota

The 1/4" thick mount plate can easily weld or bolt onto plows, forks, or any attachment that you want to convert to quick tach hookup.

www.palletforks.com

 

[bird dogger]

I just had an idea to sell the grapple with its frame, AND be able to hang onto the stump bucket.

Buy a 1/4" ssqa plate, weld the stump bucket to that, and then sell the grapple with its backing plate for a much easier local resale.

1/4" Attachment Mount Plate for Skidsteer bobcat kubota

The 1/4" thick mount plate can easily weld or bolt onto plows, forks, or any attachment that you want to convert to quick tach hookup.

www.palletforks.com

I was just typing the same suggestion. Deleted it all to say this when I saw your post. Congrats on the new purchase!!

 

[B737]

great minds bird, I just seem to take the longer more expensive route to learn these things

 

[tradosaurus]

Placed the order for the EA 55" just now

While you are waiting the 3-4 months for delivery, and since it's not my money go ahead and use this time to upgrade to larger tractor.

 

[S-G-R]

Placed the order for the EA 55" just now

Damn! Peer pressure?

 

[S-G-R]

I just had an idea to sell the grapple with its frame, AND be able to hang onto the stump bucket.

Buy a 1/4" ssqa plate, weld the stump bucket to that, and then sell the grapple with its backing plate for a much easier local resale.

1/4" Attachment Mount Plate for Skidsteer bobcat kubota

The 1/4" thick mount plate can easily weld or bolt onto plows, forks, or any attachment that you want to convert to quick tach hookup.

www.palletforks.com

That should work and make the grapple easier to sell.