Got a new toy for my new toy! I've been wanting a grapple bucket since I first saw WKPoor's four or five years ago. I was going to build one but all my loaders were either too small or big to be working in the woods. But now that my Brother and I bought a skidsteer I just had to have one. While looking at pictures trying to figure out how I wanted to build one I found some reviews on TractorByNet. Of a WildKat grapple bucket. Even their econo bucket was very well built. And only $1050 and $188 for shipping. So I ordered one up and it came in last nite. And I got to play with it for a hour or so today. And it sure is handy!
It opens up to 36" and all the tines are 1/2" steel plate.
No problem lifting and moving logs around now.
Even grabbing it one end so I can hold it off the ground and cut it up.
Then I grabbed some 30" popple rounds and moved them to the splitting pile.
Then on to picking up brush and moving it to the burn pile.
This is the biggest log I moved. A good sized willow trunk. Clamped it down and lifted it no problem.
I still have to get to the JD dealer and see if I can get the foot pedals changed over to hand controls. Trying to run the bucket with foot controls is just awkward and jerky. While I am sure I would get better with them I just don't see me being able to get the smooth action I can with hand controls. But it can sure clean up a mess fast. And I am really looking forward to getting all the brush and logs cleaned up on the trails I made at the farm.
Billy
Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you. 1964 cub. Farmall 100 and 130.
"Those that say it can’t be done should not interrupt the ones who are doing it.”
You are having way to much fun with that thing. Looks like a good deal. When I saw the title of the thread i though we were going to get to see you wrestling a wildcat. What a disappointment.
"The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government lest it come to dominate our lives and interests." Patrick Henry
Location: OH, Liberty Township (45044) (southwest OH)
Zip Code: 45044
Tractors Owned: 1951 Cub 1955 Loboy a few plows, mowers, blades and such Several '61 CC Originals, CC 70 & 100, Couple CC 122's, '69 CC 124, '69 CC 73, various CC implements #2 Trailer, 1963 Springfield, Mid-70's Simplicity
Yeah.. you sure have some neat tools... errr toys I can see where a skid steer with a grapple would be real useful on any woodlot. Really useful and along with the rest of the accessories it makes for one of the most versatile pieces of equipment around I would think.
Keep having fun with the JD and more please sir ! cause you know we are addicted to em
Confusion breeds Discussion which breeds Knowledge which breeds Confidence which breeds Friendship "Before beginning a hunt, it is wise to ask someone what you are looking for before you begin looking for it." - Winnie Cub Manual Server
Dale Shaw TN Cub Rescue- Out of the Hedgerows and Barns, and back into the Fields and Gardens where they belong. Today's generation is so used to getting everything IN a box, they can't think OUTSIDE the box
What about the limbing, cutting and splitting application Boy you could be in the firewood business real fast
I really like how the skid steer attachment works. Go through a pile of wood really fast and species wouldn't matter much I think.
Confusion breeds Discussion which breeds Knowledge which breeds Confidence which breeds Friendship "Before beginning a hunt, it is wise to ask someone what you are looking for before you begin looking for it." - Winnie Cub Manual Server
Nice rig you have there Billy, I've placed tires on probably a hundred of them over the years but never had the pleasure to drive any of them. Please be careful climbing in and out while loaded and never pass under the load.
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote. Ben Franklin
I have to pop the bead on one tire and clean it as its leaking air all the way around it. I've seen what happens when a hose blows on the boom of a excavator. Definitely don't want to be under one!
Billy
Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you. 1964 cub. Farmall 100 and 130.
"Those that say it can’t be done should not interrupt the ones who are doing it.”
I have to pop the bead on one tire and clean it as its leaking air all the way around it. I've seen what happens when a hose blows on the boom of a excavator. Definitely don't want to be under one!
Billy
Braking the bead down is easy Billy since they're usually a half size, let the air out and it'll probably unseal on it's own. Might need to place a ratchet strap around the outside to get it to seal back up.
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote. Ben Franklin
cause you know we are addicted to em 
Boy you could be in the firewood business real fast 
