How to use a mechanical grapple

In this video, we’ve matched a John Deere 3032E Compact Utility Tractor (US CA) with a John Deere 300E Loader (US CA), and a Frontier MG20F Mechanical Grapple (US CA). We’ve also added a John Deere Ballast Box (US CA) on the back of the tractor.

Most grapples attached to your tractor’s loader require either a third function hydraulic or electric valve, which allows the top jaw of the grapple to open and close. But the Frontier Mechanical Grapple is different. It uses the force of gravity, along with the loader’s bucket cylinders to do the work. The bucket cylinders will open and close the top jaw, while the bottom jaw swings freely, and stops against the loader boom. The result is a whole lot of debris-grabbing power at a lower cost.

This mechanical grapple is easy to hook up to your loader. Because the grapple has an essentially flat bottom, it sits upright without the need for a parking stand. So first, just slide the loader carrier into the top hangers on the grapple. Then lift and roll back the carrier, and the mechanical grapple falls into place. Then lower the grapple to the ground, turn off the engine, set the parking brake, insert the locking pins, and you’re ready to go.

Okay. Time to get to work.

By opening the top jaw using the loader’s bucket cylinders, and lowering the loader, you can then slide the lower jaw underneath the material you want to pick up

Or, you can raise the loader, open the upper jaw, lower the mechanical grapple over the top of a pile, and then close the upper jaw using the loader’s bucket cylinders again.

When you’re ready to dump the load at the debris collection pile, just raise the loader, and again using the bucket cylinders, open the grapple by tilting the upper jaw back. The debris falls out, and you’re off to pick up the next load.

One of the great things about using the Frontier Mechanical Grapple is you don’t need to learn any new joy stick operation techniques. Since you’ve probably mastered lifting, carrying and dumping from your loader bucket, you already have the basic skills needed to use this grapple.

Not bad! A new hardworking implement for your tractor, but no new learning curve!

Frontier has more than 400 implements and attachments that are available only from your John Deere dealer, the place to go for advice and equipment.

So remember, for implements that help turn your tractor into the workhorse it was built to be, think Frontier and your John Deere dealer.

 

Helpful Links

Frontier Mechanical Grapple

John Deere Compact Tractors (US CA)

John Deere Ballast Box (US CA)

John Deere Tractor Loaders (US CA)

How to clear debris using a root grapple

Clean up tree branches using a root grapple

Find Your Dealer (US CA)