"Thumb" Grapple for Bucket or Forks?

[UTKTWF]

Anybody have/used a "Thumb" grapple on their bucket or forks? Looks like they can be had for around $400 and seems to be a better value over purchasing an entire setup such as a grapple for $1200+ If anybody has one, or has used one, your thoughts? I don't do enough work to justify buying a grapple bucket, and I like the idea that you can keep your current bucket or forks on and in use and drop this down when needed. I wanted to have mine on a plate that I could bolt on to my forks. Would be used to move around light brush - nothing crazy. Know of a better/cheaper alternative or good person/company to buy from?

 

[UTKTWF]

Looking at this "Thumb" http://www.greens-machine.com/ and the grapple at http://www.wildkatattachments.com/econo_grapples.htm doesn't look to heavy or heavy duty, perfect since I won't use it much. Thoughts?

 

[Tazza]

Looking at this "Thumb" http://www.greens-machine.com/ and the grapple at http://www.wildkatattachments.com/econo_grapples.htm doesn't look to heavy or heavy duty, perfect since I won't use it much. Thoughts?

Even though you 'won't be using it much' doesn't mean you won't bend it when you do. The first one that you fit to a GP bucket, it looks ok, but you would need to ensure your bucket is tough enough to not buckle when you close the jaws. There is a lot of force at this point and i see it folding the back of the bucket back when you grab something tough.

 

[jerry]

Even though you 'won't be using it much' doesn't mean you won't bend it when you do. The first one that you fit to a GP bucket, it looks ok, but you would need to ensure your bucket is tough enough to not buckle when you close the jaws. There is a lot of force at this point and i see it folding the back of the bucket back when you grab something tough.

There are a few posts from a member name of Butters who put on the thumb from Green machines a while back but he never said how well it held up.