deere 85d bucket/thumb to rotating log/rock grapple?

[earthscratcher]

i would like to buy a used rotobec log grapple and build fixed ears to pin to the stick or quick coupler so it does not swing around like its normally used.would this be hard on the rotate housing, it would be used for boulder placement on retaining walls.what would i need to do to switch from rotate to clamping action, it has one set of aux hydraulic controls on right joystick control, could i bring up a electric control solenoid switch to the joystick to switch from grapple to rotate, how would you do it ???

 

[Tractorguy]

I don't feel like it would put a "strain" on it but would a thumb not be sufficient if you're just placing boulders?

 

[earthscratcher]

i have always used a thumb for rock/boulder placement, i just watched a guy use a rotating grapple, the grapple production was way faster then the thumb,i would guess a third of the time faster. it was amazing what he could do with it,i had no idea how versatile a grapple was until i watched one in person. i talked with a gent from towtem grapple he said they usually just divert the boom swing on a midi or mini to the rotate function of the grapple. where is the best place to get a third function hydraulic diverter valve from?? then i would just leave the thumb on machine.