Valby  Compact Excavator Grapple for Kubota

Kubota KX121  Kubota KX161  Kubota U35  Kubota U45 Kubota KX080

Above is two versions of a quick-hitch coupler for the Kubota KX-161 and U-45 mini excavator.  Most of the Valby grapples can be mounted to this mounting plate.

This design is for a hanger, if you are looking for a rigid mount for demolition use, click here.

Hook up to the bucket curl cylinder and to the thumb circuits.

The  grapple can be hooked to the bucket curl cylinder hydraulic outlets for opening and closing the grapple and to the thumb cylinder outlets for the rotation.  Choose quick-hitch coupler that has a "heel" which rests on the boom. To make switches easier, the operator might choose to equip the excavator and the hoses to the grapple with hydraulic quick hitch couplers. To facilitate the hydraulic quick couplers, the hoses are equipped with ends  that  have 1/2" NPT thread.

Hookup to one circuit only, dividing the oil flow in two with a diverter solenoid.

In this case, the operator has a switch in the cab which controls a flow divider. That enables the operator to send the oil either to the grapple or the rotator. The oil flow is then started by moving the hydraulic lever that engages the circuit. The control box in the cab is hooked to 12V DC and a electric wire runs to the diverter solenoid which is mounted to the quick coupler frame. The wire  has a detach socket and the oil hoses are ready to have hydraulic quick couplers installed. This kit is for the Kubota KX-161 and U-45 Mini Excavators.  Kits are also available for the Kubota KX-121 and U-35 models.

A Valby grapple attachment allows compact excavators to be used for loading and material handling functions. This greatly expands the capabilities of the mini hydraulic excavator. The grapple will enable the user to move objects such as logs, rocks and refuse that do not fit well in a bucket attachment. The Valby grapples also enable the mini excavator to be used for such uses as feeding woodchippers and tub grinders. If your model is not listed, you can purchase a Valby Grapple and Rotator and equipped your machine.  More information on retrofitting a grapple and rotator on your equipment can be found here.