When I got my Kubota L2501 I ordered a grapple. I have not mounted or connected it to my hydraulics but am getting ready to.
All seems pretty straight forward in terms of removing the bucket and attaching the grapple. The third valve hydraulics where factor installed when I ordered the tractor. So connecting to hose's should be simple.
Do I need to do anything else with the hydraulic system like adding fluid or bleeding it once I hook up the hose's. Or is it simply plug and play?

Thanks guys.

You may have an incidental loss of fluid level the first time the circuit charges, but otherwise, it should be plug 'n play afterwards.

Congratulations on the grapple; they're amazing in their role. You'll wonder why it took so long to get one.

Yup, what he said ^^^

My loader-mounted thumb (I couldn't afford a grapple, the thumb was <$700) is about to get a workout. I'll use it to hold logs while I cut up that maple for firewood.

I've love a grapple on the front of my BX23S for picking up cactus that I yank out of the yard. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be cheap. I'd have to install a 3rd function kit for my front end loader in addition to buying the grapple. That's nearly 3k. At least I have a thumb (non-hydraulic) on the back hoe I can use to grab and pick up things.

There are a half dozen y.t. vids about the do's and don't's .

Involving grapples.and tractors.

The first time you use it, the jaws may seem “squishy”. Do a bunch of open/close cycles, disconnect and reconnect a few times to purge air and fill the lines with fluid.

When carrying a load, keep it as low as possible.
High loads mean high center of gravity = easy to roll over.

Bigger the load, slower you move.

If you try lifting a big load and it won’t come up - you are attempting to lift too much. There is a pressure relief valve that will dump excess pressure and prevent overloading the hydraulic system. That said, it is still a machine, it won’t keep you from doing stupid stuff.

Uneven ground, pot hole, etc., can cause the tractor to “bounce” while traveling with a load. It can be just enough to make it topple sideways. Travel slow and low, ready to quickly drop the load if it feels unstable.

It seems unlikely that any hydraulic implement is delivered to you 'dry' its likely been tested somewhere in the mfg. cycle. But you have a hydraulic system so its an every day check before you start up to check the fluid level and see if attachment consumed anything.
If you system has QD fittings one of the issues is that the movement of the hydraulic cylinder(s) in transport may have pressurize one side of the system so you may have crack one of the fittings to get it to connect easily. Store the unit so that no pressure is on the cylinder(s) so that you don't have this as a repeat issue. (normally fully closed)
Any air bleeding needed will be done by the hydraulic pump system no issues and disconnecting/reconnecting does nothing. Move the system through its full range a number of times till it moves smoothly and reliably.
Its a tool I use all the time and very useful.

Keep an eye on the locking handles. bungee chord them down if possible. I can't tell you how many times a branch has lifted mine up to unlocked! Even had the grapple fall off once bending the bracket. I drilled small holes in the handles to mount the chords.

Thanks guys, I appreciate it. The job yesterday turned out to be a bucket not grapple job. I was thinking the grapple might be necessary but was not. I have a large project coming in the fall where I will need the grapple which is why I purchased it. It has been delayed some due to other projects. But barring any other things delaying it I will spend some good time with the tractor and grapple and will refer to this thread to refresh my memory of your advice. Thanks guys.

When storing your grapple always make sure it is closed all the way. If not the grapple can and will settle which will build pressure in the lines. You won’t get it on without cracking the fittings open.

"They" say just because your loader will lift something,
Doesn't mean you should haul that object all over the place.

Seems damage and even accidents occur on a regular basis from mass, speed and momentum mis calculations.

Throw height in to that mess and it's complicated.

Also
What you loader can lift, is different than what a grapple or forks or loaded bucket is capable of.


And almost all say use your seat belt and r.o.p.s.