Grapple Rake Design....Let's Hear Some Opinions

[EverythingAttachments]

We've said in our previous Wicked Compact Grapple thread that the next grapple that we plan to make will be the C shaped compact grapple rake. Ted likes many design features of the Bradco compact grapple rake but he wants to make some improvements to the lid and do some things to make one that is stronger and lighter. Even after the improvements, our product will be much easier on the wallet.
Our product video for that rake is below.
Let us know what you think. What would you change?

 

[jmc]

Not sure what you mean. You are going to sell this new version of the Bradco and also make an improved, competing version of this design?

Otherwise, since you asked:

I like the lower tine profile since it has a longer horizontal section to get under a load and hold it without the long, flat design. It seems like a nice hybrid between the clam shell and a long tined version. I have a WRLong clam shell type and feel the need to curl the grapple all the way to carry heavy loads. Even then, one bounced out while going over an unexpected bump.

Those gage surfaces incorporated into the heel of the lower tines would be nice for back dragging but I can't visualize them offering much resistance to diving, if that's what the rest of the grapple wants to do.

The outside, lower tines must anticipate some serious inadvertent side loads the way they are reinforced. My concern would be that if the same side load hit the upper jaw instead, the jaw would bend into a parallelogram since there doesn't appear to be any diagonal bracing in the video.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

I don’t know if this is a common feeling or not, but would it be helpful to have the option of a single clamp or a double? Maybe be able to un-pin the jaw to give you an option for uneven shaped loads versus a mass of branches? It may make the design cost prohibitive though to still retain much strength.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Not sure what you mean. You are going to sell this new version of the Bradco and also make an improved, competing version of this design?

Yes, we do and will continue to offer the Bradco products but Ted is continuing to expand our EA line of attachments and provide the customer with more value and enhanced designs. He will take in all of the comments and opinions offered by the knowledgeable TBN members.
Travis

 

[EverythingAttachments]

The outside, lower tines must anticipate some serious inadvertent side loads the way they are reinforced. My concern would be that if the same side load hit the upper jaw instead, the jaw would bend into a parallelogram since there doesn't appear to be any diagonal bracing in the video.

Great point. Ted says he definitely plans to make the upper jaw stronger.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

I don’t know if this is a common feeling or not, but would it be helpful to have the option of a single clamp or a double? Maybe be able to un-pin the jaw to give you an option for uneven shaped loads versus a mass of branches? It may make the design cost prohibitive though to still retain much strength.

Ted really likes the idea of having independent jaws or jaws that can be unpinned to make it more versatile.
These are great ideas which will directly affect the finished product.
Keep em coming!!

 

[kartingdad]

I would want to see s solid back or expanded metal back so that sticks don't come threw and bust headlights and hoods when on a FEL.