Building a winch-operated grapple for your pickup's rear end loader.
- Thread starter bcp
- Start date
Xfaxman
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- Guthrie, OK
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- Toolcat 5610 G - Bobcat V417 - TORO+Loader
Yep, very clever :thumbsup:
lennyzx11
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- Kubota L3301 HST/LA525 & 1964 Ford 2000 gas
I've replayed that part where the grapple and trigger release mechanism is working over and over.
Anyone know of similar information regarding how that is working?
I think it uses the trailer to take the weight off to release then a gun trigger type mechanism to hold the grapple open until the weight is released again laying on the log.
Anyone know of similar information regarding how that is working?
I think it uses the trailer to take the weight off to release then a gun trigger type mechanism to hold the grapple open until the weight is released again laying on the log.
I think you've about got it. It looks like the boom has to be resting on the trailer in order to open the grapple. when it does it locks open, and stays that way until the weight of the boom is resting on the log, when it unlocks.
The lock function works because the weight of the boom on the trailer is resting on the arm that does the locking. So the arm moves up (actually the boom drops a bit) to lock the grapple once it's fully open. Then bringing in the wench line can't close the grapple so it raises the whole boom assembly.
The unlock happens when the grapple rests on the log and releases its weight from the locking arm, which then drops down from its own weight and releases.
Very clever.
The lock function works because the weight of the boom on the trailer is resting on the arm that does the locking. So the arm moves up (actually the boom drops a bit) to lock the grapple once it's fully open. Then bringing in the wench line can't close the grapple so it raises the whole boom assembly.
The unlock happens when the grapple rests on the log and releases its weight from the locking arm, which then drops down from its own weight and releases.
Very clever.
roadhunter
Elite Member
Very creative ideas there. Thanks for sharing.