Looking for bucket reinforcement advice for grapple

[TRUST]

Finally got my grapple. It is built much heavier than I expected. The base mounting plate is 1" thick x 3" wide. The top edge on my bucket is 1/8" thick Obviously this will look like a gorilla riding a chicken.... So, I certainly need to do some work to the bucket to prepare it for mounting this base. I guess I'm thinking 3x3 angle, 1/4" or 3/8" thick? I will take some pics later today and post.

 

[ray66v]

If the base is that thick, won't that reinforce the bucket when you attach it?

Isn't it a weld on item?

 

[bx24]

Can you post a pic so we can provide more exact advice?

 

[TRUST]

As you can see the entire backside of the top edge is open. I was thinking of using angle to cover the entire top and back. Envision the level indicator stretching all the way across. I think 1/4" angle would be plenty, no? I plan to use bolts to hold it on vs. welding. I was thinking that in the vertical portion of the angle directly behind where the bolts will be, cutting small sections out so you can get the nuts started and hold them with a wrench. I drew a quick sketch in ms paint but can't get it to load up

 

[TRUST]

Comments??

 

[Ace3]

What does the grapple manufacturer say about mounting it?

 

[Evil the Weasel]

Is that the model they recommended for your tractor? That mounting plate looks like it's designed for a much beefier loader.

 

[TRUST]

What does the grapple manufacturer say about mounting it?

They state that "your" bucket may require reinforcement.

Is that the model they recommended for your tractor? That mounting plate looks like it's designed for a much beefier loader.

Yes. The only guideline is your distance from cutting edge to the top edge. That distance is the length of grapple you buy....in my case it was the 20" one. I think all sizes have the same base plate. Frankly it seems a bit overkill to me*shrug*

 

[Firefighter Kubota]

hey Trust, your on the right path...the entire upper edge is flimsy on the bota buckets...I bent mine the second day using chain hooks to lift a log..

1/4 angle iron the entire width of the bucket was the solution, cutting a relief by the level indicator to slide the angle iron in...

it will still be narrower than the mount for yor grapple so I would weld a 1/4 plate (to match the grapple mount) on top of the bucket at the mounting location.

Instead of using nuts and bolts why not weld the bolts right in, with nuts on top to hold the grapple... or not.... Good luck

 

[ray66v]

Yeah, I'll say you need to do some reinforcing.

I can't see what's under the top edge of the bucket. But, I'm thinking a hefty square tube, say 3/16" wall, welded in, should really stiffen it up.