Homemade Log Grapple

[FAZTRAC]

Here are some photos of log grapple just finished, but not painted yet, that can be used on the front or back of the PT425. Attaches with standard tow bar square tubing and pivots in all directions as needed. It pivots 90 plus degrees depending on needs by just opening the jaws and nudging the end of the claw against a tree or log, the horizontal and vertical pivot tension is adjusted with 1" nylock nuts. The pivot mechanism is made from a four inch pipe 90 and blind flanges with one inch studs and nylocks. It opens about 36 inches and will pick up brush or logs as much as the PT will stand.
Used thin plywood patterns and finish nails to work out the geometry before cutting metal. Got the hydros from Surplus Center. Being articulated,the PT is excellent at small scale logging work

[J_J]

Nice work, innovative.

Are you considering a swivel head on the grapple?

[KMA]

Looks great!

[Clumber]

Here are some photos of log grapple just finished, but not painted yet, that can be used on the front or back of the PT425. Attaches with standard tow bar square tubing and pivots in all directions as needed. It pivots 90 plus degrees depending on needs by just opening the jaws and nudging the end of the claw against a tree or log, the horizontal and vertical pivot tension is adjusted with 1" nylock nuts. The pivot mechanism is made from a four inch pipe 90 and blind flanges with one inch studs and nylocks. It opens about 36 inches and will pick up brush or logs as much as the PT will stand.
Used thin plywood patterns and finish nails to work out the geometry before cutting metal. Got the hydros from Surplus Center. Being articulated,the PT is excellent at small scale logging work

Very nice! But I don't understand how it can be used on the back of the PT 425?

[KMA]

Very nice! But I don't understand how it can be used on the back of the PT 425?

Maybe for clamping down and dragging logs?

[BobRip]

Nicely done. Can we see a picture of it on the back.

[washita]

[BobRip]

You could put a bucket on that and make a minihoe.

[FAZTRAC]

Back attachment gear is not finished. The grapple will definitely be on a swivel on the back end (see padeye welded at balance point) and will operate off a small hydraulic derrick that just lifts it up and down for lifting and dragging logs with wheels on the back end of the logs since the PT doesnt have much ground power. Will use electric solenoid valves for the back end connection with two joy sticks on the over head of the ROP/ One stick for the derrick up and down and the other to open and close the grapple. A guy gave me the 12VDC tandem solenoids, so ready to go with that, will just hook them into the hyd. circuits back in the engine room so will just have to run a couple of wires up forward to the overhead spring centered switches. Its all fun.

[smilindave]

Just curious, how much do you think it weighs?