Members home made attachments / improvements

[Barryh]

Finally finished up my Grapple today. Started with shorting the bite by a few inches. First 4 pictures are of running the wiring and the switch holder I made. Here is the control switch, I drilled out and mounted it to a piece of steel with a bracket. In between I put to layers of gasket material to dissipate heat from the hydraulic handles.

I also put rubber rings around inside and out on the screws hopefully there will be no heat issues on the plastic switch. The toggle switch is spring loaded as it jumps back to neutral after it is pushed forward or backward. I mounted it next to the tilt handle so it is easy to access. The actuator can be unplugged from the outside harness along with 3 pins I can take the unit off of the bucket.

I ran two hot wires one for the toggle switch and grapple control, and also a separate wire for a 12 Volt accessories plug for heaters, fans etc. It's pictured to the right, on the ROPS bar.

I ran both wires through the tunnel and incased in plastic tube. You can see the tube pictured with plenty of play for articulation. The grapple control has a 30 amp fuse, the 12 Volt accessories has a 10 amp fuse. I then mounted the control bracket to the control valve support bolt. Using a longer stronger bolt.

 

[Barryh]

Now for the test run. I started by picking up this large tree stump. The grapple bit into it and picked it up in the straight up position with ease.... no problem. Pictures attached the actuator is plenty strong and locks down like a mad pit bull

 

[Barryh]

Now I tested it on a rock unfortunately I didn't have a larger rock, I used them all on my pond. I also picked up some small branches and brush to see if it would close and hold, it did just fine. Next week I will be tweaking a few small things but for the most part, my electric grapple is done and I am pleasantly surprised, and pleased at how well it handles.

I would recommend this setup to anyone considering using one of these electric actuators for around the house and light duty work. Keep in mind this one only has a 600 pound bite more than enough power for what I need around my place. Warner Liner also makes the same actuator that will handle up to a 3000 pound load if you want something a little heftier. Scroll up to the top for all of the process involved. Happy fall / Halloween everyone. Boo !

 

[MossRoad]

Happy fall / Halloween everyone. Boo !

Great picture and nice project, too!

 

[IslandTractor]

Nice job Barry. I'm not sure but this might be the first electric grapple on TBN. First I've seen anyway. Keep us posted on how it works over time.

 

[Barryh]

Great picture and nice project, too!

Well thank-you, the challenge was doing it without a welder.

 

[Barryh]

Nice job Barry. I'm not sure but this might be the first electric grapple on TBN. First I've seen anyway. Keep us posted on how it works over time.

Thanks, and Will do.

 

[J_J]

Now I tested it on a rock unfortunately I didn't have a larger rock, I used them all on my pond. I also picked up some small branches and brush to see if it would close and hold, it did just fine. Next week I will be tweaking a few small things but for the most part, my electric grapple is done and I am pleasantly surprised, and pleased at how well it handles.

I would recommend this setup to anyone considering using one of these electric actuators for around the house and light duty work. Keep in mind this one only has a 600 pound bite more than enough power for what I need around my place. Warner Liner also makes the same actuator that will handle up to a 3000 pound load if you want something a little heftier. Scroll up to the top for all of the process involved. Happy fall / Halloween everyone. Boo !

Barry, Nice work. Very nice alternative to a hydraulic grapple.

Can you give us an estimate of the cost for all the parts, and how much time you have invested.

 

[SnowRidge]

Great idea. Great workmanship.

How does the electric actuator compare to hydraulics, speedwise? If it isn't dead slow, and I suspect that is the case, it seems like an ideal way to go. It must be a lot cleaner (in a literal way) than changing hydraulic hoses.

 

[Barryh]

Great idea. Great workmanship.

How does the electric actuator compare to hydraulics, speedwise? If it isn't dead slow, and I suspect that is the case, it seems like an ideal way to go. It must be a lot cleaner (in a literal way) than changing hydraulic hoses.

Dead slow?

Not hardly, eye balling it in comparison, the actuator looks to be slightly slower than the hydraulic movement.. This is all my opinion of course. Let's just say for home use it is more than fast enough.

Different actuator models have different rates of speed depending on what you are looking for. I wouldn't want it to be any faster. I like to watch what and how I pick things up. I want to be able to make the right approach on extra hard or heavy objects. There are twisting forces evolved. If you wanted to use it commercially than hydraulics are the only way to go. One good thing about it is the built in clutch will stop and click when it has reached its peak cycle.

If I'm being honest here. I choose to try this setup. I wouldn't want to talk anyone else into doing the same. Try at your own risk.

I feel the only down side I can see to this setup might be over time, the twisting forces evolved. Time will tell as to how the actuator will hold up with continued use. I think as long as you have it lined up properly so there is no binding, it should last a long long time. If you have to go with one. Bear is the only way to go for rugged constant use.