Grapple Rake Grapple for my 555E

[GreenWannabe]

You might want to compare the cost of a commercially available Quick Attach which allows use of universal skid steer mounting attachments, such as ATI's Tach-All (see their website at ATI Corporation - Tach-All(tm) Quick Attach). I don't know if they ave a model that fits the 555E specifically, but I'm sure that if they don't there is someone out there that does. They also have attachment plates to convert existing buckets.

 

[tlbuser]

Any suggestions?

FFC

The problem is though, commercial equipment uses a different locking system, horizontal instead of vertical. If you look closely in the pic. , just above the lower link, is the end of the locking pin.

They also have a universal ss adapter that may work
http://www.ffcattachments.com/_includes/fileblob.asp?I=404&table=product&ext=pdf&name=univqa51-10011 Universal SS QA.pdf

 

[EddieWalker]

Here are some more pics. I spent some time this evening with my sissors and some cardboard. My first idea was a disaster, but plan B seems to be a winner. I've created a template and have my measurements figured out, so it's time to have it cut out and welded together.

Does anybody have any suggestions on what type of steel I should buy?

Thanks,
Eddie

 

[3RRL]

Since most of the loads are linear, you could go with cold (CRS) or hot rolled steel (HRS). It is less expensive than a tool steel, and HRS is less than cold rolled. But like I said, with it being welded like you bucket shows, they aren't going anywhere. Are there bushings for the pins in the pieces? I would add them if not...even a short length of tubing on each side.
I'm sure you'll get all kinds of suggestions though.

 

[EddieWalker]

Hi Rob,

I have 8 bushings with zerk fittings already installed on the busings. They just gave them to me when I asked about them, so that was nice. I'll have them welded on when I have the brackets welded onto the Quick Attachment. After that's done, I'll have to think about some bracing or re-inforcement to make it even stronger.

Thanks,
Eddie

 

[AlanB]

Here are some more pics. I spent some time this evening with my sissors and some cardboard. My first idea was a disaster, but plan B seems to be a winner. I've created a template and have my measurements figured out, so it's time to have it cut out and welded together.

Does anybody have any suggestions on what type of steel I should buy?

Thanks,
Eddie

Man, I am interested as can be, and somehow just not following along.

Was your middle picture something that you bought as well from the same guys, that is the magic piece to have, and I am assuming that you took that picture so you have it.

As to the mounts, mine would just be regular mild steel, gain strength by increasing thickness if needed.

That would be a cool mod if you get that done. While I wonder about the strength of the universal quick tach, the bigger tracked skids now days probably have the lift etc. that that 555 has as well, and lord knows they can put some side loads etc on those things, look at the ones carrying the big mulchers and the loads they put on those things.

Looks like it will be neat as all get out!

The other thing I would add, and it will really be a pain, and might not be needed, but I would do it.

TACK all the pieces into place with solid tacks and put it on the machine and try it. I realize it may take an extra trip or two between your place and the welders, but it is sure better to do that then to have the entire assembly solidly welded to find that in the back curl up with loader arms down the quicktach hits a hydrualic line.

Good luck.

 

[tlbuser]

Here are some more pics. I spent some time this evening with my sissors and some cardboard. My first idea was a disaster, but plan B seems to be a winner. I've created a template and have my measurements figured out, so it's time to have it cut out and welded together.

Does anybody have any suggestions on what type of steel I should buy?

Thanks,
Eddie

I didn't realize you already had gotten the SS adapter center section. Cool, that'll make the job a ton easier. Would you happen to know how much just the adapter was?

 

[IslandTractor]

Grapple looks great. Nice template for the pin adapter too. Double check the angles to get adequate dump and curl once you put your adapter on. Looks to me like you are duplicating the bucket angles which obviously should work so long as your bucket can dump all the way to put the whole bucket face on the ground and curls enough to hold a load without clamping.

What gauge steel are you going to use for the bracket linking your pins to the QA fittings? Might take some engineering calculations but I was thinking off the top of my head something like 5/16 or maybe even 3/8 give the power of your loader.

 

[Lewiston]

Nice looking grapple. Do know what the weight was with the two grapples?
Rik

 

[GuglioLS]

Here are some more pics. I spent some time this evening with my sissors and some cardboard. My first idea was a disaster, but plan B seems to be a winner. I've created a template and have my measurements figured out, so it's time to have it cut out and welded together.

Does anybody have any suggestions on what type of steel I should buy?

Thanks,
Eddie

Eddie,

That's a great template, I suppose you need 4 of those to weld onto the back of the QA right? Due to the size and power of your TLB, I humbly suggest they be 3/8" HRS. Would you be interested in having them CNC plasma cut? That template you made is perfect, it can be scanned and the digital output uploaded into a Plasma Cam plasma cutter, after that, in a matter of a few seconds you could have 4 perfect parts exactly the same. Do you have someone who can do that and cut those parts for you? If you do that's great, if not, I'm offering to help. Perhaps you have seen several of Rob and I's projects were the parts were CNC plasma cut?


Larry