Dual action grapple

[hr3]

I searched and couldn't find anyone that has built one but here goes I'll try to discribe what I would like to build??? I would like a grapple that will reach out and then pull in brush or small logs to my fel.. 2 pistons working in tandom.. Has anyone seen this done or have any idea what type of problems I might have???

 

[PILOON]

Do you suggest sorta like an extenda hoe?

I suspect such an item would be rather cumbersome as it would probably require an overhead sissor arrangement which would suggest 2 axis and then double cylinder(s) circuits.
Weight alone would very much limit capacity, especially out that far fwd.

Even bucket clamps limit capacity on CUTs.

 

[Reg]

You might not need "dual action" to do what I'm guessing you want.
It might take more than one hinge point, some sort of scissors/tongs arrangement ?
Something that follows a 2 (or more) stage path of down and then in, instead of the usual single stage arc.

I think the first thing to flush out of your mind is the usual layout of pivot points and cylinder mounts - start fresh.
...Hmmm ?!?!?
I think I would look at car/truck hood, trunk and door hinges for ideas.
I seem to remember some that swing and then move "flat", there might be cabinet hinges that do the same sort of thing.
The more I think about it the more I want to tear old tape decks apart, VCRs too.

 

[alchemysa]

I guess you have your reasons... but it sounds like a complicated arrangement to pick up small logs. If you 'dump' the bucket and open the grapple you'll get a pretty good reach anyway. And you can pick up a pretty huge pile of brush if you lower the open grapple onto the pile.

And there are buckets especially designed for driving into piles of stuff like firewood.

 

[hr3]

Reg,, Good idea.. dual hinge points...I will think on that one..I'm thinking on the lines of what "dfkurg" is doing with his back how thumb to control it.. I already have the 3rd. function up there for my plow.. I'm thinking like when you see a rock you want that is right next to a tree.. Pull the bucket up close send out the grapple to pull it back into the bucket...

 

[alchemysa]

I'm thinking like when you see a rock you want that is right next to a tree.. Pull the bucket up close send out the grapple to pull it back into the bucket...

That really wouldnt be much of a problem for an ordinary grapple attachment on a bucket.

 

[IslandTractor]

I searched and couldn't find anyone that has built one but here goes I'll try to discribe what I would like to build??? I would like a grapple that will reach out and then pull in brush or small logs to my fel.. 2 pistons working in tandom.. Has anyone seen this done or have any idea what type of problems I might have???

A backhoe with a thumb would do what you are asking. Any attempt to build a grapple with those characteristics would IMO result in a very delicate easily damaged mechanism that would severely limit the utility of the grapple for other purposes. To get a rock that is next to a tree just use a grapple to approach the rock side of the tree and grab it.

 

[JohnDeere4300]

Do you suggest sorta like an extenda hoe?

I have heard someone mention an "extenda hoe" before...but have never seen one.

Do you have any info. on that??

 

[tommu56]

Most are Cases like a 580 here is a youtube of one for sale
watch the bucket boom extend.
It extends at about 24 seconds in to video.

YouTube - Case 580K 4x4 Backhoe

tom

 

[JohnDeere4300]

Most are Cases like a 580 here is a youtube of one for sale
watch the bucket boom extend.
It extends at about 24 seconds in to video.

YouTube - Case 580K 4x4 Backhoe

tom

OK Thanks!

That is real nice, i wonder if anyone has ever tried to build one for a smaller tractor.

Thanks