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

 

[Scooby074]

What about going with something rear mount ?

Maybe build a lighter version of this grapple, it has a 30* swivel to either side tractor skidding grapple

http://www.tractorgrapple.com/tractor grapple-1.wmv

Or adapting something like a Wallenstein ?LX Log Grapple - Wallenstein

These might give you the reach you want, without adding too much complication.

 

[IslandTractor]

What about going with something rear mount ?

Maybe build a lighter version of this grapple, it has a 30* swivel to either side tractor skidding grapple

http://www.tractorgrapple.com/tractor grapple-1.wmv

Or adapting something like a Wallenstein ?LX Log Grapple - Wallenstein

These might give you the reach you want, without adding too much complication.

Those are traditional logging grapples. Very different intended use. You would never use those to pick up rocks (at least not very efficiently or cost effectively).

You might want to take a look at a "stump grapple" which is a V shaped bucket with a grapple top.

 

[Scooby074]

Those are traditional logging grapples. Very different intended use. You would never use those to pick up rocks (at least not very efficiently or cost effectively).

You might want to take a look at a "stump grapple" which is a V shaped bucket with a grapple top.

I agree. Picking up a rock isnt their best use. If the OP wanted something with reach and could pick up the occasional rock it should be fine. In his first post he referred to "a grapple that will reach out and then pull in brush or small logs". I figure these will fit the bill without requiring complex extending linkages for the front bucket.

 

[Berniep]

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???

Ok "in use" I open the grapple and tilt the bucket down. I lower the bucket and grapple over what I want to pick up and curl the bucket and close the grapple. This action pulls whatever is between the grapple and the bucket into the bucket.
A grapple has to be very strong, they take lots of abuse.

 

[hr3]

I have a backhoe with a thumb but don't keep the hoe on all the time.. I have very tight quarters in between the trees and lots of rocks and dead branches.. "kinda lazy".. If I were to use a normal grapple like you say.."Ok "in use" I open the grapple and tilt the bucket down" After you lower the bucket down you can't see what your picking up.... I was thinking if you could go in with the bucket flat that I would have more control over what I am loading???

I'll try to attach a "crude" pic,,

 

[IslandTractor]

A true grapple allows you to see exactly what you are picking up as there is no solid bucket to block your view.

 

[hr3]

Yes I see "Island Tractor".. but I have just bought a set of turfs a rake and a rear scraper blade along with the tiller I am looking at,, I'm not about to spend the money for a "True Grapple"..

 

[IslandTractor]

Yes I see "Island Tractor".. but I have just bought a set of turfs a rake and a rear scraper blade along with the tiller I am looking at,, I'm not about to spend the money for a "True Grapple"..

Understood. As you try to fashion a less expensive solution, keep in mind that for about $900 delivered you can get a 48 inch grapple from Markham.

 

[dfkrug]

i wonder if anyone has ever tried to build one for a smaller tractor.

A company from the Great White North, Hardy, makes a small telescoping
dipper hoe. HARDY Bienvenue - Welcome

It is interesting that their model 8DL weighs about the same as my hoe,
which has a conventional dipper.

I have never seen a Hardy or Pronovost hoe, but they are intriguing.

 

[dfkrug]

Reg,, Good idea.. dual hinge points...I will think on that one..I'm thinking on the lines of what "dfkrug" 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...

Are you referring to parallel, versus independent hydraulic circuits? In a
"true" grapple, the fingers which do the grappling will each move until
meeting resistance, then the one with the least resistance moves, until
both are putting equal pressure on the object being grappled. That
uses cylinders in parallel on the same work circuit. My thumb implementation
allows me to switch between true grapple (parallel) and a fixed thumb that
can be locked in any position.