Another Homemade Root Grapple !!

[jimmysisson]

I like the big bite you can get - good for bushy tree limbs. I'd be concerned the arms would bend unless you are planning cross-bracing. It's funny how sideways things get even when you think you're biting evenly. I know the much shorter arms on my Millonzi are braced almost to the end, and they have bent a little. Admittedly, on rocks, not on brush, but logs slip and slide and push steel around.
Jim

 

[deerhunterf350]

I'd be concerned the arms would bend unless you are planning cross-bracing. It's funny how sideways things get even when you think you're biting evenly.
Jim

Yes there is going to be a lot of cross bracing added to the upper "BITE" jaw.

The attached photos were just to show the progress as it was being built.

This was a trail fit to check the Cylinder Geometry before adding the cross bracing.

 

[PineRidge]

I'm impressed. Kinda reminds me of a MAD MAX movie. Real mean lookin!

 

[deerhunterf350]

Had a chance to work more on the grapple this past weekend.

Added lateral tubes on the upper jaws for support. I still have plans to add 3/8" x 1.5" bar on the face of the jaws and a couple pieces between the Lat Tubes.

Here are some pics of the progress.

Dan.

 

[deerhunterf350]

Here is a shot fully open in upright position and a shot in the "BITE" position.


I measured it while open, and it has a whopping 91" open bite.

 

[deerhunterf350]

A shot of the first "VICTIM" .

My Uncle laughed and said it looked like I was carrying a ToothPick.

 

[deerhunterf350]

The Cylinders came with grease fittings installed. I had to make a Grease fitting for the pivot point on the Upper arms.

I tucked them back in a "Protected" area so hopefully no Brush will find them.


1st pic is the jaw closed .


2nd is the jaw open ready for a bite.

 

[deerhunterf350]

Paint will be coming soon.. I have yet to decide if I am going with NH BLUE Cylinders and Flat Black on the Grapple.

Or

Flat Black on everything ???

 

[MikeD74T]

Deerehunter, Nice job. I like the open toothed design, lets dirt & rocks drop out better than a bucket grapple & keeps logs closer to the loader arms -less stress on the roll cylinders. Also like the "tree getter" bracing between the teeth. I would take a grinder & undercut them a little for better grip. What's it weigh? MikeD74T

 

[deerhunterf350]

MikeD ,,

I have plans to bevel the "Tree Getter" supports.

As to the weight of the Grapple, that is a good ?? .

The cylinders combined weigh 49lbs , The teeth are 1/2" thick , the Lateral Tubes are 3.5" Dia 1/4" wall, all other steel is 3/8" thick.


I have to measure it up and calculate the Sq Ft of material used. I know that 1 Sq Ft of 1" in thick of mild steel weighs 40 lbs.

The next time I am at the property where the grapple is I will measure it up and calculate a rough weight of the completed project.