Broke my grapple ( Am I the only one?)

[Groo]

I don't have a problem with the 1/8" tube, but it does need a plate to spread the force out a bit if it is going to just 1/8"

 

[Legacy1]

Maybe I missed it, but did anyone contact Wildkat about the issue?

 

[murphy1244]

I won't be ordering one untill this is fixed or go with something else.

 

[buck12]

I think instead of trying to reinforce my grapple I am going to just keep using it. I am sure that at some point I will break the center bracket loose from the top tube. Then I will have it fixed with additional plating on the top. I view the grapple like any other implement if you use it hard enough long enough I will bend it. I have already had to straighten the top of the bucket and reinforce it. I also have bend the tail wheel assembly on my rotary cutter. I am using a small tractor to reclaim a jungle therefore stuff will get bend and broken. Weak points on implements are easier to fix than loader arms or transmission housings.

 

[IslandTractor]

I think instead of trying to reinforce my grapple I am going to just keep using it. I am sure that at some point I will break the center bracket loose from the top tube. Then I will have it fixed with additional plating on the top. I view the grapple like any other implement if you use it hard enough long enough I will bend it. I have already had to straighten the top of the bucket and reinforce it. I also have bend the tail wheel assembly on my rotary cutter. I am using a small tractor to reclaim a jungle therefore stuff will get bend and broken. Weak points on implements are easier to fix than loader arms or transmission housings.

Makes sense but an alternative is to fix it during a down season. In my situation that means all deferred maintenance and improvements get put on my winter to do list. Trouble with just waiting for it to break is that you'll lose use of it right when you obviously need it most ie when your are actually doing a project.

 

[k0ua]

Doesn't look like it would be a whole lot of trouble to cut out the weld and the 1/8 piece it is welded to, and put a nice 1/4 or 3/8 piece of angle spread out at least 6 inches and weld on all sides, perhaps drill a few holes and plug weld also. then weld back in the top piece to this new much stronger base. the whole thing would only take a couple of hours. and you would be all set. That is what I would do.

James K0UA

 

[GregbkH]

The grapple is fixed. I cut off the cylinder bracket and ground it down. I then took it over to my friend Ed's house and he welded the pieces back on for me. It is now stronger than when new.

 

[k0ua]

Yep better than new:thumbsup:

James K0UA

 

[jmc]

The grapple is fixed.

Looks professional. Are you concerned about the two upper jaw end brackets on the same flimsy tube?

 

[buck12]

The grapple is fixed. I cut off the cylinder bracket and ground it down. I then took it over to my friend Ed's house and he welded the pieces back on for me. It is now stronger than when new.

Nice repair.