Broke my grapple ( Am I the only one?)

[JFS2295]

So far the pictures / text of these two different manufacturers look like the issue is the load from the locked hydraulic cylinder due to forces trying to open or close the upper jaw, using the rear cylinder mount arm as a lever. So much of the force is being transmitted to the cylinder mount rather than all of the three hinge points.

The Millonzi was built stronger at the upper tube with the 1/4" box tube for sure, and probably the best way to modify the unit would be a complete replacement of the upper tube, not something that is practical in the field. But Millonzi labor and materials cost back when it was purchased for $500 is certainly not the same as the pricing when these were purchased, so I would counter the Millonzi is a higher priced / class unit.

It's possible that between these two different suppliers of broken grapples that one just copied the other ones design rather then doing the engineering, or trying to get a hold of the older Millonzi example.

But we still have to come back to what these were designed to do which was not be a bulldozer.

This guy may (or maybe not) have put more thought into these pushing on trees based on the grabbing teeth. He seems to be proud of thick steel.

www.TheRakeShop.com / Root Rakes Grapples Attachments & Skid Steers

 

[IslandTractor]

So far the pictures / text of these two different manufacturers look like the issue is the load from the locked hydraulic cylinder due to forces trying to open or close the upper jaw, using the rear cylinder mount arm as a lever. So much of the force is being transmitted to the cylinder mount rather than all of the three hinge points.

The Millonzi was built stronger at the upper tube with the 1/4" box tube, and probably the best way to modify the unit would be a complete replacement of the upper tube, not something that is practical in the field. But Millonzi labor and materials cost back when this was purchased for $500 is certainly not the same as the pricing when these were purchased, so I would counter the Millonzi is a higher priced / class unit.

It's possible that between these two different suppliers of broken grapples that one just copied the other ones design rather then doing the engineering, or trying to get a hold of the older Millonzi example.

But we still have to come back to what these were designed to do which was not be a bulldozer.

This guy may (or maybe not) have put more thought into these pushing on trees based on the grabbing teeth. He seems to be proud of thick steel.

www.TheRakeShop.com / Root Rakes Grapples Attachments & Skid Steers

The difference in price between 8ft of 4x4x.125 and 4x4x.25 is only about 40-50 bucks retail. I'm sure a manufacturer doesn't pay more than that to upgrade. So perhaps $500-600 is a bit too cheap in today's $$ but if WildKat can make a profit selling them at $600 then they can upgrade the steel and make the same profit at $650. These are still prices that are half of what you pay for most similar size grapples so they are still a deal.

I agree completely these are not designed for bulldozing. Good thing because CUT FELs are not designed for bulldozing either. Bulldozers have short stumpy arms not long delicate ones designed to lift stuff into trucks. Use a boxblade to bulldoze if you must.

 

[Missouri Pioneer]

Haven't had that problem yet, but if I do, seems like a pretty simple fix. I still love my WildKat and would buy one again.

 

[whitedogone]

Haven't had that problem yet, but if I do, seems like a pretty simple fix. I still love my WildKat and would buy one again.

What he said

 

[foggy1111]

Haven't had that problem yet, but if I do, seems like a pretty simple fix. I still love my WildKat and would buy one again.

I have a Gator / Markham grapple.....and I kinda agree with what you say here. However, if EVERYTHING we buy had to be re-designed / re-engineered, then we'd all be full-time blacksmiths. Some companies just dont get it....some of these grapple manufactures are those kinda companies IMO. All about price first - quality second.

I like my grapple and the price I paid too....but would rather pay a bit more for a better designed one.

 

[IslandTractor]

I have a Gator / Markham grapple.....and I kinda agree with what you say here. However, if EVERYTHING we buy had to be re-designed / re-engineered, then we'd all be full-time blacksmiths. Some companies just dont get it....some of these grapple manufactures are those kinda companies IMO. All about price first - quality second.

I like my grapple and the price I paid too....but would rather pay a bit more for a better designed one.

I agree. The WildKat grapple has a simple flaw that the manufacturer should fix. 1/4" rather than 1/8" tubing would cost less than $50 extra and could easily be passed on to the customer as there is no less expensive grapple on the market. I don't have trouble imagining why they chose the 1/8" originally but now there is clear evidence it is the Achilles heel on an otherwise fine product so the manufacturer should change it.

 

[BigGuy]

Haven't been online for a while, but bought a Wildkat grapple a few weeks ago and had the exact same problem. I did as the OP did, pushing against a tree and not noticing the fact that the top of the grapple contacted the tree first.
After about 15 minutes of work, the grapple would not close anymore and I saw the bent bracket.
I sent pictures to Wildkat, asking them for input and they offered to send a new one and pick-up the damaged one right away, on their dime!
I agree that the top tube should be heavier, but "s..t" happens and in my opinion they made up for it with excellent customer service and fast turnaround time.
I will be much more careful and I won't be using it to push against trees, at least not with the grapple open. And when time permits, I plan on reinforcing the area of the cylinder mount, too.

 

[IslandTractor]

Haven't been online for a while, but bought a Wildkat grapple a few weeks ago and had the exact same problem. I did as the OP did, pushing against a tree and not noticing the fact that the top of the grapple contacted the tree first.
After about 15 minutes of work, the grapple would not close anymore and I saw the bent bracket.
I sent pictures to Wildkat, asking them for input and they offered to send a new one and pick-up the damaged one right away, on their dime!
I agree that the top tube should be heavier, but "s..t" happens and in my opinion they made up for it with excellent customer service and fast turnaround time.
I will be much more careful and I won't be using it to push against trees, at least not with the grapple open. And when time permits, I plan on reinforcing the area of the cylinder mount, too.

Nice to hear how Wildkat responded. Did they mention anything about using heavier gauge tubing in the future?

 

[crazyal]

Seams to me the real question is if you use the grapple as intended then would it break?

 

[IslandTractor]

Seams to me the real question is if you use the grapple as intended then would it break?

Bumping into a tree with the top grapple is not evidence of abuse. Grapples are not dainty tea sets or delicate race cars. Any grapple should be able to tolerate an occasional bump just like it should tolerate an occasional off centered load or impact. Grapples should bend not tear apart when pushed past designed use. Granted these are the economy versions but that refers mostly to the 48" width and single top grapple arm. Other economy or light duty grapples of nearly identical design (eg Millonzi) have heavier tubing and as far as I know nobody has had a similar failure.