Plumbing for a grapple

Bluesteel · Feb 16, 2015

Thanks dog. That thumb is neat. Went to their site and looked at the different sizes they offer. May have to spring for one.

Bluesteel · Feb 16, 2015

Underdog. In your pics the top of your bucket is different from mine. You have the angle iron on top to give yourself a level area for the mounting plate.

Underdog57 · Feb 16, 2015

Yeah, to get the angle right u have to modify things a little.

Bluesteel · Feb 17, 2015

I see they have several different lengths on their web site. You said you have the 36" is that measurement from the pivot pin to the end of the thumb? My bucket measurement from top to cutting edge is 24". Probably go with that if it reaches from top to cutting edge when closed. Obviously it won't touch if you have a lot of material in the bucket.

On your angle iron you installed did you drill and tap the holes for the mounting bolts? Or did you weld nuts on the bottom side?

Company is in Centralia, Il. which is a few ours south of me. Did not know that.

George2615 · Feb 17, 2015

Bluesteel said:
I see they have several different lengths on their web site. You said you have the 36" is that measurement from the pivot pin to the end of the thumb? My bucket measurement from top to cutting edge is 24". Probably go with that if it reaches from top to cutting edge when closed. Obviously it won't touch if you have a lot of material in the bucket.

On your angle iron you installed did you drill and tap the holes for the mounting bolts? Or did you weld nuts on the bottom side?

Company is in Centralia, Il. which is a few ours south of me. Did not know that.

He welded nuts on the underside of the angle as I did. I have the 36" thumb also. Its a little long for using with the bucket but mainly I use mine on the forks.

Underdog57 · Feb 17, 2015

I got the 36" model because my main use will be on my pallet forks. If your only using them on your bucket then I would go with the 24". Yes the measurement is from the pin to the tip.

I welded a 1.5" angle iron on the top edge of bucket for extra support and then a 4" angle to mount the thumb. I welded the nuts under the 4" angle.

Shipping was $115 to get mine to W. Michigan, looks like you could make a road trip and save a few bucks.

I got all my ideas for this install from TBN member George2615!!! :thumbsup:

Underdog57 · Feb 17, 2015

Looks like we were typing at the same time George!

George2615 · Feb 17, 2015

Underdog57 said:
Looks like we were typing at the same time George!

Yeah, I saw your last reply to Bluesteel was yesterday and didn't know you were online so I figured I'd answer his question about the welded nuts to mount the base plate.

Bluesteel · Feb 17, 2015

Thanks to both you guys. I have some business in that area the next few weeks or so. I may just stop by there and bring one home.

PatMcD · Feb 19, 2015

I put together a parts list for my plumbing job and took it to the local hydraulics shop. $300

I'm pretty sure I can do better through one of the online sponsors here at TBN.